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Inside ESSAYS A WOMAN’S JOURNEY
OF AFRICA
MAY 2016
cover stories 24
MY JOURNEY: Passion, purpose and leadership: Judith Nzimande.
people 13
REAL LIFE: Ashamed to admit I am lonely.
14
GUEST BLOG: Olwethu Njoloza-Leshabane reveals the pain of having parents who don’t apologise.
26
MAIN FASHION:10 Lazy knitwear looks.
40
COVER STORY: DJ Zinhle: Of sound mind, body and spirit.
22
PROFILE: Machaka Mosehana, ambassador for entrepreneur development.
50
SELFEMPOWERMENT: How to live your life creatively.
46
WOMEN’S NETWORK: Nothemba Kula’s empowering Kingdom Prayer Breakfasts.
52
RELATIONSHIPS: Mother’s Day for mother-loss survivors.
48
CAREER: Self-made thanks to social media.
70
MAN Q&A: Malume a.k.a. Glen Lewis doing what he does best – radio.
54
SEX: How much sex is everyone actually having?
62
NEWS REPORT: Maternity leave: An uphill battle.
80
HAIR: 9 steps to thicker, fuller relaxed hair.
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columns
11
READERS’ CORNER: Akhona Mazingisa pursues education despite the challenges.
12
UNCOVERED: A word of appreciation.
104
ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEW: Mmabatho Montsho talks about telling stories behind the camera.
features 56
PARENTING: Exposed: Confessions of single mothers.
64
HEALTH: Tried and tested ways to kick the nicotine habit.
66
MAN FEATURE: Therapy? Uhm... no thanks!
ESSAYS OF AFRICA
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lifestyle
82 FOOD & ENTERTAINING: Quick and easy breakfast recipes for Mother’s Day. 89 TRAVEL: Falling for Zimbabwe. 92 DÉCOR STYLE: Wonder walls. 97 DÉCOR NEWS: Move with the season’s trends. 99 MOTORING: Iconic hatchbacks. 101 TECH NEWS & APPS 108 BOOKS 109 MOVIES & THEATRE 110 MUSIC
82
fashion 15 SEXY 7: The best fashion products of the month. 16 SHOPPING: The relaxed trench. 17 REAL WOMAN: Bohlokwa Matlosa is born to stand out. 21 SHOPPING: Your knitted wardrobe staple. 36 FASHION NEWS
38 SHOPPING: Pleated elegance. 68 MAN SHOPPING: Knitwear for the office.
beauty
73 BEAUTY INTERVIEW: Sought-after make-up artist, Merlene Williams. 74 BEAUTY NEWS 76 MAIN BEAUTY: Hold onto your hair: Traction alopecia. 79 SEXY 7: The best beauty products of the month.
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73
06
ON LOCATION
07
EDITOR’S LETTER
08
CONTRIBUTORS’ PAGE
09
ONLINE UPDATE
10
LETTERS’ PAGE
96
SUBSCRIPTIONS PAGE
102 SOCIAL SCENE: Fashion meets fitness at Young Women’s Network Zambia. 106 SOCIAL SCENE: ‘Make my Magnum’ ice cream decadence. 111 HOROSCOPES 112 STOCKISTS PAGE
COVER & FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER: GARETH JACOBS.
regulars
37 SHOPPING: Shop the frill trends.
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ESSAYS www.essaysofafrica.com
Editor of Essays Of Africa
Managing Editor Deputy Managing Editor Copy Editor Features Writers Fashion & Beauty Editor Fashion Assistant DĂŠcor Writer Contributors Sub-Editor Proofreader Online Editor Online Features Writers Senior Designer Designer Junior Designer Digital & Web Specialist New Business Development Team Sales & Production Manager Sales Executive Marketing Team Operations & Finance Operations & Finance Manager Admin Assistant Office Drivers Advisory Board
Publisher Physical Address
Postal Address Websites Advertising Editorial Information & Enquiries Subscription Queries Printers Distribution
Nawaal Nolwazi Mdluli
Zama Nkosi-Mabuye Tracy Maher Nadia Goetham Caryn Thandi Petersen, Thina Mthembu, Hlulani Masingi, Ndoni Khanyile Tumi Mdluli Tebatjo Manamela Rhoda Davids Kim Garner, Helen Herimbi, Bulelwa Mokori, Peta Daniel, Melissa Jane Cook, Olwethu Njoloza-Leshabane, Zukiswa Dlamini, Stella Nova Tracy Maher Nicky de Bene Hlulani Masingi Thina Mthembu, Tebatjo Manamela Lelethu Tobi Mmabatho Mahange Siphokazi Masele Lekeke Mahlo Nuraan Motlekar La-eeba Anthony Wezi Njovu, Kholiwe Nkambule
Kelly Moyo Tebatjo Manamela Gabriel Mashishi, Yusuf Msinyi Fazila Bizor, Lindsay Breytenbach, Lindelwa Isabelle, Ndoni Khanyile, Busisiwe Mahlaba, Sen Mdhluli, Moeketsi Mosola, Dr Salifou Siddo, Nthabe Zondo, Sonto Ndlovu Kwenta Media (Pty) Ltd. Fourways View Office Park, Block C, First Floor, Cnr Sunset Ave and Sunrise Blvd, Fourways Tel: 011 467 5859, Fax: 011 467 2808 Kwenta Media, Essays of Africa: P.O. Box 4437, Dainfern, 2055 www.essaysofsafrica.com / www.kwentamedia.com advertising@essaysofafrica.com / advertising@kwentamedia.com editorial@essaysofafrica.com info@essaysofafrica.com / info@kwentamedia.com subs@essaysofafrica.com CTP Printers Cape Town RNA Essays Of Africa Magazine, Website and Webzine are 100% owned and published by Kwenta Media (Pty) Ltd. The editor and publisher reserve the right to alter copy and visual material as deemed necessary. Copyright by Kwenta Media (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved. BBBEE Level 1
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EOA ON LOCATION
ZINHLE ROCKS THE MUSIC WORLD
WORDS AND STYLIST: TUMI MDLULI. PHOTOGRAPHER: GARETH JACOBS. HAIR: DAVID FROM DAVE’S IMPERIUM. MAKE-UP: ELLENOR NDLOVU.
Known to many as South Africa’s first black female DJ, Zinhle has opened doors for women who want to tap into this male-dominated industry. he energy was tangible on the day of this cover shoot, as Zinhle brought her special charisma to the set. As always, our photographer, Gareth Jacobs, made posing for the camera a walk in the park, with the invaluable assistance of Hlulani Masingi and Zama NkosiMabuye to help smooth things along. Zinhle was beautifully styled by Tumi Mdluli, with the expertise of David from Dave’s Imperium and Ellenor Ndlovu for hair and make-up respectively. The day ended with rain from above, as if to shower everyone with approval and the richest of blessings. E
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ESSAYS OF AFRICA
2016/04/06 7:01 PM
ed’s letter EOA
Warm It Up! s autumn unfolds and we embrace the changing seasons of life, it is imperative to reflect on what has passed to chart a better tomorrow. By its nature, this season reminds us to prepare for challenging investments, be they warmth- love- or time-related. The shorter days and longer nights steal time spent together with our lovely mothers. We tend to invest more time on things that keep us warm, be they hugs, cups of coffee, fires or scarves. This season comes as we are experiencing the coldest times financially. Let’s spare a thought for those less fortunate than us, as we brace ourselves for the dents in our over-extended budgets due to electricity, gas, coal/wood and food hikes, and other cost-of-living increases. It is also the time of year that we celebrate our mothers and we reach out to all survivors of motherloss in our dedicated feature on page 52. I wish my Mama, and every other mother out there, a blessed Mother’s Day! The changing of seasons is evidenced by the fashion trends and accompanied by changes in the general energies of people. Turn your thoughts to our 10 lazy autumn knitwear looks on page 26 and immerse yourself in a relaxed indoor look. Our team has sourced quality knitted dresses for comfort and warmth, and show you how the frill trend could be your thing for this season (page 38). Pleated elegant skirts are back with a bang, and they remind me of my mother that I love so much. Ladies, see how to wear each trend and celebrate you and Mother’s Day in style... Share your stories with me at Nawaal@kwentamedia.com
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EOA CONTRIBUTORS
MOTHERS KNOW BEST What is the quality you most admire/admired in your mother (or mother figure in your life) and why?
Patience is definitely not one of them, but something that my mother does give time and time again without complaining is unconditional love. Her love is the in-your-face type of love, she will and has sacrificed her own happiness not just for her own children, but for her nieces and nephews as well. As imperfect as she is, that one quality makes her the best mother one could ever ask for, and I do hope that with time I too become that kind of mom.
Thina Mthembu, Features Writer
La-eeba Anthony, Sales & Business Development
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WORDS AND IMAGES SUPPLIED BY CONTRIBUTORS.
My mom was the clay that kept it all together. She raised six children and was indeed a strong, reliable and most loving mom. Without her I would not be the strong, independent woman that I am. I will always remember my mom and what she thought me. Love and miss you, Mom!
There are many people who influence my life, but there is one special person who showed me more than I could see in the world. My mother, Mrs Tamara Muyembe, is the reason I have kept going despite all the challenges. Her confidence and go-getter attitude taught me to keep moving, even when I was close to giving up. My mother believes that there is always something special waiting for me. A prayerful woman, she always empahsises that I just need to have faith in God and believe in myself. She is my pillar of strength.
Wezi Njovu, PR & Marketing
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ONLINE UPDATE EOA
EOA is a Click away SUBSCRIBE TO EOA DAILY NEWSLETTER
Know what your skin type is to get the best skincare products and treatments. Visit www. essaysofafrica.com and subscribe to our EOA Daily newsletter so that you will get essential beauty information and tips sent directly to your inbox. Don’t miss out on other helpful lifestyle tips.
SENSE OF STYLE
You can never go wrong with our dress-to-kill fashion tips! They’re always useful, especially on those days when you have a cream-of-the-crop event you need to attend, but you strike a fashion blank, and don't know what to wear. To know more, visit http://www.essaysofafrica.com/category/fashion-beauty/ to pick the fashion style that suits you best!
FIND EOA ON TWITTER
Like the sounds of chirping birds in the morning, letting you know a new day has finally arrived. EOA on Twitter brings you the latest trending topics when you’re away from your e-mails. To follow EOA on Twitter, sign up to @EssaysOfAfrica and share our timeline with your friends.
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SUBSCRIBE and save! Offer ends 31 May 2016.
DIGITAL MAGAZINE just R15 per issue! To subscribe, visit www.essaysofafrica.com EOA terms and conditions apply. See www.essaysofafrica.com.
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E SSAYS OF A F R I C A
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EOA LETTERS
Your voices SOCIAL MEDIA
NICE TO FINALLY MEET THE EDITOR It was nice finally meeting Nawaal. I read your magazine from page to page and was reminded of the generation of magazines where everybody looked forward to receiving their monthly copy. Essays Of Africa is relevant and its content is so appealing. Well done again to you and the team. I will certainly be buying the next copy.
Khanyisa Malabi
Wow!!! Thanks Nawaal Nolwazi Mdluli for welcoming me to this family. Can’t put my mag down. I’m wondering how it could have saved me from a sticky situation last year. Thanks for being a great editor, big ups to you! Linda Landu Let me just say you will go through [EOA] and feel like the next issue is taking forever. It is so informative, current, motivating and very entertaining! I still revisit last year’s issue, welcome to the club! Khensani Ngobeni
Bongi Mbuli @bongi_mbuli Bought my copy of the latest issue and haven’t put it down since… #goodread •• S E R A G E •• �@Winny_Mmola Purchased my very first copy of EOA yesterday. Great empowering magazine! Thank you so much @EssaysOfAfrica KK Reloaded �@Kwazikhoza Got my copy of @EssaysOfAfrica. Thank you for a great issue. #respect #lifeofajournalist Bongi Mbuli @bongi_mbuli @EssaysOfAfrica I bought my first copy of Essays magazine this month, and I’m inspired to find a publication that celebrates #Africa.
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ESSAYS OF AFRICA
2016/04/06 5:16 PM
READERS’ CORNER EOA n 2015, I dropped out of school because of a financial crisis. I was studying Environmental Health at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). I was supposed to be doing my second year, last year, however, life happened, with all it's challenges, and I dropped out. Beginning of 2015, I was working at the NMMU Student Housing as an assistant during the registration period. I used to attend classes and assist with registration after class , even though I was not even registered myself. I applied for the NMMU bail-out fund since I had passed all my modules the previous year and had qualified to get the bail-out fund. Unfortunately, I did not receive it. I had to let go of a bursary that was going to fund me for 2015 because I had an outstanding debt from 2014, which the new bursary could not settle for me. I remember on 12 March 2015, I received a call from the Residence Managers Personal Assistant. She told me that I was not allowed to stay at the school’s residence as I was not registered, and the late registration had ended. She said that they had given the room, that I had occupied, to someone who had registered. So that same day I had to pack all my belongings, and prepare to leave the following day.
WORDS AND IMAGE: AKHONA MAZINGISA.
ADAPTING TO CHANGE Many things were said about me when I dropped out of school. Some people said I dropped out because I was pregnant. The funny part is that these words were said by people I thought were my friends, or sisters rather. This killed me emotionally, socially and spiritually, but at some point I had to get up, shake off the dust and move on with life, I was never pregnant so why entertain immature people? My school debt was settled late in May, but unfortunately I could not go back to school as Environmental Health was an annual course and not a semester course. When I left NMMU, I went to a friend’s place in Humansdorp, since I didn’t have money to go back home. While I was in Humansdorp I did not just sit around and nurse my wounds, I looked for work and later I got a job at the Woodlands Soil Laboratory, where I worked as a lab assistant. In November, I went back home and then got a job at the Ignition Call Centre in Durban.
E SSAYS OF A F R I C A
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IN SEARCH OF
EDUCATION
AKHONA MAZINGISA
When Akhona Mazingisa was faced with the plight of not receiving funding for school, she had to endure a tough time before finding herself back at school. She shares her story. A SEASON FOR POSITIVE SOWING In 2016, I figured things would go back to being normal. All the universities I had applied to did not respond so I had to come to terms with my reality of not attending school again. My mother then spoke to her aunt who is a lecturer, and she helped me get a space to study at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT). After registering at school, I applied for NSFAS on 21 January 2016, and every time I went to check for my name on the NSFAS list, out of 20 students waiting for the list all 19 students’ names would appear on the list but not my name. This happened for a good two weeks until one day when I went to enquire and only then did the people from the financial aid office attend to my application. I got NSFAS on 5 February this year.
The following week Monday, I received an SMS saying that I have received a bursary and I should go and sign an agreement form on Wednesday, 10 February; I thought they had made a mistake since I had not applied for any bursary but I went to the venue, where I was told to go, and it was there, the agreement form! My name was on the list, and the forms ready, I just couldn’t believe it. The bursary covered everything; tuition, accommodation, meals and book allowance. As I was signing there was a marathon of tears rolling down my face. Gosh! When last did I cry? 2015 taught me how to cry without shedding a tear, so as to maintain a normal appearance for the outside world. What a turn around! Indeed delay is not denial. God is a God of time and His timing is always perfect. I am still in awe of His goodness. He is a wonder-working God. E
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2016/04/06 7:21 PM
EOA UNCOVERED very May, children around the country stage a coup of their parents’ kitchens, and attempt to assemble an edible surprise to present to their mothers, on the day set aside to acknowledge the indefinable task that is being a mom. My slightly older brother and I loved the ritual of making hand-drawn cards, and breakfast in bed for our mother, who always congratulated our efforts no matter how burnt the toast was. Our culinary abilities were minimal, to say the least, but the joy of seeing her face light up with a smile as we carefully balanced the tray down the passage and proudly presented our yearly offering reassured us that our efforts were appreciated. Mothers perform a millionand-one unacknowledged acts of love for their children every day, and few things can compare to the joy a child feels, in knowing that they have made their mother happy.
A WORD OF APPRECIATION
Growing up as the only girl-child in my family, I never felt the absence of having a sister because my mother was my best friend and my closest confidant. She was always there to lie in bed, talking on Saturday mornings, or listen to my fantasies about ‘when I’m all grown up’ – or even dance with me at functions when I had tired out all the other guests. I was, as family friends never tire of reminding me, a spirited, headstrong and deeply sensitive child and she encouraged me to celebrate and love everything about myself, quirks and all. As I get older I am forced to recognise the myriad ways that I am a composite of both my parents, but I also know that I learnt the indispensable lessons of imagination and grace from my mother. She didn’t behave
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like a typical ‘grown-up’ in my eyes. She wasn’t serious, distracted and stressed like most of the adults I knew, and her joyful and fun-loving nature created the space for my childhood imaginings to thrive. The seeds of my passion for performance and writing were planted in our home, where I was encouraged to play, dream and express my often off-the-wall ideas. I realise now how rare that is and how blessed I was to grow up like that. My mother is a tall woman who somehow manages to walk quickly and elegantly at the same time. An accomplished tennis player in her youth, she has always been described as graceful but it is another definition of grace that I think describes her more fully. The biblical notion of grace could be defined as God’s love in action towards people who
merit the opposite of love or, more simply put, having a big and forgiving heart. As I face the inevitable challenges that life puts in my path, I often reflect on the harsh realities she and so many other South African mothers had to face: husbands in prison and children far away from home. She endured blows I cannot begin to imagine and still her heart and humanity persevered and created a home where we felt loved, valuable and safe. For that gift and so many others, I salute you Mama, and all the other mothers who make home the best place to be. E Tell us what you most appreciate about your mother using the hashtag #EOAMoms
WORDS AND IMAGE: NDONI KHANYILE.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, NDONI KHANYILE looks at the role her mother played in her life.
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REAL LIFE EOA
WORDS: ZAMA NKOSI-MABUYE. IMAGE: HAYATIMAGAZINE.COM.
ASHAMED TO ADMIT I AM LONELY
Nokwazi*(37) says even though her life looks good on paper, she is very lonely and it brings her a sense of shame. used to consider myself an outgoing and confident extrovert. My life was always full of friends, family and lots of laughter. When I was living that life, I naïvely assumed it would be that way forever. I have shied away from the word ‘lonely’ for almost three years; that word made me think of sad old ladies with no one in their lives, and I knew I was not that. I had a life that seemed full, so when it started I couldn’t understand how I could be lonely and live how I do. I have a dynamic job where I manage a large team and my siblings and I enjoy a fairly close relationship. My mother is my source of support, and I have a boyfriend who loves me and girlfriends that I often socialise with. So how, I ask myself, can I be so damn lonely?
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The first time I felt lonely was soon after my 33rd birthday. I realised that for all the fanfare and busyness in my life, I often felt very alone. As much as I love my siblings, we all have our own lives now that we are grown up. Even though we speak almost daily and are very involved in each other’s lives, I find myself playing the role of the middle sister more than anything else. My mother is now in her 70s and as I watch her becoming frail, I find that I have to protect her a lot, so there are things I cannot tell her. If I told her I was lonely, she would be concerned and she would think it’s because I am not married, and I don’t have kids – and that’s not the case. Friends are a great source of entertainment but as I get older, my trust issues have doubled. I am sceptical to open up wholly because I don’t want to be the topic of conversation over champagne in some or other high-end restaurant. Even though they are my friends, I have learnt that people who love you don’t always want the very best for you; opening yourself up when you know humans are so fallible is a risk I’m not willing to take with friends. Add a busy work schedule to this and the outcome is a lonely woman. One who should be having her best years, but instead smiles despite the gaping hole in her heart. I sometimes sit in my wonderful home and scroll through my social media feed, voyeuristically taking in other people’s lives, and wonder how many of them feel like I do. How many show a happy face to the world and seem to live a beautiful life, but inside it’s cold and solitary even when there are loved ones around? I spend many nights at home alone, wondering why my life isn’t more fulfilling. I tick all the boxes, but here I am lonely and under 40. One of the biggest pains about loneliness is the shame that comes with sharing it with people. No one wants to think about it, let alone speak about it. So I keep quiet, keep smiling and hope that one day this heavy cloud of loneliness will move on and leave my near-perfect life alone. E *As told to Zama Nkosi-Mabuye
Do you feel lonely in your life? How do you deal with it? Share your thoughts and feelings with us on our Facebook page, using the hash tag #EOALonely
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2016/04/06 3:55 PM
EOA GUEST BLOG
OLWETHU NJOLOZA-LESHABANE
WHEN PARENTS
DO NOT APOLOGISE
Blogger and entrepreneur, Olwethu Njoloza-Leshabane, opens up about how she longed for an apology from her parents that never came. THE APOLOGY THAT NEVER COMES My parents and I have since been on a road to reunion and re-establishing our relationship, but it's not easy because there has still not been a vocalised ‘I’m sorry’ – two powerful and life-changing words. An apology could have possibly made my life better and changed me sooner. Perhaps my parents and I, with that single apology,
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could be closer than we are now. Perhaps that apology could heal my relationships with my siblings? But I have learnt to accept that apology I will never get and carry on being a supportive sibling, an endeavouring wife and a better mother. We are all wrong at some points of our lives; we often mess up by assuming we are so right most of the time that we need not apologise for any perceived wrongdoing.
