Ignited Woman - June/July 2020

ISSUE 9 | JUNE/JULY 2020

SIX women talk to us about their lockdown body changes

Win a Bloom Gin hamper Money lessons we should all take from COVID-19 lockdown

YOUTH MONTH CELEBRATING YOUNG DYNAMIC WOMEN IN BUSINESS

RORISANG SETLOGELO

ON HER PRISM AWARD, GROWING HER BUSINESS AND HER 9 YEARS IN THE ADVERTISING GAME

CONTENTS REGULARS 08 09 10 27

MONEY SAVVY BUSINESS BITS MENTAL HEALTH BOOKS AND AUTHORS

FEATURES 16 GAME CHANGER: RORISANG SETLOGELO 20 DISRUPTOR: LINDIWE NKUNA 24 BLACK GIRL MAGIC: REJOICE MOROPANE

FOCUS ON COVID-19 11 HEALTHY LIVING DURING COVID-19 12 SIX WOMEN TALK LOCKDOWN BODY CHANGES 13 HOW TO KEEP WARM AND SAFE

TRENDS 14 GET THAT MEETING LOOK PERFECTED 15 BOSS GIRL LOOK 26 BOOK REVIEW

Win a Bloom Gin hamper.

See pg 3 and 23 formore details.

HELLO ISSUE

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09 05

editor's note Don't wait, make a move There are very interesting conversations taking place among many of us girls especially with lockdown still very much a part of our lives.

From how to keep ourselves healthy, our hair, skins care, watching our weight to how we miss our clothes. What about the foods we have learnt to cook.

We have adapted to working and taking care of our children simultaneously because no privacy, same space and lockdown have forced us to do that.

But here is a question, what skill have you learnt that you will take to the world when this unprecedented period is over?

A lot of people say there is an opportunity for all of us to grow from this disease that compelled us to go inside, both literally and figuratively.

One way to grab that opportunity is to learn a new skill that you will gift the world with.

I hope that lockdown has not been too depressing and that this edition will inspire you to make a move.

We have dynamic women who are disrupting sectors. I hope you enjoy the read!

www.ignitedwoman.co.za

Kamo Seekoei FOUNDING EDITOR

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Founder & editor Kamogelo Seekoei

Content creator Basetsana Makhalemele

graphic designer tumelo mosue

Contributors Dr Relebohile Ncha' Dr Nkomile Setlaba boitumelo monyatsi Dikonelo mile edith mjuluki mpho mabote

Advertising Adriana Botha Flair Media adriana@flairmedia.co.za Christos aranitis L & C Advertising christos@landcadvertising.co.za

Subscriptions Visit www.ignitedwoman.co.za or send email To: info@kannamedia.co.za

3275 Unit 1 Ext Selosesha, Thaba Nchu, 9783 Phone: +27 61 434 4631 Cell: +27 81 708 1412

WWW.IGNITEDWOMAN.CO.ZA Published by Kanna Media productions All Rights Reserved. all opinions by our independent writer does not necessarily reflect the opinions of ignited woman magazine or its staff members.

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Money Savvy

Money lessons from COVID-19 The last thing to do in a time like this is to panic. This pandemic has been tough for each and every person, some more than others. But panicking will only make things worse, writes financial expert Dikonelo Mile. She looks at COVID-19 money lessons.

Remember how a few months ago we were all celebrating the start of a new decade? Then came the unexpected COVID-19 which continues to test our strength.

In such times it is best to adapt and not panic because the game has changed for everyone.

The rules are completely different and there is no point of reference for us to navigate a new way.

This means the way we handle our finances should also change.

There has been both good and bad challenges. Let us look at some of the financial lessons we can implement currently.

Income Protection Due to uncertainty in the economy it is time to review if you have an income protection plan and what it covers. An Income Protection is there to secure you in case you lose your income.

Insurance This is a magic word.

You have to ensure that you are covered for insurances that affect your family, assets and lifestyle. Ensure that you know the terms and conditions of your health insurance, your life covers, home insurances etc. It's time to revisit those terms and conditions.

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Ensure that you cover cases of emergency and everything that you cannot afford to lose.

Business Succession Plan If you run a business, it is time to review or create a succession plan.

