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Editor of Essays Of Africa Deputy Managing Editor Features Writers Fashion & Beauty Editor Fashion & Beauty Interns DĂŠcor Writer
Tumi Mdluli Kati Dijane Caryn Thandi Petersen, Hlulani Masingi, Melissa Jane Cook, Peta Daniel, Thina Mthembu Tumi Mdluli Palesa Sethlapelo, Lauren Matthews Rhoda Davids
Contributors
Ndoni Khanyile, The Rev. TK Khumalo, Stella Nova
Sub-Editor Proofreader
Tracy Maher Nuraan Motlekar
Online Editor Online Features Writers Senior Designer Junior Designer Digital & Web Specialist Marketing & Sales Team Business Development & Production Manager Brand Strategist Marketing Team Intern 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
Hlulani Masingi Thina Mthembu, Tebatjo Manamela Lelethu Tobi Siphokazi Masele Lekeke Mahlo Nuraan Motlekar Akhona Gushman Kholiwe Nkambule, Wezi Njovu Mpho Phaswana Netsianda
Kelly Moyo Palesa Sethlapelo Gabriel Mashishi, Kamohelo Mokoena, Yusuf Msinyi Dr Salifou Siddo, Busisiwe Mahlaba, Fazila Bizor, Lindelwa Isabelle, Lindsay Breytenbach, Moeketsi Mosola, Ndoni Khanyile, Nthabe Zondo, Sen Mdhluli, Sonto Ndlovu Kwenta Media (Pty) Ltd. 19 Weaver Street, Fourways, 2191 Tel: 0861 873 689, Fax: 086 416 1529 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
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T HE J UPITER D RAWING R OOM (CT) 50180/E
AS LONG AS IT’S SASKO, YOU CAN TASTE THE CARE.
SASKO milled its first bag of flour 80 years ago. Since then, we’ve spent every day perfecting each baked good that our flour goes into. So you can trust that whether you make it quick quick or by hand, or you like it savoury or sweet, as long as it’s SASKO, you can taste the care.
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Inside ESSAYS a woman’s journey
of africa
february 2017
cover stories
18 SHOPPING: Rings, bling & intimate things. 30/81 Main FASHION & BEAUTY: Sizzling swimwear & fruity faces. 46 SELF-EMPOWERMENT: Get onboard with the self-love revolution. 50 PROFILE: Sierra Leone’s Mallence Bart-Williams, the maverick behind the FOLORUNSHO Collective. 54 NEWS REPORT: The shocking truth about illegal sterilisation. 57 UNCOVERED: Love in the disposable age. 60 MONEY: Financial fitness in 2017. 64 RELATIONSHIPS: Why she’s dating your man.
people
13 REAL LIFE: Scripting a true love story. 48 MY JOURNEY: Fatima Omar, the true diva of eventing. 52 WOMEN’S NETWORK: Women we came across in 2016. 88 ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEW: Sassy, sophisticated Salamina.
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COVER STORY BONNIE MBULI IS BREAKING ALL THE RULES.
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EOA EOA contents contents
columns
11 READERS’ CORNER: Lebogang Motsumi’s journey with HIV. 14 GUEST BLOG: Kamogelo Mafokwane highlights some of her Jozi hotspots. 66 INNERMAN: The Rev. TK Khumalo reveals why some men cheat...with other men.
features
58 CAREER: Seven ways to re-ignite your passion for your job. 62 HEALTH REPORT: Be condom-wise. COVER PHOTOGRAPHER: GARETH JACOBS. STYLED BY TUMI MDLULI AND DONATELLA PIA. MAKE-UP: TARYN KEMP. DRESSED BY: ALDO, MIMCO, RUFF TUNG. GOLD CHAIR: KARTELL AT THE HUDSON BUILDING, CAPE TOWN.
SEX: Spice up your sex life. 67
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lifestyle
69 PARENTING: Male vs. female brain parenting.
90 FOOD & ENTERTAINING: Lowcarbs with love.
Man feature: Music maestro, 74 Musa Sukwene.
96 DÉCOR STYLE: Kitchen talk.
fashion
101 DÉCOR NEWS: Kitchen confidential.
16 FASHION NEWS 17 SEXY 7: The best fashion products of the month. 18 SHOPPING: Barely there intimate-wear. 20 SHOP LIKE AN EDITOR: Ravishing in red. 21 SHOPPING: Rings that pack a punch. 24 SHOPPING: The natural lustre of pearls. 29 SHOPPING: Tick-tock. 72 MEN’S SHOPPING: Men at work(out).
beauty
76 BEAUTY INTERVIEW: Ofentse Maluleke nourishes her natural crown. 77 SEXY 7: The best beauty products of the month.
100 DÉCOR SHOPPING: In style. 104 TRAVEL: Mauritius, the island of romance. 110 MOTORING: Five of the best twosomes. 112 MUSIC 113 BOOKS 114 TECH NEWS & APPS 115 MOVIES & THEATRE
regulars 06
CONTRIBUTORS’ PAGE
07
EDITOR’S LETTER
08
ON LOCATION
09
LETTERS’ PAGE
10
ONLINE UPDATE
71
SUBSCRIPTIONS PAGE
78 HAIR: Haircare essentials in your pantry.
116 SOCIAL SCENE: Essays Of Africa celebrates two years.
80 BEAUTY NEWS
118 HOROSCOPES
81 MAIN BEAUTY: Refreshingly fruity.
119 STOCKISTS PAGE
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EOA CONTRIBUTORS
WHAT’S IN A WORD? A kind word can make all the difference. Our contributors share the love they have both given and received in the form of sincere compliments.