No one is wrong constantly and no one is always right; therefore, as much as we praise the right and the beauty in each other, let us learn to also apologise for the wrong in ourselves and the wrong that has been done to us. E Follow Olwethu’s blog: www.theartofsuperwoman.com Instagram: @olwe2lesh
WORDS AND IMAGES: OLWETHU NJOLOZA-LESHABANE.
very part of me divorced my parents at the age of 21 and this was the only way I could recover what was left of me to be a decent human being. I needed to let the anger go, without it eating me inside and I also needed to separate myself from what was angering me. I learnt in the year or so that followed to acknowledge and forgive. Best of all, I desperately needed to accept the apology I would probably never receive. My siblings and I probably had an almost enviable upbringing. We were never in need nor did we want for anything. My dad was almost always ready to supply us with the bikes and swimming lessons. As our teen years approached, he provided the pocket money for weekend movie dates with friends. As the years rolled on and we grew older, innocence seemed to wash our eyes clean, and the variation between the needs and wants seemed to be so far apart. My parents separated in my late teens, when my sister was in the middle of her teens and my brother was a preteen. I can safely say that I have only just begun to heal. I always wished my parents could have just completed the course of parenting us and then sent us into the real world; unfortunately, I had to put on those big girl panties pretty early on. In our home there was our parents’ relationship, the relationship we had with our parents, the relationship our parents had with us, and the relationship that they wanted us to have with our siblings. Then there was the real relationship you had with each other – all of them very different and out of sync. This confusion resulted in the teenaged me carrying a lot of suppressed anger, hurt and confusion. The lack of apology disempowers; it disables the heart and the mind. It made me sick to the core.
ESSAYS OF AFRICA
2016/04/06 3:42 PM
WORDS: TUMI MDLULI. IMAGES SUPPLIED BY STOCKISTS.
Match your denim with a smart blazer for a semi-casual fashion statement.
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E SSAYS OF A F R I C A
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UPSTYLING DENIM
FASHION EOA
15
MAY 2016
2016/04/06 6:12 PM
Shopping
EOA FASHION
DOUBLE BREASTED TRENCH COAT, R5 399.95, TED BAKER.
BRIANNA SOFT TRENCH DRESS (BLACK), R1 299, FOREVER NEW.
BLACK TRENCH COAT, R4 999.95, TOMMY HILFIGER, STUTTAFORDS.
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The perfect coat for those in-between days.
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WORDS: TUMI MDLULI. IMAGES SUPPLIED BY STOCKISTS, ODCLOTH.COM, ODCLOTH.COM, PINTEREST.COM.
GREEN DUSTER TRENCH COAT, P.O.R, KAREN MILLEN.
E S S AYS OF AFRICA
2016/04/06 6:32 PM
REAL WOMAN EOA BLACK DRESS, R349, CITY CHIC. GOLD BELT, R150, CHINA TOWN. LARGE PEARL NECKPIECE, R170, CHINA TOWN. NUDE BLOCK HEELS, R1 300, ALDO.
BORN TO
STAND
OUT
A radio content producer for Afternoon Talk and Intune on SAfm, as well as a plus-size model, Bohlokwa Hloki Matlosa is a Media Studies graduate with a major in radio and she also holds a diploma in PR.
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aving a stutter and almost no selfconfidence when she was younger, she never imagined she would work in radio or become a model. However, after working at a bank and doing other odd jobs inbetween, she knew that she is destined to do more. Matlosa’s passion for girl empowerment started with her own struggle with self-confidence. “I don’t want girls to experience that; it’s such a dark, lonely place. I believe it’s important that young girls and women know that beauty comes from the inside first and it will ultimately shine through,” she emphasises. She adds, “They must also understand that beauty isn’t about meeting society’s standards, such as showing too much skin on social media just to be liked, but it is about being confident in who you are and in your abilities. You can be a nurse, a nun or anything you want to be… your journey will inspire someone somewhere.” Matlosa looks up to women like her grandmother and mother, Michelle Obama, Lira, Masechaba Mtolo and the media icon, Oprah Winfrey. “They are all hardworking women who, through their different inspirational journeys and successes, have brought about change and paved the way for young women,” Matlosa explains. She would love to get into radio presenting and acting, and dreams of hosting her own talk show that would focus on real-life stories and issues affecting both men and women, exploring how they can move forward. Matlosa lives by her motto: ‘We are all born to stand out, and remember to always celebrate yourself ’. E
BLACK SUEDE BOOTS, R2 150, CASTELO. BLACK LEGGINGS, R79, MRP. BLACK BODYSUIT, R569, RIVER ISLAND. BLACK COAT WITH FUR, R1 659, RIVER ISLAND. GOLD BELT, R150, CHINA TOWN. CHUNKY NECKPIECE, R350, LOVISA.
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REAL WOMAN EOA
MMAMETJA LEOPARD-PRINT DRESS, R800, PLUS FAB. NUDE LEATHER HEELS, R2 350, CASTELO.
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EOA REAL WOMAN
WORDS AND STYLIST: TUMI MDLULI. ASSISTANT: TEBATJO MANAmeLa. PHOTOGRAPHER: GARETH JACOBS. MAKE-UP: LUCOH MHLONGO. LOCATION: WEYLANDTS FURNITURE STORE, FOURWAYS.
MABLONDA’S SUIT TOP, R450, PLUS FAB. MABLONDA’S SUIT PEPLUM SKIRT, R450, PLUS FAB.
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FASHION EOA
JANAH DRESS, R3 999, TIGER OF SWEDEN.
WORDS: TUMI MDLULI. IMAGES SUPPLIED BY STOCKISTS, PINTEREST.COM.
SHARYN DRESS, R1 500, PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND.
DRESS (GREY), R129, OAKRIDGE, MRP.
ALDEN DRESS, R1 600, PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND.
BEAN DRESS, R4 399, TIGER OF SWEDEN.
POLO NECK DRESS, R129, MRP.
KNITTED WARDROBE STAPLE Wrap your body in a shapely knitted dress for comfort and warmth. E SSAYS OF A F R I C A
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MADE FOR
BUSINESS orn in Atteridgeville, a township in the west of Pretoria, Machaka Mosehana says that as children raised by a single mother – of which Mosehana is the lastborn – they had to cope with their mother’s sickness. Her mother’s illness meant that the family had to relocate to
Queenstown in the Eastern Cape. “In 1998, I decided to go back to Pretoria,” she says, “where I managed to further my studies by enrolling for a Bachelor of Commerce in Information Systems through the University of South Africa (Unisa).” Mosehana attained a certificate in Financial Management in 2004 and then worked towards her Masters in Business Leadership.
MACHAKA MOSEHANA
Machaka Mosehana is a strong ambassador for the development of entrepreneurs and ensures their sustainability and growth. She shares her passion with EOA. M AY 2 0 1 6
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PROFILE EOA
“The business is growing its international footprint and encouraging investor confidence in South African enterprises.” A DESIRE FOR DEVELOPMENT Mosehana’s inspiration for entrepreneurial development started when she was working as an administrative assistant for SoftstartBTI (SBTI) in 2004. “I later joined Enablis SA as an entrepreneur development associate from 2006 and also worked as a programmer officer for the National Youth Development Agency from 2008 to 2009,” she recalls. It is this expertise in the private and public sectors that motivated her to follow her own path. Mosehana says that her passion for entrepreneurship grew so much in 2014 that she decided to venture into business and founded Fahrenheit Capital. She is now the chief executive of Fahrenheit Capital, an entrepreneurship development, supplier and enterprise development organisation. “The business is growing its international footprint and encouraging investor confidence in South African enterprises,” Mosehana says, adding, “I also founded Kid-Entrepreneur, a nonprofit organisation that instills entrepreneurial DNA in children between the ages of 10 and 17 in South Africa’s most impoverished areas.” Her organisation encourages children to be enterprising in the use of innovation and technology to overcome their immediate societal challenges.
GOING GLOBAL
WORDS: BULELWA MOKORI. IMAGES SUPPLIED BY MACHAKA MOSEHANA.
Mosehana says her company also launched an International Entrepreneur and Investor Summit, which convenes investors and high-impact entrepreneurs on a platform that creates access to investment, resources and developmental support. “It is an ideal market place for highgrowth enterprises to meet and transact with angel investors, foreign investors, venture capitalists, corporate South Africa and development funding institutions,” she says. Her business focuses on international and local market linkages, enterprise development and alternative funding for high-growth enterprise. “The campaign leveraged on enterprise development, referential procurement and socio-economic development pillars of the BBBEE. The strategy has evolved over the years to the benefit of both entrepreneur and investor alike,” Mosehana adds.
SPREADING SUCCESS In the interest of empowering other women, Mosehana’s business launched the Phenomenal
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Woman Awards. These awards honour and recognise the selfless philanthropy of women in impoverished and rural communities, who are shaping their societies through various projects that promote poverty alleviation and sustainable livelihoods. “In 2014 South Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding with German-based Daimler Chrysler and Bosch to assemble electric cars, build recharge stations (similar to filling stations) and car service stations in South Africa,” Mosehana reveals. Technology Innovation Agency and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) signed the agreement and commissioned Fahrenheit Capital to secure entrepreneurial youth, who will be sent to Germany for training in the three disciplines: car assembly, operation of recharge stations and car service stations. Her business was also appointed to raise match funding for the project. According to Mosehana, business collaboration with Innovecs ICT Consulting has allowed her business to tap into an existing framework of alternative funding model that is established to fund projects of any size throughout the world. This allows funds to be dispersed quicker than through commercial banks or conventional funding models. “A few projects are currently underway across Africa and one of them in South Africa is the magnificent resort project similar to Sun City called The Royal Victoria Lifestyle Estates, to be built in the Waterberg area of Limpopo province. This project is currently under full review to receive up to USD 250 million funding for a first drawdown,” she adds.
ON SOLID GROUND With so much on her plate, Mosehana says she tries to find the ever-elusive balance most career women seek. “I have good family support, such that I am able to work longer hours,” she claims. For work/life balance, Mosehana admits that laughter is the best medicine and she loves socialising with friends. “When I am in Johannesburg, I am a regular at comedy shows. Where there are no comedy centres, I host roundtables with friends, like the one I call ‘Chat with Machaka’.” She also finds a balance between work and downtime by networking. “I am excellent at building relationships through networking. I do not need to chase after money, but networking translates into business.” E
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DESTINED FOR GREATNESS A strong sense of passion, purpose and leadership are some of the qualities that have led Judith Nzimande to her role as the first ever female president of the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.” This is an Oprah quote that rings true when hearing about KwaZulu-Natal’s Judith Nzimande (42). Born with the desire to try new things, her journey towards the life of her dreams started when she decided to study Human Resources at the former Mangosuthu Technikon. There she excelled and started on a course that would be about her, doing her best at every turn. “I later did a Bachelor of Commerce and an Honours degree in Human Resource Management with the University of KwaZulu-Natal,” Nzimande recalls. The passion for knowledge didn’t end there. Nzimande also obtained an MBA with Strayer University in the United States of America and attended a Strategic Negotiations Course with Harvard University. “I am also a Golden Key Member,” she adds. “ This is a lifetime membership that I received in honour of my academic excellence during my studies. This is a prestigious membership given to the top 15 students in the faculty.”
CARVING A CAREER
JUDITH NZIMANDE
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Nzimande’s career in human resources began when she started working for various companies like Alpha Cement and Mondi Shanduka, where she held various positions. In 2010 she joined Richards Bay Coal Terminal Proprietary Limited (RBCT) to lead the Human Resources and Corporate Affairs Department. When she describes her career, she says, “I am now a human resource expert with 22 years of experience in HR and beyond.”
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My JOURNEY EOA
“I am not only victorious within the HR space, but I have also proved that HR leaders should play a global and core function in businesses and cannot be excluded from directorship/ presidential roles.” Nzimande says she is passionate about leadership and people, which is why she founded the Human Resource Networking Forum to allow corporates to share best HR practices that are proven successful, as well as allowing small businesses to learn. “I am not only victorious within the HR space, but I have also proved that HR leaders should play a global and core function in businesses, and cannot be excluded from directorship/ presidential roles,” she says. Because of her forward-thinking moves, Nzimande has received a number of awards for her work. She recently received an award of excellence from the Institute of People Management Human Resource as Director of the Year 2015 and the Richards Bay Business Woman of the Year in the Corporate category. In 2014, she was awarded the Corporate Affairs Award, recognising RBCT Corporate Affairs commitment in developing communities – another big passion of hers.
Commitment and hard work are tools that Nzimande always believes can bring success to women, irrespective of what careers they follow in life. She says that women need to ensure that they empower themselves with information. “Always keep that networking relationship, so that you can learn from others as to how they managed to fly to greater heights and share ideas with other women,” she advises.
“Commitment and hard work are tools that Nzimande always believes can bring success to women, irrespective of what careers they follow in life.”
WORDS: BULELWA MOKORI. IMAGES SUPPLIED BY JUDITH NZIMANDE.
THE GRACE OF EMPOWERMENT Nzimande says she mentors over 10 young women and men at any given time. “The young regard me as an inspirational mentor, coach and leader. My special focus is on closing the gender gap through coaching and mentorship,” she says. According to Nzimande, women who get the opportunity to hold senior positions at work must do more to ensure that they climb the corporate ladder. She says the sky is the limit as women can fly and do anything. “As a lady, shine your brightest wherever you are. You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them, create the world you want and fill it with possibilities that matter to you. Love yourself more so that you are able to love other people. You cannot give someone love if you do not have it,” she says.
“The young regard me as an inspirational mentor, coach and leader. My special focus is on closing the gender gap through coaching and mentorship.” e ssays o f A f r i c a
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DOING HER PART Being a wife and mother are the other important roles in Nzimande’s life and she credits her husband for her ability to succeed in her many challenging roles. “He is liberal, supportive and intelligent. Having a partner with these qualities enables me to shine my brightest,” she remarks. Her role as a mother doesn’t end with her own children; 50 other children call her ‘mama’ too. Through charity work, she and other women help to emotionally and socially support the underprivileged. “I am involved with a group of women who give out food parcels, clothes and support to the needy.” Her life is obviously a full one, but Nzimande knows that self-care means that she can do more. When not engaged in her job, she loves spending time at home cooking for her family and to keep herself healthy and strong, Nzimande says she goes to gym every day. Another project that she is working on feeds her passion for reading. “I love reading and am currently writing books that are not yet published,” she concludes, leaving us anxious to read some of the thoughts from this powerhouse of a woman. E
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KNITWEAR LOOKS Express your individualism by making something that you can wear out of a piece of wool.
PINK KNIT JERSEY, R599, H&M. SHABBY CORNER UNIT, R54 995, WEYLANDTS. PAISLEY THROW, R895, WEYLANDTS.
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I Feel Lazy… I Am Chilled
GREEN KNIT JERSEY, R749, H&M. PALERMO 2 DIV SOFA, R18 995, WEYLANDTS. BICYCLE WALL ART, R6 995, WEYLANDTS.
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BLACK STRIPE KNIT TOP, R679, RIVER ISLAND. SENZA DAYBED RIGHT, R36 495, WEYLANDTS. D/G THROW WITH RABBIT TAILS, R1 195, WEYLANDTS.
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DARK GREY JERSEY, R299, H&M. MONACO QUEEN BED, R12 195, WEYLANDTS. MONGOOSE THROW, R1 995, WEYLANDTS.
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CREAM WHITE JERSEY, R599, H&M. OX HEAD STATUE, R2 495, WEYLANDTS. BIG CABINET, R38 500, WEYLANDTS.
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DARK ORANGE KNIT JERSEY, R299, H&M. HANDKNOTTED PRAYER RUG, R18 995, WEYLANDTS.
I’m On Energy-Saving Mode… I Am Wise e ssays of A f r i c a
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GREY PONCHO WITH FRONT ZIP, R799, RIVER ISLAND. WING CHAIR, R7 495, WEYLANDTS.
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I’m Not Here To Impress… I Am Free
GREY JERSEY WITH NECK DETAIL, R949, RIVER ISLAND. BEAUTIFUL LADY WALL ART, R5 995, WEYLANDTS.
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BEIGE KNIT JERSEY WITH FUR, R1 099, RIVER ISLAND. PURE DRESSER W/4 DOORS, R24 995. WEYLANDTS.
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WORDS AND STYLIST: TUMI MDLULI. ASSISTANT: TEBATJO MANAMELA. MODEL: DANIELLE TAYLOR. PHOTOGRAPHER: GARETH JACOBS. MAKE-UP ARTIST: LUCOH MHLONGO. LOCATION: WEYLANDTS FURNITURE STORE, FOURWAYS.
FASHION main EOA
BROWN LONG FRONT BUTTON CARDIGAN, R299, H&M. DIAMOND PICNIC BASKET, R495, WEYLANDTS.
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EOA FASHION NEWS
EXCLUSIVE WOLFORD BOUTIQUE
International lingerie and body-wear brand, Wolford, is excited to announce the opening of its second South African, high-end boutique at the new Mall of Africa on 28 April 2016. The new store, shop number 2177, will be located on the upper level next to Zara Home and will carry a comprehensive range of top quality, ready-to-wear, lingerie, legwear and accessories.
WELCOME TO THE HIGH LIFE
CELEBRATE WITH OKAPI
Named after the elusive antelope otherwise known as the ‘African Unicorn’, Okapi is proud to announce their Icons campaign. The campaign celebrates the modern woman and is instantly identifiable, with an artistic aesthetic that renders it timeless. Shot in London and Cape Town, the Icons campaign is the brainchild of Okapi owner and designer, Hanneli Rupert, who came up with the concept as a way to celebrate existing Okapi clientele – creative, interesting and successful women who embody desirable and iconic traits like entrepreneurship, intelligence, strength and a pioneering spirit. Okapi is available exclusively at Merchants on Long, 34 Long Street, Cape Town, as well as in London at 40 Eaton Terrace, SW1W8TS, or online at Okapi.com.
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COMPLIMENTS, CONFIDENCE & COLOURS
Global Danish jewellery brand, Endless Jewelry, has launched the eagerly awaited SS16 collection, which taps a trend that challenges the idea of perfect Instagram images and impossible ideals, by encouraging women to embrace the beauty they were born with and to believe in themselves. This season’s jewellery statement can be summed up in three words: feminine, raw, and powerful, which is the design mantra from co-designer and ambassador, Jennifer Lopez. As part of the edgy new Endless SS16 collection, watch out for JLo’s personal take on style that merges the sophistication of sultry pearls with a glimpse of glam rock, seen in a delicious array of handset, diamond-cut cubic zirconia. For more information, contact Liora Katz on 083 256 7890 or e-mail her at liora@ endlessjewelry.co.za. E
WORDS: THINA MTHEMBU. SOURCES AND IMAGES: VIVID LUXURY; CAPACITY RELATIONS.
Autumn 2016 will see Joburg celebrate the sport of kings like it never has before, with the launch of the inaugural Cell C Johannesburg Polo Classic presented by Julius Bär. This much-anticipated event promises a sensational line-up of high-goal polo, fashion, entertainment and a series of luxury experiences that will introduce the City of Gold to an unrivalled event at an international level. For more information and ticket sales, visit CellCJoburgPolo.co.za or call 084 JHB POLO Date: 8 May 2016 Venue: Waterfall Estate
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Shopping
FASHION EOA
VIVIENNE LACE COLLAR BLOUSE (BLACK), R899, FOREVER NEW.
LACE RUFFLE DRESS (WHITE), R1 219, RIVER ISLAND, EDGARS.
FLORAL BLOUSE, R699, MANGO.
WORDS: TUMI MDLULI. IMAGES SUPPLIED BY STOCKISTS, PINTEREST.COM.
TRINA FRILL DETAIL BLOUSE DEEP (KHAKI), R899, FOREVER NEW.
FLORAL BLOUSE (BLUE), R629, RIVER ISLAND, EDGARS.
SHOP THE FRILL TREND
FLORAL DRESS (BLACK AND WHITE), R129, MRP
Add frills for a touch of femininity.
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Shopping
WORDS: TUMI MDLULI, IMAGES SUPPLIED BY STOCKISTS.
PLEATED ELEGANCE Flats and fitted tops bring out the best in pleated skirts.
FROM TOP FRONT PLEAT SKIRT, R4 399, TIGER OF SWEDEN. AVIS PLEATED SKIRT (WHITE), R1 500, PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND. COLBY POODLE SKIRT, R2 500, PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND. BABY PINK FLORAL SKIRT, R2 999.95, TED BAKER. WHITE PATTERN DETAIL SKIRT, R2 999.95, TOMMY HILFIGER, STUTTAFORDS. LEATHER PLEATED SKIRT, R4 399, TIGER OF SWEDEN. MIDI PLEATED SKIRT, R759, ZARA.
