Ignited Woman - Feb/Mar 2021 by Ignited Woman Mag

EDITION 13 | FEB/MAR 2021

6 Benefits of a

regular health check-up

Get your survival guide to deal with Covid-19 anxiety

Tips to secure your promotion while working from home

How to get financially fit in a pandemic What the experts say!

The Catch up corner with Triumph and Trudy

The winning power of collaboration

CONTENTS YOUR MONEY + BUSINESS & HEALTH

04 EDITOR'S NOTE In this edition the focus on self has been prominent. Our ladies are looking internally to make a huge impact outwardly.

08 MONEY LESSONS FROM COVID-19 The new year has started and it is a good time to reflect on the previous year. Money will most certainly come into sharp focus.

10 SLEEP DEPRIVED? CLEAN YOUR SLEEP

Applying sleep hygiene techniques plays a significant part in improving insomnia. There is no reason to accept insomnia.

MAKING MUSIC FROM HER POETRY

ON THE COVER

THE CATCH UP CORNER WITH TRUDY AND TRIUMPH

19 GETTING YOUR PROMOTION Working remotely has become common in our daily lexicon. But can you progress in your job even though your boss does not see you?

CHEMIST IN BUSINESS

DIJO: PAP CUPS

Nomandla Ngcoya never imagined herself in business. but now she is slaying as a chemist with a range of products.

This is most definitely the kind of papa that the millenials will say has gone to Harvard. Delicious on a plate.

Nosipho Fakude is not one to be limited by the drastic changes of the world, instead she dived into them to make an impact in people's lives.

26 SURVIVAL GUIDE TO COVID-19 ANXIETY

Coach Shoane shares some tips on how to deal with anxiety that is brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic and its many restrictions.

WWW.IGNITEDWOMAN.CO.ZA

FEBRUARY 2021| ISSUE 13

22 IMPACT MAKERS

editor's note Re-ignite the best version of yourself

wo things - phrases really- sprung up for me while putting this edition together; selfforgetfulness and re-introduction to the best version of self. Self! Who are we without self, self-awareness, selfpreservation and self-love, well nothing! We call out these phrases so often that sometimes I wonder if they still carry a meaning to us. And this is part of the reason these phrases stood out for me. I often tell people that I consider myself to be in a rare position of privilege because I get to come into contact with so many amazing women. Women who through their own journeys of business and life take me on a journey and to a large extend assist me on my own. Self-forgetfulness can bring feelings of self-doubt and low self-esteem. As JahRose puts it on page 30, when a higher level oh self-awareness is attained, then the full self–expression veil is lifted. Similarly our cover ladies also make a mention of the word self; how they were re-introduced to the best version of self when they entered the Mrs SA pageant. I revel in such wisdom.

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Fitness

ACHIEVE YOUR WEIGHT LOSS GOALS IN 2021 Why do new year’s resolutions rarely stick? The drive to lose weight and eat healthier is easy to consider after an indulgent holiday season, but how do you stay motivated in your weight loss journey?

FIVE WAYS TO ENSURE THAT 2021 IS THE YEAR YOU ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN YOUR WEIGHT LOSS GOALS

3. Stock up on healthy staples

The good news is that there are some tried and tested ways to extend our weight loss motivation beyond the middle of January.

Every meal is an opportunity to give your body the nutrients it needs to build well and repair deeply. To do this, re-stock your kitchen with foods that will make preparing healthy meals easy. Remember, you need a balance of proteins, fats and even carbohydrates with each meal to ensure that your system functions properly and to kick-start your weight loss.

1. Small, simple changes

4. Cut out refined sugar

There’s no value in completely overhauling your diet if you can’t maintain it, which is often the case if you decide to change everything at once. The best way to start your weight loss journey is by making a few simple changes with what you have in front of you. Start by focusing on getting fresh, healthy foods into your body – and add a few more changes weekly.

2. Clean out your pantry and fridge

This will remove temptation. The easiest places to start making changes are your pantry and your fridge and this means cleaning out the nasties. Any packages or processed foods that contain an abundance of refined ingredients need to be donated to your nearest food kitchen or charity.

Life is better with a bit of sweetness but with our modern diets, it’s also the source of extra weight. If you’ve started your weight loss journey, you will need to reduce your sugar intake substantially. You’ll get more than enough naturally-occurring sugars from your five portions of fruit and vegetables that you should be eating every day.