Having an uncertain future is an opportunity to review what the end game looks like for your business. Perhaps that will even assist you to come up with new, creative ideas.

Wills Ensure that you have a will and it is up to date.

Having a will also gives you some ideas on how you can build your networth for you and your loved ones.

Saving and Emergency Fund We survived months without going out and eating franchise food. Has that not improved your budget? Look at all the unnecessary expenditure you were forced to let go of. Keep what is good and discard what was not working. The unexpected has also taught us the importance of having an emergency fund. Review if your emergency fund is realistic and start working on it.

Get a new skill Millions of people across the globe have lost their jobs. If you got retrenched, do not panic and do not give up. Learn a new skill.

Business Bits

IS COVID-19 KILLING SMALL BUSINESSES?

By Edith Mjuluki The effects of COVID-19 have

gripped many informal

reverberated across the entire

trader and small businesses.

world. This new diseases has shaken

The strict requirements on

world economies and forced

businesses to access the relief

corporate to re-look its way of

grant such as UIF registration, tax

working.

certificates, company registration

Not a single person predicted this

and bank statements, mean informal

would happen and many of

traders are left outside because in

us were not ready for such an

most cases they do not have such

outbreak, whether personally,

documentation as their businesses

financially or professionally.

are not registered.

According to a report by accounting

Most street vendors are not even

firm PricewaterhouseCoopers the

aware of how the funding

COVID-19 pandemic has caused a

intervention works.

slowdown in world trade, disruption

The Sukuma relief fund for example

in global supply chains, changing

was temporarily closed

tourism flows and pressuring

for applications during first week of

Chinese economic growth. The

April 2020 – meaning access to

Is there help available for them? The

complexity of global supply

information on funding is still a

answer remains a mystery.

chains means that businesses may

problem.

What is clearly apparent is the frustration of business owners, whose

be reliant on Chinese products without being aware of it.

These businesses are the main

children and spouses solely depend

In South Africa small businesses are

source of income for many families.

on for the small income they make

feeling more pressure and

The COVID-19 outbreak means these

selling in the streets to buy food, pay

uncertainty about the future.

businesses are unable to operate and

rent, pay school fees, electricity and

to buy stock for their businesses.

other supplies.

Informal traders who sell items such

They are also not able to access relief

as clothing, phone accessories, toys,

funding as a result of outstanding

Job losses starts with these informal

household goods are in more of a

documents or in some cases

businesses. A lot of school leavers

pickle with lockdown requiring

absence of business documents.

and unskilled youth of South Africa

people to stay home, meaning no

The question is, are these businesses

find solace in the streets, but this

sales for them.

able to recover after lockdown? Is

may also be a source for frustration

With import and export reduced and

there any hope for them to access

when lockdown is over.

focused only on essential goods fear

any form of relief funding during

of a looming financial struggle has

and after lockdown.

This all means the future for small businesses, in particular informal traders is very shaky.

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Mental Health Corner

IS SUICIDE AN ESCAPE OR A CRY FOR HELP?

By Dr Nkomile Setlaba

I guess it took a phone call on a Monday afternoon telling me that my brother was in hospital after a suicide attempt, followed by another one eight weeks later informing me that my friend had succeeded in taking her own life, to make me feel powerless against someone who had made up their minds about when they wanted their life to end.

Suicide is defined as an act of taking one’s

is to shift the focus from the individual and turn

own life. The methods used differ from person to

it to ourselves.

person and the commonly used methods differ

‘What did I do wrong?’ ‘Why didn’t they come to

between genders. The true incidence of suicide

me?’ ‘I spoke to him yesterday, why didn’t he

and suicidal behaviour in South Africa is

say something?’ ‘This is all my fault’. These

unknown due to the fact that some suicides are

reactions are normal, because we always feel

missed. Suicide attempts often occur in the

that we could have helped to prevent the

context of a mental illness such a Major

suicide.