Siphokazi Masele, designer When I see something good in a person, no matter how small, I tell them. The greatest compliment I’ve received was that I am a good mother; many moms don’t get to hear that.
Caryn Thandi Petersen, features writer I think the most memorable compliments are those that serve as an acknowledgement of our impact on others, how we love and how we connect with those we love. A close friend recently told me that our friendship had liberated her in a deep and meaningful way; that my openness had allowed her to open up too. This was a profound affirmation for me.
Akhona Gushman, brand strategist I told my dad that he is the best father any daughter could ask for and that he is the epitome of true wisdom. A very special person once called me a ‘Nubian Queen’ – who wouldn’t feel special after being told that?
Kholiwe Nkambule, marketing
IMAGES SUPPLIED BY CONTRIBUTORS.
I love complimenting people because I believe it brightens up their day. One of the best compliments I have given many women is that they are beautiful from the inside out. The best one I have received is that I have a smile that says everything will be okay.
Lauren Matthews, intern A mother of one of my dance students told me that I inspire her daughter and she believes I am a good role model for young girls. This was the best compliment I have ever received, as I have always believed young girls need more positive women to look up to. It is an honour to be considered a role model for somebody’s daughter. I also like to compliment strangers walking by. We never know what somebody is going through in their life – tell a random woman she looks beautiful and you’ve successfully put a smile on her face for the rest of her day!
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ED’S LETTER EOA
AS WE JOURNEY INTO 2017 wo months ago we celebrated two years of this beautiful magazine that speaks to every African woman who wants to share her journey with our readers be it good, bad, painful or empowering. Our cover lady Bonnie Mbuli talks to us about staying true to herself and reclaiming her freedom, as well as the scars she has endured and the fruits of her success that she now enjoys. This led me to think about the many women who have given away their freedom and don’t know how to get it back. We hope our stories will give you what you need to reclaim that freedom. Bonnie has taught me a lot. I am also on a journey to becoming the woman that my little girl will one day look up to and aspire to be, one who navigates diverse situations, solve problems, and make mistakes. Like you, my character has been formed by my life’s journey; the public transport to and from school and my work in retail. I started off low and gained experience that pushed and pulled me up the corporate and entrepreneurial ladder. I really never gave entrepreneurship much thought until I studied the GIBS Programme for Management Development. I consciously and responsibly embraced the process of being led and of working under someone, and today I lead with so much respect for others. This month we celebrate love and the self-love revolution, and it is also my first Valentine’s Day as a mother and a wife. It’s been an amazing journey having a daughter with my lifetime partner, knowing that we are raising a princess who depends and relies on us for everything. The most important value we want to instill in our little Mia is that of unconditional love. As we slowly bid farewell to summer, we know our stunning fashion and beauty pages will have you turning over for more. Enjoy this month of romance and remember to never settle for anything less than always putting yourself first.
Tumi M IMAGE: KWENTA MEDIA.
and Team EOA Write to me at tumi@kwentamedia.com or find us on social media.
E SSAYS O F A F R I C A
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EOA ON LOCATION
WHAT IS A COVER SHOOT WITHOUT LOTS OF MAKE-UP?
OUR MAKE-UP ARTIST FOR THE DAY WAS CAPETONIAN, TARYN KEMP
BOLD & BODACIOUS BONNIE MBULI
TUMI M AND HER FANTASTIC STYLING ASSISTANT FROM CAPE TOWN, DONATELLA PIA
Cape Town has been good to Bonnie, who looks happy and is ready to take on the world
SHOES GALORE
THE TEAM BEHIND THE SHOOT
THE ESSAYS OF AFRICA TEAM THANKS AFRICAN PRIDE 15 ON ORANGE HOTEL FOR HOSTING OUR SHOOT AT THEIR BEAUTIFUL VENUE AND A SPECIAL WORD OF THANKS TO MR DOUGLAS AND NATASHA FOR MAKING ALL THIS POSSIBLE.
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WORDS: TUMI MDLULI. PHOTOGRAPHER: GARETH JACOBS.
POM-POM SANDALS FOR A BIT OF FLAIR
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LETTERS EOA
Your voices EMPOWERED TO FOLLOW PASSIONS BY EOA!
