EXCLUSIVET E A M THE EXCLUSIVE
MARTIN CHANZA
EDITOR IN CHIEF WRITERS
JUMECA MASILELA
TSHIWELA KHANGE
NONTSIKELELO ALLIE
NJABULO NGQOYA
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS
TONY MACTONY
CREATIVE DIRECTORS
MARTIN CHANZA
NJABULO NGQOYA
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LETTER FROM EDITOR
THE MARVEL OF MRS UNIVERSE AFRICA
THE RISE OF LEVADO
ORIIGINELLE BREAKS MORE BREAD
LUTROO DA-MUSIC ON HIS REDEMPTION TOUR
PLACES TO GO FROM ADVERSITY TO SWEET SUCCESS
EXCLUSIVE CORNER
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Dear Readers,
Putting this magazine together has taken me on a journey back to how I began the year. I started 2024 with a commitment to journaling, driven by a desire to uncover the beauty in every experience, from relationships to the spaces I find myself in. It’s easy to dismiss the phrase "be grateful, it could’ve been worse " as a cliché, but there’s a more we should embrace: “that needed to happen.” We often overlook how seemingly minor experiences can profoundly shape our lives; many are simply preparing us for what’s about to come As I reflect on the events that have unfolded since the year began, I see how they have intricately woven themselves into this magazine. I truly believe that each moment, each lesson, was essential to this journey
THE MARVEL OF MRS UNIVERSE AFRICA MPHO MOGOTSI
BY MARTIN CHANZA
When we think of Miss universe, we are constantly reminded that it's far more than just a beauty contest. We are reminded that it's a title demanding intelligence, grace and culture - qualities that look daunting to embody for just a moment on stage and a few well-phrased answers. And most of the time we think to ourselves, Miss Universe feels like a title you give to a superhero, something larger than life. There's just an unspoken expectation that the women gracing the stage possess something supernatural, much like a Miss Marvel. This is because the journey to that stage really isn't just about beauty, the journey to that stage comes with going through life's challenges with superhuman resolve. Mpho Mogotsi, winner of Miss Universe Africa 2022, exemplifies how this title transcends the pageant itself and that sometimes it feels like a message from the universe itself
Before delving into Mpho Mogotsi's multifaceted career spanning roles from Miss Universe Africa 2022 to Chairman of BRICS WBA SA Creative Industries, Director of BRICS AFRICA FASHION WEEK, and beyond - we wanted to explore the "Endgame" of being Miss Universe We’ve all seen the journey leading to the crown, but what lies beyond is a world seldom explored, a world where the responsibilities of being Miss Universe resemble those of a superhero, one who remains even as new ones are crowned each year. However, in our interview with Mpho, she brought us back to the very beginning, emphasizing that while it's easy to catch her story its 3rd inning, but the true essence lies in understanding where it all began. Mpho Mogotsi's journey to the crown began the moment she was born. She embodied the spirit of Mrs Universe long before she could even walk not because she was born with a silver spoon, but because she always found a silver lining.
Her parents lived in Ventersdorp during apartheid, a time when black women were denied access to hospital births. Like many others, her mother had to give birth at home. However, Mpho’s arrival was different. When her mother went into labor, her father sought help from an Afrikaner doctor, who, against all odds, agreed to assist after their midwife had done everything possible to ensure a safe delivery. The circumstances of Mpho Mogotsi’s birth were something that's you'd see once in a purple moon. Reflecting on that day, Mrs Universe Africa believes it was divine intervention that brought the doctor to their aid.