5. Drink more water Based on studies, drinking two litres of water every day helps with weight loss. It not only cleanses your system, water reduces your appetite and calorie intake too. To make this easier, infuse your water with orange, lemon or even strawberries. Mint and cucumber also add wonderful flavour so that hitting your daily water target becomes a breeze. Content sourced from The Harvest Table. For more information, please visit: www.theharvesttable.co.za

Money Coach

Financial lessons from Covid-19: Adapting to the new normal By Dikonelo Mile

The new year has started and it is a good time to reflect on the previous year. Whilst we may never get used to a pandemic and its many restrictions, there are aspects of it that we can learn from. The year 2020 came with a lot of lessons that we can take into the new year.

Creating multiple sources

Financial lessons, being one of them, have been intense but hopefully fresh in memory to take along with into a future of new ways of doing things. Besides evolving always comes with growth.

may have been affected by

Here are some financial lessons that got us through the past year that we can use as a point of reference:

than one source of income. It is

of income A lot of jobs were lost and businesses had to shut down. You retrenchments or shutting down a business. What the previous year has taught us is that we need more time to go back to the drawing board and strategies on how you can create your sources of income.

Be flexible

Review you investments

Pumping up your

We have gone back and forth

What worked then may not work

emergency fund

between different levels of

now. Review your current

lockdown. It is important to be able

investments and look at new areas

to be flexible. Your budget needs to

where you can invest. Learn about

be flexible to adapt to any changes

new trends.

that are happening in your life.

Ensure your assets are insured.

There is a lot of panic in the

Remembered to be kind to yourself

air. Do not panic or make money

financially and otherwise. We are all

decisions out of panic.

trying to figure out what works in the new normal.

Living in uncertain times means that there could be an emergency any time. After looking at your financial goals, increase your emergency fund and clarify what an emergency means to you.

Business Bits

GIVEN A CHANCE SOUTH AFRICA CAN

INNOVATE By Edith Mjuluki

As the Covid-19 infections continue to rise, fear especially among small and medium business owners is also increasing.

Businesses continue to struggle while more people are losing their job and livelihoods. The limited or lack of support for small businesses poses the greatest challenge during this time. The temporary R350 the unemployed are getting is, well completely unsustainable. What is needed more than a grant for the unemployed is a space where innovators can innovate and thrive. Luckily, it’s not all doom and gloom, something can still be done. South Africa is rich with skilled and gifted people who can bring the much needed change to the economy and therefore create jobs. Approximately a year ago, when the lockdown was first initiated, the president announced how Covid-19 relief grant strategy would be implemented as an aid to finance businesses during lock down. Yet a large number of small businesses did not receive or qualify for Covid-19 relief grant due to criteria that was set too high. Meanwhile, our societies are filled with people who have talent and skills that are not being utilised because of lack of funding and strict funding criteria. Given the chance, I would suggest to the highest leadership in the country to change things around and shake things up a bit. Let every man, woman and young person who wants to start a business be challenged to innovate and come up with start-ups that can bring benefit to the economy.

Let every man, woman and young person who wants to start a business be challenged to innovate and come up with start-ups that can bring benefit to the economy. And let these people be fully supported. We live in a digital age so let's put it to use instead of sleeping and being spoon-fed. Look at China, the Chinese invested in upskilling their own people in such a way it has become a culture to be creative and innovative. South Africa can also do great if only its people can be given a chance. The time is now. There is no need for such high rates of unemployment. We just need the government to have the will to change things around because it sure does have the power. I strongly believe in the people of South Africa. We can do much more by working together. We need your support Mr President. Some of the few sectors where innovation continues to happen: • Art • IT • Scientific • Singing/instruments • Health and wellness • Cyber Security creative ideas • Manufacturing • Education. • Online Forex trading training.

Mental Health

Why do we accept Insomnia? The art of sleep clean up By Dr Nkomile Setlaba

have always believed that sleep is one of the most basic needs to ensure human survival. Yet under the autonomic nervous system control, it is impossible for us to control when exactly we should fall asleep. We can decide to sleep, but that does not mean that our minds will comply and switch off on demand. My teenage patient the other day told me that the reason the sleeping tablets I gave him were not working is because of his “chronic insomnia”. It still baffles me that people are accepting of the fact that they do not sleep. Insomnia Disorder is one of the Sleep Wake Disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Psychiatric Disorders (DSM 5). Together with other sleep disorders, Insomnia Disorder is diagnosed when it cannot be attributed to another psychiatric or medial illness, environmental factors or the effects of substances. It is characterized by dissatisfaction with sleep quantity or quality with complaints of difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep or early wakening.

