Sowetan 'S Mag' September 2016

s S Mag

Style and substance

September 2016 | www.sowetanlive.co.za

Azania Mosaka

Bolder, happier and on top of her game

Vehicle specifications may vary for the South African market.

Make the best of every terrain.

Introducing the all new range of Mercedes-Benz SUVs. www.everyterrain.co.za

S upfront

editor’s portrait DAMON FOURIE

E DITOR’S LET TER

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ime flies when you’re having fun, and that is exactly how we feel here at the Sowetan S Mag office! It feels as if we’ve barely put our first edition to bed and the next exciting instalment is already due to our readers. And we’re not complaining! One of my favourite things when it comes to spring is the warmer, longer days, which mean cute summer dresses and fun colour palettes. In our fashion corner we look at the off-the-shoulder trend that’s dominating the runways. See how to mix up this fun and flirty look on page 6.

In the spirit of keeping things fresh, this time round we have

not one but two cover stars!

Azania Mosaka talks to us about her growth from beauty queen to business woman on page 12, and our male cover star, Dash from DreamTeam, talks us through bringing the show and the business to showbiz on page 22.

In this edition we’ve also given a nod to our male readers with S Man, where we offer up tips to keep the Sowetan man groomed and grounded on page 20.

As before, we offer exciting recipes (gourmet goat anyone?) on page 28, we look at reiki therapy on our spirit page (page 30), and we take a walk down memory lane with awardwinning actress Florence Masebe in our Kasi Memories on page 32.

As usual we would love to hear from you so that we can take the magazine from strength to strength with your feedback.

Please email your thoughts to smag@sowetan.co.za. The winning letter will win a voucher for a pair of super-cool Creative Recreation sneakers (if only I could enter!). See entry details below.

Happy new season!

Covers Which of our two exciting covers did you get?

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Hit the street this summer in a pair of Creative Recreation mid-top sneakers from Hydraulics. The Adonis Mid combines hi-tech, modern footwear technology, such as the lightweight EVA Quest outsole, and the moisture wicking micro-fibre lining with cool, funky design elements such as the side zip, to create a sneaker that is both wearable and stylish. Hydraulics is offering an Adonis Mid to a lucky Sowetan S Mag reader, so pop us an email or send us a letter to stand the chance to add this season’s must-have accessory to your wardrobe. Remember to address your correspondence to the editor of Sowetan S Mag and include your full name and daytime contact details. smag@sowetan.co.za PO Box 1746, Saxonwold, 2132, Gauteng, South Africa.

Hydraulics Sandton City 011 884 8538 / Hydraulics Eastgate Mall 011 622 2711 The competition starts at 8am on Friday September 23 and ends at 8am on October 7. The winner’s name will be published in the third issue of Sowetan S Mag. The prize must be taken up (or rejected) as awarded and cannot be transferred to any other person, sold, or converted to cash.

The competition is open to all residents of SA over 18 years of age, except employees of Times Media Pty Limited, or Creative Recreation or Hydraulics Footwear. Your contact details will be kept private and not used for any marketing purposes.

CONGRATS to Ncedeka Mahlathi, the lucky winner of our Nivea hamper in our second quarter issue

S Mag

S Mag

Style and substance

Style and substance

September 2016 | www.sowetanlive.co.za

September 2016 | www.sowetanlive.co.za

Azania Mosaka

Bolder, happier and on top of her game

Living the dream Dash dishes on putting the show into showbiz

CONTENTS Inspire The rise and rise of Azania Mosaka

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Conversations

22

Interview

28

Food

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GIVEAWAY

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Wives in polygamous relationships tell their stories

Dash from DreamTeam DBN chats to us about his rise to the top

Chef Mpume on empowerment and going back to basics in the kitchen

SEPTEMBER 2016

ISSUE 2

EDITOR THEMBALETHU ZULU (SMAG@SOWETAN.CO.ZA) CREATIVE DIRECTOR ANNA LINEVELDT MANAGING EDITOR MATTHEW MCCLURE 011 280 5605 (MCCLUREM@BDFM.CO.ZA) FASHION DIRECTOR SHARON BECKER FASHION EDITOR KHOMOTSO MOLOTO BEAUTY EDITOR NTOMBENHLE SHEZI DESIGNER THEMBEKILE VOKWANA SUBEDITOR ANN BAKER FINAL EYE THERESA MALLINSON SOWETAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PHILANI MGWABA SOWETAN DEPUTY EDITOR MAPULA NKOSI PUBLISHER ASPASIA KARRAS DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER PRINT AND DIGITAL REARDON SANDERSON GENERAL MANAGER GROUP SALES TREVOR ORMEROD MANAGING DIRECTOR ANDREW GILL BUSINESS MANAGER YVONNE SHAFF 082 903 5641 (SHAFFY@TIMESMEDIA.CO.ZA) SALES EXECUTIVE Johannesburg FAITH THOMAS 082 852 8997 (faith@fashionedit.co.za) SALES EXECUTIVE Cape Town Charlotte Nutman 078 358 6154 (nutmanc@timesmedia.co.za) S MAG IS AVAILABLE WITH ALL COPIES OF SOWETAN NEWSPAPER, ON A QUARTERLY BASIS.

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PRINTED by Paarl Media for Times Media Pty Ltd, 4 Biermann Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg

STRONG ON SWEAT,

SOFT ON SKIN.

NEW THE PERFECT BALANCE

NIVEA.co.za

SHRUG IT OFF CHLOE

fashion

‘The transition to spring is always an excuse to tastefully expose more. It’s a season to explore various necklines, especially my favourite one — the off-the-shoulder or cold-shoulder style.

It is also the most versatile garment, from an accessories and layering standpoint. It’s fun, flirty, and the perfect declaration of spring.‘ — Thebe Magugu, designer text KHOMOTSO MOLOTO photography GALLO IMAGES/ GETTY IMAGES/ ANTONIO DE MORAES BARROS FILHO

Off-shoulder top, R70, Mr Price; sandals, R1 499, Mimco; shorts, R350, Woolworths; choker, R199, Witchery; sling bag, R599, Foschini.