This divine intervention was just the beginning, a sign that Mpho Mogotsi was destined for something greater It wouldn't be the first time something out the ordinary happened to make way to where she is now Growing up in Ventersdorp, the odds were stacked against her Without wealth or stability, her family moved from shack to shack, struggling to meet even the most basic needs For over six years, life was an uphill battle By the time Mpho finally had a proper home and was doing "Sub A" (Grade 1-2), she was reminded that she was meant for more One day, while running through town, Mpho had an out-ofbody experience A voice within her urged, "Look around " She saw the dust swirling in the air, the absence of paved roads, and a drunk woman wandering aimlessly this before midday For the first time, Mpho felt the harsh reality of her surroundings The voice whispered again, "There must be more to life than this " It was a weird encounter, one she couldn't share with anyone She had to process it alone, realizing that this experience confirmed her unique path
THERE'S ALWA SILVER LININ - Mpho M
By the time Mpho Mogotsi reached Grade 8, she found herself in a multi-racial Bantu school just three years after Nelson Mandela’s release. Her family still struggled financially, but they managed to get her enrolled. When she entered Grade 9, a friend suggested she attend Potchefstroom Girls High, a better school not far from Ventersdorp. Her parents, determined to give their firstborn a chance at a future, pulled every string to ensure she could complete her matric a dream her own mother couldn’t realize after Mpho’s grandfather left them when she was young
Getting accepted into Potchefstroom Girls High was yet another instance of divine intervention. Just a week before her application, the school had opened, and one student wasn't present. The principal, needing to fill that spot, was impressed by Mpho’s academic record and chose her as the replacement. The only catch was that she had to repeat Grade 8, as the spot was reserved for that grade.
Her parents, dedicated to her education, happily agreed, as long as it meant she would eventually matriculate Looking back, Mpho believes this was another act of fate Had her parents applied under normal circumstances, she doubts they would have made it God, as she puts it, had made way for the future Mrs Universe Africa another silver lining The school even overlooked her financial situation, an obstacle that should have barred her entry but didn’t
Potchefstroom Girls High was transformative It polished Mpho into the woman who would one day wear the Mrs Universe Africa crown She picked up skills she had never known before, like how to eat with a fork and knife and how to carry herself like a lady As time passed, her beauty and charm grew, making her a beloved figure among her peers This eventually led to an invitation from a friend to visit Joburg the City of Dreams The voice she had heard as a child returned: “This is it There’s more to life than where you came from ” From that moment on, Mpho was determined that after matric, she would move to Joburg and make the most of every opportunity it offered
Her intentions were clear, especially since her father had just retired as a teacher, and his severance package could only cover one more year of school fees Mpho, ever mindful of the path ahead, finished school, studied marketing , and even landed a part-time job at Edgars Unfortunately, the job didn’t last long due to budget cuts, but this, too, was another silver lining During one of her Christian cell group meetings, she confided that her dream of thriving in Joburg seemed to be slipping away Little did she know that a manager from FNB was present and looking to recruit people Here’s where the universe speaks again: Mpho had often passed by FNB Bank City while running around Joburg, and that familiar voice whispered, “You’ll work here one day ” Are you starting to count the silver linings?