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“[Zinhle] was the first woman to shake up the music scene, making sure that the mould of DJing being a boys’ club was broken.”
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COVER STORY EOA
Hers has been a groundbreaking career and as her empire grows, DJ Zinhle is ensuring that she is growing with it, becoming the woman she feels she was always destined to be. he name DJ Zinhle has become synonymous with DJing as a viable career for women. She was the first woman to shake up the music scene, making sure that the mould of DJing being a boys’ club was broken. It’s been just over a decade since she started her career and in that time, she has cemented her place in the music industry, while making huge strides as a businesswoman as well. In the last year, she added the title of mom to her name too. When I meet Zinhle for our interview, she is dressed in tight jeans and a shirt with a hint of sheerness to it. Her hair is short and blonde, quite a shift from the last time I saw her at the cover shoot. Her face is perfectly made up and she appears to be a combo of well put together and comfortable. I learn that the combo is something that isn’t just about appearance; she is a woman who has had to learn to be comfortable in her skin and puts great thought into every move that she makes.
INTO THE WORLD OF MUSIC
Unlike most people who go into the music business starry eyed and with big hopes for fame, Zinhle’s career as a DJ started differently. She was working as a brand rep at South African Breweries and DJing was a hobby. As people started recognising her talent, she realised that there was a real opportunity there. “I started seeing that I was making more money in a weekend DJing than I was making in my job, so I started to think about whether it could be a viable career for me,” she says. She spent time discussing the options with her older brother, Zak, explaining, “He was a huge source of support and he assured me that if it didn’t work out, I could always move in with him. He was my backup and I needed that because I am not one to just jump into things; I am very safe in my decisions.” Zinhle made the leap, but soon realised that she had large gaps of time in the week because the bulk of her DJing was on weekends. “How you earn money as a DJ is different to how I used to earn money working a regular job, so I had to think of ways to occupy myself in the week. I started thinking of how I could grow myself so that I don’t have to wait for weekends,” she explains. This is when the idea of the FUSE Academy came about. “I asked my friend Nomndeni to quit her job to help me put the academy together. It was a huge ask because she had two kids and it was a risk, but she agreed. I don’t think we have ever worked as hard as we did when starting the academy. It took a lot to put it together and to create a brand that is top of mind when it comes to DJing for females. It helped that my personal brand was growing as well. The two fit well together.” Zinhle’s career opened doors for other women who wanted to be DJs, but she feels thatthe industry is still male dominated. “The scale is still imbalanced. Maybe we don’t work hard enough or understand where we fit into the industry as women,” she says. “There aren’t many places where people can go to find out information about the industry and it takes a while to figure it out for yourself,” she says.
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COVER STORY EOA BLURRED LINES
Last year, 2015, was an eventful year for Zinhle. Not only was she pregnant with her daughter Kairo, but her relationship with rapper AKA also ended. Both events are significant but to have them play out publically added another dimension to them. “I have always been private about my life, so this was different for me,” Zinhle admits. “I’ve always thought I was present, aware and conscious of myself and my surroundings. This taught me that I was present but not nearly enough for myself. I was forced to ask myself if I am the woman who neglects myself in a relationship. Am I someone who forgets myself when in love? The breakup and the circumstances around it forced me to refocus and take a hard look at myself.” Even though it was an emotional issue, Zinhle says that she is grateful that her logical side prevailed. “There was a moment when I thought that maybe Kiernan and I could fix things, but once I looked at the facts I knew we couldn’t. That was difficult because he had been my best friend for four years and now that I really needed him, he couldn’t be there for me.” Zinhle continues, “I learnt that if he couldn’t be there for me, I had to be there for myself. I started to work on acceptance once I knew the facts and took stock of my part in it because I can’t deny my involvement. At that time I wasn’t concerned about anyone’s well-being, except that of my child and myself.” The end of the relationship was big news, trending on social media and news sites for weeks after the fact. When I ask Zinhle how that affected her reactions, she answers, “There was no point when I needed the public to perceive me in any way. I’ve always been sheltered, but this time no one could help me; I had to deal with it on my own. I had to allow it to humble me. Even in the midst of the pain and confusion, I knew that life was teaching me something and I needed to get it.”
THE ART OF MOVING FORWARD
One of the elements of Zinhle’s personal journey that had the country talking was the fact that she wrote an open letter about the situation. She acknowledged what was happening and made it clear that she was not going to allow lies to be spread about the situation. She took a clear stance that, even though what had happened to her wasn’t ideal, she was not going to be a victim. “I was very present in my feelings during that time and I allowed myself to question them. You can’t take a hit and react at the same time, so I took time to think about what I wanted to do. All kinds of crazy ideas came to me and I received all kinds of advice,” she admits, adding, “ I decided that I couldn’t change myself because of what I was going through. So I made decisions that I could live with.” Trusting herself to know that she was a good person, Zinhle issued that statement to protect herself because no one else was going to protect her. “I was not a victim and I wasn’t going to let other people make me appear to be one. I knew that none of what happened was my fault and I stood up for that.”
“I always knew I wanted to be a mom and she [Kairo] has crystalised my life; everything in it is quality now.”
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COVER STORY EOA One of the things that has been consistent during that time and continues today is Zinhle’s discipline. I ask her how she manages that. “I have always taken time out to think about my actions. Self-control is mastered one moment at a time.” Zinhle has kept on with her journey, going on with business as usual and adapting to her new role as a mom. “It’s important when we go through things to remember that it’s only one part of your life that gets badly affected. If you hurt your toe, it doesn’t mean your whole body is in pain. I refused to take that one area and translate it to other areas that weren’t in a bad space. When I was dealing with my heartbreak, I did that separately to the rest of my life because I still had other things going on in my life that needed me to persevere,” she asserts. These days, Zinhle is in a better space. “My biggest lesson is that everything is as it should be. I have not allowed fear and hate to consume me, so I have let that chapter go. I wish Kiernan the best and I mean that sincerely. I want him to be happy and successful; he is the father of my child and that’s what matters. People know that they can’t speak negatively about him around me because I don’t tolerate that kind of energy in my life – and my daughter doesn’t need to be around people who speak badly of her father.”
Photographer: Gareth Jacobs. Hair: DAVE’S IMPERIUM. Make-Up:ELLENOR NDLOVU. Styled by: Tumi Mdluli. ASSISTANT: TEBATJO MANALE. Fashion by: Topshop & Guess.
“The people in my life are aligned with my values, which are to treat everyone with respect, kindness and ease of energy.” WALKING INTO HER DESTINY
When Zinhle speaks about her daughter, there is a new level of light that radiates from her eyes. “It’s like I have come to life,” she gushes. “I always knew I wanted to be a mom and she has crystallised my life; everything in it is quality now. There is no time for fakeness or fear. Even our house is clean and light. Kairo is attracting amazing people into my life; she really brought a sparkle into my life,” Zinhle shares. The concept of a life of light is one that comes up several times in our conversation. Zinhle is very conscious about what she brings into her life. “Look,” she says, “I am deliberate by nature. I watch what I put into my body so I eat clean without depriving myself. I am conscious about what I consume through social media, TV and radio. I don’t have social media on my phone. I love comedy, but I won’t watch a drama where there is shooting and blood – I just don’t do that to myself.” The same goes for her friendships. Her business partner, Nomndeni, has been her friend for 16 years and it’s a relationship she deeply cherishes. “I trust Nomndeni completely; we share the same values and I know she has my back and I have hers. The people in my life are aligned with my values, which are to treat everyone with respect, kindness and ease of energy,” she says. Her friends and the conversations they entertain is another way Zinhle guards her energy. She has inspirational conversations with Nomndeni and another friend, Masego, about things that help them become better. “I don’t invite gossip into my life, because we absorb so much through our conversations. When there is something to gossip about, we give ourselves a few minutes to talk about it and then it must stop,” she states matter-of-factly. “You can’t spend half your day speaking negatively about other people without it affecting you.” The future looks positive for Zinhle; her career continues to boom, the ‘Era by DJ Zinhle’ brand is growing and she is enjoying every step of motherhood. In closing I ask her how she sees herself as in a decade’s time. “I’ve seen hints of her in myself right now and the mould is there, even if it’s on a small scale. My passion and influence in women’s products and spaces will multiply. I also see myself living a life of happiness and abundance. I am not short of anything and won’t be in the future either. I want to be the woman who makes other women see that it is possible to live the life of your dreams, regardless of where you come from.” E
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A GROUP OF INSPIRED WOMEN ATTENDING A PRAYER BREAKFAST
THE POWER OF PRAYING
WOMEN Nothemba Kula mobilises women to empower each other and pray together in an effort to better their lives. She spoke to EOA about her popular Kingdom Prayer Breakfasts.
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otivational speakers often tell us to start small and grow from there, but many people struggle with the concept. Amazing outcomes have been known to blossom from small beginnings, and that has certainly been the case for Nothemba Kula and her successful women’s network. In 2014, Kula and three close friends started meeting once a month to chat about various issues they were facing in different areas of their lives. “We would discuss challenges related to family life, marriage, raising kids, church and spirituality, our careers and businesses,” she explains. “We encouraged and inspired each other based on the lessons we were learning along the way.” After the sessions, Kula says that the women would pray and trust God to give them the grace and courage needed to be effective in every area of their lives.
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WOMEN’S NETWORK EOA
CREW PRAYER BREAKFAST
“The most growth happened in the last six months,” explains Kula. “We are mainly made up of, but aren’t limited to, women between their twenties and mid-forties. Because prayer is a big part of what we do, a lot of the women are Christian, but we welcome everybody.” The topics are relevant to women from all walks of life whether they are single, married, divorced or widowed. “When someone has a problem in one area in their lives, like marriage, other areas suffer because they get depressed and lack motivation,” Kula advises. “The breakfasts allow women to be motivated by other women’s stories and to share their own. It’s such a liberating experience.” Kula has big plans for the group and she’s clear on the impact she hopes it will have. “We are aggressive and ambitious about what we want to do,” she admits, adding that the group wants to impact massively on the province and the country. “It’s so difficult to find women who are working together and who aren’t jealous of each other – even in the church. Our key aim is to unite women from different churches and different walks of life using prayer and personal empowerment,” Kula asserts. “By the end of year, we are hoping that more than a thousand women will be part of this experience. Just like Cape Town is synonymous with the jazz festival, we want Gauteng to be synonymous with the Kingdom Prayer breakfast.”
NURTURING BODY, MIND AND SOUL
NOTHEMBA KULA
WORDS: ZAMA NKOSI-MABUYE. IMAGES: SUPPLIED BY NOTHEMBA KULA.
The sessions were so enriching for the women involved that they started inviting other friends they thought would benefit. Kula’s house could no longer accommodate the growing numbers as the group grew to eight and then 16, so they moved the sessions to the City Lodge Waterfall in Midrand, Johannesburg. “The format changed because we were a bigger group, and we had sessions where people shared traumatic and painful life experiences. That’s when I saw the need for us to establish the ‘Prayer Cover’, which is a sub-team of experienced women pastors and mature women leaders who could provide counselling, prayer and additional support to the women even after the sessions.” Kula continues, “This made such a big difference, because we could follow up on issues raised during the sessions and make sure that women are directed to the right support, where needed.”
ACCELERATED GROWTH From a group of 16 women, these sessions were attended by 40 women and then by 80. As the group continues to grow, the Kingdom Prayer Breakfasts have become a must-attend event for many women in Gauteng.
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By extension, The Kingdom Prayer Breakfasts have become a great networking opportunity for women. “We also invite women to showcase their businesses because it’s a great platform that allows us to support each other in more ways than one,” adds Kula. Health and wellness have also become additions to the breakfast in an effort to get women more health conscious. “We struggle in different areas of our lives because we don’t lead healthy lifestyles. This makes us prone to depression and other diseases,” she explains, adding that this can be a big contributing factor as to why women might not be successful and effective. “We recently had a fun and exciting 5km prayer run after our session. Once you conquer 5km, you feel motivated to conquer any other challenges that come your way!” The Kingdom Prayer Breakfast has plans to expand to other provinces from August 2016 and will consider partnering with women’s organisations and churches outside Gauteng. The Prayer Breakfast is also trending on social media, as different women spread the word. Be sure to join the movement. Visit the Facebook page Kingdom Development Initiative to see pictures and coverage of previous events. You can also visit www.kdinitiative.com or send an e-mail to info@kdinitiative.com to find out how you can be a part of the experience. E
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SELF-MADE thanks to social media
Many women locally are using social media to supplement their income and kick-start their careers. Here’s how they do it. M AY 2 0 1 6
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CAREER EOA
ocial media is much more than just a platform to see what green-smoothie people are drinking, or where to enjoy brunch on the weekend. In fact, social networking takes up to 28 percent of our total time spent on the internet, according to the Global Web Index. Today, it’s also a place where many women are making a name for themselves – along with a salary. But being a social media entrepreneur is not about tweeting before bed; it takes time, practice and honesty.
ARE YOU AN INFLUENCER? The common buzzword used in social media marketing channels these days is influencer. It’s these influencers who are making the money. But what is an influencer? “Locally, a social media influencer is someone with a relatively large following on a social platform (usually more than 1 000 followers or friends), whose audience engages with content published by the individual and talks about similar topics,” says Samantha Wright, a specialist in content and sales at Webfluential, a company which pairs influencers to brands. “They’re ideally able to influence the purchasing decisions of their audience based on their opinions,” she adds, which, essentially, means that brands pay them to promote products – in the hopes that their followers will want to keep up with this particular Jones, by opening their wallets. And it’s gaining popularity. “Every major brand has incorporated influencer marketing into their media strategies for 2016,” says Wright. “A hundred and twentyfive (125) marketers reported in AdWeek that Influencer Marketing is the fastest-growing customer acquisition tactic dethroning organic search. And 59 percent of marketers worldwide plan to increase their influencer marketing budget in 2016.”
WORDS: KIM GARNER. IMAGE: TINTUP.COM.
GETTING STARTED But before you frantically start e-mailing Nike asking for shoes to share on your Instagram, know that it doesn’t work that way. If you want in, you have to grow your name, slowly and steadily first. “You don’t start as an influencer. You start as a writer and a person with a passion for a subject you want to share with the world,” says Misha Coetzee, influencer, digital marketing manager, and editor of Brandslut.co.za. “You write as often as you can and you share your content with your social network. You grow organically through love, time and dedication,” she advises, emphasising, “It’s incredibly time consuming and is a slow burn. You won’t have a huge following overnight, but you’ll get there. Mine has taken six years to build.” And then, when you’ve eventually become a popular voice on a topic, brands will want to get involved. But can you really make any cash? Sometimes you get paid in trade exchanges, where brands offer you product in return for content. But, as Wright says, “Free
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stuff is definitely not payment. Payment equals money. An average job payout on Webfluential is $140 (about R2 300). Some influencers can charge up to $4 000 (about R64 700) a tweet.” And while the local industry has some catching up to do in terms of paying for this kind of content, money is fast becoming the norm. Thithi Nteta, local fashion blogger of thithiiswithme.co.za and influencer whose blog does supplement her income “quite a bit” says, “I have come to realise that my time is really valuable, so I never accept any offers that do not come with monetary compensation. My comeback is always that I can’t pay my photographer or medical aid with a voucher,” she adds. Most local influencers still have to have fulltime jobs.
MAKING IT WORK If you want to really have a pull for brands and maintain a loyal following (crucial for getting more work), then you have to remain truthful. Authenticity is the difference between a good influencer and a nobody with nothing to offer. “Publishing content that doesn’t resonate with your audience or has a sort of ‘fakeness’ to it is bad practice,” explains Wright. “The moment the content is not authentic, the audience will see right through you and move on. It’s important to choose to form relationships with brands you are passionate about and that your audience will love too. Simply taking any jobs that come your way (for freebies) will lower your influence quickly.”
USING IT AS A CAREER LADDER Sure, you might build up a following and start to make money from being an influencer, but that’s not the only way working on social media is going to help you in the future. Having a strong social media presence could help you get a job – and start your own business. For Nteta, her blog and following helped her get more writing work, which she says she loves. Coetzee says her blog has helped her grow her professional career in many ways. “A previous employer really liked the fact that I had a large social media following and understood the digital marketing realm – and this helped me get the job,” she says. “I’m also in the process of launching a side business to the South African market and the community I’ve grown across social media will help immensely in terms of marketing.” The world has changed and there are a host of new social and digital jobs that didn’t exist a few years ago. And, yes, you can have a piece of that pie, but don’t think it’s going to be ‘likes’ and ‘hearts’ all the way to the bank. Treat it as a business, stay authentic, and you’ll reap the rewards.
Check out Essaysofafrica.com for tips on how to work your way to being an influencer online. E
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HOW TO LIVE
YOUR LIFE
CREATIVELY We look at how you can tap into your gifts in order to live your most creative life. “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” This quote has largely been attributed to the late, great Maya Angelou. Largely known as a poet, Angelou also moulded her creativity into jobs as a music store clerk, a cook at a Creole restaurant, a Calypso singer, a magazine editor, an actress and many more. Author and speaker, Elizabeth Gilbert, has written a book that may have the answers. Called Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, the self-help book was published in 2015 and has received generally favourable reviews. Here, Gilbert, who is also the author of the very popular Eat, Pray, Love, gives practical tips on how to tell your fear it can come on a creative journey with you, but it has to sit in the backseat of the car while you drive. The book came to be through anecdotes from her own life and others, whose lives have been made better spiritually, financially and otherwise by their creativity.
CREATIVITY… WHAT IS THAT? The general perception is that creativity is the term used to describe quitting a steady job in pursuit of the life of a struggling artist. But consciousness coach, Tshepiso Ramotsehoa, says that’s incorrect. “People don’t consider the simple ways of starting or continuing a creative journey,” she explains. “It’s learning a new language, or watching a live jazz band, or going to a museum or gallery. “There is so much our environment has to offer; we just need to plug into it, without expectation, and be open to what each experience has to offer,” Ramotsehoa adds.
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“Each experience is a gift to your creative self that may open you up to possibilities you never thought of, and that’s the whole point.”
OVERCOMING MONOTONY If you’ve had a nagging feeling to break out of the monotony of your daily routine and do something creative with your time, you may not know where to start. Finding a coach is a good place to begin. As Ramotsehoa says, “My work opens a safe space for people to have an honest look at what they really want to create in their lives and who they need to be to create that which they want. For some people it takes a number of sessions to gain the courage and clarity that will create a shift for them. The coaching relationship is a safe space for people to be authentic, which is why it works so well.”
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION Creativity doesn’t always result in one being in the spotlight. Sometimes it’s gardening or learning how to play a flugelhorn for your own amusement. One of the lessons imparted in Big Magic is one’s need to take their creativity ‘seriously but not too seriously’. Ramotsehoa agrees with this. “It needs to be taken seriously because it’s a gift that needs to be nurtured, like anything important in life,” she explains. ”So learn your art, invest in yourself and be open and honest with yourself. “Not taking it too seriously means not being attached to a shift happening in a particular way, timeframe or manner, not labouring on when you’re feeling stuck, which is difficult when your creativity pays the bills. Being attached creates an expectation of self
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SElf-EMPOWERMENT EOA and creativity that may hinder what you deliver in the end.”
GET STARTED Gilbert says creative ideas tend to float into the lives of whoever is open. If you don’t use them, they move on to the next person. “So often we hear people share how they had a particular idea years ago or they were just thinking about something or the other. We need to remember that ideas want to manifest and either you’re going to make it happen or they’ll look for someone who will,” cautions Ramotsehoa.
KEEP SECRETS It’s not always required for one to make their creativity public. But sometimes, sharing may result in you gaining naysayers – even from the people closest to you. Ramotsehoa says it’s important to remember that your creativity is about you and only you. As soon as you open a door for others’ thoughts and opinions, you lose the authentic purpose and objective of your ‘project’. If you need to keep your projects a secret, do so.” E
WORDS: HELEN HERIMBI. IMAGE: pixabay.
“Take yourself on … an artist date, which is described as ‘a once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore something that interests you’.”
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PART-TIME CREATIVITY
So you can’t quit your nine-to-five job right away, but you have the desire to fulfil your creative side? Here are some practical ways that you can embark on this journey: • Do something you’ve never done before. Look fear in the face and dare to do the thing that you’ve wanted to do, but have been too afraid to tackle. Do you feel like there is a supressed artist somewhere deep inside of you, but you’re not sure if that fits into your corporate job? Take a painting class after hours. • Go somewhere you’ve never been before. Take yourself on what self-help guru, Julia Cameron, calls an artist date, which is described as ‘a once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore something that interests you’. • Explore new literature and expand your worldview. Interested in a particular creative avenue? Read all about it. This will open your mind up to possibilities of you engaging your creativity. E
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IN THE LAND OF
MOTHERLESS
DAUGHTERS Mother’s Day can be the toughest day of the year for those who have lost the most important woman in their lives. “There is an emptiness inside of me – a void that will never be filled. No one in your life will ever love you as your mother does. There is no love as pure, unconditional and strong as a mother's love. And I will never be loved that way again.” Hope Edelman wrote the above in her powerful book on experiencing the loss of a mother, Motherless Daughters: The Legacy of Loss. Written in 1994, it was the first to chronicle the emotional terrain a woman travels when she loses a mother. She wrote the book because she couldn’t find help in the library as a 17-year-old struggling with her mother’s death from breast cancer. “When a mother dies, a daughter’s mourning never completely ends,” Edelman wrote. “Motherless women have always intuitively known this.” Feeling confused and alone, Edelman decided to channel her grief into research for the book. She interviewed hundreds of mother-loss
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survivors and used their experiences, as well as her own story, to delve into the profound and farreaching effects of this loss.
