Malema Predicts Return of Stage 6 Load Shedding Post May 29 Elections.

By: Phakeme Mnguni 

Julius Malema believes that stage 6 load shedding will make a comeback once the May 29 elections are over.

Malema was addressing the media on the party’s election campaign programmes in Johannesburg on Friday. 

Friday marked the 23rd day without any planned power cuts.

According to Eskom, this is a result of sustained generation capacity, adequate emergency reserves, and reduced electricity demand from the grid.

Eskom last reached a similar milestone in June 2022, achieving 20 consecutive days without load shedding.

However, Malema believes the ANC is using the power cuts as an electioneering tool. 

"Load shedding still exists, that's why they say it remains suspended. They don't say we are done with load shedding," Malema said

"They are doing what they did during the Rugby World Cup. They are holding it to the detriment of the grid.

"I can tell you 29 May after voting and everything closes, we are going to stage 6.

"They did it during the Rugby World Cup [in 2023], they kept the lights on because they are using the remaining reserves.

“When we came back from that, they said stage 6 so that they can recover what they were using to keep the lights on for the World Cup. They are doing the same," said Malema.

He also leveled accusations of incompetence against Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.

"There is no sabotage or anything like that, the man just doesn't know what he is doing."

Afro Pop Singer Rises Above All Odds

By: Staff Writer

In this intimate and inspiring interview, we sit down with Afro-Pop musician,  Nokukhanya "Makhanyi" Madlala well known for her hit song titled "Ngizobuya" to chat about her journey in the music biz and her new music.

1. When did your journey begin in the music business

- My journey began in March 2021.

2. Who inspired you to kick off the journey in an industry that already has a large number of artists.

- Mulaudzi Tee Jay is the guy who influenced me and encouraged me to join this industry and he was also training me to have a strong voice for the style of music I chose which is Afro Pop.

3. Who inspires you?

- Ami Faku inspires me a lot, her voice is deep and I relate to most of her songs

4. Why do you think people enjoy your music?

- I think my songs are mostly enjoyed for the lyrical flow and content as I always write about things that are practically happening around us and a lot of people can relate to their live

5. Who would you like to work with?

- Big Zulu and his team Inkabi Nation

6.  Do you have any music that is out and do you come across any challenges?

- I have an EP with 6 songs titled “Impande”  and two sings called “Ngizobuya. All my music is available on all digital stores. I am about to release a song towards the end of August titled “Khanyisa”. What challenges me a lot is having to be in studio for longer hours as I am not always available to go to the studio because of other commitments during the week

7. What in your opinion is the biggest barrier an artist like yourself, has to face and overcome, to gain any commercial success?

Being an artist who works and gets limited financial support and recognition is some of the barriers I will overcome these challenges by keeping continuing to advertise my brand on social media platforms and also asking for assistance in getting Radio interviews, TV interviews, and also articles.

8.  In closing, tell us something about any projects and ideas you have in store or that you are already working on?

- I just shot a music video for the song “Mama” which is found on my EP and I am planning to release it now in August as we are celebrating woman’s Month. I am also going to release a single this month called “Khanyisa”

You can download Listen to Makhanyi's Music Here:  

https://music.apple.com/za/artist/makhanyi/1572527013

Intoxicated Driver Arrested After Crashing Through Someone’s House. 

By: Phakeme Mnguni

A 22-year-old unlicensed and intoxicated male was handed over to the police after crashing his aunt's car through the roof of a house in Waterloo.

The incident occurred yesterday (Saturday) on Jackal Road in Waterloo, KZN.

Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) reports that they were alerted by residents seeking assistance.

Upon arrival, reaction officers discovered that a white Toyota Corolla had crashed through the roof of a house. The house was unoccupied at the time of the incident.

RUSA stated that the driver of the vehicle and three of his friends were suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. They explained that they had traveled from Mayville in Durban, KZN, to Waterloo to visit a relative.

While en route, the driver lost control of the vehicle, which veered off the road and down a steep embankment before crashing into the house. The occupants of the vehicle were not injured, RUSA adds.

The driver was handed over to the Verulam SAPS for further investigation.

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Has Strongly Dismissed The Claims That He is Stepping Down As Zulu Prime Minister.