Through her journey, Mpho Mogotsi doesn’t see herself as extraordinary She believes everyone has that inner voice guiding them most just ignore or diminish it For her, nurturing this voice has been key to her success The story of how she came to work at Standard Bank, despite initially being drawn to FNB, is a testament to that
Mpho spent 21 years in corporate investment banking, accumulating numerous achievements But it was during a period of deep self-reflection that she began to think about breaking the generational curses within her family ensuring her children would start on a clean slate
To rewrite her family’s history, Mpho ventured into spaces where no one in her lineage had gone before. She became an author, a role no one had filled in her family, and then launched her own show on Soweto TV, *Come Alive with Mogotsi*
But even after these milestones, Mpho wasn’t done She set her sights on something that once seemed impossible representing her country on the international stage
REPRESENTING AFRICA
This mission led to the moment we ’ ve been building toward throughout this interview Mpho didn’t just want to represent South Africa; when she entered the Mrs Universe Africa competition, she aimed to represent the entire continent And in 2023, when she traveled to Bulgaria for an event that had women from all over the world, it became clear she was carrying the weight of Africa’s cultural identity on her shoulders
WE ALL HAVE THAT VOICE
- Mpho Mogotsi
True to her intentional nature, Mp in the event was about more tha grace it was about making a po Initially, she considered wearing a but the voice that had guided insisted, “You need to go and traumas your ancestors suffered embraced her natural afro, dete no one could mistake where she was from Arriving in Bulgaria late due to flight issues, Mpho made an unforgettable entrance The moment landed, jaws dropped Despite arriving after the other contestants had already settled in, she commanded attention Miss Bulgaria, seemingly out of nowhere, embraced Mpho as if they were longlost friends, a moment that became a symbol of unity, making it billboard worthy From that point on, no one called her by her name they called her Africa And from that moment, Africa became the focal point of the event
changed her Instagram handle to @mpho mogotsi queenafrica She was reminded of the beauty and essence of the continent she represented Having traveled across Africa as a corporate investor, Mpho had come to understand the continent’s unique charm She speaks of how Africa’s magic lies not in the polished skyscrapers of places like Sandton, but in the juxtaposition of those lights against the informal settlements of Alexandra That contrast, she says, is what makes Africa truly special
Mpho’s global encounters solidified her role as Africa’s representative. Had she entered the competition at an earlier stage in her life, she believes she would be misrepresenting the continent. But by entering at age 44, she brought with her the experience and wisdom that made her mission clear
A HUMANITARIAN AT HEART
At the core of all Mpho’s endeavors is her commitment to being a humanitarian For her, this doesn’t just mean providing aid; it means creating platforms for others to shine With her knowledge and experience, she has ventured into the fashion industry, challenging conventional beauty standards by selecting models out of the norm.
Mpho has also used her platforms to help women heal. She believes that women have the power to create the lives they want and encourages them to find their purpose In her view, women are the portal between the invisible and the visible they shape the world we live in
This ties into the ultimate "endgoal" Mpho shared with us during this interview: to heal the world. As Mrs Universe Africa, her mission is not just to wear the crown but to bring healing and empowerment to those around her. We often associate titles like Miss Universe with superheroes, and through this conversation, we ’ ve discovered that true heroism lies in understanding the responsibility that comes with freedom. For Mpho Mogotsi, that responsibility is clear: she is here to heal, break curses, and uplift generations to come.
By Martin Chanza
HE IS OF L VAD
Art: the very essence that compelled you to pick up this copy of Exclusive Times. It’s more than just a concept; it’s the thread that weaves together our diverse cultures, fostering a sense of community and shared humanity. Art is the spark that ignites the curious minds of young scientists, compelling the es behind creation and why so many give up on this powerful form o e idea that inspired the birth of a platform dedicated to reigniting the p e soul. In this article, we dive deep into an "Art Incubation System", known
THE BIRTH OF LEVAD
Levado is a machine designed to protect and preserve the creative process, making art indestructible against all forces that threaten to diminish the beauty that comes with creating it When you think of art, the essence of should Levado comes to mind Because it's a platform on a league of its own which isn't only big on spotlighting pure artistry, but big on acting as what is best described an "Art Incubation System"
And just like Iron Man, this machine has a face behind the armor a face not so different from the billionaire playboy Tony Stark, as they both walk with the same indomitable strength of character
Njabulo Ngcoya, popularly known as Levado, is a multi-talented artist with an unexpected origin in the sciences - a field he once passionately pursued However, while studying science, Levado recognized a stark contrast: science virtually guaranteed stable careers, while the arts industry left many artists like actors, dancers, singers struggling to reach their full potential This revelation ignited a new journey for Levado, leading him to leave science and embrace the world of arts and design. He equipped himself with a range of creative skills, from playing the piano and singing to hairdressing According to Levado, this shift wasn’t by choice; he believes he was chosen. Backing that statement by having Wits University awarding him a bursary after recognizing his brilliance as an A+ student, Levado knew it was time to name his long-term project.