It may occur during the course of another medical or mental disorder or may occur independently. Every individual who has significant complaints of insomnia, especially if it impacts their functioning, needs to be evaluated by a medical doctor. In cases where an identifiable cause can be sought, then such a cause needs to be treated in order to manage the insomnia. However, if the insomnia occurs independently then the direct treatment of the insomnia must be undertaken. Treatment includes nonpharmacological and pharmacological modalities. The most effective non-pharmacological treatment method is known as sleep hygiene. This is basically cleaning up of sleep, to get rid of the “bad habits” that make it difficult to initiate and maintain sleep. Some of these habits seem innocent however can have a significant negative impact on one’s sleep. During sleep hygiene an individual is advised to perform day activities that will tire them in the evening and

"It still baffles me that people are accepting of the fact that they do not sleep." not to do anything in the evening that will stimulate an awakened state. Applying sleep hygiene techniques plays a significant part in improving insomnia. Patients have shown improvement without having used sleeping medications. Other nonpharmacological methods include psychotherapy, relaxation techniques and sleep restriction techniques. Adequate sleep is essential for optimal functioning and to prevent development and/or exacerbation of medical and psychiatric disorders. It is thus imperative to seek medical and psychological evaluation to determine the cause of insomnia; and to initiate management when indicated.

Some sleep hygiene techniques Relax in the evening, do whatever works for you to relax. Improve the sleep ambience by reducing the noise; remove phones, TVs and radios from the bedroom Make the room comfortable and appropriate for sleep by keeping it cool, dark and quiet. Establish a regular sleep schedule, pick a sleep time and stick to eat as much as possible. Get adequate daytime exercise. Do not engage in exercise just before bedtime, this increases endorphins and energy levels. Use the bedroom only when you feel sleepy.

Reserve the bed for sleep and sex only. Air the bedroom prior to retiring. Avoid coffee, tea and cigarettes for approximately two hours prior to retiring. Have a warm bath. Do not stay in bed for more than 20 minutes if you have not fallen asleep. Get out of bed, sit elsewhere and read a book until you feel sleepy again. Return to bed only then. Get up at a fixed time in the morning. DO NOT sleep during the day.

Game Changers

Creating a platform for women By Basetsana Makhalemele

Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer of Facebook once said: “We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored.” Surely South African women have a lot to converse about with what is happening in every area of their lives. This is how two former Mrs SA finalists, entrepreneurs and cofounders of the talk show The Catch Up Corner, Trudy Zulu and Truimph Mbiva, see their role as women.

Their position about the role women should play has propelled them to create a platform that shines the spotlight on South African women from all walks of life. This new and dynamic television talk show aims to highlight women who are doing phenomenal things in their respective fields of work.

Women have a lot to converse about especially with what is happening in every area of their lives

The Mrs South Africa journey Trudy and Triumph both agree that taking the Mrs South Africa journey re-introduced them to the best version of themselves and gifted them a value friendship. The platform forced them to confront and conquer themselves, to learn so much about being a personality in the public eye and how to go after ones dreams. Trudy says some platforms are created for you to win and “some serve as a stepping stone, that’s what Mrs SA was for us". "To me, any journey one undertakes has to be effective enough to change my internal state before opening any external doors. The Mrs South Africa journey presented that opportunity for me, it opened up my eyes to the limitless potential that lies within," she says. "It enhanced my courage to dig into my inner strength because everything that we ever desire is locked up in us only if we have the courage to reach down and get it to work for our good into opening external doors" she adds. "Our story often sounds almost coincidental but we believe that God orders our steps. We took the bus together in high school but never interacted, about a decade later we met again at the Mrs South Africa pageant and we were almost inseparable from there," says Trudy. Impacting lives through entertainment Their shared passion for the entertainment industry and their desire to tell authentic South African stories inspired them to join forces and establish a media company.

Through company, T&T Entertainment, they produce their own lifestyle oriented talk show called The Catch Up Corner that shines the spotlight on South African women from all walks of life. The talk show also highlights women who are doing phenomenal things in their respective fields of work.

There are women who have gone before us and paid the price, neglected their own careers so that we can have better.