By: Phakeme Mnguni 

The Zulu Prime Minister, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, has rubbished claims that he is stepping down from his role.

This comes after widespread media reports suggested that Buthelezi had called an urgent Imbizo to announce his resignation. Buthelezi has refuted these claims as false and misleading. 

IFP spokesperson Liezl Van De Marwe confirmed that there will indeed be a meeting of Amakhosi (Imbizo), called by Buthelezi, to be held on Friday, May 26, 2023, in the north of KwaZulu-Natal. 

In a statement released by Van der Merwe, she mentioned that Buthelezi has taken note of false and malicious rumors circulating on various platforms, suggesting that he has vacated his position as the traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and nation. 

"I have just spoken to Prince Buthelezi, and I wish to reassure the public and the Zulu nation at large that their traditional Prime Minister continues to serve at the behest of his Majesty King MisuZulu kaZwelithini, for as long as iSilo requires his services, support, and guidance," said Van der Merwe. 

Buthelezi has served the Zulu Nation as a Traditional Prime Minister since 1954.

Van der Merwe added that nothing has changed in this regard; he remains fully committed to his responsibilities as Traditional Prime Minister. Any announcement to the contrary would have been handled by herself through a formal communique from the Traditional Prime Minister’s office and after due consultation. It is evident that the current media reports are false. They reject any attempts to drive disunity among the AmaZulu Nation by the circulation of such blatant lies. 

Van der Merwe further stated that as per Buthelezi's previous statements on the matter, the Prime Minister, as the author of the Ingonyama Trust, will brief Amakhosi on recent developments affecting the Trust and the Board.

Sello Maake  KaNcube Has Responded After The Backlash From Zandie Khumalo. 

By: Phakeme Mnguni

Veteran actor, Sello Maake KaNcube is not shaken after a Twar/ a public confrontation on twitter with a person who is believed to be Zandi Khumalo.

Maake was sharing his views on the ongoing Senzo Meyiwa murder case on Twitter when seemingly ruffled Zandi Khumalo’s feathers.

Having lost his son in 2011 to a car accident, the actor, sympathized with the Meyiwa family, however his tweet seems to have rubbed Zandi the wrong way.

Maake took to his timeline and wrote;

JUSTICE FOR #SenzoMeyiwa!

I watched how as a country we made jokes about how Senzo's father arrived at his funeral. We have lost our essence of UBUNTU as a nation.That man was showing you guys gratitude! That family lost a son, his children lost their father and his wife lost a husband. Let's not judge Senzo for his promiscuous ways, most men in the Bible where taken down by their partners, Samson and Delilah for example!

"He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone"

#SenzoMeyiwatrial

Zandi did not hold back and started hailing insults at the actor. 

The continuation of Senzo Meyiwa's case saw yet another postponement after Zandi, who was one of the witnesses who were at the house when Meyiwa got gunned down, brough an application before court that she wanted to put the stop from media covering her testimony live but it was decided that her visuals will not be shown however, her audio will be captured.  

ZiMoja reports that the award winning thespian has told them that he applies wisdom whenever he reads something or before he comments on anything, whether about him or a stranger.

"I try to exercise emotional intelligence when I read anything on social media or any publication for that matter. Upon reading her post, I felt more sorry for her than angry, " says Sello adding that it is not his responsibility to go around reprimanding ill-disciplined children, hence he decided to ignore her.

"I'm not one to reprimand other people's children, that's a job for their parents. As parents all we can do is try raise our children the best way we know how but that doesn't mean we must be held accountable for how they turnout or behave in society at large," he adds.

Black Coffee Is Making Sure That The Kids Feel The Warmth Of His Heart. 

By: Phakeme Mnguni

 It was all smiles and happy faces when the legendary Grammy Award Winning Musician visited his former primary school, to donate new pairs of school shoes to learners. 

Nkosinathi Maphumulo, better known as Black Coffee, through his foundation patterned with “The Back to School Run” campaign and Hollywood bets foundation and gave back to learners. 

The initiative came as a relief to some of the learners, as they often travel long distances without proper school shoes. 

Qondokuhle Primary was abuzz with excitement and activities as the learners were singing and dancing while capturing the moment with the well known Black Coffee. 

Black Coffee said went back to Qondokuhle because it was his first primary school from grade R - 3, therefore it was of utmost importance for him to give back to the kids of his community. 