Originally, he gravitated toward the name “Bravado” a word that embodies boldness, risktaking, and innovation, fitting for him as he just took a bet on himself moving from science to art But Bravado just didn't click. Seeking advice, he asked his younger brother, who, without hesitation, suggested “Levado,” though neither knew its meaning at the time. Obsessing over the name, Levado researched the word and discovered it means “raising” in Spanish which perfectly aligned with his vision of uplifting the art industry. And so, Levado was born
The man behind Levado is a true polymath, a jack of all trades who initially set his sights on the world of science. But in a twist of fate, he took a gamble on saving the world of art. His name?
Njabulo Ngcoya.
BUILDING A FOUNDATION WITH BRICS AFRICA
Levado’s journey toward spotlighting the arts was initially envisioned as a fusion of his diverse creative interests It was supposed to be a platform showcasing a mix of all arts, yet curiously, it began with something he hadn't formally studied which was fashion Today, fashion has become the centerpiece of Levado’s brand. According to Ngcoya, he didn’t choose fashion; fashion chose him As a self-described "Jack of all Trades," he saw fashion as an underrated medium to make a bold statement and express his multifaceted creativity
On August 9th, Levado was invited to showcase his work at the BRICS Africa Fashion Week, hosted by our cover star, Mrs Universe Africa '22 Mpho Mogotsi While it wasn’t his first time exhibiting, this event marked a turning point it was his debut as a fully established brand For Ngcoya, fashion was the perfect entry point for his broader vision of an "Art Incubation System." At BRICS, he felt like the mastermind behind a creative revolution, presenting a level of sophistication aimed not at complicating the arts but at elevating it to the same level of opportunity and stability that science careers offer.
Levado’s impact at BRICS Africa Fashion Week gave a glimpse of the future looks like in his palms. This wasn’t just another fashion show for Ngcoya, it was a platform to empower talented individuals, a way for them to use their artistry to change not only their communities but also South Africa, Africa, and the world
By creating a holistic experience, Levado demonstrated how the creative landscape could be redefined He had promised Mrs Mpho Mogotsi, that he would bring the essence of Paris to the runway, infused with a distinctive touch that ensured "BRICS" was woven into every fabric of his designs.
The pinnacle of the event was when Levado picked up the award for Best Contemporary Streetwear. Yet, for him, this was just the beginning. His ultimate vision isn’t simply about taking South African art to the world, but rather bringing the world to South Africa. For Levado, this is the key to restoring lost hope showing that through fashion and the arts, the impossible can once again feel possible
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ORIIGINELLE BREAKS MORE BREAD WITH EXPENSIVE HUNGER EP
By Martin Chanza
As we transition from Women’s Month into Heritage Month, this time of year offers a powerful lens into how women and cultural heritage continue to shatter barriers in the entertainment industry The impact is especially evident in the music scene, where representation knows no limits Enter Makhosazana Thwala in this chat, known by her stage name Oriiginelle, a trailblazing hip-hop artist who's emerged as Eswatini’s hidden gem, setting the industry ablaze since her debut
Oriiginelle’s name itself carries a dual meaning, with "Elle" French for "she" symbolizing her admiration for the strength, beauty, and artistry of women But her pride in being Eswatini's own is equally profound, as her lyrics transport listeners into the heart of her homeland.
Fresh off the release of her latest project, the "Expensive Hunger EP," produced by Soduh Beats and featuring talents like Zulu Mecca, Novl , and Ntatao, Oriiginelle sat down with us to share her journey. As Eswatini's chosen one, she’s been breaking new ground in the hip-hop scene, especially as a woman, and she's only just begun
Q : What is the purest meaning of Expensive Hunger and how did Expensive Hunger turn from what could be described as an experience you had, to a full body project?