Depressive Disorder or Schizophrenia; or they

In most instances, an individual who decides on

can manifest as mental distress in response to a

suicide has given that decision a lot of thought.

life crisis. In either instance, the individuals need

Multiple options would have been weighed and

assistance; in the form of clinical assessment and

suicide seen as “the only way out”. Survival is

treatment.

an inherent desire of human nature. Humans

Suicide has received many interpretations or

are driven by a desire to live and have fulfilling

misinterpretations in many cultures, religions

lives.

and even in the medical field. There is a lot of

Hence suicide is an unnatural response which

speculation around why an individual would

requires further investigation into its origin and

resort to ending or attempting to end their own

how best to resolve whatever conflict or

life.

distress that has led to the decision to attempt

The question of ‘What happened?’ often follows

suicide.

after hearing of someone’s suicide attempt and

Yes, nothing can be done for individuals who

it’s usually not to enquire about the method

have succeeded in taking their own lives, but a

used, it is to find out why the individual did what

lot can still be done for those that remain

they did. At the end of the day, even if that is the

behind, to prevent or treat further distress.

instinctive response, it should not be the focus of

Suicide is more than just a psychological

our attention.

problem; it is a social problem as well.

Another most common mistake that we make

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What to do when: You are faced with someone who has suicidal thoughts: Show empathy Listen without interrupting Listen without giving solutions, they have weighed all options, trust me Do not judge them Create a safe space for them to speak their minds Do not break their confidentiality; they have put their trust in you Do not show them ‘the brighter side of life’, it worsens their guilt about suicide Do not try to ‘get their minds off their crisis’, it needs to be dealt with Do not leave them alone Assist them in getting the help that they need You have suicidal thoughts: Do not feel shameful or embarrassed to talk about it Identify someone that you trust and speak to them, break the silence. Don’t carry the burden on your own ALWAYS seek help. Even after the thoughts have resolved Do not invalidate your feelings and thoughts.

Covid-19 Health

HEALTHY LIVING DURING COVID-19

by Kamogelo Seekoei

Many of us follow the daily COVID-19 news updates, both globally and here in South Africa, which keep count of the numbers of people affected by this awful virus.

However, what if we were to start paying this much attention to counting our personal healthy achievements and steps towards our fitness goals,” suggests Bianca Viljoen, director of marketing, distribution and rewards at Martina Nicholson Associates. As gyms around South Africa remain closed and #lockdown baking continues to trend on social media, COVID-19 is not the only health risk facing the country as we prepare to enter level 3 lockdown. There is no better way to regain a personal sense of control over the situation that COVID-19 has imposed on us than to focus our energy on keeping fit and healthy. Exercise not only offers stress relief, it is widely accepted that it supports overall physical and emotional wellness.

"Lockdown activities and so-called ‘quarantine creativity’ or ‘quarantivity’ have become enormous social media trends and may both reflect and influence behaviour. If your family has a ‘lockdown baker’ in the house, for instance, it may be advisable to balance all this baking with some healthy physical activity and motivation,” Viljoen adds.“Investing time in looking after our fitness over the remaining lockdown period can help us change the way we define the effects COVID-19 has on this period of our lives."

She says we will either look back on these months remembering feeling dominated by the coronavirus or we can remember it as the time when we gained a new appreciation for the importance of taking care of our health and well-being.

LOCKDOWN GETS US IN TUNE WITH OUR BODIES, RELATIONSHIPS With the country gradually moving to normality and more sectors of the economy opening up for trade, we take stock of the things we have learnt about the COVID-19 lockdown. We specifically asked our readers to share their experiences on how this lockdown period helped them reflect and get in tune with their bodies and what they have learnt.

By Kamogelo Seekoei

For Karabelo Ramagaga lockdown has taught her new eating habits and generosity.

“I don’t eat half as much as I used to. I am now conscious of my eating and enjoy

Judy says her body becomes more energized and her brain functioning is at its peak during those late night hours.

“During the day I'm always so lazy and tired.”

exercising. I am stronger than I ever though. So at least I’m not scared of my

Shani Seekoei says she could retire from

clothes not fitting,” she says.

using a bra.

She is spending less on petrol and as a

“You know what I feel like I could

result she has decreased her

go without a bra forever, I am more

spending and has decided to support four

relaxed and relieved somehow that I get to

families financially during these tough

spend my days bra-less.

times.

The other day I had to go buy some stuff

“But my school work is suffering. I

for the house and I had to put on a bra. I

am sadly not one of those people who has

don't know whether I gained weight or

found energy and creativity from

what but it seemed all of them

"

Beyond the lessons about our bodies it seems lockdown has forced us to reflect on our personal relationships as well.

staying at home,” she admits.