THEBE MAGUGU'S TOP TIPS * Think of cold-shoulder necklines as providing a blank canvas for accessorising your chest or neck. Pair with a thin foulard to give a slight nod to the French, or commit to a choker if you feel like paying homage to '90s punk. * Wear a strapless bra that supports you—you can’t be caught dead with straps ruining what was otherwise a beautiful cold-shoulder top or dress.

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Sunglasses; R179, Cotton On; scarf, R399, Witchery; off-shoulder top, R529, H&M; sandals, R2 495, Nina Roche at Spitz; shorts, R649, Witchery.

Cotton On 011 784 0218 | Foschini 011 685 1400 | H&M hm.com/za | Mimco woolworths.co.za | Mr Price mrp.com | Replay 011 884 6727 | Spitz 011 783 4647 | Spree spree.co.za | Witchery woolworths.co.za| Woolworths woolworths.co.za

Sunglasses, R149, H&M; purse, R70, Mr Price; off-shoulder top, R599, Mango at Spree; sandals, R1 495, Kurt Geiger at Spitz; shorts, R2 800, Replay.

L NGER LASTING * CARE TRY NIVEA’S RICH, NOURISHING CARE AND SEE WHY 9/10 WOMEN AGREE THAT IT

MOISTURISES THEIR SKIN FOR LONGER.*

NIVEA.co.za

10020161_Nivea_Rich_Nourishing_297X235.indd 1

*Tested in a representative sample of 593 Urban Female Skincare users in LSM 6+

2016/06/13 4:48 PM

MAXWELL BOKO

beauty

Skin Deep Say goodbye to dry skin woes with Vaseline’s Firming Body Lotion, R86.99, which contains collagen and minerals that significantly improve skin's firmness and elasticity.

Life Aquatic Estée Lauder has introduced a sexy new fragrance just in time for summer: Pleasures Aqua, R900, 90ml.

With seductive notes that include honeysuckle, jasmine, and musk, the scent is reminiscent of the clear blue sea.

So Fresh. So Clean Remove makeup easily with Garnier Pure Active Micellar Cleansing Water, R89.95.

Simply apply to a cotton pad and wipe over your skin.

No rinsing required.

TOP TIP A gentle yet firm massage is a great anti-cellulite treatment.

Give yourself a massage in targeted areas to aid circulation and help with breaking down fat cells and eliminating toxins.

A Shade Of Blue Blue makes the cut as the season’s hottest hue, so get your mani in check with Ice Box nail polish, R110, in Mermaid Kisses.

Ocean Liner Dive deep into the new season with a surprising pop of blue eye makeup.

Line your eyes with blackUp’s Crayon Khôl, R190, in Smoky Waterproof Bleu n°3. Achieve maximum volume lashes from root to tip in a single stroke with YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils, R520, in 06 Deep Night.

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SPRING FEELING

Treat Your Hair Give your hair some much needed TLC with Dark & Lovely’s Amla Legend Black Shine Recovery Treatment, R42.95.

Spring calls for a beauty reboot and we encourage you to switch things up with products inspired by the fresh new season text NTOMBENHLE SHEZI runway photography AUBREY JONSSON FOR MAC

Go With The Glow Add luminosity and enhance your skin’s natural tone with Elizabeth Arden’s Pure Finish Mineral Bronzing Powder, R425.

Sun-kissed Lips Perfect your pout while giving your lips essential moisture with Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil, R295, the new, non-sticky, tinted lip oil from Clarins.

REVEAL YOUR MOST

EVEN, YOUTHFUL RADIANCE. WITH SPF 15 TO PROTECT YOUR NATURAL SKIN TONE AND EVENTONE PURE ACTIVE TO REDUCE DARK MARKS.

NIVEA.co.za Please call 0860 102 091 to find a store near you.

beauty

oted BEST CLEANSER

GLOW

ON

for DARK MARK REDUCTION*

‘It is ultimately our skin that represents us, that makes us feel confident whether we’re alone or in public,’ says Elizabeth Arden celebrity make-up artist, Lucoh Mhlongo. He shares a few tips on perfecting a sun-kissed, bronze goddess look. illustrations GINA JEANZ

SIX STEPS TO ACHIEVING THE PERFECT GLOW

1.

3.

5.

2. Use our Elizabeth Arden

Apply your foundation all over your face, preferably using a foundation brush.

A brush will assist you in covering the entire face evenly, using minimal product, while also blending the foundation seamlessly into the skin.

Flawless Finish Correcting and Highlighting Perfector, R325, in a shade slightly lighter than your skin’s natural colour. Apply this on your forehead, down the bridge of the nose, above the Cupid’s bow of the lip, under the eye travelling above the cheekbone towards the temples, and on your chin.

At this stage you may apply a light wash of powder to set your foundation using a powder brush. Don’t apply too much as this gives the face a flat, dimensionless appearance. I like to apply powder lightly under the eyes, on the sides of the nose, and around the corners of the lips. In this way, skin is still left looking alive and fresh.

Try Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Ultra Smooth Pressed Powder, R350.

To subtly accentuate your cheekbones, apply a blush onto the apples of the cheeks, blending upwards towards the temples. This method also gives you the effect of a soft contour.

60x100mm

4. Run your powder brush over your bronzer, apply, and then blend, using circular movements, around the perimeter of the face. This warms the skin, giving it that sought-after, sun-kissed effect.

6. Using a slightly lighter shade of the bronzer used above, apply and blend onto the forehead, down the bridge of the nose, above the cheek bones, and onto the chin.

This beautifully accentuates the highlighting process we did earlier.

REVEAL SHINE-FREE, RADIANT SKIN. NIVEA.co.za

MHLONGO’S TIPS It is important to know that you don’t have to overload your skin with lots of makeup to achieve this look.