A : The purest meaning of Expensive Hunger for me are the sacrifices I’ve made leading up to where I am today. It’s a viscous sport and the path to follow; hip hop, and most of the time I myself wonder if I chose the right path because of all the emotional rollercoasters and breakdowns that come with it but then you realise that it’s like that with any dream. It’s not a pretty picture chasing a dream it’s expensive, mentally, spiritually and financially. 2023 had to be my worst year mentally and financially. Lost friends I thought I’d grow old with, the money wasn’t coming in, nothing really made sense I was really down The only thing that kept me afloat was hip hop So I had to share this hunger through the genre because it shared a huge part of itself with me during that time Which is also why it’s leaning towards the golden era of rap; boom bap I wanted to pay homeage in the most hip hop way possible
Q: On the project we get to hear you say, "I just got a great feeling" more than once. Does it still carry the same intent or message it had on "Change" or it's much more different when you say it the second time on "16s & Some" ft. NOVL. and Ntatao?
A : The second time I said it, it was so random When it was time to finish up the project I had 16s & Some left to tie up because originally that was how Change was going to sound but we had to shift verses and create the beat with the verses submitted already I was quite beat from pouring myself on the tape (which was more than 7 tracks) so I had no intentions of penning a verse for that song, I was just going to put a hook on it and call it a day But ironically something in me had “changed” I started to understand how important it is to pay the cost that come with chasing a dream I started to understand that things are broken to be built, which is also why in the verse there’s so much confidence, so much cockiness and assertiveness. Because I now understand this great feeling, why I am expecting change and how much more I need to believe in myself now more than ever. Because I have a God given talent and no matter the lows, I’ll be good. What’s the point anyways if it don’t cost ya?
Q : Talking about "16s & Some" which is a fan favorite because of the lyricists on there, how did you manage get Novl. & Ntatao on the same song?
A : I’ve always imagined Novl. and Ntatao on a song together actually. Both are extremely talented in their storytelling and educating the listener of real time hustling in such a poetic manner. I just didn’t think it would be on my song. After I recorded my verse on Change (because that’s what it was initially) I sent it to Novl. And asked if he’d be keen to jump on, he was very much aware of the mental state I was in, and as friends we really do try hold each other down in these moments by sharing the one thing that brings us joy- music I sent him the verse and he jumped on immediately, I couldn’t believe how amazing it sounded and I was like “oh my word, this is like a song song! This needs a special kind of texture vocally”, so I hit up Ntatao and he was more than happy to jump on too And just like that, we created a song
Q : You recently released visuals for "Change" featuring Zulu Mecca, and successfully got Zulu Mecca to be on the video which is crazy considering the fact that you manifested for this feature earlier this year. How has the relationship between you two been postrelease?
A : Man, I manifested for this feature in October 2023. We met at a festival in December and fast forward we are shooting visuals together. Life is FUNNY! The relationship has been good. She’s such a great person. I look at her as an older sister. I’ve been in some tricky situations here and there in the business and I feel very safe to ask her for advise because she understands it, especially as a woman she gets it. She always shows up for me and I appreciate that so much. For a long time, I’ve had to kind of figure things out myself and that’s cool but it can be overwhelming because majority of the time, it’s my first time experiencing certain things, so I’ve always wanted a woman to advice me in such scenarios and I got the best lyricist in the country Isn’t that crazy? Again, life is FUNNY!
Q: Another relationship that I'd like to highlight you & Soduh Beats, this is the first time you ' ve also presented them as a primary artist in a project. How was working on Expensive Hunger much different than other songs/projects?