This is how the two use their love for entertainment as a tool to start the conversation going. "South Africans are consuming more local content and it’s amazing seeing and relating to people who are just like us," she says. Purpose in work According to the two, the intention to educate, inspire and motivate audiences gives their show distinction. Triumph asserts that so much is said about success and the glitz and glam lives of prominent individuals that the ordinary people working to change lives have almost become insignificant in modern day society. “This show aims to bring to light the unspoken and hidden challenges of climbing that success ladder in any area of our lives,” she says. They say the future growth of the Catch Up Corner rests on its unique ability to celebrate the success whilst showcasing the struggles and challenges one has to endure to get there. The show brings entertaining feature and experience for the viewer as a pose to traditional talk shows, we deliver our content/narrative in a relevant, relatable

and entertaining way by bringing in diverse headings/topics/storyline, characters and personalities to the show. The catch up corner will be available to view on GauTV channel 265 on DStv. Juggling despite Covid-19 challenges The Covid-19 pandemic has indeed redirected lives and it has become challenging for most, which the two list it as a cause of their challenge on their journey. "Covid-19 has been a challenge especially with getting our shows off the ground but we’re grateful that we managed," says Trudy. In the midst of everything this pandemic has also taught us about life and strengthened their faith even more. "Tomorrow is not promised and that it is important to pursue our God given abilities and talents, because if not now then when? If not you then who?". They believe that through planning and delegation, it is no use to try to do everything at once and never master anything. "Someone can pick up the kids and make the groceries, there are no super moms but real moms," that is how they juggle everything that they do effortlessly.

Triumps of the season "From gracing covers, getting our shows picked up to hosting awards it all encourages us to keep moving and to not give up. These are actually very good reasons to aim even higher,” says Triumph. Everyone needs some sort of inspiration or motivation to give them an edge. One need to create their own success. And there is no doubt that Trudy and Triumph are truly motivated to be the women they are today. Triumph says there are women who have gone before her and paid the price, neglected their own careers so that she can have one, neglected their happiness to nourish her own.

"I have my grandmother in heaven who invested tons of prayers for my sake, their sacrifices cannot be in vain. I owe it to them to be the best in all I do," she adds. Sound Advice: Triumph: Stop stopping yourself, because you are enough. It is important to note that nobody is coming to save you so must stand up and make it happen. You are more capable than what you give yourself credit for. Trudy: Keep on showing up for yourself, we cannot leave the course of our-lives and destiny to chance, nobody saves us but ourselves, only we and we alone can walk the path to becoming anything that we dream of becoming.

A GEM IN THE CITY OF ROSES

The new Premier Splendid Inn Bloemfontein is a gem right in the heart of the city. The newly renovated hotel with its modern architecture and refreshing interior décor offers a tranquil energy smack in the middle of the buzzing Zastron Street. The hotel is conveniently located in close proximity to Free State Government Departments; the SARS office is directly opposite the hotel, sports stadiums, renowned schools, as well as historical and cultural landmarks such as the National Museum, the University of Free State and the Supreme Court of Appeal. Also a short 10 km drive from Bloemfontein Airport and the Waterfront Mimosa Mall is approximately 1km from the hotel.

CONFERENCE FACILITIES Premier Splendid Inn Bloemfontein offers a magnificent boutique conference experience for organisers looking for something new. The sound proofed conference room is equipped with the latest audio visual equipment incorporating screens, roving and lapel microphones, flexible lighting solutions for any set up and poster holders. Delegates can also enjoy dining in an enclosed rooftop area, whilst there are convenient pause and pre-assembly areas available.

RESTAURANT The Fountains restaurant has a tempting menu with a variety of dishes available including Durban-style lamb curry, vegetarian, chicken or beef gourmet burgers, Macufe-mix grill and pasta dishes. Halaal meals are also offered. The open plan kitchen behind the buffet area creates a vibrant atmosphere for customers. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner (a la carte & buffet style dining).

ROOMS The hotel has 88 rooms that include 20 double rooms, 50 twin, 13 king, 3 executive and 2 disabled bedrooms in a comfortable, contemporary and spacious setting.

Health

BENEFITS OF REGULAR CHECKUPS

he beginning of each year always has us taking a relook at different areas of our lives especially our finances. A health check-up seldom makes it to the list of things to do when the year starts. According to Girl Talk HQ there are a few benefits to having ourselves checked before we start feeling aches and pains. Here are the benefits:

The earlier the better The onset of some disease my not show any symptoms. Eeven though there might be certain symptoms present, they have the potential to arise in a number of different ways. In some cases, no symptoms will be present leaving the body under silent attack.

Receiving checkups on a more regimented schedule can prove to be life-saving. Early detection could be the difference between a long and healthy life and the alternative.

Lower healthcare costs

Regular check-ups ensure that you stay healthy and assist in catching any ailment at an earlier stage, making it more easily treatable. In the long run, this means a lesser chance of more major problems and treatments. My aunt sees her doctor every six months because of age and ill health. When she started losing sight in one eye help was already available and she still has her hearing and sight.