Rather keep it soft and natural. Don’t forget to apply some bronzing powder on to your neck as well to ensure a balanced overall beauty look.

*Tested in a representative sample of 428 urban African female face care users in LSM 6+

The new fragrance and grooming line for men tabac-gentlemenscare.com

CONSCI USNESS

interview

STREAM OF Azania Mosaka has come a long way since her days as a young presenter on SABC 1. We find out more about the rise of one of our favourite voices on the airwaves text NTOMBENHLE SHEZI photography STEVE TANCHEL / RED HOT OPS fashion editor KHOMOTSO MOLOTO

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n a Friday afternoon, en route to the shoot with this month’s cover star, I tune in to 702 and catch the infectious voice of Azania Mosaka. Aza, as she is affectionately known, is talking about Tupperware. Callers from diverse backgrounds are sharing stories of family ties and friendships strained when someone borrows and does not return one’s beloved plastic containers.

Mosaka is relatable. Whether speaking about Tupperware, broadcasting live from the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) results centre, hosting discussions on national politics, or engaging in the latest in art and culinary experiences; she uses her 1pm to 3pm slot on Talk Radio 702 to engage and connect with her wide audience.

The next morning, I meet her inside the Miss London Salon boutique nail bar she co-owns on Parkhurst’s trendy 7th Street. Mosaka is wearing a simple black dress and her cropped braids frame her face, which features little makeup.

There’s a sense of the familial as she talks about her childhood — perhaps because it feels as if we grew up with her: from 12

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her days as one of the hip presenters of SABC 1’s Bassiq, to building a cult following on Metro FM’s Total Bliss (anyone remember the Office Power Play?), to her current slot on 702.

Born in 1977 in Klipspruit, she was named by her aunt, a young student who was actively involved in the liberation struggle. After her parents’ divorce, Mosaka, along with her mother and two siblings, moved to Pimville Zone 7. “Zone 7 was one of the newer suburbs, with lots of professionals like doctors, nurses, and people who worked in banks. The houses were slightly bigger and you would find the streets filled with kids who all had a similar background,” she recalls.

Mosaka remembers the joys of growing up in a close-knit community, but it came with its own risks. “We knew some young guys who would leave, saying they were going to defend the ’hood, and they would never come back, because that was the nature of things,” she remembers of the turbulence in the late ’80s and early ’90s, caused by the ANC and IFP clashes in the nearby hostels. Then there was “jackrolling”, a specific type of gang rape, to which she almost

Blazer, R1 249, TopShop; top, R399; shorts, R529; earrings, R149, all H&M.

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fell victim. “I always think about how my life would have been, had I been a victim of rape or any other violent crime.”

Attending several schools before matriculating from Parktown Girls High School, Mosaka got her first taste of modelling when she won Miss Parktown. She went on to win Miss High School National, a title which came with the prize of travelling to London and Paris. “I left soon after Christmas, and before getting on a flight to London, around New Year’s Eve, I remember being in a phone booth on a call to my mother trying to find out about my matric results,” says Mosaka.

On her return, she enrolled for a BCom degree at the University of the Witwatersrand, but with finances tight, her parents struggled to pay for her and her older sister’s fees, ultimately causing the beauty queen to drop out. It is for this reason that the Fees Must Fall movement is particularly important to her.

After postponing her tertiary education Mosaka decided to head off to London, where she lived for close to three years.

“When you are living there and you are a foreigner, doing menial jobs, it is hard,” she admits, “But I would not swap that experience for anything as it made me tougher.” She had to survive without the support system she had back home. Mosaka also struggled in the cold, having to leave for work before the sun was up, and returning after dark to a small room in a shared flat. “But in summer,” she says, “London opens up. The sun stays out later and the parks are beautiful. ” It was during this time that she connected with some friends from home and met the man who would father her eldest.

“There were some sweet spots in London, like falling madly in love with someone and living with them for the first time without your family knowing,” she giggles.

Once back in South Africa, she settled into the “drudgery” of a job in the corporate sector before getting a call from production house, Black Rage, about a music show it was pitching to the SABC. That show was Bassiq, which lasted three seasons. That’s when the radio bug bit and Mosaka started the “bittersweet” hustle to get into radio. It was only on delivering a demo to the fourth station that a station manager finally gave her a chance, encouraging her to refine her craft. She took her first step into radio at Metro FM, standing in for the legendary Eddie Zondi, and she was given the opportunity to host the 12am to 3am slot.

“That slot was not easy,” she remembers. “At that time I had a small baby and I was driving from Soweto to the studio in my small car at night, before having to go back home and then wake up at 6am to get my baby ready for creche. I felt like something bigger was coming.”

It was not long before Mosaka landed a drive-time slot with her show, Route 326, and later on the mid-morning show, Total Bliss, which gained something of a cult following. The show would go on successfully for a couple of years before she started falling in love with the idea of talk radio. “I started to feel like there were more issues of national importance that we needed to be involved with. I wanted to do things and have conversations Shirt, R779, TopShop; blazer, R170; trousers, R100, both Mr Price; earrings, R149, H&M; shoes, R1 099, Steve Madden.

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Selfi dress, R920, Convoy; blazer, R849, Forever 21; trousers, R529, H&M.

‘I would not swap that experience for anything as it made me tougher’ that would shape my future and my kids’ future.” That’s when she decided to take the gamble to leave the SABC for the newly launched Power FM. It was a great adventure, she says, but it stopped feeling like home. Her own business was starting to grow and she saw this as an opportunity to devote more time to it, but before she could settle into her new business life, Talk Radio 702 asked her to host one of its weekend shows. The station was adapting to its growing, more diverse listenership, and she was ultimately offered her current afternoon slot. She admits to taking time to settle into the new slot, which meant trying to tell a new South African story without alienating the existing audience.

“Initially it felt like a wilderness,” she recalls of taking over a slot from Jenny Crwys-Williams, who had legendary status.