A : It’s such a beautiful relationship I think the core foundation in our relationship is uplifting We respect each other very much, we appreciate each other and we constantly uplift each other Not even musically, but in general I’m no fan of spilling any of my tea to anyone in life because relationships get complex as we grow For instance one (generic) cannot complain about their partner to their family unless you are absolutely done because they will always see that person as the one who hurts their child right? This is true with close friends too because as humans we are bias. For me, the relationship I have with Soduh is different in that aspect because I can say anything to him and he calls me out on my wrongs too which I appreciate. And the calling out isn’t in a way that’s to put me down, but to do better so that I can just maneuver better. That’s also one of the main reasons of presenting him as a main artist because I want him to maneuver better not for my benefit but his own I’ve managed to become who I am musically because of him so I wouldn’t want to cling onto all possibilities alone Building a solid entity, empire or legacy also means sharing knowledge and tools with those you build with Working on Expensive Hunger was exciting! Giving him the creative freedom to narrate the project had to be one of the most beautiful things to witness because I got to understand his creativity on a deeper level How he articulates himself on production is beautiful It’s art This is one of the main reasons we made the first songs intro so long because in as much as I am not communicating for a minute, he is, if you thoroughly listen This is one of those projects that are deeper than making waves It’s about communicating through art Which is also why so much about it was so unconventional but we were very aware of this and taking this route Not everything has to be for sale Sometimes it’s important to create from a place of solely honoring the craft
Q : Celebrating Heritage Month, what has that meant for you in terms of identity and how important has it been to take pride in coming from Swaziland?
A : Obviously there’s still a lot of work to be done, but I like what I’m seeing, truly! I think we understand as we grow that being against each other won’t do anything for us I’m seeing amazing collaborations between women such as Tasha Hendrixx, Nyota Parker, Kay Faith, Hanna, whole CPT gang, etc it’s beautiful to see And the music being made is so so good! It’s gotten to a point whereby you aren’t listening just because it’s women, you ’ re listening because it’s good hip hop and I hope that continues and grows I’m not a fan of categorizing women in hip hop because you rarely hear the term male rapper It’s just rapper for them I’d like the same with women Let’s just enjoy the music and make it, go against each other bar for bar I’m down
Q : While we are on Heritage, what could be the best way an artist could represent where they are from because there's always conversations about how artists fail to represent where the come from, making it hard to be relatable to those close to home.
A : It’s a difficult topic that one on a hip hop scale because obviously it originated from America and media is essentially ran by them so we find inspiration from there right? But I think a really cool thing that’s happening is doing it in your language Speaking of your experiences at home Even though that too can be tricky because we aren’t all from eKasi So we may find that one writes better in English than in their native tongue because privileges exist Doesn’t mean someone isn’t original, it just means that’s the environment they grew up around and are comfy with It’s a tricky one, I’ll be honest But I guess trying to integrate your day to day life in the music because if I rap in English about taking my girl to get her nails done at Angels, my Swati people will understand it. Just like when someone raps in English about going to Andiccios at 3am in Jhb they will get it. It’s the little things. The day to day.
Q : It wouldn't be all Exclusive if we didn't atleast get some exclusives in the vault, you mentioned that there were a lot of features that couldn't make it to the project. How far are we from ticking all those features off the list before the end of year?
You know, if releasing music was affordable I promise you I would have released 3 projects by now. We are far my brother but I’d like to do it right. There were alot of things that were rushed this year, so I’d like to avoid that for now. I want to just try do things the way I have envisioned for once and see what that outcome looks like first. Then I can go back to rushing things - ORIIGINELLE
ON HIS REDEMPTION TOUR
ARTICLE BY CHIWELA
In a small town in Venda, a young boy discovered his gift for music in the most unexpected way during a school choir practice That boy is now known as Lutroo Da-Music, a rising star whose talent and perseverance have led him to the national stage But his journey wasn’t always clear-cut
“I didn’t realize I had a talent for singing until my teacher asked me to lead a song during choir practice,” Lutroo recalls Despite initial hesitation, the moment ignited a spark that would later become a burning passion for music. Yet, growing up in Venda, where the entertainment industry seemed out of reach, Lutro didn’t initially see music as a viable career
His teacher became his first mentor, guiding him through choir competitions and introducing him to the basics of music As Lutro entered high school, his perspective began to shift. Inspired by musicians on TV, he saw how powerful music could be as a medium to communicate with people By Grade 8, with the help of a mentor, he started learning how to produce his own music even using the simplest tools, like an earphone microphone, to record.