Karabelo Ramagaga

Judy Moholobobela

Louisa Masango

Botshelo Selogilwe

Prinika Littler

Shani Seekoei

“Lastly, I have finally left my two year

were just not a perfect fit anymore. So I

better without because she has not been

old relationship! So this time has helped

just took it off. #bramustfall she says.

using hairdryers and flat irons and

me with introspecting. I can’t believe

make-up .

how much garbage I had taken from my

Entrepreneur Louisa Masango used to

“I’ve also learnt that you need to

ex”.

have swollen ankles and for a long time

be more patient and calm in life and that

thought it was genetic. But since

you can survive without certain

New mom Judy Maikhosho says she

lockdown she has spent a lot of her time

individuals and things, and that being

always thought she had insomnia that

working with her feet in an elevated

without some people and some things

she needed to get help for, but

position, whether on the couch or on the

are actually better for your spirit.”

since the lockdown she’s realised that

bed.

she is more peaceful, relaxed and

“I have realised that the swelling has

Botshelo Selogilwe has learnt that

prefers working after midnight.

subsided a lot and in hindsight think it

her mind is more relaxed, not always in a

“I work, study and write more when

could be a reflection of my long work

rush and not always worried about the

I'm alone and everybody else is asleep.

hours sitting in front of the desk.

day ahead, whether routine with family

Yes maybe I do have insomnia but it's coming in handy at this point,” she says.

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or work – which caused her stiff neck.

Another businesswoman, Prinika Littler,

She plans to take these learning back to

says her hair and skin has been looking

work when she returns to work.

Staying homestaying safe With the lockdown restrictions being eased and movement increasing, its important that we become extra careful when we go outside. Lockdown may have been eased but COVID-19 is still very much with us. So stay safe and keep cozy indoors.

Here are some essential items we like that you might also like.

1 2

3 4

5

By now most people have gotten accustomed to sanitizing their homes. Better yet some people have even learnt how to make their own sanitizer. Which is great!

Food! What would lockdown be without food. Some of us have even started blogging about food. We have seen those cake baking efforts on the gram, so food is one essential we cannot do without while we wait for our lives to get back to normal.

Nothing says comfort like a fleece blanket. No really, nothing. It is the ultimate cold pacifier while sitting on your couch with a good book or watching an awesome flick.

What are you reading during lockdown? Is it something motivational that will help you grow or are you only consuming social media... We recommend a feel good book. Lockdown is stressful as it is, you don't need to add to it with depressing content.

If you have ever lit a scented candle and busked in its scent you will know that this is an absolute necessity. Anything for comfort!

We hope you enjoy these.

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Game Changer

YOUNG, DYNAMIC AND AWARD WINNING

S

tarting a business on almost nothing and all alone is a feat that many will not endeavor. But Bloemfontein born Rorisang Setlogelo dared to dream and nine years later her advertising agency has scooped its first prism award. The honour she says validates the work they do and the talent of her team. Ignited Woman editor, Kamogelo Seekoei, caught up with Rorisang to talk about her award, hard work and betting on yourself despite dissenting voices.

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Rorisang, on betting on herself and making her work shine

"We trained in the rain so to speak. It was a tough battle and certainly the odds were not in our favour."

Ignited Woman (IW): Rorisang, your company has recently won a Prism award. This kind of accolade should be something that validates your hard work. Perhaps let's start with how are you feeling after this award?

Rorisang Setlogelo (RS): This award truly meant the world to us. This validates that a bold and determined group of young individuals, in a woman run agency can create dynamic and inspiring work.

This not only validates, it also motivates us to keep giving our all to our work. We feel ecstatic and greatly honoured, we feel seen and appreciated.

This win is in a new category Food and Beverage, that is hugely coveted and we emerged the Gold winner. The highest award in this category. I’m proud of my team, and so happy to have them recognised. I’m proud of the business purpose which led to this work, Creativity that Elevates.

This year’s Prism Win also was announced in this difficult COVID-19 pandemic, giving us a massive morale boost as we work from home. We celebrated together in the little way we can but we intend to celebrate ourselves a lot more in future.

IW: How hard did the team have to work on this award winning project?