Too often women are steered towards the humanities rather than the sciences. Society expects us to cook, clean, take care of others and even offer entertainment, but discourages us from taking risks and asking questions about how stuff works. I was thrilled to read about Professor Kgethi Phakeng (October 2016 issue) receiving presidential honours for her work in the field of mathematics. Her story inspired me to raise my daughters knowing that they can choose their own path in life. I was always brilliant at the sciences at school, but caved in to family pressure to become a wife and a mother. Of course I do not regret my choices, but I do wonder ‘what
I always look forward to getting a copy of Essays Of Africa magazine to see all the latest fashion trends and how to shop like an editor. I always carry a copy in my handbag, whether I’m away on vacation or waiting for a cup of coffee at Tashas for a lunch date (who is always running late). Essays Of Africa magazine is a girl’s best friend and she always keeps me company. Nthabiseng Nthabie Mokoena, Johannesburg
if?’ I will encourage my two girls to follow their passions and cannot wait to see them fly on their journey to becoming empowered African women! #WomenOnAJourney Portia Mbuthia, Nairobi
A REAL WOMAN IN LOVE WITH YOUR PAGES
I’m not much of a fashionista, but I must say your real woman fashion spread always grabs my attention! These ladies really know how to blend on-point-fashion with comfort, and as a real woman myself, I always look forward to those pages just so I can steal a few looks and work them! Keep up the good work and hopefully I’ll see myself on those pages one day… Zanele Mnguni, KwaZulu-Natal
I just read through a couple of copies of the Essays Of Africa magazine, and I must say, it is very well executed and fun to read. Now I can’t imagine my life without it. Delving into the pages is like a dose of a good drug…and it is legal! I’d like to offer my big thanks and love to the EOA team for working so hard to put together such a wonderful, must-have magazine. I do rejoice and pray with both hands folded…please continue like this! Lerato Sehlako, Polokwane
Please keep up the good work! Alana, Egypt
SOCIAL MEDIA Zulaikha Khoza Because being bored at home afforded me a glimpse of my mom’s Essays Of Africa magazine, I just want to thank the EOA team for an experience in one magazine. I’d love to get a dose of this mag every month.
We would love to hear your views, news and especially your feedback on the magazine. E-mail us at letters@ essaysofafrica.com or post your comments on Facebook.com/essayofafrica, @EssaysOfAfrica or EssaysOfAfrica. We reserve the right to edit all letters for publishing purposes.
E SSAYS O F A F R I C A
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EOA ONLINE UPDATE
WE WANT TO BE YOUR TWEEP
Being away from your e-mails can be frightening, especially if you don’t want to miss what’s new on the EOA website. If Twitter is your playground, we want to be your tweep! With our daily lifestyle updates, you won’t even feel as if you are far from your inbox. Follow us @EssaysOfAfrica and don’t forget those retweets to tell your friends about us.
CONTACT US!
We’re always happy to happy to hear from you. Contact us on +27 (0)11 467 5859 or send us a letter at letters@essaysofafrica.com. You can find us at 19 Weaver Street in Fourways, Johannesburg. Visit www.essaysofafrica.com/ contact-us/ for more information.
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EOA DAILY NEWSLETTER IN YOUR INBOX BEHIND THE SCENES
Putting together the final product of a cover shoot isn’t as easy as the stars make it out to be, but it is fun! To join us on these glamorous journeys, get up close and personal with your favourite celebrity, and find out who dressed them from head to toe, visit http://essaysofafrica. com/category/fashion/behind-the-scenes/ and read all about it.
We know how much time you spend giving your hair the care it deserves, so we’ve made this step a lot easier for you. Instead of searching online and wasting valuable beauty time looking for haircare tips, we can deliver them to you. Simply subscribe to the EOA Daily newsletter at www. essaysofafrica.com. Follow the easy steps and you’ll have mail in no time.
WORDS: HLULANI MASINGI.
We know that not everyone is big on print, so if you’ve been brushing off the idea of going to buy our magazine at the garage near you, we totally understand. But we really don’t want you to miss out! Visit our website and download the Essays Of Africa digital magazine for 35% off!
SOCIAL NETWORK: You will find Essays Of Africa on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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READERS’ CORNER EOA
My Journey WITH HIV
Little did 26-year-old Lebogang Motsumi know that she would find her purpose and confidence living with HIV grew up in the back rooms of Linden, in Johannesburg. We had an affordable life, neither rich nor poor; my mom worked hard as a domestic worker to make sure there was food on the table and sent us to multiracial schools. “I was not very popular because I was a big girl. Being big really affected my self-esteem because I was not considered popular or cool. I remember my friends being skinnier than I was and somehow they always got the attention. “I always found myself under their wings just so I could also be considered cool and popular. The one thing that kind of consoled me was the fact that I was very intelligent and had good grades. My parents got divorced when I was 14, and I moved to Mpumalanga to live with my grandparents. When I got there, I suddenly became popular because I was from Johannesburg, spoke English fluently and with an accent. For once I was seen as hot and beautiful, something that I never experienced before in Joburg. “In 2007, after moving back to Johannesburg, I met the man who changed my life forever. I was 17 and in this relationship for all the wrong reasons. I dated a celebrity, a kwaito star. It felt good. It was fun and I thought finally my dream would come true – I was going to become a famous dancer.
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“I had unprotected sexual intercourse with this guy countless times, which proved to be the biggest mistake of my life. I later discovered that he was HIV positive and that he had actually spread the virus intentionally because he did not want to die alone. He got sick – very sick – and being the good girlfriend that I was, I took care of him.
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