Church also played a significant role in shaping his talent It gave him the foundation for his vocal skills and taught him discipline As he improved, his local community started noticing his music, and Lutro began to understand that he was onto something special But his family’s initial reaction to his passion was mixed, particularly his father’s Like many parents, his father envisioned a more traditional path doctor or lawyer, perhaps
"They didn’t really understand the business side of music, even though they knew I could sing," Lutroo explains. It wasn’t until people outside the family started recognizing his music that his father began to show pride. "My dad would take a Bluetooth speaker to the tavern and play my songs for people "
One of the most significant parts of Lutroo’s artistic identity is his stage name, which carries deep personal meaning Originally derived from Greek, his name means "redeemed," symbolizing his personal growth and his faith "It’s a declaration of who I want to be, a reminder that I’m greater because of that redemption." Lutroo’s sound defies easy categorization His music is a blend of genres and influences, shaped by his experiences and his desire to push boundaries “I wouldn’t say there’s one particular inspiration,” he notes From experimenting with beats on TikTok to infusing his music with his native language, Lutroo’s creative process is about exploration.
A pivotal moment in Lutroo’s career was his collaboration with Khanyisa. It was his first major project on a national scale, and it presented challenges as well as opportunities. "I had to adjust because I was used to my small, local circle back home " Despite the growing pains, the experience opened up new horizons for the artist Lutroo’s voice, as he puts it, is his most powerful instrument "I’ve learned to use my voice as an instrument meaning that it conveys emotion even before people understand the words "
Lutroo’s voice, as he puts it, is his most powerful instrument "I’ve learned to use my voice as an instrument meaning that it conveys emotion even before people understand the words For Lutroo, music transcends language barriers, evoking feeling through rhythm and melody before the lyrics even register
Celebrating Heritage Day, Lutroo acknowledges the importance of representing his heritage However, he is careful not to be confined by it “While I am proud of my roots, I aim for my music to have a broader appeal ”
Looking ahead, Lutroo promises that more exciting projects are on the way His upcoming singles, Pusha and Shamina, showcase his versatility, ranging from the hustle anthem to the soulful amapiano love song. Fans can also expect more collaborations and visuals that will further solidify his place in the music industry.
Ultimately, Lutroo hopes to be remembered as someone who defied the odds “I want to be remembered as someone who came from nothing and became something,” he says His story, rooted in faith and perseverance, is a testament to what can be achieved with belief in oneself Lutroo’s journey is far from over, but he’s already proving that greatness can be built from the ground up
As he reflects on his career, Lutroo leaves us with a powerful message: "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen " And for Lutroo, that faith is what continues to propel him forward
PLACESTOGOEXCLUSIVESTOSEE
BACK TO THE CITY
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GetreadyforthebiggestSouthAfricanhip-hopeventoftheyear,returningonOctober12th! Thisyear’slineupisstackedwith2024’sMVPs,includingheavyhitterslikePriddyUgly, MashBeatz,andWordz.HeadliningtheinternationalstageisnoneotherthanBennyTheButcher, withmoresurpriseglobalactsintow Braceyourselfforelectrifyingcyphers,fiercecompetitions, graffitibattles,exclusivemerch,andmuchmore Thisistheultimatehip-hopexperienceyou won’twanttomiss!