LOST AT SEA As revealed by the shared experiences of those who lost their mothers at a young age, the absence of a nurturing hand shapes a woman’s identity throughout her lifespan. According to therapist and expert on grief, Irene Keller, daughters who lose their mothers prematurely share certain qualities. These can include a keen sense of isolation, a sharp awareness of their own mortality, and a strong desire to give their own children the kind of mothering they lost or never had. “There’s a sense they share of feeling adrift in the world,” says Keller, whose own mother died when she was just seven. “Lonely, and often needy, but also not wanting to need anyone because that’s too scary.”
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WORDS: CARYN THANDI PETERSEN. IMAGES: DESIGN TO CONFIRM.
RELATIONSHIPS EOA
“Motherless daughters are often more appreciative of care from older women, as they are also forced to look inwards in order to emulate the maternal love they lack.” The grief that accompanies the early loss of a mother can ebb and flow throughout a daughter’s life. Zolani Mahola, of Freshlyground fame, has spoken openly about the pain associated with growing up motherless. Mahola lost her mother at the tender age of six, when she passed away during childbirth. The full impact of the loss was felt when Mahola was a teenager, without a soft place to land during the tumultuous passage into adulthood. Freshlyground’s second album, Nomvula, was dedicated to Mahola’s mother and
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to those who raised her – particularly her father, with whom she has a close bond. Countless women who lost their mothers during childhood – or grew up entirely motherless – affirm the crucial need for young girls to have positive female role models in their lives. Motherless daughters are often more appreciative of care from older women, as they are also forced to look inwards in order to emulate the maternal love they lack.
it. “There is no time frame for grief,” says Worden. It tends to be triggered during significant milestones, such as a graduation or a wedding. For women who have lost their mothers, Worden suggests that the goal is to integrate the mourning into their lives and accept that it is part of what makes them who they are.
SCAR THAT NEVER HEALS
MOTHER’S DAY FOR MOTHER-LOSS SURVIVORS
“I lost my mother when I was 10,” shares 35-year-old Mandlakazi from the Eastern Cape. “For a long time I felt like I didn’t have an identity. I couldn’t form proper relationships, not even with girlfriends. I became insecure and clingy too quickly, or completely distrustful.” According to Keller, losing a mother can have a profound effect on a daughter’s sense of identity. Many can feel like orphans, even with a father and close family members still around. This can affect other relationships, as they feel especially distant from their peers. “In intimate relationships, motherless daughters can be far more needy because they’re trying to fill that void,” says Keller. “They try to find in their intimate partners that nurturing that they used to get from their moms.” To prevent this, she suggests that motherless women seek insight into their behaviour and find other resources to gain that nurturing, such as a friend or maternal figure. It took years of therapy and healing for Mandlakazi to feel grounded and comfortable in her relationships. Although she is now able to accept and give love with greater ease, the sense of emptiness never leaves her. “When I had my daughter two years ago, the sadness was almost unbearable at times,” she admits. This, too, is common for women who grew up without a mother, with the grief peaking during pregnancy and at the birth of their first child. “When you become a mother yourself, you want to be mothered.” No matter what age a woman loses her mother, the deprivation can feel overwhelming. As pointed out by grief expert, J. William Worden, one of the greatest myths about grief is that a day will come when we “get over it”. Grief is a normal reaction to a significant loss and something we learn to carry as we go on to live our lives, but we never get over
The month of May can be particularly painful for motherless daughters, with Mother’s Day serving as a sad reminder of their loss. Whether you grew up motherless or lost your mother along the way, Hope Edelman has some helpful advice for coping with the holiday and injecting it with new meaning. 1. Connect to other motherless daughters Reach out to a friend or other women you know who lost their mothers, too. Create a new tradition of celebrating brunch together, swapping stories and finding comfort in each other’s memories.
2. Make your mother part of the day
If she liked to cook, make one of her recipes. Tell your children or nieces and nephews a favourite story about her. Recognising her will feel better than trying to push the memory away. If you don’t have any memories, reach out to others who knew her to find out what she was like. 3. Celebrate life Use the day to honour the life that she gave you. Get your hands into the earth and plant seedlings. Volunteer your time at an old age home. Do what nurtures and inspires you most. 4. Maintain a connection Stay close to your mother by wearing a piece of her jewellery. Get a Mother’s Day card and write a message to her, putting your emotions and thoughts into words. Buy a bunch of her favourite flowers and visit her gravesite or most cherished spot for some quiet reflection. 5. Find a surrogate mother Be it an older woman with whom you feel a maternal bond or an aunt who played a pivotal role in your upbringing, spend time with someone who can fill that void and comfort you with her love. E
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HOW MUCH SEX IS EVERYONE ACTUALLY HAVING?
Once a month, twice a week, every day… and then twice over weekends? When it comes to ‘normal’ couples’ sex lives, how often is everyone doing it? ften the burning question we tend to deliberate is just how often other couples are having sex. Many couples want to know how they measure up – are we not having enough sex or are we doing it too much? When it comes to making whoopee with your partner, what is an acceptable average?
HOW MUCH? Sadly, if you’re looking for a straight answer, you’re probably not going to find one. The amount of times couples get hot and heavy
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between sheets isn’t a black and white issue. If you’re dead set on getting a number, Leandie Buys, a clinical sexologist from Port Elizabeth says, “The national average for sexual intercourse between couples is 2.8 times per week.” But before you start counting to see how you compare, know that these kinds of numbers, in fact, mean very little. ”This is the average,” cautions Buys. “Some couples are happy with once a week, and other couples have sex five times a week. It is very important to understand that all relationships are different, and couples should never compare their relationship with someone else’s.”
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SEX & INTiMaCY INTIMACY EOA
“The ‘three-times-a-week’ rule is a relationship killer. Firstly, sex does not follow rules and secondly, every relationship is different.”
with three times a week seeming to be a happy medium. But Buys says, “The ‘three-times-a-week’ rule is a relationship killer. Firstly, sex does not follow rules and secondly, every relationship is different.”
CURB THE PANIC The problem with fixating on how much sex you’re having – and trying to live up to a goal in the process – is that you’re actually putting strain on your relationship. “Couples who put pressure on themselves to perform will only find themselves feeling frustrated and unfulfilled in their relationship,” says Buys. She adds, “The only thing a couple can compare their relationship to is itself. Is it better or worse than it was? Are we living up to our own expectations? If a couple starts comparing their relationship with other people’s, they will only end up finding all the faults.” The bottom line is, if you’re both happy with how much sex you’re having – there is nothing to worry about.
WORDS: KIM GARNER. IMAGE: huffingtonpost.ca.
AN UNHAPPY MEDIUM
In fact, you shouldn’t even try, because everyone’s sex schedule is so different that you’d never get a clear idea. “Busy couples, for example, on average have sex every tenth day – so three times a month,” says Elna McIntosh, a clinical sexologist from Johannesburg. “But I see couples for sex problems that range from an unconsummated marriage for years (so no sex at all for years) to hyper-sexuality, which can mean more than once a day.” There’s just no general rule, it seems. There are many rumours that circulate about how much sex is the right amount,
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Of course, sex frequency can cause tension, especially when you both have different ideas about how much nookie you’d like. “The only time it should become an issue is when one person in the relationship wants sex a lot more than the other, and it starts to cause conflict, tension and resentment in the relationship,” says McIntosh. When this happens, the condition is called desire discrepancy, and it is common. “Although you and your partner are separate entities with distinct sexual appetites, the fact is you have the same amount of sex with your partner as your partner has with you – same place, same time, and in the same positions. When you think of it in such terms, it's hardly surprising that libido imbalance, or desire discrepancy, is such a common problem in long-term relationships,” explains McIntosh. These can especially pop up in longterm relationships. “Don’t be surprised if it happens to your relationship, but don’t sweep it under the rug either. A libido gap that’s left unaddressed is likely to widen over time,” cautions McIntosh. Talk to your partner and sort out these issues when they arise.
NOT TONIGHT, BABE And, what if that discrepancy falls under the ‘too little’ sex banner. If you’ve suddenly started worrying that your sex life
is waning, could it spell bigger issues in your relationship? Does less sex equal less love? “Sometimes, having less sex can be an indicator that something bigger is going on in the relationship, but it certainly should not be the only yardstick,” says McIntosh. “Many things can affect how often you’re having sex, including stress, illness, medication, travelling, work pressure… the list goes on.” Before placing all your relationship problems at the bedroom door, look at what else is happening in your relationship. Are there other issues that have arisen? Is this a new problem or an on-going one? And, if you are truly concerned, talk to your partner or seek help. “A therapist will help the couple to understand each other’s libido and might uncover hidden reasons why the one person’s libido is lower than the other’s,” explains Buys.
If you and your partner want different levels of sex, and it’s causing conflict, try these tips from Elna McIntosh. 1. S top blaming and realise that the partner who wants more sex or less sex is not abnormal or wrong. 2. D o it yourself and invite masturbation into your sex life. This can equalise the sexual pressure between partners with different sex drives. 3. M ake it a mental thing. If you have a higher libido than your partner, cut back on activities/ erotica that stoke your desire. If you are the one with the lower libido, try fantasising or touching yourself before you engage in sex with your partner. 4. T each your partner how to prepare you for sex. If you’re the slow-to-warm-up type, a body massage, foot rub, or a few minutes of no-pressure cuddling may help ease you into a more receptive frame of mind. 5. S plit the difference and try to compromise. Alternate between doing what the higher-libido partner wants versus what the lower-libido partner wants, and doing something in-between, such as bringing one partner to orgasm without involving the other partner in full-blown sex. E
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EOA PARENTING
EXPOSED: CONFESSIONS OF SINGLE MOTHERS A loving, supportive partner can make all the difference when you become a mother, but what happens when there is no second parent? Peta Daniel asked single moms to share what they believe to be their most important tip for other moms out there.
“Her spontaneous motherhood was the craziest and most natural thing she had done.”
LEIGH DUDDY (43)
Business consultant, Cape Town While most mothers do not rear their children alone by choice, Leigh made the decision to become a single mother and is thoroughly content with it. She explains, “I always knew I wanted to be a mom. I thought I would be the first of my friends to have children but, as it turns out, I had a lot to fit into life first! I lived in Chile, London and USA, completed my studies and eventually settled down in Cape Town when, before I knew it, I had lived a full 40 years and Mr Right had not yet bothered to pitch up.” She was faced with a decision: do I live out my dream and become a mom, all alone? Leigh decided that as she was single, adoption was the obvious choice. It made perfect sense to love a child who was already here. “Typically, with adoption, there is a process of screening, preparing and waiting which can take years. After I started the process, my sister-in-law called me about a child who was ‘perfect for me’. I laughed at her naivety,” she shares. “I let myself be coerced into visiting the child in Johannesburg. ‘It’s good research,’ I thought. I was turning 40 in three days and in about a year, if all went well, I would be a mom.” And then Leigh met Lyla. She was five-and-a-half months old and Leigh felt butterflies in her tummy when she smiled. “My mind practically exploded. I had my plan: become a mom within the year. But then I would see Lyla’s smile in my head…” Two days after turning 40 Leigh met Lyla’s social worker and that night she started Googling baby names. “Lyla means ‘dark beauty’ and when I wrote it down I knew it would be her name. Six weeks later Lyla was assigned to my care and I became a mom,” she enthuses. Lyla’s first few months with her new mother were quite chaotic: there was no nursery prepared; Leigh was not on maternity leave; she didn’t have a nanny, and she hadn’t spent months planning. But it
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didn’t matter. Her spontaneous motherhood was the craziest and most natural thing she had done. “I naïvely imagined that everyone would be as excited about Lyla as I was and that would create the support I needed. The reality is that while people cared, they are all busy and have their own lives,” Leigh continues. “One of the pros of being a single mom working from home, is that I get to do more fun stuff with Lyla during the day and can catch up on work or friends at night, without it impacting a relationship. There are times when I think it is easier being a
single mom. I see my friends’ irritation with partners who may not be doing their fair share, debates about who will change the next undesirable nappy. I don’t have to worry about that. I never have those debates with my nanny.” Leigh does sometimes have twinges of remorse at not having a partner on this journey with her: “When I see dads throwing their kids around. Or my friends who alternate nights on and off – I would love to be able to go to evening yoga classes again. However, when I chose to become a mom I knew that would be my reality and I’m content with it.”
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“I fell pregnant when I was in matric. I was living with my daughter’s father, James, and his family, but when he found out his first words were: ‘It’s not mine’.” SARAH-KATE TIMM (24)
Administrative assistant from Grahamstown Sarah had her child before she could get a tertiary education and then left her abusive partner to raise her daughter alone. “I fell pregnant when I was in matric. I was living with my daughter’s father, James, and his family but when he found out his first words were: ‘It’s not mine’,” Sarah-Kate reveals. “He tried to force me to have an abortion, but I held firm. A few hours after I had Jamie, I wrote my final matric exam in hospital. James had on occasion been violent but never enough to make Sarah think that she was in danger. When Jamie was two months old they got into an argument. “He kicked me off the bed, grabbed me around the neck and punched me in the face repeatedly,” she says. “My stepdad forcefully removed him from the house. It was the last time my daughter or I ever saw him.”
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Sarah and her baby moved in with her parents, where she received so much support and help. Shortly afterwards, she was able to move into her own place with her little girl. She is financially independent and it’s a good feeling, although it has been difficult to maintain a love life. “My previous boyfriend wanted me all to himself, but my focus had to be on my daughter. My current boyfriend is very understanding of my responsibilities and is great with my daughter,” Sarah explains. “It took me a long time to trust the situation enough to let him meet her, but things are going really well. She really regrets never getting a tertiary education and although she is still exploring her options, Sarah knows it will be very difficult to support her child and herself and get a degree. “The best advice I can give to anyone in my position is to focus on your education first and foremost and never let yourself be treated badly by anyone!”
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PARENTING EOA KUHLE DLULANI* (24)
PHOTOGRAPH OF LEIGH AND LYLA DUDDY BY VIVID IMAGES. SARAH-KATE TIMM: SUPPLIED.
Petrol station supervisor and vehicle parts controller from KZN Kuhle* has faced a painful separation from her partner, Jama*, against both their wills. She explains that she had her daughter in August 2012. “Three weeks before,” Kuhle reveals, “her baby’s father was incarcerated for the rape of a minor. It was a bittersweet moment, giving birth to my little girl and knowing that her father would not witness her first breath. Jama used to live with his exfianceé and her family in the Eastern Cape. In 2010, his fianceé’s younger sister accused him of raping her multiple times and they opened a case against him. In 2011, he moved to KZN where he met Kuhle and they fell in love. She believes that he is completely innocent. “When we found out that we were going to have Khanyisa*, our daughter, in December 2011,” Kuhle says, “we were thrilled and I didn’t think much about the case as their ‘evidence’ was so insubstantial.” However, in July 2012 Jama was found guilty and sentenced to 18 years behind bars. He is serving his sentence 800 kilometres away. “My sentence: working three jobs to support my daughter, living with my mother and waiting for the weekly phone calls and the 30 minute visits with Jama every three months,” the mother says sadly.
SUZANNE STEVENS (43)
Executive director at BrightRock in Johannesburg She has a six- and seven-year-old, and while she is not a single mom, she is a hardworking career woman. Suzanne shares some of her own hard-learned lessons. 1. Financial stability I can only salute single parents. Going it alone takes extraordinary courage and effort. When there’s no second breadwinner to take up the slack if something should happen to you, making sure your children are financially provided for is critical.
2. Let go of the notion of a work/life balance It implies two opposite forces that need to be weighed up against each other. I have learnt to lead one life that combines my role as a professional and as a mother. 3. Routine brings comfort The third lesson I’ve learnt is to give my little people a predictable routine. Knowing each day’s rhythm makes children feel content and safe. 4. Lose the guilt Shed any guilt foisted upon you by outof-date notions of motherhood. As a fulfilled, caring, working mother, you are a wonderful role model to your children.
“It was a bittersweet moment giving birth to my little girl and knowing that her father would not witness her first breath.” Kuhle believes that if this horrible, unfair thing hadn’t happened to Jama, they would be living in their own home and she would be a stay-at-home mom, able to witness her daughter reach her milestones and enjoying life with her wonderful partner. Khanyisa is now two years and seven months old and the joy of her mother’s life. “If I had to live the past few years over again, I would have the same attitude as I do now,” Kuhle says with conviction. “Jama and Khanyisa are my family and I will stick by them, make the necessary sacrifices and wait patiently and hopefully until my family can be together again. It is incredibly hard, but I have to keep rising above it and keep faith that things happen for a reason.” * Names changed for privacy.
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SUZANNE’S TOP TIPS FOR SINGLE PARENTS
Life insurance is absolutely critical. Make sure that you get the best value for money, rather than the lowest premium and choose the right company for your needs. Cover yourself for disability and income protection and make sure that, should something happen to you, you are insured on any debt. Get insurance as early as possible as when you are young and healthy, you will get a better deal.
Share your single mother confessions with us at letters@ essaysofafrica.com or Facebook: essayofafrica E
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MATERNITY LEAVE: AN UPHILL BATTLE Women comprise almost half of South Africa’s skilled workforce, yet to what extent are working mothers protected in the workplace? EOA investigates the issue of maternity leave. m ay 2 0 1 6
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NEWS REPORT EOA he fight for legislated maternity leave has been a cornerstone of gender equality activism around the world. Recently, it has become a major talking point for candidates in the 2016 US presidential race and a trending topic in dozens of countries where governments, and certain multinationals, are finally waking up to the urgent need for reform. Since the first Convention of Maternity Protection, adopted in 1919, it has been a primary concern for the International Labour Organization (ILO). The intersection of work and maternity forms a crucial focal point for their efforts to improve both health and equality.
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More than 50 percent of countries around the world meet the standard requirements of the ILO, providing a maternity leave period of at least 14 weeks. South Africa, along with over half of the continent, meets this standard. But when it comes to economic security, we’ve got a long way to go. According to ILO Convention 183, the minimum requirement for cash benefits paid during maternity leave should be at least twothirds of a woman’s previous earnings. Over 40 percent of African countries meet this requirement, with many African countries paying women 100 percent of their salary for 14 weeks, including Senegal and Zimbabwe. Rwanda is the most recent African country to amend its maternity protection laws, granting women a 12week leave at 100 percent salary payment. Although the UIF provides financial support for the full duration of a woman’s maternity leave in South Africa, for many women in the corporate sector the funds are nowhere near enough to support themselves and their newborn baby – particularly since a lot of households are run by single moms. Thandeka, a 28-year-old single mom and PA from Johannesburg, confessed that she had to return to work just a few weeks after giving birth. “It was either that or move back home and risk losing my job, since I couldn’t afford rent plus all the costs that come with a baby.” The UIF benefits range from 38 percent to 58 percent of a woman’s gross salary, although this is capped at an amount of just over R5 000 per month.
“Although the UIF provides financial support for the full duration of a woman’s maternity leave in South Africa, for many women in the corporate sector the funds are nowhere near enough to support themselves and their newborn baby – particularly since a lot of households are run by single moms.”
In South Africa, prior to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) of 1997, women were forced to use up their annual leave in order to take care of their newborn baby, not to mention recover from the physical and emotional strain of pregnancy and childbirth. Without the protection of the BCEA, pregnant women and mothers would have no guarantee of economic security in the workplace. The South African constitution and labour laws enshrine the rights of working mothers and protect women from discrimination related to pregnancy. Under the BCEA, all pregnant women in South Africa are entitled to four months of maternity leave. Since companies are not legally obliged to provide paid maternity leave, women can claim from the Unemployment Insurers Fund (UIF) for the duration of their leave. These laws are an important aspect of ensuring gender equity in the workplace; whether applying for a job or taking leave, pregnant women cannot be treated unfairly. Compared to where we were two decades ago, this legislation represents a monumental shift in the attitude of policymakers towards women’s rights. Yet, compared to many countries across the continent and the globe, we are lagging far behind.
e ssays of A f r i c a
THE FIGHT FOR ECONOMIC SECURITY
MOTHERHOOD PENALTY
NGOs and trade unions in South Africa have noted the inconsistencies in our legislation – and the enforcement thereof – which make women feel punished for bearing children. According to the Gender Forum Chair for Cosatu, Sharone Daniels, the law needs to change in order to accommodate women. Daniels, along with other gender rights activists, has been campaigning for a longer period of maternity leave with better benefits, allowing new mothers to properly bond with their baby.
