Category: news and entertainment

Well-known South African singer and songwriter Rethabile Khumalo was readmitted to hospital on Tuesday, 9 July.

The Umlilo hitmaker’s mum, Winnie Khumalo, updated her fans on Instagram.

This comes after she was hospitalized on Thursday, 27 June.

 

 

 

 

 

Winnie revealed that a close friend allegedly poisoned the musician.I’m in hospital now as we speak with my daughter. I can’t talk, as this is Rethabile’s time, so I can’t do interviews,” she said.

In June, the 27-year-old was hospitalized for several days. Winnie asked South Africans to keep her in their prayers in hopes of a speedy recovery.

This was in a statement she issued about her daughter’s condition. At the time, she said Rethabile had been in hospital for six days since she was admitted. She said she felt it was necessary to update her supporters.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has noted the public reaction that followed the recent instruction by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie, for the Department to publish the names of creatives and athletes who have received money from the Department.

Subsequently, DSAC has received enquiries from the media about the lack of financial support provided to Makhadzi by National Government on her recent trip to the BET Awards in the United States. Makhadzi made the country proud by receiving a BET Award for Best New International Act.

 

 

 

 

 

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has noted the public reaction that followed the recent instruction by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie, for the Department to publish the names of creatives and athletes who have received money from the Department.

Subsequently, DSAC has received enquiries from the media about the lack of financial support provided to Makhadzi by National Government on her recent trip to the BET Awards in the United States. Makhadzi made the country proud by receiving a BET Award for Best New International Act.

Makhadzi

DSAC strongly rejects the assertion that it has not supported Makhadzi. Over the past 14 months, Makhadzi has been booked by DSAC to perform in several national engagements, receiving as much as 230 000 rand.

The mandate of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is to create local and global platforms, and collaborations which empower the country’s creative sector. The Department commits to continue supporting creatives, through various opportunities, to take their talents to communities locally and internationally.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has noted the public reaction that followed the recent instruction by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie, for the Department to publish the names of creatives and athletes who have received money from the Department.

Subsequently, DSAC has received enquiries from the media about the lack of financial support provided to Makhadzi by National Government on her recent trip to the BET Awards in the United States. Makhadzi made the country proud by receiving a BET Award for Best New International Act.

Makhadzi

DSAC strongly rejects the assertion that it has not supported Makhadzi. Over the past 14 months, Makhadzi has been booked by DSAC to perform in several national engagements, receiving as much as 230 000 rand.

The mandate of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is to create local and global platforms, and collaborations which empower the country’s creative sector. The Department commits to continue supporting creatives, through various opportunities, to take their talents to communities locally and internationally.

DSAC therefore rejects the notion of creatives, who have received support from the Department, inferring that they have not received support to pursue their talents.
The Department of Arts and Culture has revealed that Makhadzi, the popular South African musician, received R230,000 over the last 14 months. This funding likely supports her artistic endeavors and contributions to the cultural landscape.Makhadzi, known for her energetic performances and hit songs, has made significant strides in the music industry, and such financial support underscores her impact and value. The funding may have been allocated for various purposes, including production costs, performances, and other projects that enhance her career and promote South African music.

The disclosure of this amount reflects the Department of Arts and Culture’s commitment to supporting artists and fostering the growth of the country’s cultural heritage. It also highlights the importance of transparency in how public funds are utilized to support and develop the arts sector.

Reports have emerged that Moshe Ndiki’s surrogate wants her babies back. Moshe Ndiki, a well-known South African media personality and actor, recently celebrated the birth of twins through surrogacy. The news about the surrogate’s desire to reclaim the babies has sparked significant attention and concern.

Moshe Ndiki

 

 

 
Surrogacy arrangements can be legally and emotionally complex, involving agreements and commitments from all parties. If the surrogate is indeed seeking to reclaim the babies, this situation will likely require legal intervention and careful handling to ensure the best interests of the children are considered.

Moshe Ndiki

The developments in this case will be closely monitored, and the outcome could have broader implications for surrogacy practices and regulations in South Africa. The well-being of the children and the resolution of the conflict between Moshe Ndiki and the surrogate will be of paramount importance in the unfolding situation

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) have joined a chorus of those criticizing the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, as well as its minister, for publishing the amounts it paid to musician Makhadzi.

The league has also condemned the department for making public a list of artists who received financial support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Newly-appointed Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie also announced that his department would no longer cover the costs of transporting and accommodating “super fans”, who follow local teams to big tournaments.

The ANC Youth League’s Zama Khanyase has described these actions as unethical.

“It is absolutely unacceptable for a department, that should be the stronghold of our nation’s creatives, artists and dedicated superfans, to instead engage in actions that lower and undermine those it is supposed to uplift.”