“I encourage everyone of you to be educated, because anything is possible and that anybody can be like me or even bigger than me, Despite the background you come from. I wish you all the best throughout your academic year, even through your future endeavours,” He said.  

The Principal of Qondokuhle Primary School, JP Nxele, thanked The Black Coffee Foundation for this initiative. 

"As Qondokuhle Primary School and the community at large, we would like to thank The Black Coffee Foundation, for such an impactful initiative by donating brand new school shoes to our leaders. We are grateful to Nkosinathi Maphumulo, who is a alumni of this school, for this initiative.

He continued.. 

They often say, "celebrites forget where they come from", once they become successful but not him. He remembered his former Primary School, he remembered his community, a school which played a role in his upbringing. On behalf of the school, the parents, sithi, Siyabonga to the Black Coffee Foundation for also putting smiles on our learners, thank you."

As Black Coffee added, It takes a village to raise a child. 

This is evident that, within his busiest schedule, his greatest accolades, he remains humble and unstoppable. This  day will be a day that the kids of Qondokuhle Primary never forgets. To the Black Coffee Foundation and the Award Winning Musician himself we say; Makwande.

When The Love Of Children Met Teaching And Humanitarianism- Brooklyn Masuku Happened. 

By: Phakeme Mnguni

Leo Tolstoy once said “My piece of bread only belongs to me when I know that everyone else has a share, and that no one starves while I eat.” 

This quote might be centuries old but it best describes the Millennial - Brooklyn Masuku. 

He describes himself as an award winning Durban based creative, a Bold and Authentic person, digital Content lover, Educator, foodie and a human being, that has a bubbly and energetic personality to be around. 

Be that as it may, there's a humanitarian within him and a lover of children- which is why he ventured into foundation phase teaching. 

 

“I believe that there's a humanitarian within me. It doesn't start here, I have been giving back to others previously. Primary school " Fun raising " and high school " Fun raising ". Then giving back to other kids. I love children, I've grown up within a family of many kids. I would take care of them and seeing a smile on their face, was always evidence that I did good things for them. 

He continued.. 

"I believe that kids are the future, it's my priority with the little power I have to give back to the kids. I believe I need to take care of the kids now, for a better future. These kids come from different disadvantaged backgrounds, I have a similar story myself, so if I can change their story, they can change the next generations story. With this initiative, I am increasing the awareness and I am going to do that every time I see, that a kid needs my help." 

 

Brooklyn says he use to watch and marvel at his English teacher delivering her lessons, and funny enough he was also a teacher's pet as he use to excel in his in grades. 

 

“Everyday, after school. I would gather my friends, we'd play ( teachers game ), pretend to be our teachers and we'd steal work sheets from the recycling bin and re- teach the kids from our community. 

As much as my parents wanted me to be a teacher, I wanted to be within the Entertainment industry but then again, 2O21 for the love of kids. I then embarked on the foundation phase teaching. It's actually the childhood memories, which led me to the career I'm in.” 

The unconditional love of Children inspired him to start an Initiative at a school where he teaches (Qondukuhle Primary School). 

This initiative was dubbed as ‘The Kids Must Eat'. 

The event was held earlier this month and he says it still gives him goosebumps to see how much strength those kids actually instilled in him, as they showed him that he can fulfil their needs and keep a smile on their faces. 

 

“From the entertainment to the feeding process, I literally cried when I got home. Every kids well-being is important and for me to lay a hand in the goodness of their well-being, I am satisfied. It's actually an overwhelmingly positive feeling. " Happiness " !!!!!!” 

Asked about the future plans for the #KidsMustEat initiative,Masuku says he plans to host the event in monthly or even better- yearly basis. However according to him that will be dependent on the feedback from sponsors.

He explains; 

“Most definitely, 16 June ( youth month ) I just love young people, as young as I am. I enjoy being around energetic and adventurous kids. On the 16th of June 2O22, My dream is to feed more kids, within the community of umlazi. I want to do a school tour and give insightful talks about staying in school and the greatness of doing well in your grades, for a better future." 

He went further and extended his gratitude for previous food outlets sponsorships. 

“I'm grateful and thankful for the previous food outlet sponsorships. I'd be nothing without them.” 