RS: It’s the culmination of 3 years of hard work and dedicated partnership to our client to build equity, value and incredible brand experiences.

We focused on understanding the consumer and the clients brief at every turn and worked extremely hard to deliver the most innovative creative communication solutions.

We had to be bold, push ourselves and the brief to get to the insights that unlocked greater potential.

We always knew we were capable of award winning work as a collective, we knew we were organised, passionate and intent on creating a magic that could inspire great work. So we sharpened the tools, focused and dedicated ourselves.

We believe in going big, in creating an opportunity for ourselves to shine because one will not always be given opportunity.

IW: Please tell us more about the award, what category was it for and for which campaign?

RS: We won this award for the Cause for Celebration campaign for Avant Garde champagne brand GH MUMM. Our approach to creative communication is to build compelling content, that is well researched and supported by insights led by our consumers. We are not afraid to follow our consumers and we are not afraid to build leading communication pieces for them to well experience a brands offering. This campaign was the culmination of this dedication.

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IW: Was this your first award and why is it important for you to enter award competitions?

IW: Former days; tell us what made you decide to start a business?

RS: This was our first prism award. We have a number of other awards and global best practice recognitions. I love awards, they really validate talent that can often times be overlooked. People must never lose faith in their dreams and their goals. Awards allow you to look back on your journey and know you are worthy of anything you can possibly imagine. I want my team to know how worthy they are and I want them to have the confidence to always trust their talent and trust the work we build.

RS: I have my mother to thank for that, she always had great expectations of me and it was my duty to honour that belief with my best effort. She pulled herself always by her boot straps and pushed herself to impossible heights. She believed, I think, that potential is kinetic and that one has to make great strides to fulfill this potential. She is my greatest teacher and I owe much of my success as an individual to this great woman.

IW: What would you say have been the highlight of your career so far?

RS: The highlight of my career has been building a business that I could be proud of. I didn’t have the benefit of capital so I started with one client and grew that one client to a client base of 25. I started with just me, later on my business partner Lamu joined the business a year in, then from there I really built a business of reputable and dedicated creative specialists across the board. This business will be nine years old in September. The success of this business gave me the confidence to launch my new market offering. A business called Resonate Productions.

IW: What characteristics should one have to stay relevant in your industry?

RS: I think in our industry relevance is about the most authentic offering you can make to the market as a business. A place of innovative ideas, where the collective is unafraid to challenge industry norms. We have always been about evolving our capabilities as a business to create and produce work that stretches us. We have brilliant basics but this was not enough for me or my team.

We wanted to go where others wouldn’t go.

IW: For someone wanting to do the work that you do (even run their own agency) what advice would you give?

RS: First step is to bet on yourself, do not let anyone limit you. Tell yourself what you are capable of, or what you are equal to. Understand your value, unlock your own excellence and do things that make you proud of your own contribution.

Have tenacity, the road will be hard but there are so many people willing to help you build your idea.

You won’t know that at first because perhaps you will be alone on the founding stage but as you get more passionate about your own work, no one can stop you and everyone will want to help build you.

Of course there will be dissenting voices, but they are not your priority.

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Secondly, I come from a family of inspiring legacies.

My grandfather being one of the first black doctors in the country (in the first 7); I knew the great hardships of such a feat in a time such as that. It made me think on my own legacy very early in life.

What I wanted to leave behind. What I wanted to learn, to teach, to achieve and that vision was by and large shaped by these greats. I never lost my sense of curiosity and as I grew I became more curious about what I can do.

" The highlight of my career has been building a business that I could be proud of.

IW: How long have you been running your agency?

RS: Roth Media is nearly nine years, and Resonate only a year in June. We are in the exciting process of launching a group company that will house all these offerings.

IW: Has it always been a success story or like many entrepreneurs you also have a story of chipped nails? If so please share.

RS: Certainly chipped nails from clawing at success daily. We trained in the “rain” so to speak. It was a tough battle and certainly the odds were not in our favour.

Transformation remains a big issue in our industry, gender plays a big part with a lot of women being kept at the fringes and having no capital to scale our growth early meant the climb was tough. Then again so are we, we coined a phrase in our first five years, The comeback kids. This phrase paid off, we kept going even when wisdom suggested otherwise.