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This matter is compounded by the lack of flexibility afforded to women returning to work from maternity leave. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that mothers should breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of a baby’s life. The organisation is unequivical about the benefits of nursing babies for the babies, mothers, children and the economy. For most working women in South Africa, however, this is simply not feasible. In her report for HR Pulse, the Deputy CEO of Aon Hewitt, Ndivhuwo Manyonga, urged companies to be more flexible with new mothers. “If more companies are encouraged to offer a flexible returnto-work programme for new mothers, together with hygienic facilities and arrangements that allow mothers to express and then store their breast-milk while at work, more choices will at least be opened up to the new mother,” she stated. A child’s first two years of life is a common focus area for early childhood development, with organisations such as Unicef pointing to the detrimental effects of inadequate parental leave and support. Numerous studies have also shown a stark increase in postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety for new mothers having to return to work too soon.
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Though we may have far to go when it comes to parental leave, we can at least be thankful that our laws are nothing like the laws of the United States of America (USA). The USA is the only developed nation in the world that does not mandate paid leave for new mothers. As a result, the vast majority of women get no paid leave at all and almost a quarter of new mothers are back on the job within two weeks of giving birth. This has led to lower rates of breastfeeding and childhood immunisations along with higher rates of infant mortality, childhood obesity and depression in mothers. The tech industry is leading the way when it comes to bucking this trend, with Virgin Group and Netflix extending paid leave to a year for new parents. Amazon likewise expanded its benefits to 20 weeks of paid leave for birth mothers, with the option to share six weeks of paid leave with a partner. Similar benefits have been introduced for all employees of Facebook, Microsoft and Adobe. This comes as more corporations are recognising the advantages of retaining female employees and their expertise. When Google increased their paid maternity leave to 18 weeks, they halved the rate at which new mothers quit. In South Africa, Pick n Pay is held up as the best model in the country, allowing 11 months of maternity leave, nine of which are paid. The retailer gives fathers eight days of paid paternity leave, with shared parental leave given if both parents work for the company. We can only hope that more employers wake up to the numerous long-term benefits of paid parental leave, as it empowers not only mothers and children, but society as a whole. E
“If more companies are encouraged to offer a flexible return-to-work programme for new mothers, together with hygienic facilities and arrangements that allow mothers to express and then store their breast milk while at work, more choices will at least be opened up to the new mother.”
Last year, the United Kingdom introduced a law on shared parental leave, giving parents of a newborn child or an adopted child up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay that can be shared between parents. This is in addition to the compulsory leave of two weeks afforded to new mothers. The law came into effect in order to promote equality in the workplace and the home, supporting the notion that the tasks of childcare cannot be the sole responsibility of women. “For too long, mums have been told their place is at home with their child, while dads return to work. I want parents to choose for themselves how to balance work and family,” stated the UK’s Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg.
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COMPANIES BUCKING THE TREND
WORDS: CARYN THANDI PETERSEN. IMAGE: hellobeautiful.com.
WHERE ARE THE FATHERS?
Shared parental leave exists throughout most of the EU, with countries such as Sweden allowing parents 18 months of shared leave per child. In Kenya, men are entitled to 14 days paternity leave with full pay, while Cameroon allows 10 days a year. South Africa is in stark contrast, with a dismal three days of family responsibility leave afforded to fathers.
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PUT THOSE CIGARETTES DOWN NOW! Everyone knows that smoking is bad for you. This Anti-Tobacco Month, we look at tried and tested methods so that you too can finally quit your nicotine habit.
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f the 44 000+ South Africans that die of tobacco-related illnesses annually, many are women. This is according to The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), which lists tobacco use as ‘the single most preventable cause of cancer, including other noncommunicable diseases.’ The rise of excessive tobacco use and addiction in black women has been attributed to work stress and societal pressures, as well as campaigns that targeted black women in tertiary institutions.
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health EOA FIVE RELIABLE WAYS TO BREAK THE HABIT
Smokers can try one of the following five ways to kick the habit, based on the advice from people who have used them. 1. Cold Turkey Easier said than done but not impossible. Here’s how Phumzile Gumede (31) just quit. “I started smoking at the age of 17 and to be honest, I thought cool people smoked. I dated a guy for seven years who was a smoker, so that gave us something in common. Making friends was also easier because you can share a cigarette or lighter with a stranger and spark up a conversation. But I hated the burning feeling in my chest when I did physical exercise.” Gumede continues, “That got me thinking about the reasons why I smoked. I realised that my smoking was driven by social reasons and if I could socialise without smoking, then I would later manage to kick the habit. Once I understood my motivation for smoking, I reduced the number of cigarettes I smoked per day. I hung out with people that didn't smoke and decided to drink less to control the craving.” She adds, “Smoking started hurting my chest, tasting ugly and smelling bad. I tried to quit in 2005 but I relapsed while at a party and it felt good to smoke again. But the feeling didn’t last.” It’s been 14 months since Gumede quit and she advises that if you want to quit, you need to identify your triggers. There are certain people close to you or certain routines, like getting into your car, or an after-work drink, that stimulate the craving. According to Gumede, once you know what your triggers are, you can make a conscious decision to limit your interaction with them or interact with them differently.
WORDS: HELEN HERIMBI. IMAGE: drantoniohowell.com.
“I would finish a project or wash the dishes and then have a smoke as a treat. That’s the trap with cigarettes; they play so many roles in your life that you feel you need them.” 2. Hypnotherapy Some people have found that being facilitated into sub-consciousness helps, where they can unpack reasons and solutions to breaking bad habits like smoking. This is done through hypnotherapy, which falls under the psychotherapy umbrella, where one is hypnotised. 3. Medication Also known as Bupropion, Zyban is a tablet that is administered orally. The tablet does not contain nicotine, but it helps to suppress the craving for it. It also curbs the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. Zyban is not suitable for people who are already taking medication
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to treat depression or people who have eating disorders or seizures. Varenicline tartrate is a newer medication available on prescription that is sold under the brand name Champix® and can be a great addition to your quit-smoking plan. 4. The Allen Carr Method Allen Carr is a British ex-chain smoker turned self-help author who focused on cigarette and alcohol addiction. Zama Nkosi (32) read his book The Easy Way To Stop Smoking (first published in 1985) and it helped her quit. “I was 21 and going through a tough emotional time,” she says. “[Smoking] started off socially and then became a habit. It was a great distraction and a companion in a strange way. If you’re waiting for friends at a restaurant, you don’t feel so lonely because you are doing something: smoking. Nkosi adds, “It was also a reward; I would finish a project or wash the dishes and then have a smoke as a treat. That’s the trap with cigarettes; they play so many roles in your life that you feel you need them. I was smoking at least a box a day and starting to get a morning cough. One morning, after a night of heavy smoking (I would smoke up to two boxes on a heavy night out), I could barely breathe. With the history of cancer in my family, I was really pushing my luck. Vanity also became a bit of a factor; my lips were purple and I didn’t like that. I couldn’t see how reading a book could help me break my box-a-day habit, but I sat down one weekend and read Allen Carr’s. It worked for me. When I was done with the book, I was basically done with being a smoker. It’s been two and a half years since I stopped smoking and although I still have some moments when I miss cigarettes, I just know how hard it was for me to eventually quit and I don’t want to jeopardise that. I feel great since I quit – that’s a feeling I want to keep.” Carr’s Easyway Clinics have branches all over the world and on the continent you can visit any of the South African clinics (0861 100 200) that are in the major metropoles. 5. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) This treatment takes into account the plight of people who want to quit smoking, but can’t do it in a day. The therapy comes in the form of a skin patch, gum, lozenges, inhalers and a nasal spray. All of these contain a very low dose of tobacco and none of the toxins found in smoke. The idea is for the smoker to still have a tiny taste of tobacco, while they wean themselves off nicotine entirely at a steady pace. E Have you or someone you know quit smoking or other bad habits? Share your story with us at letters@essaysofafrica.com.
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THERAPY… UHM, THANKS, BUT NO THANKS Therapy may be a fairly new concept in black communities, but it seems nobody is more averse to this than the men. We look at why this is the case and how we can ditch the stigma that engaging in therapy is a sign of weakness. s the world evolves, so do our behaviours and views. Over the last decade, we’ve seen a shift in how black men relate to their families and their societies. It’s no longer
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unheard of for a father to be affectionate with his children, including his sons. It’s no longer rare to find a black man who cooks for his partner and kids, and takes on what are usually considered female responsibilities. But there are some things that a large number of black men refuse to budge on, and seeking out psychotherapy is one of them.
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MAN FEATURE EOA
“For as long as admission of not coping with life or with an issue is viewed as a weakness, some people will rather live in emotional turmoil than seek help.” MACHO MAN
WORDS: ZAMA NKOSI-MABUYE. IMAGE: goodtherapy.org.
In many black communities across the continent and the world, actively seeking out therapy has not been a norm. “We have always sought counsel, but mainly from elders and church members. The concept of going to a stranger, even if the stranger is a professional, is new to many of us,” explains Sizakele Mabaso, a Johannesburg-based counsellor. That coupled with the fact that men aren’t socialised to seek help as easily as women, means many barriers have to be crossed. “Men are taught that they have to be ‘man enough’ to solve their own problems. And that is a challenge,” explains Mabaso. Zodwa*, a 36-year-old mother of two, says that she was surprised by how averse to therapy her husband was. “My husband is modern in every possible way, sometimes to the extent that my family say I must have given him muti to be so open and flexible,” she relates. “When we hit a rough patch in our marriage three years ago, I suggested therapy as a last resort in trying to fix things. His refusal was constant and unwavering; even when I said I thought our marriage would end, he didn’t budge.” Zodwa and her husband never went to therapy but luckily for them, they were able to work out their problems. “I feel like my going to therapy helped the situation somewhat, but that also makes me feel like I did all the heavy lifting in fixing our problems. What happens the next time we hit a rough patch? I don’t know what we will do, but I now know that therapy will not be on the cards – at least not for us as a couple.” Mabaso says that this situation is not uncommon. “It can be harmful to relationships when men don’t want to get professional help. It often makes their partners feel like they aren’t willing to do whatever it takes to make things work. And it’s harmful for men as individuals; not wanting to look at your problems means not much change can occur.”
FEAR FACTOR One of the things that some men won’t admit to when it comes to therapy is fear of the unknown. Thato* (49) admits that he also wouldn’t willingly go for therapy. “I don’t know why I would want to tell a stranger my problems, and pay a lot of money for it. It seems like a bit of a scam to be honest,” he says. “For as long as admission of not coping with life or with an issue is viewed as a weakness, some people will rather live in emotional turmoil than
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seek help,” explains Mabaso. The notion that therapy is for people with ‘problems’ is also part of the reason so many are averse to it. “Therapy has been given a bad image in general. But as someone who counsels people, I can confidently say that therapy allows you to see yourself and address your feelings, your thoughts, your past traumas. We don’t stop often to see who we are, where we’ve been and how we can let go of baggage in order to move forward in a healthy way that serves us,” concludes Mabaso.
FIVE SIGNS THAT YOU NEED THERAPY… NOW
1. Trauma – If you’ve just been through a traumatic incident and cannot stop thinking about it, you may need a professional to help you work through your feelings and thoughts. 2. Substance Abuse – If you’ve started using food, alcohol, drugs or sex as a means to distract you from whatever is upsetting you, you need to face the root of the problem. Abuse of substances, including engaging in risqué sexual encounters, is often a sign that an issue needs to be addressed before you hit rock bottom. 3. Shaky Relationships – By the time your loved ones start telling you that they are a bit worried about you, it’s likely that you haven’t been acting like yourself for a while. If your relationships are strained, these could be signs that something is out of place. The people you trust have no reason to lie about you not being okay, so take their concern with some level of seriousness. 4. Lack Of Focus – If you find your performance at work suffering when you’re the kind of person who is usually on top of things, something is probably bothering you. Take time to face it and deal with it. What goes untreated doesn’t disappear. 5. Body Woes – If you’ve been getting sick regularly with random headaches, tummy aches, etc., there’s a chance that you could be repressing your emotions and physically manifesting a mental or emotional issue. E * Names have been changed for purposes of this article.
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EOA MAN Q&A
GLEN LEWIS
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EOA MAN Q&A
Born and raised in Soweto and known to the nation as Malume, Glen Lewis is just a man doing what he loves best, radio. A self-professed couch potato that loves watching sports and cooking shows, Lewis believes that perseverance is the key to success. Q What was your first job? My first job was as a caddie at the Pimville Golf Club in Soweto. I also sold apples at soccer games. After I matriculated, I worked as a clerk for an engineering company.
Q When did you discover your passion for music? I was surrounded by music when I was growing up. My late brother was a musician and every Friday he would buy me a new album. I loved music so much that I used to carry my radio everywhere, including school and soccer practice. Years later I started mimicking radio DJs, at first just for the fun of it, until a friend of mine asked me to accompany him to town to visit his father. I didn’t know that his father was a radio jock and that I would find myself at Atkinhouse, the home of 702 and Swazi Radio at the time. The rest, as they say, is history.
Q How do you manage to juggle being a radio and a club DJ to ensure success as both? It’s easy to juggle the two because most of my club gigs happen on the weekends. I just need to be responsible when doing radio. Preparation is key and I make sure I am on time and never miss a show.
I run a small entertainment company that I named after my two dogs, Skeelo and Pebbles. We don’t specialise in managing events; rather, we work closely with large event operators based on different projects. We love to come up with mind-blowing ideas and turn new products into reality, regardless of whether it is an event, a CD, a radio feature or devising marketing campaigns for clients.
Q How did you overcome any challenges to your career? No one was willing to give me a chance because I was young and inexperienced, coupled with the fact that there were only a few black urban radio stations. I
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relocated to the then Northern Province (now Limpopo) and Bophuthatswana, which had their own radio stations that suited my style.
Q Who inspires you and how have they influenced your outlook on life? People who start anything from scratch inspire me; people who make you realise that nothing is impossible. They prove to everyone that, with sheer determination and passion, anything is possible.
Q What advice can you give youngsters looking to follow in your footsteps? I advise anyone who wants to make it in life to find something that they love and
are passionate about. Then take a chance, don’t listen to negative people – and don’t be scared of failure.
Q If you were to take a different career path, what would it be? Some people have suggested that I get into management because of my experience, be it as a programme or station manager, but I love going out to entertain people. Office work is just not for me.
Q What Does Perseverance Mean To You? Not sleeping. When I want something really badly, I struggle to sleep because I have images in my head of already doing the impossible. E
COMPILED BY: HLULANI MASINGI. IMAGES SUPPLIED BY METRO FM.
Q Tell us about Skeelo & Pebbles Entertainment.
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BEAUTY INTERVIEW EOA
YOUR TRUE MAKE-UP Catching her breath after a full day on set shooting The Voice Nigeria, make-up artist Merlene Williams opens the door into her world and allows us a glimpse of what it’s like to be a sought after make-up artist in South Africa.
Q When and how did you get into the make-up industry? I started in the make-up industry 16 years ago, in 2000. I was going to do physical theatre but after being involved in a serious car accident, I immediately decided to do something with my hands. I’ve always had a thing for ‘fixing’ people and making them look good. Being good at mathematics is a great help because it allows me to see things in balance, which is important in make-up.
Q What do you love most about being a makeup artist? It’s more than making people look good; it’s making people feel good. I’m the type of person who wants people to look and be the best version of who they are and not look like someone else.
Q What sets you apart from other make-up artists?
My inspiration comes from people; it’s important to know what the person whose make-up you are doing likes. I’m easily inspired by trends; I constantly study YouTube, Instagram and just normal people on the street.
Q What are some of the common make-up mistakes you see women making? And what is your advice for working around those? Women follow trends without really checking to see if a technique works. They will apply a nice eyebrow they’ve seen on Instagram, not understanding that the eyebrow they saw requires a lot of foundation to support it. They also don’t step back to see if the make-up they’ve applied actually suits them. It’s important to step back and be honest about whether or not something actually looks good on you.
I have a natural maternal instinct and my strength is that I not only make people look good, but I also serve and take care of people.
Q What are the make-up products new makeup users should invest in?
Q How do you make sure you stay on top of your game in such a competitive industry?
A great foundation, brown eyeliner for eyebrows, the skincare products you use under your make-up and water – drink lots of it. Truly invest in products that work for your skin.
At the moment I’m in a league of my own because I’m the Head of Department for hair, wardrobe and make-up on productions. There aren’t many of us who do that. I’m responsible for the full logistics of the department, executing briefs and recruiting the team for the production.
Q Who/what are some of the top clients/ projects that you’ve worked with and how did that affect your career? COMPILED BY ZELIA-MICHAELS-SHANGASE. IMAGE SUPPLIED BY NERLENE WILLIAMS.
Q Where do you get your inspiration?
I don’t have individuals as clients; I work with production companies like Endemol and Africa Media Production, working on big franchise shows. They have helped me evolve a lot and also allowed me to carve out this niche career for myself.
Q Who is someone in your field that you would you love to work with? Because I’m more about shows right now, my dream job would be to be the HOD on a world cup production or an international show.
Q Your portfolio ranges from weddings to editorial and even TV. Which is your favourite? I do both big and small jobs, but the small jobs are the ones that really touch my spirit. The most rewarding jobs are the weddings and matric dances, where you truly serve someone and make them feel like the best version of who they are. It is such a great feeling to serve someone who thinks highly of you and who is not a celebrity or accustomed to the lifestyle.
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Q What products can a make-up newbie buy for autumn to update their look? A lot of chocolate, rich dark lipsticks, maroon, dark red, dark blue, green and grey. The autumn colours you see in nature are the colours you wear on your lip and matte lip colour will be a big trend. But with matte lip colour you must take care to moisturise your lips at night because they really dry them out. The grungy look stays in trend this autumn with the smoky eye, but be sure to watch your balance once again.
Q What has been your biggest career challenge? The human element is always the biggest challenge because people will never be perfect and you never know what to expect.
Q What advice do you have for young makeup artists that want to get into the industry? Do a lot of work for free in order to get experience. Don’t just study make-up techniques; learn to have work and set etiquette by being on time and arriving with a clean kit. Be a professional and don’t allow compliments to get to your head. It’s not always easy and glamorous; it’s lots of hard work and never-ending study. To stay in this game you have to constantly evolve. E Check out Merlene on Social Media Instagram: Merlenewilliams Facebook: Merlene Williams
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EOA BEAUTY & HEALTH NEWS HAND HYGIENE
Hand hygiene is essential in preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses, such as flu or the common cold. Whether you work with people, food or in the medical field, washing your hands regularly is a prerequisite. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared 5 May World Hand Hygiene Day to encourage good hand hygiene practices. According to WHO, ‘every year, hundreds of millions of patients around the world are affected by health care-associated infections. More than half of these infections could be prevented by caregivers properly cleaning their hands at key moments in patient care.’ So make it a habit to wash your hands throughout the day to prevent contamination and the spread of pathogens. For more info, visit Cute-Calendar.com.
Maybelline New York announced that the striking Tanzanian fashion model, Herieth Paul, has signed on to be the newest face of the brand and join a roster of prominent spokeswomen, including Christy Turlington, Adriana Lima, Cris Urena, Emily DiDonato, Kemp Muhl, Gigi Hadid and Jourdan Dunn. The daughter of a diplomat, Paul was born and raised in Dar es Salaam, the largest city of Tanzania, until she moved to Ottawa, Canada, at the age of 14. After being signed to Women Management in June 2010, Paul’s career took off and she has appeared in numerous global editions of Vogue (US, Italia, Germany and Japan). Herieth is honoured to be able to work for Maybelline and explains, “I love the values of the brand. ‘Make It Happen’ falls right in line with how I live. I have been truly blessed and afforded so many great opportunities and I am thrilled to be part of a brand that celebrates strong, confident and beautiful women around the world.” Visit Maybelline.com for more information.
MATTE LIPSTICK
Matte lipstick is notorious for making lips super dry but don’t despair, there’s a new player in town. GOSH Copanhagen delivers on colour, a matte finish and moisturized lips thanks to a formula enriched with three natural waxes and hyaluronic acid. There are 8 shades in the collection, ranging from Matt Baby Lips (a light nude) to Matt Plum (a deep, plumy purple). They are available for R125 each at all GOSH Copenhagen counters at Edgars and Red Square stores nationwide.
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WORDS: HLULANI MASINGI. SOURCES AND IMAGES: COSMETIX, CUTE-CALENDAR.COM, L’ORÉAL , HYPEHAIR.COM, blog.debmed.com, goshcopenhagen.com.