She describes the process of building a show as being an art of trial and error; fulfilling, yet difficult. Having been on the station for more than a year, Mosaka has now come into her own.

She continues the important conversations at home with her 18-year-old daughter, discussing issues such as being aware of what it means to live in a world that simply is not built to cater for black women. “Apart from the patriarchal system we uphold every day, and other narratives like white supremacy, we are on the bottom rung. Everything is a struggle.” That’s one of the reasons she surrounds herself with women, especially in business, where Mosaka relates to them as mothers, knowing they share an undeniable sisterhood.

“It is sad that as women we are considered minors in relation to the agency we have over our bodies, and that we are not seen as equals in abilities, mind strengths, and possibilities,” she says.

It’s something she wants to see change soon.

With a popular slot on the airwaves, Mosaka has plans to continue to make her mark in the media space and has her sights set on going back to television. She is one of the brand ambassadors for Woolworths’ brand David Jones, and her business is thriving, with the recent opening of the third Miss London Salon nail bar in Menlyn Main Central Square.

It’s easy to see why she’s so successful. During the interview she is very interactive and hands-on when it comes to the customers filtering in and out of the salon, giving them advice on cosmetics, and stopping the interview every now and then to note down bookings.

Finally, she tells me that she feels much bolder and happier where she is now, and attributes that to growth, both personally and in a professional sense. Before I go she encourages me to try one of the mineral treatments her salon is popular for, which leaves my face glowing. I leave with the feeling that I’ve also bagged a few pearls of wisdom.

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fashion

Blazer, R3 500, Ted Baker; jumpsuit, R1 199, Mango; earrings, R149, H&M; bag, R550, Foschini; shoes, R1 099, Steve Madden.

stockists Convoy 083 548 5321 Forever 21 011 883 0025 Foschini 011 685 1400 H&M hm.com/za Mango 011 783 7907 Mr Price mrp.com Steve Madden 011 784 0406 Ted Baker 011 456 1156 TopShop 011 685 7070 photographer | STEVE TANCHEL / RED HOT OPS fashion editor | KHOMOTSO MOLOTO make-up | NTHATO MASHISHI hair | JAWAD MAPHOTO photographer’s assistant | THEMBA MOKASE model | AZANIA MOSAKA fashion intern | RANAA PATEL

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illustrationvecteezy.com

money

PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT When it comes to retirement planning and ensuring that you are well-covered in your later years, you simply cannot leave it to chance text DINEO TSAMELA

W

hen you invest, particularly for the long-term, you must ensure that your investment vehicle will give you an advantage over inflation and other fees, such as taxation, admin fees, management fees, and so on.

However, if you have absolutely nothing set aside for retirement, now is as good a time as any to begin saving.

Here’s a rough guideline of how much you should be saving towards your retirement during different stages of your life.

TWENTIES TO THIRTIES

'Look to slightly riskier investments as they will offer you higher returns' During this stage of your life, you can afford to play around and invest directly in the stock market. If you’re aiming to retire at 60, then you have a 30-to-40-year investment time frame.

For long-term investing, you can look to slightly riskier investments, as they will offer you higher returns, particularly because you’ll ride out several market cycles over the years.

You should aim to contribute about 15% to 20% of your income towards your retirement planning.

THIRTIES TO FORTIES

'Consider diversifying your portfolio' With each year that passes, you’re edging closer to retirement. While you still have a 20-to-30-year investment time frame, it’s wise for you to consider diversifying your portfolio.

A healthy mix across asset classes and looking at safer investment products might work in your favour.

At this stage you should ideally be saving between 22% and 28% of your income for your retirement.

FORTIES TO FIFTIES

'Aim to contribute between 30% and 37% of your income towards your retirement' At this stage you’re not too far from retirement, and you’re probably going to be a little conservative when it comes to any investments that you are making now.

You should aim to contribute between 30% and 37% of your income towards your retirement planning.

FIFTIES TO SIXTIES

'Are you adequately covered?'

Now’s the time to start revision: where are you on your journey? Are you adequately covered? Will you need more money? How can you supplement what you have? Sit down with a financial planner and discuss what options you may have at this stage.

QUICK TIPS • At any age you should look at using a tax-free investment vehicle, such as a tax-free exchange-traded fund account or unit trust. This is one way to save for retirement without having to worry about how much tax you’re going to have to pay. Remember in all your calculations that tax and other fees might still apply.

• You should also take full advantage of your employer's pension benefit. In order to make the best of your retirement, avoid withdrawing retirement funds when you change jobs.

• You should also remember that in retirement, health costs are likely to be a big factor in your planning. Do not neglect to make provisions for medical aid when you’re drawing up your financial plan.

• It is highly recommended that you consider doing this with a professional, as they’ll be able to highlight lifestyle changes that you may not have considered in your own planning.

• A trusted professional financial planner will help you choose a financial product that best suits your personal circumstances and ensure that you are adequately prepared for what’s to come.

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conversations

POLYGAMOUS WIVES Polygamy is not a concept that is foreign to us on the African continent, or indeed other parts of the world. Despite this, the cultural practice still raises eyebrows. We take a look into this often unspoken-about practice and spoke to some real-life polygamists text Karabo Disetlhe-Mtshayelo illustrations Gina Jeanz

Fifty-year-old Tafadzwa Gova is a Zimbabwean who lives in Northcliff, Johannesburg.

He has two wives, and says that in his culture it is the norm, as it prevents a man from cheating. “The thing that our culture frowns upon the most is a man who goes out of his home to seek pleasure with someone who is not his wife. If a man has developed an interest in another woman, it is his responsibility to introduce her to his wife, and also to his family, and take that woman to be his wife and join his household. You do not find any wife objecting to this, as it is part of our culture, and in fact, it shows that the man is honest and does not do any philandering,” he says.

But what do Gova’s wives, who live full-time in Zimbabwe, have to say?