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LERATO CHANZA : FROM ADVERSITY TO SWEET SUCCESS
However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in late 2019, Lerato faced a major setback she lost her job "Losing my job was devastating, but it pushed me to pursue my dream," she shares That's when she decided to turn her passion for baking into a business, founding Lee's Confectionery After enrolling in Njaletha Baking School to hone her skills, she started small with muffins and scones, eventually expanding her offerings to include jam tarts and birthday cakes
Today, her muffins sell for R12 per packet of three, scones for R12 per packet of four, jam tarts starting at R12, and birthday cakes from R500 She even takes special orders for large cakes of up to 20 liters
"What inspired me to start a baking business was my deep love and passion for baking," says Lerato Her greatest accomplishment? Attracting customers from all over the province a testament to the quality of her products Lerato Chanza now runs the thriving Lee's Confectionery, a business truly baked with love A symbol of hope for women everywhere, you can follow her journey on Instagram @r828Bakery
By Jumecca Masilela
Meet Lerato Chanza, a remarkable woman who embodies the spirit of resilience and entrepreneurship A mother, wife, and successful baking entrepreneur from Lufhereng, Soweto, Lerato is the true definition of "Imbokodo" a strong and unshakable woman.
Lerato's love for baking sparked during her childhood, and her entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age. "Apart from my love for baking, I always envisioned myself as an entrepreneur," she recalls. "In the early 2000s, I ran a spaza shop to make a living, as job opportunities were scarce. " Later, she secured a job as a merchandiser, a position she held for over a decade.
HOW TO BAKE JAM TARTS LIKE LERATO CHANZA WITH LOVE
INGREDIENTS
125g butter or margarine, softened
125ml (100 g) sugar
5ml vanilla essence
375ml (210 g) Snowflake cake flour
5ml baking powder
2ml salt
200ml (260 g) smooth apricot jam, slightly heated
1 extra-large egg
STEP ONE
Cream butter and sugar together Add egg and beat well until it's light and creamy then add essence
STEP TWO
Put flour, baking powder and salt together Add the dry ingredients to mixture and mix well to a soft pastry.
STEP THREE
Press about two-thirds of the dough into a greased 23 cm tart dish, shaping it evenly Refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up
STEP FOUR
Place the remaining dough in the fridge to chill.
STEP FIVE
Prick the base with a fork, then bake blind in a preheated oven at 190°C for 10 minutes Remove the beans and greaseproof paper, lower the oven temperature to 180°C, and spread a layer of jam over the baked base
STEP SIX
Coarsely grate the chilled remaining pastry over the jam layer Bake for approximately 20 minutes until the top turns golden brown and crisp Allow the tart to cool before slicing and serving
DESTINY VERSUS SAFE CHOICES
As we wrap up the September issue, one theme shines through in all the stories: the pursuit of dreams and finding that silver lining in various fields This naturally sparks a conversation that I believe many of us find ourselves contemplating when chasing our own dreams
In this edition of "Exclusive Corner," I want to draw a connection between a conversation I had about relationships and how we approach our careers A friend and I were discussing the difference between Soulmates and Safe Choices The gist of it was how some people view the idea of soulmates as unrealistic, opting instead for someone who might not be exactly what they dreamed of but offers security and stability It made me wonder how often do we approach our careers in the same way?
Think about it How many people dream of being a doctor but end up settling for a job as a babysitter? Not necessarily because of external hurdles like opportunity, but because the latter provides less stress, more comfort This isn't just about availability; it's about choosing a life that feels easier rather than chasing the one we once imagined
Recently, I met a man who left his role as a soldier to become a cab driver On the surface, it seemed like he was giving up his calling to protect others But in reality, it was a choice to be present with his family His story intrigued me: at what point do we decide to choose "safe choice" over "destiny"? Where do we draw the line when the safe choice provides everything we need, while our dream, our "destiny," remains elusive or even undesirable?
Just like in relationships, you can't really have both. As much as we'd like to believe we can balance safety and destiny, most of us end up choosing the safer path once we see where life is leading us. There’s no easy way out to this, and maybe that’s the point. Maybe destiny, like the idea of a soulmate, doesn't even exist for some. Maybe it's just about finding what makes life better, simpler.
Personally, I believe there’s a deep fulfillment in pursuing what you feel destined for, rather than sticking to the safe side. Playing it safe invites a lifetime of "what ifs." But destiny, much like the concept of soulmates, is a risk a leap into the unknown.
By Martin Chanza