Our phrase now is a lot more daring and audacious than before. Creativity that Elevates.

Disruptor

FOR THE DIGNITY OF YOUNG GIRLS Social entrepreneur Lindiwe ensures that young girls are part of the equation

By Kamogelo Seekoei

The 36-year-old mother of two self-funded the project and produces quality sanitary towels

T

he story of the young poor girl who often has to live with the embarrassment of finding substitute for sanitary pads or even skip school for days when it is that time of the month is one that we know all too well.

With the lockdown having consumed our lives for a few weeks some of the interventions provided through schools for girls who needs sanitary pads have not been available to these girls.

One can only imagine what these girls have had to go through during lockdown.

This is why the likes of social entrepreneur Lindiwe Nkuna are to be celebrated, for their drive and compassion for young girls.

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Lindiwe is the founder of Lindiwe Sanitary pads, which she established in Pretoria in 2018.

The 36-year-old mother of two self-funded the project and produces quality sanitary towels that are not only affordable but have also become the go-to product for various nongovernmental organistions that drive campaigns at schools.

The pads are designed with highend technology that guarantees absorption, anti-leaks, odour lock and are perfect for any physical activity. When Nkuna started the company she aimed to do more than just provide affordable sanitary pads for women.

She also wanted to breed female entrepreneurs like herself who would become distributors of the product. In addition, the aim was to enter an industry which seemed to marginalise girls who cannot afford women’s hygiene products.

Her experience growing up also pushed her to start the business.

“I started Lindiwe sanitary pads because I wanted to solve challenges that the people around me and I experienced. Due to budget limits, girls often resort to using low quality, counterfeit and knockoff pads that leak, break or are uncomfortable and even roll when walking or running. No girl deserves to experience that.

It is with this that I decided I would create a solution, rather than wait for someone to offer it to me,” says Lindiwe.

She says, poverty plays a large role in limiting access to menstrual hygiene products, but there is also a cultural stigma around menstruation that causes embarrassment and feelings of shame for some girls.

“Girls already have hurdles to overcome, something as natural and regular as periods should not have to be one of them. Without access to proper education, resources, girls are often forced to stay home from school during their periods, which leads them to miss anywhere from 10-20% of school days, according to UNESCO. And sometimes, they drop out of school completely,” Lindiwe explains.

UNICEF has estimated that roughly 1 in 10 girls in Africa miss school because of their periods each year.

A study conducted by Harris Insights & Analytics of 1,000 teens ages 13 to 19 found 20% — one in five — of teenage girls surveyed cannot afford to purchase menstrual hygiene products.

It also states that two-thirds of respondents feel stress because they don’t have access to tampons and pads, 61% have worn tampons more than four hours, 25% missed class because they didn’t have access to tampons or pads, and 83% think lack of access these products is not talked about enough.

Lindiwe says menstrual challenges that girls and young women face when they go to school persist even during lockdown.

“GIRLS ALREADY HAVE HURDLES TO OVERCOME, SOMETHING AS NATURAL AND REGULAR AS PERIODS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE ONE OF THEM. "Due to the lockdown and the reopening of schools still considered tentative for grades outside of grade 7 and 12, we are working with a number of NGOs to assist us to identify and when the time comes to distribute these sanitary pads to deserving girls.

But we also appeal to all South Africans, from corporate to government and civil society to get involved in this noble campaign in making a difference in the lives of girls.

The aim of this campaign is to assist young girl with necessary sanitary products so they may not have to sit out any activities linked their livelihoods says Lindiwe.

Those looking to assist can reach out to the organisation via our website (www.lindiwepads.co.za) or social media pages @LindiwePads (Facebook & Twitter)” concludes Nkuna.

“Our aim is to assist them to have the necessary sanitary products so they may not have to sit any activities linked their livelihoods says Lindiwe Nkuna, owner of Lindiwe Sanitary Pads.

Learn more about the #1976Girls campaign from www.lindiwepads.co.za.

At the time of publishing grade 12 and 7 were meant to return to school.