Susan Gova*, a 41-year-old stay-at-home mother of four who is Gova’s first wife, admitted that coming to terms with her husband having a second wife was not easy at first. “All our children are girls, and my husband initially brought up the subject of taking on a second wife when he told me that he wanted a son and an heir. In some aspects 18

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I understood where he was coming from, but I felt bad as a woman. I felt like I was not good enough for him. It was not a good feeling,” she says.

To make matters worse, she tells us that before she could even process the news that her husband wanted to take on a second wife, he had spoken to her family about it, and they had reached a consensus. “In my culture, having a son is a big deal, so I think that was the reason that my family and his agreed that this was what he needed to do. After my family was on board, I was left with very little choice in the matter.”

Susan recalls the first time she was introduced to her husband’s second wife, and it soon becomes clear that, initially at least, it was not a friendly meeting. “I could not stop staring at her. Maybe I was sizing her up; I don’t know. I wanted to see what features she had that I didn’t. I did not have a lot of words for her, and I kept to myself.

Luckily, she was very friendly and seemed just as nervous as I was, so it made it easier to embrace her.”

For her part, Gova’s second wife, 37-year-old Brenda Gova*, says that Gova was very upfront about being married, and wanting a second wife. “In a way, I admired his honesty. But at the same time I was worried about what the first wife was going to be like; if she would be cold and cruel, or if she would see me as her equal.

“The first few weeks were hard. I felt like a stranger. Moving into another woman’s house is always quite difficult. I did not know whether it was okay for me to touch her pots and cook, or whether I should have brought my own. Plus, she rarely spoke to me, so it was hard to read her.”

The two wives say that they eventually warmed up to each other, and are now “the best of friends.”

Brenda bore Gova the son he always wanted, followed by two girls. The women say that all their children get along, and call both of them “mom”.

But do they ever get jealous of each other, especially where affection and sex is concerned?

Susan was the first to admit that it wasn’t always easy. “Initially, when my husband would ‘visit’ her room, I would cover myself with blankets and not want to hear a thing. I would also want to be more affectionate towards him the following morning in order to make her feel that I was still present, and that he loves me just as much.” Now, however, the wives say that they are closer than ever.

“Our husband really takes care of us. We do not feel any jealousy or angst towards each other at all. Our needs are met equally, and there really is no need to be childish about things. Everything we do is for the betterment of our family, and in some ways I feel blessed because having someone there to talk to, who genuinely understands, is reassuring. It’s like having a big sister,” Brenda says.

We also spoke to a South African polygamous family from Pongola in KwaZulu-Natal. They spoke to us on condition of anonymity, but for purposes of this article we shall call them the Xaba* family. Thomas Xaba was initially apprehensive about his three wives being interviewed about their experiences, but he eventually agreed to a conversation with one of them. Although very demure, his first wife, Anastasia*, managed to give us a bit of an insight into what it is like to be part of the polygamous sisterhood.

Xaba, a 53-year-old metered taxi driver, lives in the Johannesburg CBD with Anastasia. He says that being in a polygamous relationship is part of his culture, and that he has not experienced any hiccups so far. His other two wives live in Pongola.

“My husband came to me and told me that he would like to take on a second wife.

In fact, he was asking for my permission, and I agreed,” says his first wife, a professional nurse. “He also asked for both our permission when he took on a third wife, and we had no problem with it. It is our culture,” she adds.

Anastasia was reluctant to go into detail about the dynamics of their love life, but said that each wife has her own house, albeit in the same yard. She says that the other two wives have no qualms about her being in Johannesburg with her husband on a full-time basis, as they get to be with him every month.

As a professional working woman, she doesn’t let it be known that she’s in a polygamous relationship. She says, “No. My colleagues and the people in my social circle do not know about me or my married life. In some ways, it is none of their business, but at the same time I do not want to be judged harshly because some people who are from the city do not really understand our cultural practices, so I would rather keep my home life private.”

Psychologist Mampho Mofokeng says it is not always easy for women to question cultural practices that they have grown up with.

“In many instances, the women actually do embrace a polygamous culture, mainly because they do not want to be seen as deviant or acting against their culture.” She adds that love is a contributing factor, “Because the situation is often presented as an all or nothing scenario; where you find that the man has already made up his mind and choosing the nothing button is almost out of the question, so they have to dig deep and accept the situation.”

Mofokeng also believes that feelings of jealousy do arise in a polygamous relationship. “It is human nature to be jealous when you are in a situation where you have to share a partner. Some human experiences are naturally monopolised, so breaking out of that box and embracing a situation where you are sharing intimate experiences and living spaces can be emotionally taxing. The only

‘My husband initially brought up the subject of taking on a second wife when he told me that he wanted a son and an heir’ thing is that no one will ever raise their hand and admit to these feelings of resentment, jealousy, and generally feeling unappreciated.”

Mama Kgomotso Monnakgotla, who is a traditionalist from Kuruman in the Northern Cape, says that contrary to popular belief, polygamy does not belittle women and is not a chauvinistic practice. “Women are always consulted when a man wants to take on another wife. Their opinions matter, in that they are put in a position where they have the freedom of choice. If they do not consent to a particular woman joining her household, the man has to respect that. It’s a very empowering position for a woman to be in. So in no way does polygamy trample on women’s rights and dignity,” she insists.

Lastly, we asked Xaba the burning question: why? Apart from culture, why do some men insist on having more than one wife?

“People have different qualities. You cannot have one person having all the qualities that you will love. One person can be good with children, another person might have a bubbly personality, and another will know how to please a man sexually.

Very rarely would you find all these attributes in just one person. Having more than one wife gives one the experience of all the different qualities that come together to make for a very successful and strong family dynamic,” he says. * Not their real names

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grooming Let It Grow Beard grooming just got easier! Proraso Beard Oil, R259, has a slight cedar wood scent, and is specially formulated to soften and protect your beard, while preventing dryness.