Although she spent money it would have run into tens of thousands.

Helps stress-related illnesses A recent report explains that women are more likely to deal with stress on a daily basis than men. Also, Millennials are the most stressed generation, so this means if you’re a millennial woman, you need to be aware of how stress is impacting your health. Going to your doctor to check stress levels could be the answer to a lot of the aches, pains. and other health issues you might be dealing with.

Content sourced from Girl Talk HQ website. https://www.girltalkhq.com/theimportance-of-womens-healthcheck-ups/

Careers

Climbing the corporate ladder while working remotely Since the Covid-19 pandemic took over our lives the term working remotely has become common in our daily lexicon. Almost every country in the world has had some level of lockdown in the effort to flatten the curve of the pandemic. South Africa has been one of the hardest hit countries and started 2021 on level 3 lockdown – amended yes but still a level 3, which is just two levels from a complete shutdown. This has been necessitated by the second wave of the pandemic in our country. While this is a reality, the corporate world still beckons. This begs the question; how does

one set themselves apart and even get a promotion while working remotely. Are employers even looking at promoting workers? Ofcourse. This is the time to set yourself apart from the rest especially because companies are retrenching. You do not want to be first in line because you are always late for a Zoom meeting. Keep these in mind as you navigate the home office and be accountable always. Check-in with your team or friends in the morning. Don't mistake this for a daily stand-up; this is more like saying hi when you're getting coffee.

Keep people posted if you are leaving early or unavailable. It helps build trust. Invest in a headset if you will be doing a lot of calls. If there is more than one person in your household that is working remotely, they will thank you for this. It is no fun listening to somebody else's conference call. Turn on your video when on a video call to help you feel connected and stay engaged. When your video is disabled, it is easy to wander off and get distracted. Set up a weekly, casual remote chat. This is important to keep staff connected. It also helps employees talk home with colleagues as much as they talk shop with family. This can be on a Friday morning and topics can range from parenting challenges, to home schooling.

The chemist with a flair

Innovator

for business By Kamogelo Seekoei

For someone who never imagined a career as a chemist, let alone becoming a thriving business woman, Nomandla Ngcoya, from Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, has done pretty well for herself. The University of Kwazulu-Natal BSc Chemistry and Chemical Technology graduate ventured into producing cleaning detergents after graduation and her decision is paying off. “To be honest God led me to this field. Before going to university I didn’t know that one can actually study to be a chemist.” Nomandla actually wanted to go into medicine but was one point short for entry. So she decided to have a remark on her matric exams. While waiting life had to go on and she also had to be in class so she took some modules to get her through the first semester of university.

This is where she encountered chemistry and fell absolutely in love with the course. “I didn’t know what I was doing half the time but I was always looking forward to lab day, I think that was the innovative side of me popping out. I told my mom that I was going to finish this degree and do medicine afterwards and she allowed me. When I completed the degree I decided to do my honours,” she reveals. She completed her Honours in chemistry, her Masters in medicinal chemistry and is currently doing her PhD in medicinal and natural product chemistry. Innovating Shortly after completing her internship at UKZN, Nomandla was admitted for eight days for depression. The internship had not gone as she had hoped as most of her experiments did not work.

“We have also attracted investors from the private sector. These investors will help us with the equipment needed for expansions”.

“Sometimes a reaction in the lab can run for 48 hours which means there is no need for you to be on campus unless you want to monitor the reaction which is something you can do twice a day. So I had to report to work even when I had nothing to do,” she recalls. She admits that she had an awesome supervisor and great colleagues but repeating the same thing daily ate her up inside. “It was even worse in the first 3 months because the reactions I was doing were not working so it was all in vain,” Nomandla concedes. The end of her internship called for drastic action. For her the solution was entrepreneurship. “I registered my first company and I have never relapsed and I am at my happiest,” she says. Today her start-up, D Chem Group, produces household detergents which include dish washing liquid, hard surface cleaner, tile cleaner, liquid floor polish, thickened bleach, window cleaner and oven cleaner. There are also industrial detergents like pine gel, pine disinfectant, black dip, degreaser and floor stripper. Production also includes automotive products like car wash and wax, tyre polish and dashboard cleaner as well as laundry products like fabric softener and laundry bleach. They also have perfumes and body butters. “When you are content about certain things you feel like certain things are right. Even when you are in a relationship, when you are content you feel like you are loved right.