AFRICA’S FACE OF MAYBELLINE
MAINTAIN YOUR SKIN’S RADIANCE
Just because summer is on the out it doesn’t mean your skincare routine should fade away too. In fact, the colder weather brings a whole new set of challenges for your skin that goes beyond just covering up with a fashionable scarf and warmer clothes. Enhance your skin’s radiance this season the following ways: 1. D rink water to keep your skin well hydrated. 2. E xfoliate your face and body with a gentle scrub to remove dead and dry skin cells at least once a week. 3. C hange your moisturiser for a richer, oil-based one that will prevent your skin from losing its own moisture. 4. Pack the bikinis away, but leave the sunscreen out! South Africa has harsh sun all-year round and the rules regarding applying sunscreen don’t change – wear it every day! 5. It may be tempting to lick your lips when they feel dry, but this will only result in drier, chapped lips. Apply a good lip moisturising balm with a sun protection factor. E
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main BEAUTY EOA
Fewer than 45 percent of women go through life with a full head of hair. We look at traction alopecia and how you can work around it.
lack hair appears denser than Caucasian hair because of the texture, which is springy and taut. This stems from the shape of the follicle or root, which is flattened, as opposed to a round Asian/ Caucasian follicle. “Black hair can be dry and matte, as well as easily prone to breakage when combed and brushed. Black hair also grows slower – approximately 256 micrometres per day – while Caucasian hair grows at approximately 396 micrometres per day,” explains Dr Catherine Davies, from Rejuv-nation Clinic in Sandton, who has a special interest in hair restoration and aesthetics. For South African black women, the leading causes of hair loss are traction, chemicals, diet and stress.
1. TRACTION (OR PULLING) Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss that happens over time. It’s happens as a result of putting the hair under constant strain or tension and is usually caused by one or more of the following: T ight braids or cornrows Dreadlocks P ermanent hair extensions V ery tight ponytails or pigtails H air weaves or wigs attached with glue, clips or tape H eadbands – even fabric ones – worn day after day T ight headgear like cycling helmets that are worn frequently R epeated use of hair rollers. H ave you ever undone a ponytail and found your scalp feels sensitive to the touch afterwards? D oes untying your hair feel like a relief? D oes your scalp itch after you've had braids or a weave put in? H ave you ever taken painkillers because your hair is secured so tightly it’s given you a headache?
2. RELAXERS Relaxing hair excessively, not according to instructions or with multiple products, can also harm your hair. When you relax your hair, the keratin (hair protein) in the hair is arranged in bundles. These bundles are held together by chemical bonds called disulphide bonds, which give hair their strength. Relaxers simply break these disulphide bonds and thus release the curl. The Risks Of Relaxing Your Hair: O ne of the common risks of relaxing your hair is burning your scalp. B rands that are not reputable may also be exposing you to harmful chemicals. U sing two different brands of relaxers may cause a reaction and damage hair and follicles.
3. DIET The importance of your eating habits and how these can affect your hair should not be underestimated. Eating enough protein with each meal will maintain keratin production in the hair.
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4. STRESS Stress can trigger many health problems and unfortunately hair loss is one of them. The amount of hair loss depends on the length and severity of the stress and on the individual’s susceptibility to it. The hair loss often begins two to three months after the stress is triggered. The loss continues for three months before becoming better. Unfortunately, any type of hair loss is in itself very stressful. The problem will correct itself if measures are taken to control the stress.
TREATMENT
The good news for those with traction alopecia is that it can be fixed in certain cases. The sooner you do something about the problem, the better. Identify the cause of the thinning and then seek help from a dermatologist, a doctor who specialises in hair loss or from a trichologist. “When a patient comes into the clinic, we first fully assess the patient and her hair to determine the cause and type of hair loss. In cases of traction alopecia, we try to get back as much of the reversible hair loss as possible. Sometimes the condition has been present for too long and is no longer reversible. Dr Davies lists the treatment regimen as follows: T he first step is to remove the cause, such as braids or weaves, to regain blood supply to the area. A t-home solutions are then offered. T hey condition more aggressively in the office, with a procedure known as hair mesotherapy (a series of tiny injections containing a stimulating liquid). This is quite pricey, ranging between R5 000 and R10 000 for the course of treatment, but can be very effective at stimulating new growth. D ermatologists may also try a course of cortisone injections, which can benefit, especially if inflammation is present. Trichologists use similar methods to treat traction alopecia. The best solution, however, is prevention.
The two most important things for black hair are products that support protein growth and moisturise hair. “I am not one to judge whether you relax it, weave it, perm it or braid it,” Dr Davies states, “as long as you keep your hair healthy and give your hair a break from time to time.” Follow these easy steps for prevention of traction alopecia: 1. Do give your hair a break between braids and extensions. 2. Do not wear braids/weaves that are too tight and cause pain. 3. Do not retwist dreadlocks at the base. 4. Do not weave your hair continuously. 5. Shampoo as often as possible. It is important to remove build-up of product and to stimulate growth. 6. Do not use different brands of relaxing chemicals, as they may react with each other. 7. Sleep on a satin pillow. It will reduce the friction on the hair strand. 8. Relax your hair after six to eight weeks and not every month. 9. Invest in a good leave-in conditioner. E
WORDS: TUMI MDLULI. IMAGES: iStock, regional derm.
PREVENTION
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BEAUTY EOA HANNON INTENSE HYDRATING MOISTURISER WITH MOIST 24, R295, HANNON. Combats dry skin by ensuring the skin’s thirst is quenched, leaving the skin feeling comfortable, softer and firmer.
ELIZABETH ARDEN CERAMIDE OVERNIGHT FIRMING MASK, R685, ELIZABETH ARDEN COUNTERS. A lightweight, luxurious and highly specialised mask that works directly with the skin’s nighttime renewal process, to help improve appearance.
DMK HERBAL AND MINERAL MOISTURE SPRAY, POR, DMK. Botanical mineral mist matches the chemistry of your skin to heal your skin at cell level from deep within.
TEAM DR JOSEPH ULTRA HYDRATION SERUM, R1 045, FUTURETHIS. Facial serum can be used daily for extra moisture, with deepworking active ingredients.
Sexy Seven facial products to get you through the ravages of winter. NEUTROGENA VISIBLY CLEAR SPOT CLEARING FACIAL WASH, R89.95, RETAIL STORES. Combines powerful spot-fighting action and a facial cleanser in one formula to effectively help clear blemishes and reduce redness in one simple step.
WORDS: TUMI MDLULI. IMAGES SUPPLIED BY STOCKISTS.
MELATOGENINE FORCE COLLAGEE CONCENTRATE, R990, SELECTED SALONS, WOOLWORTHS, DISCHEM, STUTTAFORDS. An anti-wrinkle performance booster combined with triple action ‘Force Collagen’ technology that helps to stimulate the strength, vitality and longevity of collagen fibres. JUSTINE TISSUE OIL SKIN REPAIR FACE CREAM SPF 20, PRICE, CONTACT JUSTINE CONSULTANTS. Formulated with Vitamin E, rosehip oil and sweet almond oil to nourish and soothe the skin, and improve appearance and texture.
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9 STEPS TO THICKER, FULLER RELAXED HAIR Contrary to popular belief, relaxing is definitely not a lost hairdressing technique, and if you take good care of your hair, achieving thick, voluminous hair is totally possible. M AY 2 0 1 6
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WORDS: THINA MTHEMBU. SOURCE: ORS SOUTH AFRICA. IMAGE: SHEKNOWS.COM.
BEAUTY EOA elaxing is the technique of removing curl from hair and many women still prefer the convenience of maintaining hair with a straight texture, without having to compromise style. Some believe that relaxers damage their natural hair. However, it’s not the product that causes damage, but the incorrect technique or improper maintenance of the hair. We look at the critical components of relaxing and understanding what your hair needs.
1. THE STARTING POINT The sole purpose of a relaxer is to remove unwanted curl for straight, more manageable hair that is easier to comb. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to get your hair 100 percent straight. It is important to retain some curl pattern for elasticity, so only 80 to 85 percent of the curl pattern should be removed.
2. CHOOSING THE RIGHT RELAXER The product you use should depend on the type, texture and porosity of your hair, as well as the sensitivity of your scalp. Some women have sensitive scalps either due to hormonal issues, scratching their scalp or brushing their hair too vigorously. If you have a sensitive scalp, chose a no-lye relaxer; for a normal scalp, you can choose between a no-mix and a no-lye relaxer. It is also important to understand the texture of your hair: Fine hair can be compared to silk fabric and should be treated delicately. Just like your silk blouse, hand-wash your hair and don’t set your iron too high. Medium hair is more like denim fabric that you can wash and iron without any fuss. Coarse hair is like corduroy fabric. It is tough, strong and heavy, and requires extra steam to get the creases out.
3. AVOID OVERPROCESSING Applying relaxer to hair that has been previously processed, or leaving chemicals on for too long, are two common mistakes when it comes to straightening. Consistent application of straightening chemicals to previously processed hair leads to damage, breakage and possible permanent hair loss.
6. SNIP YOUR ENDS If the last two inches of your hair is thinner than the rest, all your hair can look thin. Go ahead and cut off those ends for hair that will instantly appear fuller and thicker.
7. LESS MANIPULATION, MORE PROTECTIVE STYLING Hair that breaks mid-shaft or near the root will cause your hair to be thinner. Hairstyles that require low maintenance and protective styling to keep your ends up and out of sight, will allow your hair to retain moisture and prevent breakage.
8. MAINTENANCE Whether your hair is relaxed or in its natural state, proper maintenance is of utmost importance. A regular cleansing and conditioning regime is paramount. It is also recommended that you trim your hair every six to eight weeks to aid in preventing split ends or hair breakage.
“Any product that you apply to your hair to permanently change its structure or colour is capable of damaging your hair or skin.” 9. THE FOLLOW UP Professionals recommend that you relax your hair only every six to eight weeks; however, this will depend on the type and texture of your hair. Armed with this information, you can now make your appointment at your hair salon or, if you choose the DIY route, ask a friend to help you. Just remember that product you apply to your hair to permanently change its structure or colour is capable of damaging your hair or skin, so take our advice and work through these steps.
4. STOP WITH THE HEAT Blow-drying and flat ironing works wonders to straighten hair, but the trade off is loss of volume. Try roller setting your hair for a healthier option that helps your hair appear fuller and thicker.
5. CONDITION REGULARLY Relaxers strip away some of your hair’s natural oils. Use a good quality conditioner to maintain proper moisture levels. Follow each shampoo with a rinse-out conditioner and deep condition two to four times per month, depending on the needs of your hair.
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LYE RELAXER OR NO-LYE RELAXER? The difference lies in the type of chemicals used. With lye relaxers, the active ingredient is sodium hydroxide, while in no-lye relaxers the active ingredient is calcium hydroxide. The no-lye relaxer is milder and good for sensitive scalps, but the calcium can cause hair to become slightly drier. Most home relaxer kits are no-lye formulas. E
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BERRY FLAPJACKS WITH HONEY, MASCARPONE & TOASTED ALMONDS Makes 18 flapjacks Ingredients 1 bag Sasko Quick Treats Flapjack Mix 30 ml vegetable oil 2 extra large eggs 550 ml milk 10 ml vegetable oil for frying 150 g blueberries (optional) 150 g Cape gooseberries 250 g mascarpone cheese 100 g almonds, flaked and toasted 200 ml honey Method Beat oil, milk and eggs together in a mixing bowl with a whisk. Gradually add the flapjack mixture to the egg mixture and beat thoroughly with a whisk until lump free. Spoon mixture with a tablespoon onto a hot, wellgreased frying pan. Turn halfway through the frying process and fry until golden brown. To serve: Pile three flapjacks on top of each other, add dollops of mascarpone, scatter with blueberries and gooseberries, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with toasted almonds.
SPOIL HER ROTTEN THIS
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FOOD & Entertaining EOA
It doesn’t matter if your mother prefers a leisurely breakfast in bed or a family brunch around the table; these quick and easy breakfast recipes are sure to light up her day.
Cinnamon-sugar bread sticks
Ingredients 80 g butter (melted) Ÿ cup sugar ½ tbsp. cinnamon 1 loaf of Sasko All-in-One white bread Method Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Cut the crusts off the All-in-One bread and place them on a large baking tray. Drizzle the butter over them and toss gently to coat. Mix together the cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle half over the bread crusts, toss gently, then sprinkle the remaining half. Toss again and put into the oven to bake for 25 to 30 minutes, turning the crusts every 10 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. Serve with tea or as a biscuit snack. Once cooled, store in an airtight container.
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Blueberry flapjack bake Serves 10 Flapjack Ingredients 1 packet Sasko Quick Treats Flapjack Mix 2 extra-large eggs 30 ml vegetable oil 550 ml milk Vegetable oil for frying For the Bake: 250 g blueberry jam or any other berry jam 5 extra-large eggs 1 cup cream 2 cups milk 160 ml castor sugar To serve: 80 g fresh blueberries and whipped cream/ pouring cream Method Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Make the flapjacks as per the instructions on the Quick Treats Flapjack Mix packet and allow to cool. Grease a 34cm by 24cm rectangular or similar sized, high-sided, baking dish. Spread a little jam over each flapjack and layer them across the dish like dominos. Whisk together the eggs, cream, milk and castor sugar until the sugar has dissolved and pour over the flapjacks. Allow to sit for 45 minutes so that the flapjacks can absorb the custard. Bake the flapjack bake in the centre of the oven for approximately 50 to 60 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of baking dish you use. To check if the bake has cooked through, use a spoon and press down gently in the centre of the bake and if some liquid custard emerges, it needs to be cooked for longer. Serve warm with fresh berries and cream.
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EOA
SMOKED BEEF CROQUE MONSIEUR Makes 12 Ingredients 125 ml milk 5 g thyme 15 g butter 15 g cake flour 50 g emmental cheese, grated 50 g mascarpone cheese 5 ml Dijon mustard Salt and Pepper 100 g sliced smoked beef 8 slices of Sasko Low GI wholewheat bread 150 g emmental cheese 80 g butter Method Place milk and thyme into a saucepan and scald. Allow to infuse for 10 to 15 minutes. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over a low heat. Remove from heat, add flour and stir until a thick paste is formed. Return to heat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Slowly add infused milk, stirring all the time. Do not allow lumps to form. Once all milk has been added, bring to the boil, stirring continuously. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add grated emmental cheese and mascarpone and season with mustard, salt and pepper. Set aside. Assembly: To make the sandwiches, spread the cooled cheese bĂŠchamel evenly onto four slices of bread. Top with sliced smoked beef and the remaining emmental cheese. Melt the butter in a large frying pan and fry the sandwiches until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Cut into finger-size pieces and serve warm.
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APPLE PIE TOASTIES Serves 4 Ingredients 160 g cream cheese 4 tbsp. icing sugar ½ tsp. cinnamon 4 Granny Smith Apples, sliced into rounds and deseeded Butter for frying 4 tbsp. Demerara sugar, or you can use brown sugar 30 g raisins 8 slices Sasko Plus Rosehip and Honeybush Brown Bread 80 g butter (softened) Whipped cream/Ice cream to serve Method Fry the apple slices in batches in your sandwich or panini press or in a non-stick pan in a little butter until just browned and slightly softened. Set aside to cool and clean the sandwich/ panini press or frying pan. Mix the cream cheese, icing sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl until well combined. Smear each slice of the bread with equal amounts of the cinnamon-cream cheese. Top half of the slices of bread with a sprinkling of raisins and place a layer of apple slices on top of the raisins. Sprinkle one tablespoon of Demerara sugar over the apples and cover with another layer of apples. Seal each sandwich with the remaining slices of bread (with the cinnamon-cream cheese side facing down). Butter both sides of the sandwiches and toast in your sandwich/panini press or fry in a non-stick frying pan, turning once, until crisp and toasted. Serve warm with whipped cream/ice cream.
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FOOD & Entertaining EOA
Chocolate chip granola bars Ingredients 1 packet Sasko Quick Treats Cookie Mix 140 g butter 1 large egg 50 g honey 150 g oats 100 g chocolate chips ½ tbsp. ground cinnamon powder 85 g walnuts, roughly chopped 85 g raisins 170 g dried apricots, roughly chopped 85 g pumpkin seeds 50 g ground almonds 50 g sunflower seeds Method Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Mix the cookie mix as per recipe on the packet. Melt honey and add to the cookie mix; then add all dry ingredients. Line a baking try with paper and press granola bar mix into the baking tray. Bake for 15 minutes and allow to cool. Cut into desired size.
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EOA FOOD & Entertaining
Bacon, egg & slow-roasted tomato toast cups
Makes 6 cups
Method Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Lightly grease a standard muffin tray with melted butter. Use a rolling pin to gently flatten the slices of bread; remove the crusts and cut into a square. Press the bread into the prepared muffin tin and brush lightly with the remaining melted butter. Top the bread cups with streaky bacon and crack one egg into each cup. Top with crumbled feta and two halves of a roasted tomato. Season with salt and pepper. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the egg is cooked through and toast cup is crisp. Remove from the oven and serve warm. E
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RECIPES AND IMAGES SUPPLIED BY SASKO.
Ingredients 75 g melted butter 6 slices of Sasko Low GI whole-wheat bread 6 rashers streaky bacon, precooked and cut in half 6 large eggs 100 g feta cheese, crumbled 6 vine tomatoes, roasted Salt and pepper for seasoning
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TRAVEL EOA
FALLING FOR ZIMBABWE
THE SMOKE THAT THUNDERS
Only a one-hour-and-forty-minute flight from Johannesburg, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World and boasting a state-of-the-art, revamped international airport, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe welcomes you. t’s not every day you get an opportunity to visit one of your bucket list destinations. So when the opportunity presented itself to hop on a plane and experience the magnificent Victoria Falls, Rhoda Davids could not pack her bags fast enough. It’s easy to feel at home at Victoria Falls; firstly because everyone, and I mean everyone, is so warm and inviting and, secondly, because there are so many South Africans who call this neck of the woods their home.
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Victoria Falls is situated in the north of Zimbabwe and even though it may seem remote, it is easily accessible via road and air. If you’re entering via road through Botswana’s Kazungula Border, you’ll be fortunate enough to physically see Zambia, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe meet. However, if travelling by air, you’ll experience the new and improved Victoria Falls International airport, which now sees world-class airlines from across the globe flying direct. That said it is hard to understand why more South Africans are not clamouring to be tourists in this historically rich town.
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With its diverse heritage and natural beauty, this area is sure to take your breath away. Known for its stories about Sir David Livingstone, Vic Falls (as its commonly known) offers the ideal getaway destination for honeymooners, adrenalin junkies and lovers of the outdoors. Tourism is Zimbabwe’s fastest-growing industry and the country offers plenty of scenery. It is one of the African continent’s finest and largest concentrations of wildlife, and a perfect climate, with an average of seven hours of sunshine daily throughout the year. And, apart from the magnificent waterfall, visitors to the region also love Hwange National Park, Kariba, Gonarezhou National Park, Eastern Highlands, the Great Zimbabwe Monument, and Nyanga. The region is a tourist haven and caters accordingly, with an abundance of hotels and lodges from which to choose. We stayed at Africa Albida’s lush Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, ideally located just four kilometres from the Victoria Falls Rain Forest and on the border of the Zambezi National Park, 24 kilometres from the new airport and only five kilometres from the Zambian border. The lodge is luxurious yet rustic and houses 72 en-suite rooms with private balconies – a must for viewing the wildlife at the water hole. Apart from all the fantastic activities in town don’t forget to indulge in what’s on offer at the resort. The MaKuwaKuwa restaurant offers the best view of the waterhole, while The Boma (Place of Eating) is the perfect place to eat, drink, dance and drum the night away. In addition you have to make some time for the ‘Vulture Culture’ experience, which occurs daily around lunchtime, just below the Buffalo Bar viewing deck. This conservation exercise assists in maintaining the local vulture population. If that’s not your thing, you can head to the resort spa for a few pamper sessions or spend some time soaking up the sun poolside. No trip to this region is complete without living a few experiences and I was lucky enough to tick all of these off my list: a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, walking the trail in the Victoria Falls Rain Forest, and a helicopter flip for the ultimate aerial view of the ‘smoke that thunders’.
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Ease into the beauty of the area with a sunset cruise on The Zambezi Explorer – a three-deck luxury river boat complete with bars, dining areas and spectacular viewing vantage points at every angle. The Signature Deck is the uppermost level and guests can relax on comfortable couches and enjoy the pleasure of luxury service, with gourmet hors d’oeuvres and beverages served from a private bar. Do try the signature cocktails as you watch the beautiful African sky transform into a fiery canvas. Next, put on your walking shoes, pull out your poncho (you’re going to need it) and make your way to the Victoria Falls Rain Forest to walk the trail all along the frontal view of the falls. It is here that your guide will share with you the part that David Livingstone played in the region’s history and if, like me, you enjoy history, this will be one of the most interesting parts of your stay.