MAI ATAFO

Squeaky Clean Nivea Men Active Clean Shower Gel, R49.99, has an innovative formula of natural active charcoal, which cleanses skin without drying it out.

The Face Off Sometimes using a face wash simply isn’t enough. A great exfoliator can help to reduce the occurrence of acne and blackhead breakouts.

We recommend Clinique For Men Exfoliating Tonic, R295, for daily exfoliation of normal to oily skins.

Under The Sun The warmer weather means you will be spending more time outside. Nimue Sun-C SPF40, R415, is a lightweight, non-oily emulsion that offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, and also helps reduce visible signs of ageing.

GROUNDED & GROOMED Skin Saviour Kiehl’s Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque, R465, restores fatigued skin for a renewed and revived complexion.

The new season calls for a switch up of your hair, skin, and general grooming routine. We have you covered with these products

Luxurious Lather Crabtree & Evelyn’s Indian sandalwood hair and body wash, R450, is a blend of spicy cypress and zesty bergamot. Apply the luxurious lather to scalp and body, and rinse thoroughly.

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text NTOMBENHLE SHEZI photography SDR / LYDIA WESSELS

Lip Service Team Dr Joseph Intense Hyaluronic Lip Treatment, R525, is an intensive moisturising balm to keep lips smooth all day.

The Scent of an Icon If you are looking for a scent with staying power, Dunhill’s Icon Elite, R895 for 30ml, with notes of lavender, neroli, and bergamot, and a large dose of black pepper and cardamom, is the scent for you.

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while shaving by using Tabac Gentle Men’s Care Shaving Gel for sensitive skin. Soothing Aloe Vera allows your razor to meet the least resistance for a close and comfortable shave.

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PRICES Tabac Gentle Men’s Care shower gel 200ml R195 Tabac Gentle Men’s Care Shaving Gel sensitive skin 200ml R150 Tabac Gentle Men’s Care After-Shave Balm 75ml R195 Tabac Gentle Men’s Care After-Shave Lotion Energising 90ml R295 Tabac Gentle Men’s Care Moisturising Gel 50ml R195 Tabac Gentle Men’s Care Moisturising Cream 50ml R195 Tabac Gentle Men’s Care Eau de Toilette Energising 90ml R595 Tabac Gentle Men’s Care Deodorant 24h Protection 150ml R165

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interview

‘It’s showbiz, so you have to bring the show and the business at the same time’

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the dream team

“It’s more than being the face of your business, it’s being the man behind it,” says DreamTeam’s Mthoko “Dash” Mkhathini

text MDUDUZI NONYANE photography STEVE TANCHEL/RED HOT OPS

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thoko Mkhathini, popularly known as Dash, is a snazzy dresser. The 26-year-old musician and TV presenter arrives at our offices decked out in a vintage-inspired look, topped with a classic 1970s Revenger-style straw hat.

“Fashion, art, and designing have always been a part of my life, and they all play a part in my music,” says Mkhathini.

His immense passion for being an entertainer was cultivated while growing up in the township of Ntuzuma in KwaZulu-Natal. “Growing up, I was always the excited kid, and that’s why I never limited myself, I knew that I was destined for entertainment,” he says. His drive to be an entertainer saw him teaming up with Saso (Lusaso Ngcobo) and Trey (Trevor Sineke) to form DreamTeam. The trio has grown to become one of the most popular hip-hop groups to come out of KZN. After years of having doors shut in their faces, DreamTeam finally blew up in 2013 with their hit single Tsekede receiving widespread airplay on the radio.

The group’s name, explains Mkhathini, was a result of their motto: “Teamwork makes the dream work.”

On the release of their first single, people started to refer to the group as “the new TKZee”, something he says was a good sign for the hip hop outfit. “We have exceeded expectation in a way, because a lot of people thought we would be a one-hit wonder.”

A few years down the line since their first hit

single, Dash, just like the group, feels he’s destined to evolve. The zealous rapper recently landed a presenting gig on VuzuAmp as part of a revamped line-up for the hit show, V-Entertainment. “Television has been a big learning curve. Moving to Joburg, you realise that talent is not enough, I have learnt to focus on business, too,” he says. “It’s showbiz, so you have to bring the show and the business at the same time,” he adds.

Dash says he and his crew are a lot more focused and disciplined than when they started out. “When you first get into the industry, all you want is to be the sh*t, but we are wiser now.” He thinks his foray into television has helped focus their steps. “Television has made me realise the moves we have to make to grow the DreamTeam brand,” he says with a grin.

The “Beyoncé” of the trio, as he was once jokingly referred to by popular media personality Phat Joe, says he intends to take his love for art, design, and fashion to the next level, and dreams of starting a company he calls Mkhathini Creative.

Looking up to the likes of Pharrell Williams, Wizkid and Jay Z, the hip hop sensation says he is determined to follow suit and “bump the cheese up”. He has his sights set on becoming a young billionaire.

His words of encouragement for young and aspiring musos are to stick to their dreams, and he says, “You just need to believe in yourself, learn and keep pushing.”

Make sure you feel good and live good, which will eventually lead to looking good. I believe in knowing and understanding your body type, then setting realistic goals. There’s nothing wrong with supplements, but keep it legal, and the fewer the better because a natural diet is the best. My biggest hurdle is maintaining a healthy diet because I’m forever on the road. It’s been quite hard to keep to my workouts lately because of my work schedule, but I try to do two sessions a day — weights in the morning and functional training in the evening. It has become a lifestyle. My closet is 90% local, like the radio music quota. My favourite local designers are Tempracha and Tribal Skin, both Durban-based, as well as Galxboy, Maxhosa by Laduma and Naked Ape. I use simple products on my skin as I don’t want to shock it with chemicals and scents. I use Vaseline MENface even tone expert Oil Control, and Spot Control as well as Vaseline MENface Even Tone Expert SPF15 Face Moisturiser. I get my hair cut at Hair Images salon in Sandton City by the best barber, Percy, aka Mbesuma. I only own Casio watches, the classic old-school digital range. They’re slick, but still have a funky vibe. My outfit is from different outlets.