At the same time, the department has been hauled over the coals for its decision to make public how much international award-winning artist, Makhadzi, was paid for rendering services to the government.

Makhadzi revealed recently that she had to loan money to travel to the BET Awards due to financial trouble.

The EFF said that the department was wrong to turn a legitimate plea from the public for her to be assisted to humiliate her.

“The department must desist from victimising artists who are already struggling in an unregulated, untransformed industry because, for 30 years, this department had not been doing its job. If Makhadzi had done something wrong or stole those amounts that the department has released, they would have been well within their rights but this was unprovoked, it was unprofessional,” said EFF member of Parliament, Fana Mokoena

In a shocking turn of events, Sophie Ndaba, the beloved South African actress, is reportedly heartbroken following the news that her ex-husband, Themba ‘Brutus’ Ndaba, has remarried. This marks Brutus’ third marriage, but what makes this situation particularly painful for Sophie is that his new bride is none other than her best friend.The Wedding That Shook Sophie

Themba Ndaba’s Third MarriageThemba Ndaba, famously known as Brutus from the hit television series “The Queen,” has tied the knot again at the age of 58. This wedding comes as a surprise to many, not just because it’s his third, but due to the identity of his new wife.

 
Sophie Ndaba’s Emotional Turmoil

Sophie Ndaba, who has already faced numerous challenges in her personal life, is reportedly devastated by this development. Friends close to the actress revealed that she did not see this coming, especially from someone she considered a close confidante.

Betrayal by a Best Friendbetrayal has left Sophie questioning the sincerity of their friendship and coping with the emotional fallout.

Public and Media Reactions

Social Media BuzzThe news of Themba Ndaba’s remarriage has created a buzz on social media, with fans and followers expressing their shock and support for Sophie. Many are rallying behind her, sending messages of encouragement and sympathy during this tough time.

Media Coverage

Media outlets have been quick to cover this dramatic twist in the lives of two prominent South African celebrities. The story has reignited interest in Sophie Ndaba’s personal life, bringing back memories of her past struggles and triumphs.

Sophie Ndaba: A Journey of Resilience Overcoming Past ChallengesSophie Ndaba is no stranger to adversity. From her public battle with diabetes to her previous tumultuous relationships, she has always shown remarkable strength and resilience. Her fans admire her for her ability to bounce back from life’s challenges, and they hope she will overcome this heartbreak with the same fortitude.

Looking Forward

While the news is still fresh and painful, those close to Sophie Ndaba believe that she will eventually find a way to move forward. Her resilience and the support from her fans and loved ones will undoubtedly play a crucial role in her healing process.

Conclusion

Sophie Ndaba’s heartbreak over Themba Ndaba’s remarriage to her best friend is a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of life and relationships. As she navigates through this difficult period, the public continues to support her, hoping she will emerge stronger and more resilient than ever. The story serves as a testament to the complexities of human relationships and the enduring spirit of a woman who has faced many challenges and continues to inspire.

Former Smoke and Mirrors actress Zazi Kunene talks about her career break through
Zazi Kunene does not regret delaying her last year of university studies to pursue her ambition of appearing in a Netflix dance performance. Her journey to her big break was not simple, which is what makes it all worthwhile.
“I used to stutter, which made me not speak much and I faced severe buIIying to an extent that I would come back home from school and I wouldn’t be okay. I didn’t enjoy schooI and sometimes I would cry before going to schooI,” she saidZazi Kunene does not regret delaying her last year of university studies to pursue her ambition of appearing in a Netflix dance performance. Her journey to her big break was not simple, which is what makes it all worthwhile.

 

 

 

 

 
Growing up in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, she faced bullying at school due to childhood-onset fluency disorder. So her mother enrolled her at the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy there.

“I used to stutter, which made me not speak much and I faced severe bullying to an extent that I would come back home from school and I wouldn’t be okay. I didn’t enjoy school and sometimes I would cry before going to school.”After enrolling at the drama school, she says her confidence improved. But what her mom didn’t realise was just how much little Zazi would fall in love with acting. In 2007, she performed her first role as King Duncan in Macbeth and never looked back.Zazi’s newfound confidence led her to win multiple roles throughout her high school years, including one in the re-enactment of the Mbongeni Ngema production Sarafina! done by the University of Kwazulu-Natal in 2016.

By the time she made it to Johannesburg for her first year of studying drama at the University of Witwatersrand in 2018, Zazi nabbed a role in a Wits school of the Arts Open Forum production titled Ukuvuna at the Soweto Theatre and was also cast in a Joburg Theatre production called History, her first time on a stage of that magnitude. Zazi was also cast in Vuselela, a production that was showcased at the National Arts Festival in 2018.