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Black Girl Magic

Hip hop star rising THE VOICE OF A GENERATION

by Basetsana Makhalemele Her music is certainly unique and her

According to Iccy Rej, her best moment

sound has introduced her to international

when performing is the response from the

artists. Rejoice Mmakatlego

crowd. The love and respect that other

Moropane known as Iccy Rej started

great artist show

following hip hop and writing her own

when they reach out for collaborations is

songs at a very tender age.

also something that has given her humility.

This woman of many talents, born and bred in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga born, is set to take the hip hop scene by storm.

The entrepreneur and founder of tech consultancy company Data Something, grew up in a family that loved music and enjoyed the different genres. But one that caught Iccy Rej's attention was hip hop.

Iccy Rej has not only paved her career in music but also in business. Founding her own company in 2014, Data Something which deals with software development and software quality assurance."I love tech as much as I love music,” she says.

With her strong and dedicated team behind her, she is able to juggle her music career and business.

"At time I did not know any recording

"Juggling between the two can be very

studio," says Iccy Rej.

challenging at times but I have a strong team behind me," she says.

She recorded her first song in 2012

The album is available on all platforms

inwhile still in college and released her

including Apple music, Spotify, Google Play

first album titled Splilled Ink in April this

and Youtube Users can find it by using

year.

search keyword “Iccy Rej - Spilled Ink".

"The album is mix of hip hop, pop, RnB, Afro beats with the main genre being hip hop," she says.

Iccy Rej's passion for music has landed her to work with both local and international artists such as Josh K, Alvin J, Makwa Beats, Drebo Squeeze, Philly Swain, Candyfloss and Ovadoza.

"I love hip Hop, the beats, the rhymes, the story telling, the emotions, the rawness, the culture, I just love everything about it," she says.

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Food

The Perfect dumplings

For the foodie who loves African cuisine this South African dish will win your hearts.

Its definitely food that says I love you because it it not something that you can fix in a few minutes. The bread alone takes at least two hours to prepare, from the kneading waiting for the dough to proof and then cooking to perfection. Trust me no one wants gummy bread.

How to make the steamed bread (dombolo): If you have made bread before you will know that in our South Africa homes we hardly measure the ingredients when we make this bread.

Its almost innate. pour everything with love. So here goes. You will need: 1. Four cups of flour 2. One teaspoon of salt 3. Two table spoons of cooking oil 4. Two table spoons of sugar 5. Two and half teaspoons of dry yeast.

6. Four cups of warm water.

Method: Stir your dry ingredients together in a bowl.

Mix with water with the dry ingredients.

Knead until the dough is soft. Put your cooking oil in the mixture and knead to incorporate. Make sure your dough is not too soft. Cover your bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.

When the dough has risen, place it in a steaming bowl and place the boil in a pot with warm water.

Cook on a medium heat stove. You don;t want your bread to burn underneath while its not properly cooked inside.

Good luck!

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Books & Authors

Breakthrough stories to key into your potential Author: Grace Bolowana Book Title: God: The Greatest Puppeteer Genre: Genre: Christian Spiritual Growth

Shift your attitude and break through the mental barriers stalling your progress.

This is what the book God the Greatest Puppeteer is all about. The book is an incredible resource to use to get inspiration to key into your full potential.

The book takes the reader through a step by step process on how to leap forward and leave the past where it belongs. It prepare you mentally to receive your present blessings.

The book is a collection of stories from social influencers who found the word of God inspirational and life changing.

References - Each chapter consists of powerful testimonies from powerful men and women of God who had personally experienced and secured more than their heart desires through meditating on the word.

Every chapter will speak straight to your soul in a unique way making you larger and greater in your faith.

Each chapter includes: Scriptures - Inspiring Bible verses to reflect and meditate on throughout your week, getting you ready to use your faith in ways you never used it before.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Declaration - Every single chapter ends with a powerful declaration that you can meditate on. It serves as a confirmation that the word of the Lord would flow in your life.

The journalist and teacher from Thabong near Welkom, in the Free State, always believed that there was more to life than what meets the eye.

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You would not be the same person you were in the first chapter by the time you get to the last chapter.

This book will enable you to shift your attitude on how you see the world.

"Vibrant is an accurate word to describe me,” says Grace Bolowana, who recently became a first time author.

Through the book the author seeks to show people who may be having trouble getting unstuck how others did it.

Ignited Man

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Years running

by Mbali Ndhlovu

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