The white shirt is from Markham, the brown trousers with matching tie and tie pin are from Durban designer Tribal Skin, and the suspenders and shoes are TopMan.

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art

Photographer Santu Mofokeng takes us back to the Soweto of the ‘80s with his classic, iconic and evocative images

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arlier in September, Sowetan S Mag was privileged to partner with MAKER and the German publisher Steidl at a pop-up exhibition curated by Josh Chuang for the FNB Joburg Art Fair. The exhibition featured a selection of images from a forthcoming publication, which forms part of the Santu Mofokeng: Stories series of books. Featuring a collection of classic images from ‘80s Soweto, the book is the fifth in a series of 18 publications.

About the artist: World renowned photographer Santu Mofokeng was born in Johannesburg in 1956. He grew up in and around Soweto, spending most of his childhood in Orlando East. Mofokeng’s initial experiences with photography were as a teen, when one of his sisters gave him his first camera. It was not until the early 1980s that Mofokeng started working more seriously as a photographer, documenting his surroundings and the day-to-day business of township life during apartheid.

Mofokeng’s deviation from conventional subject matter includes photographic enquiries into spirituality, an interest that has

continued throughout his photographic career and produced the extraordinary and evocative series, Chasing Shadows. His work, in which he “reclaims landscape”, investigates the meaning of landscape in relation to ownership, power, and memory. In his more recent photographs of urban landscapes, Mofokeng again goes beyond political and social commentary into meditations on “existential madness - the absurdities of living”.

Mofokeng has been the recipient of numerous awards, including being the first recipient of the Mother Jones Award for Africa. In 2009 he was nominated as a Prince Claus Fund Laureate for Visual Arts.

Mofokeng’s first international retrospective opened in May 2011 at the Jeu de Paume in Paris, and subsequently travelled to Kunsthalle, Bern, later that year. In May 2013 he participated in the 55th International Art Exhibition – La Biennalle di Venezia, on the German Pavilion. In February 2016 it was announced that Mofokeng was the winner of the first International Photography prize established by the Fondazione Fotografia Modena. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate in literature from the University of the Witwatersrand in July.

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motoring

FOR ALL SEASONS The highly anticipated Range Rover Evoque cabriolet is here, and motoring writer Vuyi Mpofu couldn’t be more excited about it

One of the most anticipated cars to grace South African roads is here, and it promises to turn heads effortlessly. I am talking about Land Rover’s first-ever convertible, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, which also has the distinction of being the first-ever convertible Sports Utility Vehicle in the world.

Combining capability with desirability, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible is billed as a convertible for all seasons, offering unparalleled practicality, paired with Land Rover’s suite of proven off-road technologies.

Exterior-wise, the ground breaking and distinctive shape of the original Range Rover Evoque lends itself to an elegant convertible design, made possible by a sophisticated fabric roof. The Z-fold mechanism of the convertible lays flush with the rear bodywork for a sleek, uncluttered appearance when lowered.

The fabric roof is the longest and widest fitted to any vehicle on sale today. At the mere touch of a wellmanicured finger, the fully automated roof stows in 18 seconds, and can be raised in 21 seconds, at speeds of up to 48km/h. When closed it provides high standards of refinement with a layer of acoustic insulation, ensuring interior comfort on a par with a five-door.

One could mistakenly dismiss the latest Evoque

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as being more fashion statement than brawn, but the reality is that the Evoque convertible is confidently underpinned by Land Rover’s world-class, all-terrain capability, and uses the same advanced technologies as Evoque five-door and Coupé models. The interior of the Evoque Cabriolet features an all-new, high-resolution 10.2-inch touchscreen with Jaguar Land Rover’s next-generation InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, which offers seamless smartphone integration, door-to-door navigation, a premium sound system, as well as wireless and 3G connectivity.

Equipped with myriad gadgets and creature comforts, the Evoque Convertible is a combination of power and beauty, wrapped up in a classy bow of sex appeal and sheer elegance.

Of course it remains to be seen how the South African market will take to the Evoque Cabriolet, but given that the hard top has won numerous awards and accolades locally and internationally, I have no doubt that this little number will sell like hot cakes!

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible goes on sale in mid-October 2016. * From R1 002 400. * Includes a 100,000km five-year maintenance plan and roadside assistance.

A car accident can set off a chain reaction of phone calls, insurance quotes, panel beaters and rental cars, not to mention having to pay the excess on your insurance. While the moderately painful process of getting yourself back on the road is unavoidable, you can make it easier by following some basic rules.

1. The first thing you need to do after the accident is secure the area with a red reflective triangle and lock the car securely to avoid opportunistic theft.

2. Keeping a safe distance from the crash site, call the police and an ambulance, even if there are no visible injuries. Whiplash and internal damage cannot been seen, but need to be treated as soon as possible.

3. Gather information by exchanging contact details (name, address, ID number, car registration number, insurer name). If possible, take pictures of everything relating to the accident, including the registration number and ID of the relevant parties. If the other party is not insured, your insurer will attempt to claim from them directly, but you should still be paid out by your insurer, providing you abide by your insurer’s terms and conditions.

4. It is important to report the accident to all the relevant parties – the police, your insurer, and the other party’s insurance company – within a 24-hour period. If you don’t report the accident to your insurer within the prescribed period, you may not be able to claim, even if the accident was not your fault.