The same goes for entrepreneurship, if you are content about where you are going it feels like you have taken the right route even when you have a negative bank balance,” Nomandla admits. She says this level of contentment has ensured that she does not relapse into depression or even have thoughts of finding a job. Milestones and flourishing in a male dominated industry It will be a full five years in May since Nomandla established her start-up. In 2020 I made it into the Top 5 in the KZN Ithala Bank inkunzi isematholeni youth in business competition. She was the first woman to make it into the top five in the past five years. The winners of the competition are yet to be announced. Not only that, but her products are also incrementally making their way into retail. “We have made it into two local Spars. I am hoping to make it into Clicks as well since they announced last year that they will be buying locally soon, if they haven’t already started,” she says. If this is not slaying the male dominated industry, then we do not know what is. This is particularly personal for her when she recollects that in their honours class there were only four females and 10 males who often reminded them which chemicals not to inhale as it would affect your reproductive system – “as if woman’s only purpose in life is to have kids”. They do not even ask us if we want to have kids, they just assume as if God said he is not going to welcome us into heaven if we don’t have kids. Now if you are black, a female, chemist and an entrepreneur you are a rare breed,” she says.

P.S. In case you are wondering, yes she did get the point after remarking, but was no longer interested in pursuing medicine.

Disruptor

IMPACT MAKERS

MITIGATING THE PANDEMIC By Basetsana Makhalemele

the words of Desmond Tutu "do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." Nosipho Fakude is not one to be limited by the drastic changes of the world, instead she dived into them to make an impact in people's lives.

"I have always wanted to be a hands-on mother, the way my mother was to me and my siblings," she says. While the world was petrified by the rising peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Nosipho saw a gap to fulfill her childhood dream of adding value to the society and gave birth NS Impact Foundation.

A young black woman living up to her name and calling - Nosipho which means mother of gifts is on a mission to render great impact to vulnerable communities.

Creating impact makers

"I am determined to create sustainable value for our current and future generations in the least," she says. Nosipho is a wife, mother of 3, a philanthropist and entrepreneur. She was raised in the heart of KwaMashu and enjoyed her early and tertiary education in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

"We believe that in order to make an impact, you have to act. As Africans we know that you cannot sit alone to create prosperity and that the wealth that can empower us all, must come from us all. There should be no obstacles in doing good. Our aim is to deliver measurable impact in all we do," she says.

After a stint in the corporate world, she felt it was time to leave in 2015 when she was pregnant with her second daughter.

According to Nosipho, their strategic intention is to focus on four pillars from the sustainable development goals by the United Nations.

NS Impact Foundation's mission is to create a platform that unites people to do good in the simplest of ways.

These goals have the power to create a better world by 2030, by ending poverty, fighting inequality and addressing the urgency of climate change. We have pledged to focus on zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education as well as gender equality. Their commitment to bringing care to the most vulnerable in South African society, which are; older persons, disabled persons, children, women and the homeless has changed so many lives with the projects they have done.

NS Impact Foundation projects The foundation is mainly involved in two projects. The Add Sum Impact and Fill up The bag. Add Sum Impact is the Tristan Strike’s brainchild, a learner at Crawford. It began with his school’s tutoring programme, that saw bright children like Tristan tutor younger, but equally bright grade 8 and 9 learners from lesserprivileged schools. The project was launched with an official handover at Inanda Newtown Comprehensive School, in Durban North, on 25 September 2020. The project then progressed to many more secondary schools in Gauteng. With Fill up The bag they designed a backpack with the needs of the homeless in mind. We then invited partners and sponsors to bring this initiative to life. “To make the bags, we partnered with Uzwelo, a skills development and job creation platform that focuses its energy on what can be done, instead of what can’t be done. We are aiming to make this an ongoing initiative throughout the year, producing, filling up, and distributing even more bags,” she says.

Nosipho Fakude

Why Charity? "Growing up and seeing my mother, a housewife doing so much for people in our Kwa Mashu community made me fall in love with the strong woman she was," she says. "Losing a job with 6 kids to feed is very stressful for me just thinking about it but her passion for family and serving her community gave her wings. Whether helping her community was her way of coping with her circumstance at the time, I’m not sure- but for me as a young girl all I could see was her strength. Fast forward to today and Nosipho knows that patience is the key to success in this line of business. "I have learnt so much in a short space of time, about myself, and my team. I have learnt a lot about my strengths, my weaknesses and so much more.

"First and foremost this thing needs to come from the heart. If it does not, you will be easily discouraged because there are plenty pitfalls along the way."

I’ve learnt so much about the communities I want to make an impact in. I’ve laughed and cried, both from happiness and sadness. I’ve learned the biggest skill in this line of work which is patience and never giving up," she says.