Should you be fortunate enough to lend a helping hand or chip in to his initiatives, get in touch with him. Below are his contactdetails; 

Contact: 0828698580 

Instagram: @brooklynmasuku

Twitter: @brooklynmasuku 

Facebook: siyabonga brooklyn masuku

 

"I may not be where I wish to be, or where my heart desires, but I am in a position that God has lead me to. I know there's more from where this comes from and I will be patient with Gods timing. Nothing has been easy for my brand, or a walk in the park, but I am happier with the progress and productivity." - Brooklyn Masuku

Unpacking Zama Khumalo- Blogger, Culture Curator, Digital Marketer, Plus Size Model and All In All- A woman of many hats. 

By: Phakeme Mnguni

Sidelining the artists (especially the ones from Durban), inspired an entertainment blog that’s about to take the world by storm- and Zama Khumalo is the young woman behind the blog.

Zama is a Durban based writer, Culture curator, a plus size model and a Digital marketer.

 

According to her a Culture curator is someone who who keeps tabs with what’s happening in a specific culture and her niche is the creative and/or entertainment industry. 

Kuzobe kunendumezulu yomcimbi

 

Kuzobe kunendumezulu yomcimbi wokweseka abebala elimhlophe eThekwini. Lomcimbi uhlelwe u- Andile "MC Pholobas" Ngcobo, kulomcimbi kuzobe kuhlonishwa nomculi we-Hip Hop u-Duncan ngemisebenzi yakhe emihle yokweseka abebala elimhlophe.

Stage and screen actor Andile Gumbi has died.

By: Phakeme Mnguni

Former Isibaya star Andile Gumbi has died after suffering a cardiac arrest while working on a theatre production in Israel last week.

Dj Zinhle launches her furniture shop

By: Phakeme Mnguni

2019 seems to be an industrious year for Dj Zinhle. The working mom/ hitmaker/Dj/ Business woman and all at once has achieved tremendous progress so far. Just to mention a few, She bought a new home, scored a deal with American Swiss for her watch range, ERA by Dj Zinhle and of course- dropped a helluva banger ft Muzzle & Rethabile. 

Her Majesty- West Ink Queen, Babes Wodumo has denied mocking Lady Zamar.

By: Phakeme Mnguni

Babes Wodumo has rubbished the 'claims' that she mocked Lady Zamar about her acne problem.

Earlier this week a video made its rounds on social media, In the video, a clip of Lady Zamar as guest judge on Idols SA is playing on TV while someone – who’s voice sounds more like Babes Wodumo’s -  is mocking Lady Zamar because of her acne and calls her unkind names while friends laugh in the background.

Emtee has officially left Ambitiouz Entertainment 

By: Phakeme Mnguni

Emtee has finally broke the dead silence on his position at Ambitiouz Entertainment. This comes after months of speculation regarding his position at Ambitiouz Entertainment.

The rapper took it to social media to announce that he has parted ways with his label that he's been signed to since 2015.

 "Following a long and in-depth reflection on my career as an artist, where I am and where I see myself in the next few years, I have made a decision that time has come for me to now part ways with  Ambitiouz Entertainment," the statement read.

The Roll Up artist added that he got legal help in getting out of his binding contract with the label.

"This is a decision I did not make lightly and without due consideration. As a matter of fact, once the idea took root in my mind, my first reaction was to seek legal advice on my contractual obligations to the label if at all and secondly, the steps needed to do this, in the most swift and amicable way possible."

On the back of this, my attorney reached out to Ambitiouz Entertainment requesting all necessary documents that would assist in creating a smooth transition. After much back and forth between my attorneys and Ambitiouz Entertainment, my attorneys confirmed that there was no reason I could not leave Ambitiouz Entertainment to pursue my career as I saw it fit."

It is evident that Emtee has been unhappy with the label since earlier this year. He once shared on twitter that he didn't have a tour for his 2018 release DIY 2 because the label did not make it happen.

He has joined the long list of the artists who has left the Label for its lack of artistic freedom and financial irregularities. The list include A-reece, Fifi Cooper, B3nchmarq, Priddy Ugly, Amanda Black, and  Gigi lamayne.

Looking at this long list, one cannot help but wonder whether this is the beginning of the end for the Record Label.