She says that even though her mother comes from the generation of parents who would prefer their kids to pursue a “stable” profession, “she chose to stick with me on this one,” says Zazi. “My mom has really supported me, immediately from when she saw that I really loved this acting thing and I wanted to pursue it.”Despite the infancy of her career, Zazi sure is flourishing. In 2019 she was cast in her first lead role in a short film titled Moya, which was awarded the “Best Student Film” award at the South African Film and Television Awards in 2020. This was followed by a role in made-for-TV film Emlanjeni and her superb acting in the horror Pinky Pinky — a role that set her apart from her peers as she received rave reviews for playing twin characters Nomzamo and Nomava.

With the outbreak of the global pandemic, things seemed as if they were about to stall for the young actress as several productions came to a halt.

That was until she got the call to audition for the role of Nolwazi in Netflix’s latest African original production, Jiva! Kunene admits to wishing she was as confident and charismatic as her character when she was that age.

“I saw what I wanted to be when I was growing up. Although I think I am charismatic, I realise it’s only coming out now because I grew up with a stutter, which made me a very shy kid. So when I played her, I kind of got to feel how it would have been like to be like that while I was growing up,” she says.

As the Tembisa community bands together to search for Busi, Nkosi reassures Mampho that their daughter will be found alive and unharmed. Tuesday 9 July 2024
Episode 257
After learning that Nandipha is likely behind Busi’s kidnapping, Mampho and Maria turn down Funani’s offer to move into the Zwide mansion for their safety and blame his feud with Nandipha for Busi’s kidnapping.

Wednesday 10 July 2024
Episode 258

Faith comforts Funani as he admits the evil that Nandipha is capable of – she scares him like he’s never been scared before.

Thursday 11 July 2024
Episode 259

Funani and Nkosi arrive at the location and much to their disappointment, find a doll wrapped up in blankets with Busi nowhere in sight.

Friday 12 July 2024
Episode 260

Season 3 finale!

After a heartfelt promise to Nkosi that he’ll bring Busi back, and with everyone discouraging him, Funani sets out to meet Nandipha on the terms she’s laid out.

Monday 15 July 2024
Episode 1
As everyone celebrates Busi’s safe return, Funani struggles to process the trauma of Nandipha’s brutal death.

Tuesday 16 July 2024
Episode 2
While everyone worries about his whereabouts, an emotionally troubled Funani watches Nandipha’s father grieving at her funeral and is moved by the old man’s grief.

Wednesday 17 July 2024
Episode 3
Funani returns to HoZ but fails to find his passion. He subsequently walks out on a client and later admits to his sangoma that he feels lost and is in a bad space.

Thursday 18 July 2024
Episode 4
After his visit with the sangoma, Funani decides to follow his heart and makes the startling announcement that he is leaving HoZ and going back to KZN.

Friday 19 July 2024
Episode 5

Despite heartfelt pleas for him to stay, Funani sticks to his decision to leave and after packing his bags, he has a final farewell drink with Laz.

Monday 22 July 2024
Episode 6

An emotional Funani departs for KZN, leaving the company in the control of his children, while a stunned Faith is left out. Thato reveals to Maria that his mother kicked him out from home but won’t tell Maria why.

Tuesday 23 July 2024
Episode 7
Nkosi calls a meeting with Ona and Zanele to plot the way forward and to decide on the new CEO of HoZ.

Wednesday 24 July 2024
Episode 8

Ona declares she has no interest in the CEO position or in pursuing a career at HoZ, paving the way for Nkosi to become HoZ’s new CEO.

Thursday 25 July 2024
Episode 9

An excited Nkosi prepares himself to announce to the Zwide staff the news of Funani’s departure from HoZ and that he’s the new CEO of the company.

Friday 26 July 2024
Episode 10

Faith is left stunned when Nkosi makes his first bold move as CEO by bringing in an arrogant new designer to be the head designer of HoZ.

Monday 29 July 2024
Episode 11

 

Nkosi’s power move backfires when Eddie publicly announces that he has no intention of joining HoZ as he believes that it’s a sinking ship.

Tuesday 30 July 2024
Episode 12
After Eddie admits that he had no intention of joining HoZ and just wanted to ruin the brand’s reputation, a humiliated Nkosi is left with no choice but to reach out to Ona.

Wednesday 31 July 2024
Episode 13
Nkosi finds himself in a predicament after Ona turns down his offer for her to be HoZ’s head designer and things get even more complicated when Devilliers offers buy HoZ and gives him 24 hours to decide.