Highlights and challenges Seeing the smiles, and people expressing how they feel loved and cherished has been the greatest highlight of her journey.

Nosipho feels that there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to make an impact, however small or big.

"The pictures and thank you notes I receive from all the good little deeds we do, even outside of the foundation are my biggest highlights," she says.

"Our government cannot be the only source of change and support. We can each contribute a lot with small acts of kindness and giving," she asserts.

Venturing into something new has its own challenges, with Nosipho getting support and selling her vision was a tough battle she encountered on her journey.

She says the biggest challenge most donors face is accountability and measured success factors.

"Getting support is always a tough battle. Selling your vision is also not easy as most cooperates and donors have established their corporate social investment domains," she says.

Family, work and juggling With the impeccable work that she does for the vulnerable communities, Nosipho still gets it right with juggling work and family. "I love my family and that for me just makes the juggling so much easier," she says. With the pandemic at its current peak, home schooling is the order of the day thus making plans very complex and difficult to maintain. "I try my best to set goals for the week on Sundays and plan each day but with young kids by 9am the plan is out the window." It is often said that with a great support system and great team on your side everything becomes magical. The philanthropist has a great support and an amazing team to help her make her mission become a reality. "I have a very supportive husband who tries his utmost best to make my life so much easier, bless him. My team is also amazing and very supportive of the journey. We are so in tune with goals and our mission for NS Impact," she says.

"It’s also not easy to find the right people to work with. I find that, you need to hire the people you want to spend your life with than just filling in a position that is available," she adds. Future plans "We are definitely part of something bigger. I have only just begun with our journey and we have insightful research and passionate people in our team," says Nosipho passionately. She says they are constantly connecting to very helpful sponsors and partners. "Our vision is to exceed the global goal by 2030 set by the UN, at least for our Sothern Africa region," she concludes.

Sound advice "Being a woman is a superpower! You just need to learn all about your power, nurture it and use it the right way. Uplift other women cause only amazing things will happen when women help other women.

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Life Talk

By Maleshoane Tlhabang

11 Eleven ways to

deal with Covid-19 anxiety

The air is filled with such a heaviness, a lingering dark cloud that is unrelenting. Death, fear, job losses – all reek, causing a sense of apprehension that humanity has not had to face in a long time.

Pray, meditate and rest – this Covid-19 is a lot

ore people are experiencing anxiety attacks due to what the world is going through. As much as this can be overwhelming especially for people with limited contact to family and friends, you are not alone in all this heaviness. It does not help that we are physically isolated from one another, which in itself presents fewer options for consolation. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do on a daily basis to get your mind off things.

Practice these regularly. When boredom strikes get in that long meeting with yourself. It is absolutely okay if you don’t want to do anything, but do not fall into the trap and camp in the doing nothing space. Do one small, different task daily. Then celebrate that small win on that day. Then hug yourself. Open your heart to love, forgiveness and kindness and free yourself from any more heaviness. Preserve your peace and sanity. Let other things go, you can’t carry more than what we going through now. I cannot stress this enough. Breathe...breathe...breathe. Maleshoane Tlhabang is an Organisational relationship Systems Coach. She assists clients with self-worth and empowerment assist clients to release fear, self-sabotage, childhood traumas and thoughts that hold them back from achieving their true potential.

Some activities that can keep your mind off things Breath (do your breathing exercises) take a walk...it doesn’t have to be a long walk. Do this in your yard. Please remember to breathe in deeply let your breath out slowly. Do this repeatedly standing or sitting in an upright position. This you can Google. Go back to your gratitude list re-write what you are grateful for. Count them out 1 by 1. Look for more to add. Do gardening, connect with nature. Walk barefoot on your grass, don’t wear gloves and work the soil with your hands. Let your bum touch the ground as you work the soil. Pick up your flowers, smell them. Please hydrate and get vitamin D, spent at least 20minutes on direct sunlight. Do your beauty routine ladies (facials, hair, nails, make-up) doll up. Take a long hot shower or bath or you can choose to be in your comfy lounge clothes. Go on social media fast for hours or even for a day. Identify your triggers and stay away from them. Pray, meditate and rest. Bless someone... Play with kids, let the inner child come out to play, these small people have healing and soothing powers. Go on and arrange your playlist, listen to some good music and dance. You can get that hymn book and sing from it as well. Dance like no one is watching..

She can be reached on 074 694 9326 for assistance or questions on dealing with anxiety.