MAIN ENTRANCE OF THE LODGE
“No trip to this region is complete without living a few experiences and I was lucky enough to tick all of these off my list: a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, walking the trail in the Victoria Falls Rain Forest, and a helicopter flip for the ultimate aerial view of the ‘smoke that thunders’.” It is quite humid on the trail and the initial sprays of the falls offer welcome relief, but before you know it (with or without your poncho or raincoat) you will be soaked. The designated path will take you through 16 view points along the edge and as you approach the main falls, you will experience the heart-pounding sensation of this once-in-a-lifetime experience – so take your time to literally and figuratively soak it all in. Your walk will end at Danger Point, with the bridge heading over to Zambia, a mere stone’s throw away. Adrenalin junkies are spoiled for choice and can get their blood pumping on a fun-filled canopy tour at Wild Horizons, choosing from zip lining, gorge swinging and a cable slide known as The Flying Fox. Other activities in the area include river rafting and bungee jumping. After working up an appetite, grab a leisurely lunch at the Lookout Café while reliving your experience.
CRUISE ON THE ZAMBEZI RIVER
SIGNATURE DECK OF THE ZAMBEZI EXPLORER
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TRAVEL EOA
WORDS: RHODA DAVIDS. IMAGES SUPPLIED BY RHODA DAVIDS AND ARTHUR COLLET.
LODGE POOL AND VIEW
BRIDGE TO ZAMBIA
Just when you think you’ve done it all in this gem of a town, a Bonisair helicopter flip over the falls will leave you speechless. For first-timers, this can be a daunting experience, but it is well worth it so sit back and take it in. Before researching that European getaway, explore a little closer to home – you’ll be pleasantly surprised and will want to go back for more. E
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TRADITIONAL DANCING IN THE BOMA
How to get there? SA Airlink How do I book? Go to africaalbidatourism.com. Do I need to take malaria medication? I visited in May and they were not needed, but consult your GP or travel clinic. What forex do I need? Make sure you have US Dollars.
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alls
Turn that bare space into a stunning focal wall with photographs, works of art and mirrors. We show you three different arrangements that can work in practically any room in the house. ne of the easiest ways to personalise your space in a few simple steps is to change your wall décor.
1. STACK ‘EM Arrange frames in a similar style on a single
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mantlepiece, over two floating shelves or, if your pieces are large enough, place it directly on the floor – this is particularly stylish for large mirrors and art. Frame some of your favourite photographs and mix it in with works of art for a more eclectic effect. Try to avoid matching frames, but do opt for simple frames in black and white with white mounting cards, as this will make the print stand out more.
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DÉCOR feature EOA each frame just right, use a square-shaped block of wood to mark spaces and continuously use a spirit level to make sure all your rows line up to make the perfect grid.
3. THE DIAMOND TOUCH
WORDS: RHODA DAVIDS. IMAGE: PINTEREST.
Add some interest with a diamond-shaped arrangement – mirrors in moulded frames or standard frameless pieces will work exceptionally well in this formation and will add the bling factor to your living space. Alternatively, photos in this arrangement will also be a great talking point. Sketch out your plan and work with five rows, starting with the centre strip of frames and working your way out. The centre vertical strip will have the most frames and then add shorter columns as you work your way out. Depending on your colour palette you can use contrasting colours in alternate columns or stick to one tone for an elegant look. You’ll need to calculate the height of the overall display by adding the heights of two rectangular and two square frames, plus the spaces in between. Then calculate the width in the same way – use some masking tape as place markers and hang the frames or mirrors on your marked tape guides. Don’t forget to use a spirit level at all times. In the lounge area, place one floating shelf above your sofa – make sure you space placement so your head doesn’t knock against the edge of the shelf. Then place your tallest frame on the ledge and position the second shelf a bit higher. When arranging your photographs, place the larger frames on the bottom shelf to anchor the overall look and then mix in the smaller frames and other decorative elements to fill the gaps.
“For a visually striking impact, the key is to have all photographs or prints the same size, framed in exactly the same way and in the same colour.”
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2. GO FOR A GRID This arrangement is perfect for your space if you like a monochrome palette and linear forms. It can be bold by using black and white portraits only or other photographs in a similar style. Create a grid formation – three rows of three or five framed pieces. Odd numbers work best. For a visually striking impact, the key is to have all photographs or prints the same size, framed in exactly the same way and in the same colour. Thin wooden frames are easily accessible and you can spray paint them in the same colour in no time. Identical smallish square frames without mounting cards will allow the image to stand out even more. To set this arrangement up is simple – mark the centre of the space by hanging the first frame there and then work your way around it. Most frames come with a hook, but make sure to secure the frame with some additional two-way tape so they stay in position. To get the spacing around
“Add some interest with a diamond-shaped arrangement – mirrors in moulded frames or standard frameless pieces will work exceptionally well in this formation and will add the bling factor to your living space.” TOP 5 TIPS IN HANGING WALL DÉCOR
1. Always hang groupings in odd numbers (1,3,5, etc.) 2. Make sure your wall decoration is in proportion to the wall size. 3. If a wall is clad in wallpaper or paint effects, don’t adorn with additional decoration. 4. Mix wall art – word art, paintings and photographs to personalise your space. 5. Preparation is key, so do all markings before attempting to hang a piece and always use a spirit level. E
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EOA DÉCOR SHOPPING
RUSTIC MEETS ABSTRACT Let vintage and wood warm your SUNBURST WOOD home this winter. MIRROR, R3 999, @HOME.
ROUND MIRROR WITH METAL WIRE DESIGN FRAME, R1 495, CORICRAFT.
CANVAS ZEN ABSTRACT ART (90X120CM), R1 299, @HOME. BICYCLE CLOCK, R399.99, MR PRICE HOME.
BOBBIN MIRROR, R1 695, CORICRAFT.
LETTER FOR SOPHIE WALL ART: A REPRODUCTION OF REBECCA PUIG’S ORIGINAL ARTWORK. FRAMED IN RECYCLED GREY WOOD, R11 995, WEYLANDTS.
HONEYCOMB WOOD MIRROR, R2 499, @HOME.
PRINCESS CHEVAL MIRROR (180X44CM), R1 499, @HOME.
WOOD ARTWORK WITH RUSTIC FINISH, R1 295, WEYLANDTS.
PRINTED CANVAS WALL ART, R169.99, MR PRICE HOME.
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DECORATIVE VINTAGE CAMERA, R159.99, MR PRICE HOME.
WORDS: RHODA DAVIDS. IMAGES: SUPPLIED UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED.
HAPPINESS HANGING PLAQUE, R139.99, MR PRICE HOME.
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South Africa’s The mattress for number one the rest of your choice of bedding baby’s life.
Sealy comfort and and support support for for over over Sealy Posturepedic Posturepedic has has been been providing providing superior superior comfort 50 years to more than 35 million people worldwide and was developed in 50 years to more than 35 million people worldwide and was developed in conjunction with leading American orthopedic surgeons. The patented design of conjunction with leading American orthopedic surgeons. The patented design of Sealy’s layers has has been been developed developed Sealy’s innovative innovative sleep sleep system system with with unique unique comfort comfort layers Giveofyour precious bundle the healthiest start, on a Sealy through the use scientifi c testing at Sealy’s Research and Development centre to to through the use of scientific testing at Sealy’s Research and Development centre ensure comfort where you want it and support where you need it. Body cushioning, ensure comfort where you want it and support where needpocket it. Body cushioning, Posturepedic Cot Mattress. With you gentle spring combined muscle relaxation relaxation for for restful restful sleep. sleep. combined with with correct correct support, support, delivers delivers total total muscle support, wrapped in a hand-made protective bamboo What ‘Posturepedic’ What does does ‘Posturepedic’ mean? fabric cover, it’s themean? perfect sleep surface for a growing, ‘Posture’ refers to the anatomy as as a a whole. whole. ‘Pedic’ ‘Pedic’ is is an an ‘Posture’ refers to the position position of of the the human human anatomy happy baby. For added hygiene as include our Cotcorrect Mattress abbreviation of orthopedic, which is described the medically position abbreviation of orthopedic, which is described as the medically correct position of structures of body. of the the skeletal skeletal structures and of the the body.with 4 way stretch sides for a snug fit. Protector sheet
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Sealy South Africa
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Offer ends 31 May 2016. 12 MONTHS PRINT @ 35% DISCOUNT = R234 ONLY! 12 MONTHS DIGITAL @ R5 PER ISSUE = R60 ONLY! To subscribe, visit www.essaysofafrica.com EOA terms and conditions apply. See www.essaysofafrica.com.
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DÉCOR news EOA
HEAT IT UP
MOST BEAUTIFUL OBJECT IN SOUTH AFRICA It has only been operational for a few months, but Work Shop New Town – the fashion, lifestyle and design retail concept that paved the way for 16 South African designers and African design stores to open retail spaces – is already making waves in the design world. One such designer is Laduma Ngxokolo, whose brand, MaXhosa by Laduma, recently scooped the Most Beautiful Object In South Africa Award at the Design Indaba, for the versatility of his black and
The timeless appeal of a castiron room heater is hard to beat, and AGA room heaters are among the best money can buy. As you acquire a piece of history, a talking point and a centrepiece for your home, they are assembled by skilled craftsmen, giving each one a personal touch and unique quality. They are available with several fuel options including wood, coal, anthracite and peat briquettes. For more information or your local stockist, visit agaliving.co.za.
move WITH THE SEASON’S TRENDS From monochrome kitchens to a touch of copper for modern luxury, we have the scoop on what’s hot in décor.
white shawl. With another fashion piece currently on show at New York’s Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial, titled ‘Beauty’, Work Shop New Town is proud to be home to this multi-award-winning
brand’s
GREY MATTERS
There’s a chill in the air, and we’re getting cosy for winter with this reversible charcoal duvet set that is ideal to set the tone. All shades of grey have been trendy for a few seasons, as they suit both masculine and feminine styling. Pair with bright pinks or tangerine, or yellow and stark white – almost any contrasting shade is striking. So try a shade of grey in your bedroom, and make a statement. To have a closer look to see what you can expect in store, go to loadsofliving.co.za
only retail outlet in the country. Located in the historical Potato Sheds, which were an integral part of Johannesburg’s industrial boom in the early 1900s, Work Shop New Town strives to recreate the commercial hub of the past. Offering local brands, such as MaXhosa by Laduma, Work Shop New Town houses over 100 local and African brands in its 42 stores. It has been curated to be a commercial hub for the design industry, and as a
platform to
grow a new audience in the City of Gold. Visit workshopnewtown. com for more information.
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EOA DÉCOR NEWS
GETTING COSY WITH COPPER
PUSH THE BUTTON
Imagine a home that senses what you need – where everything from your home entertainment system, to lighting and security system can be easily controlled and monitored on one centralised electronic system. Close the blinds, switch on lights and heaters and settle down to a surround-sound movie, all with a push of a few buttons. As more people opt to entertain at home, home cinemas are becoming more popular and BNC Technology is leading the way in South Africa. “The need for smart homes with fully integrated home automation, home cinema, acoustic solutions and the like have been catching on over the last couple of years,” says Nick Caripis, trend observer and founder of BNC Technology. ‘Smartening’ your home by adding a home automation system is a great way to increase its market value, as potential homeowners are looking for homes that offer convenient and effective security systems and efficient energy consumption practices. For more information, visit bnctechnology. co.za.
Metallic accessories, fixtures and fittings are still popular and the trend pushes its boundaries even more now, with finishes in gold, copper, rose gold, brass and silver. Leading contemporary furniture retailer RobertThomson.com, has just added some elegant copper and gold lighting to their collections. “There is a big global move toward copper and gold in interiors,” says Robert, “as these colours bring a space to life with their warm, metallic glow”. Weylandts is also on trend with their new range of homeware, perfect if you’d like to create an elegant and warm atmosphere in your home. The range is unique with its natural burnt copper patina, making it beautiful and durable. Included in the homeware range are bowls, cylinders and tealight holders, which are all perfect for adding depth to your dinner table, while the strikingly elegant, burnt copper accent stool (from R1 295) will add a chic touch to your living room. With its tarnished finish and sinuous curves, it can double up as a seat or a trendy coffee table. Go to robert-thomson.com and weylandts.co.za for more.
CHIC MONOCHROME FOR YOUR KITCHEN
On trend in every season, the timeless monochrome look sees Le Creuset now featuring both black and white shades, as well as other complementary elements such as stainless steel and wood products. A simple black and white aesthetic is the surest way of making a kitchen the star attraction of the home and exudes classic, effortless sophistication. Unfussy by nature, a monochromatic palette is ideal when going for the ultimate minimalist or chic industrial feel. And, while it is a superb fit for the ultra-modern kitchen, it also lends itself as the perfect colour partnership for traditional designs. Cotton is Le Creuset’s timeless pure white shade, while black is a natural complement, as well as a powerful standalone. To view the ranges, go to lecreuset.co.za. WORDS: RHODA DAVIDS. IMAGES: SUPPLIED UNLESS SPECIFIED.
FORM MEETS FUNCTION
Good design, hygiene and technology come together in this contemporary bathroom. The heavenly space boasts a Geberit wall-drain in the open-plan shower and a Geberit Sigma70 flush plate for the toilet. Design, hygiene and drainage performance are of the utmost importance in wet areas and Geberit offers several drainage solutions to suit all styles, budgets and bathroom sizes. One of the innovative Geberit drainage solutions for floor-even showers moves the drain from the floor into the wall, while style and design isn’t compromised – only a slim stainless steel cover is visible, and this can be easily removed by hand to clean the hair trap. For more information, visit geberit.co.za. E
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motoring EOA
ICONIC HATCHBACKS
Stylish and sophisticated yet practical enough for most motoring needs, these vehicles for the upwardly mobile go-getter offer outstanding quality, refinement, performance and the latest technologies, while broadcasting a message of success and ambition. MERCEDES-BENZ GLA200 CDI AUTOMATIC
A Very Desirable Offering The GLA is still compact enough to be a practical daily city slogger and, with softer suspension and a bigger cabin, it’s far more practical than an A-Class. The pick of the GLA range is the 200 CDI, powered by a 2.1-litre turbo-diesel engine that delivers an impressive 100 kW and 300 Nm of torque. Mated with a seven-speed dualclutch transmission, this engine delivers strong mid-range performance, as well as excellent fuel
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economy (4.5 L/100 km). With a higher ground clearance (134 mm) and contrasting black wheelarch trim, its looks ready for the rough and tumble of (mostly) the concrete jungle. The interior mirrors the sporty approach of the A-Class, with large cylindrical ventilation outlets and a deep-set driving position. A nice touch is the standard fitment of steering-mounted gearshift paddles. The GLA is packed with safety features, including a knee airbag for the driver, Collision Prevention Assist, tyre pressure monitoring and Attention Assist.
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EOA MOTORING VOLVO V40 CROSS COUNTRY T4 ELITE GEARTRONIC
Stylish and Sleek The Volvo V40 is the individualist’s choice for exceptional quality, and when equipped with the fiery T4 powertrain, it is also no slouch. Equipped with a 132 kW 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the Volvo V40 Cross Country T4 offers a balance of lively performance and good fuel economy. With the V40 line-up, Volvo is playing the technology game very aggressively and a high-performance sound system with a 7-inch colour display, Bluetooth, Internet connectivity, and even DVD support comes standard. Arguably the most attractive feature of the V40 Cross Country is the design. From outside it can be distinguished by silver skid plates, LED daytime running lights and striking, dark-tinted 17-inch alloy wheels, while inside this model boasts TFT instrumentation, an illuminated gearshift knob, three-spoke leather steering wheel and leather upholstery on the seats – both front chairs are electrically adjustable, too. As is to be expected from a Volvo, the safety package is bursting at the seams. Even some of Volvo’s more unique features, such as City Safety (brakes the car automatically during traffic conditions if a collision is imminent) is standard. You get a full complement of airbags, Isofix child seat anchors and a very comprehensive stability programme.
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI DSG
Excellent All-Rounder The desirability of Volkswagen makes it a very strong seller in the South African market. Its appeal goes beyond performance credentials, though. The Golf GTI is also packed with standard features and is put together superbly. The Golf is powered by a turbocharged petrol engine that delivers phenomenal power and a torque of 350 Nm is available from 1 500 to 4 400 rpm, resulting in exceptional overtaking performance. The 0 to 100 km/h benchmark sprint
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Performance, Luxury And Comfort The Audi A3 remains one of the German brand’s most popular models, courtesy of its exceptionally classy cabin, refined and powerful engine, and versatility. This make marries the very practical Sportback body shape with Audi’s lively turbocharged 1.8-litre engine, as well as the superb seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 1.8-litre petrol engine that powers the Sportback features direct injection and turbocharging to develop a strong 132 kW. The impressive torque delivery of a maximum of 250 Nm is available from as low as 1 250 rpm all the way to 5 000 rpm, promising excellent responsiveness and overtaking surge. With a 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.3 seconds, it is also very fast. The A3 Sportback benefits from such niceties as 17-inch alloy wheels, sport suspension and extra aluminium trim highlights. Even in standard form the A3 Sportback is a quietly sophisticated car that will garner respect from those in the know. Inside, it is even better, with arguably class-leading fit and finish and a minimalistic design that not only de-clutters the cabin, but also adds to the upmarket ambience. The A3 Sportback boasts a comprehensive standard features package, including no fewer than seven airbags.
WORDS: MELISSA JANE COOK. IMAGES: QUICKPIC.
AUDI A3 SPORTBACK 1.8T SE S TRONIC
is completed in 6.5 seconds. If it’s a combination of easy daily drivability and exhilarating performance you’re after, it’s hard to beat the GTI, which claims a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 6.4 L/100 km. The standard features package includes the so-called Composition Media system that offers USB/SD Card support, Bluetooth, eight speakers and a 5.8-inch touch screen. Volkswagen ticks most of the safety boxes by offering a full house of seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, and Isofix child seat anchorages. E
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APPS
TECH EOA
SAFE.KIDS.COM
If you are concerned about your child’s safety on the Internet, Safekids.com is worth a visit. Published by Larry Magid, the website is full of useful information on how to protect your child from cyber-bullying, and how you can monitor your child’s online activities without resorting to extreme measures.
APPS FOR TECH-SAVVY MOTHERS Mothers have mastered the art of multitasking; the only problem is that staying up to date with the forever-evolving world is challenging. Becoming friends with these apps can really make your daily life easier.
WORDS: THINA MTHEMBU. IMAGES: GOOGLE PLAY STORE, ITUNES, OPENFIELD, PANASONIC, SAFEKIDS.COM.
HOW TO COOK EVERYTHING
Your busy schedule probably includes cooking for the family. If time is against you, How To Cook Everything, makes last-minute meal planning look like child’s play, with over 2 000 recipes and 400 how-to illustrations.
HOMEROUTINES
Don’t we all wish we could have someone who could do all our household chores? Before you get too excited, HomeRoutines can’t help you out there, but it can keep track of the chores you’ve forgotten about. It has an easy-to-use checklist, constant reminders and, for every task you complete, you get an award – this will make cleaning fun, especially if you get your kids involved.
2DO
With so much to do and not enough time to do it in, 2Do gets you organised with a customised to-do list that lets you prioritise your activities. You can create projects and checklists and add voice notes, and the drag and drop ability makes this a very functional app.
UBER
Called into a last-minute meeting and can’t fetch the kids? Uber SA recently reported that they’d be installing measures aimed at making rides safer for both the passengers and drivers, who will no longer be able to SMS one another, preventing inappropriate contact between each other. To request a ride, you must download the free application for Android, iPhone, Blackberry 7, or register for Uber at Uber.com/go.
HOME SAFETY
Panasonic has announced its soon-to-be-released Home Surveillance kit, which will answer your safety and security needs. This wireless system has a simple DIY set-up using the DECT ULE standard (which helps to curb hacker attacks), and comprises a hub and two outdoor cameras, which you can control with a user-friendly app. There is an option to add a further two cameras. View and monitor your home using your smartphone or tablet, and make phone calls from a landline. For more information, visit www.panasonic.com/za/. E
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FASHION MEETS FITNESS AT ZAMBIA’S YOUNG WOMEN’S NETWORK Kupes Young Women’s Network Zambia aims to empower, inspire and motivate young women from all walks of life.
WEZI MUYEMBE NJOVU AND MAKUNGO MUYEMBE
THABO JOY MASIYE
ESSAYS OF AFRICA PARTNERS WITH KUPES YOUNG WOMENS NETWORK IN ZAMBIA.
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h e network envisions a society where young women have a clear understanding of their self-worth and capabilities, where they can be leaders and agents of positive change. The third Kupes Chat for the year took place on Saturday, 5 March, at Hotel Intercontinental in Lusaka. The chat was titled ‘Fashion & Fitness’ and fitness Guru Makungo Muyembe of Defined Style and Fitness led the young women through an intense 20-minute workout. Guest speaker, Wezi Njovu: Brand Manager for Kwenta Media of South Africa, invited three members of the audience to the stage to change into different outfits, with the message that your clothes are your second skin. Kupes founder, Norena Mutoya Chiteba, was pleased to confirm that the chats are really benefitting the women, as they are learning firsthand from women who have been successful in their various fields. As a result of this successful talk on fashion and fitness, a Kupes workout group has been formed to ensure that the fitness bug continues. Each attendee walked away with a copy of Essays Of Africa magazine.