Ivy confesses that she misses Obed and that she still loves him. #SkeemSaam

Coming Up Next On #SkeemSaam
Monday 8 July 2024
Episode 6

 
Pretty’s good news backfires, causing unexpected consequences at work. Elizabeth finds support from an unlikely source. Salamina comes up with a plan that could provide Charles with much-needed financial relief.
Tuesday 9 July 2024
Episode 7
Lehasa shocks Khwezikazi with a generous offer. Pax catches Mr Kgomo in a compromising position. A troubling incident at Aprendo leaves Charles feeling exposed.
Wednesday 10 July 2024
Episode 8

Pax shares heartbreaking news with Mrs Kgomo. Khwezikazi throws unfounded accusations. To lift his kids’ spirit, Charles makes a promise he might not fulfill.
Thursday 11 July 2024
Episode 9
Lehasa agrees to Khwezi’s demands, but his conditions are lethal. Melita surprises Mr Kgomo with an unexpected request. Charles is pressured to consider Salamina’s business idea.
Friday 12 July 2024
Episode 10
The new HR manager poses a challenge for Mr Kgomo. Pretty confronts Lehasa about his true identity. Charles finally agrees to execute Salamina’s idea but doesn’t get the reaction he expects from her.

In a significant move in the South African entertainment industry, fan-favorite actor Kwenzo Ngcobo has joined the cast of e.tv’s popular soapie, Scandal!. Ngcobo, known for his acclaimed performance in the hit telenovela The Wife, will debut on the show in August, according to entertainment commentator Mlu.

 

 

Ngcobo’s arrival on Scandal! comes after the departures of actors Matthews Rantsoma, who played the character of Nhlamulo, and Melusi Mbele, who portrayed the role of Jojo. The news of Ngcobo’s casting on the soapie follows the recent announcement that Scandal! will be expanding its episode offering, moving from its current schedule to air every day, from Mondays to Sundays.

Scandal! currently holds the third position on e.tv, with 3.2 million viewers, according to the June figures from the Broadcasting Research Council of South Africa (BRCSA).In addition to his new role on Scandal!, Ngcobo has also secured other prominent acting projects, including the role of Alex Shabane in Netflix’s Soon Comes Night and Zipho in the Mzansi Magic telenovela Champions.

The talented actor, who was named the DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Favourite Rising Star in 2022, has shared his experiences since his success in The Wife. Ngcobo reveals that the period following the show’s completion was both rewarding and challenging, as he had to deal with the loss of his father shortly after filming.

Despite the personal challenges, Ngcobo remained dedicated to his craft, determined to bring his “A-Game” to every project. He also addressed the narrative that he was labeled a “difficult actor with diva tendencies,” stating that he had done a thorough introspection and knew he was never wrong.

Ngcobo’s fans can look forward to his debut on Scandal! in August, as he joins the esteemed cast of the long-running soapie. With his proven acting prowess and the excitement surrounding his new role, Ngcobo’s arrival is sure to captivate audiences and further enhance the already compelling storylines of Scandal!.

Nhlamulo is leaving Scandal
Scandal’s Nhlamulo Dropped by the Show, Viewers Weigh In: “There’s No Storyline for Him Anymore”
It is so sad to see yet another actor leaving a TV show that they contributed so much to while having many viewers stuck to their small screens. Mzansi’s Scandal! has dropped one of their characters. Scandal! actor Matthews Rantsoma leaves the show Social media has been buzzing recently after news that Scandal! actor and Safta Award winner Matthews Rantsoma is leaving the show circulated on social media #etvScandalIn a development that will surely bring tears to the fans of the long-running etv soap opera Scandal!, Matthews Rantsoma who plays Nhlamulo, one of the main characters, is set to exit the series.

 

 

Entertainment insider Phil Mphela shared the unexpected news on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday.Why ‘Nhamulo’ Actor Matthews Rantsoma is Leaving Scandal!
While details regarding the exit remain undisclosed, Mphela suggested that Rantsoma had been let go by the show after a three-year stint.

“Matthews Rantsoma dropped by Scandal. The actor, who joined the etv soapie in 2021, will be leaving theNews of Matthews Rantsoma’s exit from Scandal comes 17 months after Nomvelo Makhanya, who played Nhlamulo’s on-screen wife Lindwe Ngema Maseko, departed from Scandal! in November 2022.Mzansi Reacts to Matthews Rantsoma’s Exit from Scandal!
Upon hearing the news of Matthews Rantsoma’s exit, many South Africans expressed their sadness in the comments section. Some viewers had anticipated this outcome, citing the lack of a compelling storyline for his character. Others pointed out the potential negative impact Nhlamulo’s exit might have on the characters associated with him. Here are a few selected comments:wu that’s so sad,I really enjoyed watching him as Nhlamulo.Hopefully we will see him again on a different show

@PamelaQha:

Phill when you say “dropped” it almost sounds like those instant firings from back in the generations days where an actor’s storyline would end in an abrupt way that you can see even they were not aware of, Unless if that’s the case here also🤣🥴

I have been saying for weeks gore his character has become dormant

@Maaxie_Max:

Lol mos if he leaves then all the characters that came along with him won’t make sense🙆🏽‍♂️🙆🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️