A Soul Healer

Black Girl Magic

STEPPING INTO HER MUSIC By Basetsana Makhalemele

oet extraordinaire JahRose, real name Nthabiseng Jafta, is a soul-builder. Over the years, the anthologist, publisher and curator from Phelindaba in Bloemfontein has worked intensely on her artistic projects speaking to those seeking to hear the voice of truth. She opens a door to her orchestrated life and her world of transitioning. "To be honest I have come to realize that we fall in the path of those who went before us as per our lineages - whether we know it or not. As time passes the veil of self-forgetfulness unveils and it all makes sense why and when things happen the way they do," she says. Suddenly "an introvert’s voice is on the page, that’s how it all started. I just wanted to be heard; more like read,” says the artprenuer who recently graduated from Academy for Women Entrepreneurs sponsored by the U.S Embassy and University of the Free State.

She completed a management and leadership development course and is currently studying towards a Masters in Creative Writing with Rhodes University. A power move for self-empowerment. Milestones Anyone who has had a glimpse of this shining star over the past few years has seen that JahRose has done tremendous work to build her name and is still doing so. Her work has exposed her internationally, and left a mark in countries, such as China-Beijing, Kunshan and Malawi ‘Mangochi’ just to name a few. "I have so many milestones but China-Beijing and Kunshan ‘poetry and poetics across languages changed my perspectives in so many ways, about the power of translations, publishing, owning my music, creating spaces for your art and going back to school," she affirms.

aving been in the industry for almost two decades has given her street cred and insight into the workings of an often unrewarding industry.

"After writing, understand the business of writing for you will have a product to help you navigate your way," she says.

Street cred aside the years have also give JahRose an opportunity to work with various other creative including AlahYen, Kaya, Dj Lemmy, Flame Unit music, John Paka, Nonkosi Sokoyi ‘Miss Noxy’, Hector Kunene, Dumelang ‘Bondo’ Tsepo and On Point Music Band and many others and open for more.

Now to the big transition She started writing songs before writing poems, but trusted the spoken voice than her singing voice.

Her advice to writers: “do not get into the business of waiting but that of writing”.

After years of doing poetry, she is expanding her artistic world of selfexpression. She is transitioning into the music industry and diversifying her portfolio. "Music needs confidence, I needed to gather tons of it before releasing my poems in song.

She believes that the only resource a writer needs is a pen and paper. Unlike inspiration – an abstract notion many often seek before starting to work – pen and paper are readily available, she says. "So write.”

"The critic in me is rising, so yeah I am investing in my music now," says JahRose.

"I write poems and put melodies with a live band and now work with DJs and producers," she says. She recently released a single in Jamaica and it is now available on YouTube. With this release she hopes followers and supporters see a different side of her. “My hope for venturing into music is to give me space to unwind and have fun. When I win in this quest, that’s exactly what my music consumers will hopefully get as well. Healing,” she says. On the business side of poetry/ performing art, Jahrose says there is a handful paying festivals in this country, but there’s more in the continent and far more across the globe. You have to decide for yourself where you want to be positioned.

After 17 years the question is what has sustained her in this tough industry? "Humility. God sustains the humble and renews the strength of the weary," for it is a rough field and you need to hold by the strings of faith and self-belief, for there are seasons when you are literally sinking from life’s blows and knocks, says the anthologist. She insists that taking care of the business side of giving people art is vital.

“With the little that you have, complain-less and shine. Make it work. Be financially smart”

The Empowered Lunch Connecting and empowering women

Food

FULLY LOADED PAP CUPS DIJO

Pap cups FROM

FOODIES

Makes 12 INGREDIENTS For the pap cups: 1½ cups (375g) White Star Super Maize Meal 2 tbsp butter1 cup grated cheddar cheese ⅛ tsp each salt and pepper, to season For the eggs, beans and mushroom pap cups: ½ tin baked beans 1 cup chopped mushrooms, fried 4 small eggs ⅛ tsp each salt and pepper, to season For the cheesy tuna pap cups: 1 tin (170g) tuna, drained ¼ onion, diced and fried ¾ cup grated cheddar cheese ¼ tsp each salt and pepper For the boerie and chakalaka pap cups: 100g boerewors, cooked and sliced into even pieces ½ tin chakalaka ½ cup grated cheddar cheese Serving suggestion: Tomato sauce Dressed garden salad Mixed roast vegetables Chopped spring onion Chopped chives Coriander sprigs

Planning to prepare this meal? Visit the Foodies of SA website here: https://www.foodiesofsa.com/savoury and get the method. ENJOY!!!

Black Owned