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SOCIAL SCENE EOA WEZI MUYEMBE NJOVU DEMONSTRATES HOW ‘YOUR CLOTHES ARE YOUR SECOND SKIN’.
MAKUNGO MUYEMBE
MWANSA BWALE, JAMIE SIMPSON AND WILMA MUKOSA
WORDS: NORENA MUTOYA CHITEBA. IMAGES: DAVIES MARKO AND HUDSON CHIRWA.
NORENA MUTOYA CHITEBA
DIANA BWALYA, WEZI MUYEMBE NJOVU, NORENA MUTOYA CHITEBA, MAKUNGO MUYEMBE AND RUTH MUYEMBE
MWAKA MWAPE, MILIMO HACHINTU AND LUWI SAKAFUNYA
RUTH MUYEMBE, MAKUNGO MUYEMBE AND THABO JOY MASIYE
PEZO ELLIE LUFUNDA
MWEWA NALUNGWE LWIMBA
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Kupes founder, Norena Mutoya Chiteba, explains that Kupes Chat falls under the Leadership and Motivation Seminars undertaken at the Network and provides young women with the platform to listen and interact with successful women in their various fields. E
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TELLING STORIES THROUGH THE CAMERA Mmabatho Montsho has made a name for herself as an actress, but her series on sex introduced her to audiences in a different capacity. We find out what the intention behind the web series was. no-holds-barred local web series ‘Women on Sex’ reveals African women sharing their views on virginity and rape sex culture. With the idea of encouraging open dialogue about these issues, women from all walks of life participated, offering their beliefs and serious commentary on how our society has a twisted understanding of all things feminine. What started out as a conversation about sexual purity between filmmaker and actor, Mmabatho Montsho, and her friend, turned into a 10-part web series on YouTube. Interviewing both famous and everyday women, the series aimed to tackle the broader topic – female sexuality – in a way Montsho feels hasn’t been done before on local television. According to her, “There is a huge gap for content that centres on black women as thinking, critical beings.” “I was feeling particularly indoctrinated and felt I didn’t know where my own thoughts on sex began and the church influence ended. I was curious as to whether or not other women also experienced this conflict and if South Africans had their own interpretation of sexual liberation. With so many unanswered questions, Montsho wanted to ask as many women as she could and put their answers on record. “One of our duties as filmmakers is to hold a mirror up to society,” she adds, “and as one who navigates the world in a black female body, it’s my duty to create progressive black female-centered content that disturbs the status quo.”
CREATING CONVERSATIONS With a deep love for African women, Montsho has always felt a compelling
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ENTERTAINMENT Q&A EOA
“When we talk openly about sex, we begin to re-evaluate our relationship with sexuality and we begin to own it. It’s not only that we should speak about it, it’s also how we speak about it that makes all the difference.”
WORDS: MELISSA JANE COOK. IMAGES SUPPLIED BY MMABATHO MONTSHO..
need to create content that disrupts the existing patronising narratives that have previously been forced on black women. She explains, “It is important to me to create platforms that reflect African women as the dynamic, thinking and complex beings we are.” Deliberately selecting topics that were connected in some way to the idea of liberation, Montsho has an urge to understand how women are repressed and oppressed, and how they can break free from their subservient roles. Montsho says this web documentary is an ideal way for black women to claim their voice. “When we can hear each other we can teach each other, and something will start to happen for sure. My role is to contribute the best way I know how and that is with my camera.” She hopes to challenge the existing narrative that African women are perceived as ‘helpless victims’ and don’t engage with their own sexuality in progressive and intellectual ways. “This narrative has been forced on us and it’s the duty of black female filmmakers to dismantle those stereotypes and decolonise our stories.”
PICKING PLATFORMS AND PEOPLE Montsho maintains that platforms such as YouTube give directors independence, creatively and otherwise. “You can create the kind of work you want to explore at a fraction of TV or film rates. It allows for experimentation – to test your voice and content with a global audience. The expectations online are different, so are the rewards.” She also believes it is imperative to talk about sex on public platforms. “When we talk openly about sex,” she explains, “we begin to re-evaluate our relationship with sexuality and we begin to own it. It’s not
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only that we should speak about it, it’s also how we speak about it that makes all the difference.” The most difficult part of the process for Montsho was selecting and cherrypicking the right women to express their views. “I wanted to put mainstream and marginalised voices in one space and looked for women from different parts of SA, with different sexualities and diverse demographics. That way we could illustrate how women face the same challenges regardless of who they are and where they are from.” Montsho continues, “Not all women can or will make the final cut, so who makes the cut post-interviews was also a very difficult process. I also wanted to explore how different women respond to these issues. The women were quite open and uninhibited, contrary to what we’ve been socialised to expect from black women.”
CONSTANTLY CREATIVE Montsho’s diary overflows with projects and she is directing a short film she wrote as part of a female filmmaker’s slate called The Groom’s Price. It’s a romantic comedy about marriage, gender and tradition, where a young woman tries to pay lobola for her man. “I am also part of the story development team on an exciting 26-part drama series based in the music industry,” she adds. Her hope is that the web series will inspire a sense of ‘waking’ each other up and insistence on a woman’s right to be a sexual being on her terms, in ways that serve her. “That we own our bodies – we belong to ourselves before we are mothers, daughters or lovers. If we can remind each other that we are not yet free, perhaps we’ll begin to fight for that freedom. My hope is also for the series to grow beyond me and beyond South Africa.” E
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SHOE-SHOE LETELE , BIANCA SPINNER AND TINA JITA
CARLA BRIERS, PAUL ERASMUS AND RUAN VISAGIE
BIANCA SPINNER FROM HELLO JOBURG AND STEVE STEINFELD FROM THE JOBURG FOODIE
KERRY AND GERRY ELSDON
MAGNUM DECADENCE JAY ANSTEY AND EON VISAGIE FANIE CRONJE NHLANHLA MTHIMKHULU INSERT DIRECTOR FROM RED PEPPER PICTURES
MISHKAH ROMAN-CASSIEM FROM MZANSI LIFE & STYLE
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ELOISE SCOBLE AND NAADIYA ADAMS
GERT-JOHAN COETZEE AND TEEKAY GOLDFISH
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SOCIAL SCENE EOA
MAPS MAPONYANE, JEANNIE D AND GERT-JOHAN COETZEE SHAJAR KHAN MISS INTERNATIONAL SA 2013, JEN SU - CLIFFCENTRAL, MAMTAZ KHAN
STEPHANIE VAN DER PLANK FROM WOMAN & HOME AND CAYLEY VAN DER PLANK
JONATHAN BOYNTON-LEE AND PEARL MODIADIE
IMAGES SUPPLIED BY MAGNUM.
ELMA SMIT MASPERO FROM BEELD
TRAVIS KRUGER AND FAWN RODGERS FROM DEER DELIGHTS BLOG
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PRANYA NAIDOO MAGNUM SA BRAND MANAGER
ROWENA SALOOJEE FROM SECRETS & STILETTOS BLOG
h e ‘Make my Magnum’ experience is back in South Africa with a brand new Pleasure Store launched in Nelson Mandela Square in Johannesburg. Celebrities, media and VIP guests included Jeannie D, Jonathan Boynton-Lee, Maps Maponyane and Pearl Modiadie, who each had a chance to bring their personal ice-cream fantasy to life and design a custom Magnum. New limited edition toppings, made by well-known pastry chef Danielle Postma of Moemas Patisserie, include crumbed chocolate cupcake, mint shortcake, chocolate brownie and frosted rose petals, crushed almond praline and ginger biscotti. To add a touch of glamour to the indulgent event, Magnum and Gert-Johan Coetzee collaborated to create the M Collection. The range of designer gowns and luxury fashion accessories is inspired by one of five Magnum flavours and consists of handbags, sarongs, scarves, iPad covers, T-shirts, dress shirts, socks and wallets. Furthermore, GertJohan Coetzee designed five bespoke dresses inspired by the Classic, Mint, Almond, White Almond and Death By Chocolate ice creams. Find the Magnum Pleasure Store at shop L39, Nelson Mandela Square from 12 March to end April 2016. Contact 081 821 8281 for times. #MakeMyMagnumSA #MCollection E
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EOA BOOKS
books
DEAR GIRL CHILD
Carol Nkambule R130, Carol Nkambule Dear Girl Child is a thought-provoking book, presented as a letter to girls and women of all ages. It expresses the heart of God to inspire women to rise and be counted, and to deal with the issues that drag women backwards. From young girls to older women, there is potential to be unearthed; there are also character flaws that must be dealt with. Nkambule seeks to inspire girls, to recognise and nurture their own potential, to achieve beyond their imagination, to move past their hurt and disappointments and to embrace freedom and opportunities.
A SUMMER AT SEA
A Guide For South Africans
Nthabiseng Monareng R250, Reach Publishers Family disagreements or disputes can become highly emotional and the family members or parties involved are often in a stage of confusion, anger and disappointment. They want to avenge what has been done to them and, most of the time, do not act within reason. This book deals with family disputes, rights and obligations of people who are or were in a relationship and also with members of the family. It mainly seeks to ensure that there is justice and fairness, and that the law is adhered to within relationships and the family. An educational, empowering read for South Africans, that will get them on the right track to making wellinformed decisions regarding their personal lives.
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Katie Fforde R305, Random House Emily is happy with her life just as it is. She has a career as a midwife that she loves; she enjoys living on her own as a single woman, but she also feels it’s time for a change and a spot of some sea air. So, when her best friend Rebecca asks whether she’d like to spend the summer, cooking on a 'puffer' boat, just off the Scottish coast, she jumps at the chance. But she barely has time to get to grips with the galley before she finds herself with a lot on her plate. Rebecca is heavily pregnant and is thrilled to have her friend on board doing most of the work. Then, there’s Emily’s competitive and jealous kitchen assistant, who thinks she should be head cook, not Emily. And there’s Alasdair, the handsome local doctor who Emily is desperately trying not to notice, because if she falls in love with him, as he appears to be falling for her, will she ever want her old life back again?
THE WOMAN NEXT DOOR
Yewande Omotoso R305, Random House Hortensia James and Marion Agostino are neighbours; one is black, one white. Both are successful women with impressive careers. Both have recently been widowed and both are sworn enemies, sharing hedge and hostility and pruning both with vim and zeal that belie the fact that they are over 80. But one day, an unforeseen event forces the women together and, gradually the bickering and sniping softens into lively debate, and from there into memories shared. But, could these sparks of connection ever transform into friendship? Or is it too late to expect these two to change? E
WORDS: THINA MTHEMBU. IMAGES SUPPLIED BY PUBLISHERS.
FAMILY LAW & DECEASED ESTATES SIMPLIFIED:
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MOVIES & THEATRE EOA ON STAGE A VOICE I CANNOT SILENCE
A Voice I Cannot Silence is a moving and empathetic personal examination of life as portrayed through Alan Paton’s own words, stories, poems and autobiographies. The play highlights the invaluable contribution made by the author of Cry, The Beloved Country, who was, in the words of Douglas Livingstone, a ‘lighthouse in the South African twilight’ during the dark decades leading up to the country's constitutional democracy. Paton’s internationally recognised gifts of lyric verse, evocative prose, and vibrant storytelling are combined to create a richly dramatic portrait. The production received rave reviews at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. Auto & General Theatre On The Square, from 18 April to 7 May 2016
MOZART’S THE MAGIC FLUTE
The Magic Flute is in the form of a German Singspiel, which includes singing and spoken dialogue. For this production, the texts will be sung in German and the spoken dialogue will be adapted with a mixture of South African languages. This will activate the light-hearted side of this opera and be as familiar as possible to the audience. This opera is sometimes seen as a statement on the superiority of reason over superstition. Noted for its prominent masonic elements, the love story written by Schikaneder promises to be a highlight for South African
WORDS: THINA MTHEMBU. IMAGES: JOBURG THEATRE; THEATRE ON THE SQAURE; STER-KINEKOR; NU METRO.
MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN
Based on the incredible, true story of the Beam family, when Christy (Jennifer Garner) discovers her 10-year-old daughter Anna (Kylie Rogers) has a rare, incurable disease, she becomes a ferocious advocate for her daughter’s healing as she searches for a solution. After Anna has a freak accident, an extraordinary miracle unfolds in the wake of her dramatic rescue, that leaves medical specialists mystified, her family restored and their community inspired. Opens at Ster-Kinekor on 6 May 2016
THE PERFECT MATCH
Charlie is a playboy who’s convinced that relationships are dead, even though his therapist sister tries to tell him otherwise. His best friends bet him that if he sticks to one woman for one month, he’s bound to fall in love. Charlie takes the bet because he believes that he’s immune to love... until he crosses paths with the beautiful and mysterious Eva. Turning on his irresistible charm, Charlie coaxes Eva into a casual affair, but soon finds out that Eva has turned the tables on him. Now Charlie is questioning whether he may actually want more than just a one-night stand. Opens at Nu Metro on 13 May 2016
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ON SCREEN
theatregoers this May. Joburg Theatre from 18 to 24 May 2016
THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE
In this 3D, animated comedy, we’ll finally find out why the birds are so angry. The movie takes us to an island entirely populated by happy, flightless birds – or almost entirely. In this paradise Red, a bird with a temper problem, speedy Chuck and the volatile Bomb have always been outsiders. But when mysterious, green piggies visit the island, it’s up to these unlikely outcasts to figure out what the pigs are up to. Based on the Angry Birds video game by Rovio Entertainment. Opens at Ster-Kinekor on 13 May 2016
BEFORE I WAKE
Jessie and Mark decide to take in sweet and loving eight-year-old Cody. Unbeknownst to them, Cody is terrified of falling asleep. At first, they assume his previous unstable homes caused his aversion to sleep, but they soon discover the real reason – Cody’s dreams manifest in reality as he sleeps. In one moment they experience the incredible wonder of Cody’s imagination and in the next, the horrific nature of his night terrors. To save their new family, Jessie and Mark embark on a dangerous hunt to uncover the truth behind Cody’s nightmares. E Opens at Ster-Kinekor on 20 May 2016
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music
EOA MUSIC
BOTH SIDES/FACE VALUE
Platinum-selling singer Lira has already conquered South Africa, and much of Europe with her irresistible blend of R&B, Jazz and African style of music. This time round, Lira will enchant audiences in the Vaal Triangle with her dance moves and happy, sing-along songs. Joining her on the night will be singer-songwriter Brenda Mtambo, with her soulful sounds. Mtambo is well known for her performances with Joyous Celebrations and fans will definitely be treated to sounds from this Afro-Soul powerhouse. On 26 April at Emerald Resort & Casino
Phil Collins (Warner Music) Fans will be happy to know that Collins has reissued an expanded version of his albums, Both Sides and Face Value, that boast recreations of the original cover, but depicting Collins as he is today. The sound quality is sharper than the original releases and comes with extended and re-mastered editions. Both Sides is similar in its melancholic to Face Value – most of the lyrics have a hint of pain and frustration, but are resolute in finding a peaceful purpose.
SOULFUL SOUNDS
If you don’t know what to give your mom this Mother’s day, our music selection should steer you in the right direction.
STARRING… XXVIII
SOUL SISTERS MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION The Inaugural Soul Sisters Mother’s Day Celebration promises to take you on a trip down memory lane. With the music of yesteryear, as well as fresh contemporary sounds brought to you by the likes of Can Skylark, Jody Williams and Maddy Abrahams, the classic divas completing the lineup are 3 Tons of Fun, Judith Sephuma and Vicky Sampson – all not to be missed. On 7 May at Grand Arena
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Louie Vega (Sony Music South Africa) This is a dual-disc conceptual record that features 28 artists with 28 different songs. Amongst the long list of collaborators are members of the new legion of South African house that Vega is exposing to the world, Kaylow, Bucie and Uhuru. Be prepared for the most exquisite grooves, with notes from Afro, Carribean and Latin, infused with funk, gospel, jazz, R&B and soul.
JOYOUS CELEBRATION 20
Joyous Celebration (Sony Music South Africa) To celebrate 20 years of bringing gospel music to the people of South Africa, leading gospel ensemble, MTN Joyous Celebration, put on a marathon show featuring Mzansi’s best gospel talents, poets, comedians and motivational speakers. Available on CD and DVD, the show doesn’t disappoint with the right moves, majestic voices and best of their world-class costumes.
FALL FOR YOU
Leela James (David Gresham Records) Check out the latest ‘old school’ music brought to you by Leela James, with the beautifully arranged Fall For You. Her rich and soulful voice, together with her strong and personal lyrics, creates a lasting impression. E
WORDS: THINA MTHEMBU. IMAGES: WARNER MUSIC SA, UNIVERSAL MUSIC, COMPUTICKET.COM.
LIRA LIVE
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HOROSCOPES EOA
PISCES 20 February – 20 March You might feel lost for words or have transport issues that snarl up your current plans. Outdated phones or clapped-out cars can be upgraded next month, but the sooner you get on the right wavelength about love, the better. Relationships bloom again if you powerdown a desperate need to succeed at work. AQUARIUS 21 January – 19 February Where and how you live are up for renegotiation this month. Love or money could be the deciding factors, and a long-term and secure solution could be reached. Friends may have to take second place for now, but by August you’ll be in a better space to get ahead with all areas of your life.
ARIES 21 March – 20 April Risk-taking or making a fast buck is out, but doing your research to build more stable finances is in. As money improves, invest in a health routine that gives long-lasting results. With love, you’re hard to pin down, but something secure is there for you if you’re prepared to commit.
TAURUS 21 April – 21 May Things turn back in your favour now, so the only way to move is forward. The winds of change bring you better love and, after much soul-searching, you’re due for a personal revival now too. You attract what you are rather than what you want – so if you want something great then be great.
GEMINI 22 May – 21 June Felt in awe of someone close or overwhelmed at work lately? Fine-tune your strategy and change your mindset, and the odds will be stacked in your favour this month. Home brings a feeling of being more centred too, so turn your living space into a true reflection of the person you are.
YOUR MONTH IN THE STARS
CANCER 22 June – 23 July New friends and new plans excite you now, and it’s the best time for you to put a fresh slant on all that’s become overfamiliar. If you’ve been working hard, cut yourself some slack and let love take priority. Lighting that romantic fire this month could turn it into a raging furnace by June. LEO 24 July – 23 August Recent career upsets get sorted out now. Consider it a wake-up call if you've just been going through the motions, and switch to all work and less play. With the right people on board, work may be more rewarding financially (and possibly romantically) than you'd dared to dream.
WORDS: STELLA NOVA. IMAGE: IXABAY.COM.
Your gemstone is an emerald, a symbol of growth, reflection, fertility and healing. CAPRICORN 22 December – 20 January An on-off situation with love or creativity gets resolved now. If you’ve neglected your own needs, channel your inner child and have fun again. Opportunities to travel or to reach a wider audience may arise now in an area that consumes you completely, not just scratches an itch.
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SAGITTARIUS 23 November – 21 December After holding back for so long you might release your wild side this month. Rein things in and deal with any financial or emotional repercussions, as you get to do it all again in August – but make it more constructive next time around. Your career sparks back into overdrive now and so does love.
SCORPIO 24 October – 22 November Any uncertainty about relationships starts to make sense now, with a chance to revive love if attached or find new love if solo. You’re more driven to succeed now than you’ve been in a long time as an obsession with earning or spending wanes. And after a recent slump, friendships flourish again.
LIBRA 24 September – 23 October Money mix-ups could occur now and this might mean curtailing travel plans or selfimprovement courses. Despite these setbacks or cutbacks, you’re back on an optimistic high. Love heals all and with romance a highlight of the month, it’s a perfect time to enjoy simple pleasures, ideally à deux.
VIRGO 24 August – 23 September If you have doubts about your direction in life, travel, the media, a spiritual adventure or learning something new are up for grabs now, leading you towards more stability. Reconsider what you thought you knew about everything, including love. And network – as you’re set to be quite the star this month.
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EOA STOCKISTS
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CORICRAFT
Coricraft.co.za, 011 611 8700
DIS-CHEM STORES
011 589 2200
EDGARS
0800 203 925
GUESS
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FOREVER NEW
011 883 4585
H&M
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LA MANCHE
011 326 4853
LOVISA
011 883 0918
MRP PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND RED SQUARE
Mrp.co.za 011 783 4355 Redsquare.co.za
RIVER ISLAND
011 685 7090
SDM EYEWEAR
011 334 7020
SPREE
Spree.co.za
STEVE MADDEN
011 784 0406
STUTTAFORDS
011 783 5212
TED BAKER
011 450 1156
TIGER OF SWEDEN
011 784 0561
TOMMY HILFIGER
011 326 6827
WEYLANDTS
021 914 1433 or 0860 103 400
WEYLANDTS FOURWAYS
011 467 8001
WOOLWORTHS
011 290 1011
ZARA
011 302 1500
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