• Remember: Try to avoid saying anything that could jeopardise your claim.

image hdcarswallpapers.com

A CONVERTIBLE

Few things equal the frustration and inconvenience of having a car accident, says Vuyi Mpofu. Here are her tips on what to do if involved in one.

leadership

W

PHATHOKUHLE ZONDI CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER SPORTS SCIENCE INSTITUTE OF SOUTH AFRICA

Modern-day ‘gladiator in a white coat’ Dr Phathokuhle Zondi is ushering in a new era of change at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa (ssisa). As the newly appointed CEO, she will be following in the footsteps of former Springbok captain and rugby legend Morné du Plessis, who was at the helm for more than two decades text EMMANUEL TJIYA photography DAMON FOURIE

ho is Phathokuhle? I was born and bred in eThekwini.

I come from a close-knit family and grew up in a home filled with love, passion, and prayer. From a young age, I had a love for sports and participated in any event I could squeeze in, from netball and running to soft ball and synchronised swimming. So how did you turn that love for sport into an illustrious career? In high school I began to take an interest in human biology and decided I wanted to study medicine. A radio interview with Professor Tim Noakes introduced me to sports medicine and I knew as soon as I heard him speak that that was the career path I wanted to follow. What are some of the challenges you have faced throughout your career and how did you overcome them? We all need to overcome a number of internal and external challenges as we progress in life. In terms of external barriers, these will always crop up, especially in our sociopolitical climate and with our country’s history. One sure way to overcome prejudice is through excellence. Be excellent at what you do and make 200% sure you deliver. Is it a struggle being a woman in your industry? It definitely has been at times, but I have been received by colleagues with great mutual respect. My mother, a successful businesswoman, taught me never to apologise for being a woman in a “man’s world”, and to rather embrace all that I am to best represent myself and add value wherever I go. Also be honest about your limitations. It is incredibly difficult to be prejudiced against someone who demonstrates competence and efficiency, but also knows to ask for help when they are uncertain. What has been your greatest achievement to date? I don’t know if being a mother can be called an achievement — maybe keeping my daughter alive, healthy and as happy as she is? No, it isn’t an achievement, but it is my greatest blessing and deepest joy. You are married with a child. Who is Dr Zondi at home? I am a mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend. My husband, Andile, is a pillar of strength and a wonderfully kind, fun and generous soul. I grew up in a large and loving extended family, and to this day I have the best times with them. How do you balance family life and your career? I’m not sure I have gotten it right just yet, but I work at it every day. Annabel Crabb, an Australian political journalist, is quoted as saying: “The obligation for working mothers is a very precise one: the feeling that one ought to work as if one did not have children, while raising one’s children as if one did not have a job.” It is a daily struggle, but I do think that too often we get caught up in the rat race and consumed by the clutter when, in fact, life isn’t about the race, it’s about the rollercoaster journey and those journeying with you. I try remind myself of this when I get overwhelmed by the balancing act. Family is my beginning and end. Take us through your day-to-day role as CEO of ssisa since you took over in June? I’m only three months in, so it may be a bit too early to tell you. I hit the road running when I got here and we’re still going at medal-winning pace.

That said, I’ve joined a great pack at ssisa and the momentum has us excited about our journey. Right now, I’m leading the pack while we navigate our way through a shift in strategy as we redefine our course. What advice would you give to someone wanting go down the same career path as you? To those wanting to fulfil their potential, whatever their career choice, I would say pursue your passion. Live a life of purpose and fun. Seek a mentor, or mentors, and invest in those relationships. Mentors may change depending on where you are in your career, and that’s okay. Lastly, bounce back. Never give up. How will you be effecting change in your field in the next few years? Actions speak louder than words. Watch this space!

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food

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CELEBRATE AFRICAN FOOD Chef Mpume on empowerment and going back to basics in the kitchen text KARABO DISETLHE-MTSHAYELO photography AUBREY JONSSON/ONELEAGUE

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o not let people tell you that our food history is shisanyama, it is not,” says professional chef Nompumelelo Mqwebu. The dynamic head chef and founder of Africa Meets Europe Cuisine is widely credited as an advocate for African cuisine.

Chef Mpume, as she is more commonly known, believes the mentality that Africans do not have a food culture needs to be abolished. But her passion, besides food, goes much deeper than that.

She aims to empower women to take on leadership roles in the culinary arts by becoming head chefs, and by embracing the farming of indigenous crops.

“I am currently training women farmers on value adding, or food processing,” says Mqwebu.

“They are making jams, pickles, pestos, herb oils, healthy breads and soups. This helps them to not lose produce and to realise more profits, instead of only selling their amazing organic produce.

“It’s evident that the question of a lack of women in leadership roles still stands. If places like San Francisco boast female executive chefs whose food landscapes are admired and emulated in America, why not let our women lead professional kitchens in hotels and restaurants?”

Mqwebu says that one of the main reasons she decided to become a professional chef was to promote African food culture, a desire that stemmed from her passion for the traditional foods she grew up with.

“I grew up around great cooks, from my Xhosa grandmother who ran her own cafeteria and my dad, who left home for the ships as a young man to travel the world cooking, and who cooked our Sunday meals when we were growing up, to my Swati grandmother, a great cook who married various cooking methods, some learnt from her Xhosa sister-in-law. I always cooked for family and friends, but I knew that if I took up food as a career it had to be as a professional, and I had to see how I could promote my food culture,” she says.

She adds that the lack of African indigenous crops in the markets is shocking, and that it is time we went back to the basics. “Our history was stolen and destroyed, and as we navigate who we are, we are constantly dealing with being told that we never had a food culture, and unfortunately some Africans now believe that. We have other nations telling our food story on our behalf, and our distorted food history is made to define our nation,” she says. “Without small farmers, we are nothing and we will get nowhere, fast. Working towards food security using sustainable methods is key.”

So where do we begin? Right in our own backyards and kitchens.

Mqwebu says; “Start by growing your own vegetables and culinary herbs or by finding local producers in your area. Talk to elders to find out more about our food history and start developing recipes and menus based on what is in season.”

Recipes

HONEY GLAZED GOAT SERVED WITH MAIZE RICE AND ROAST BEETS Serves: 6-7 • 1.3 kg goat meat • 1½ cups maize rice • ¼ cup honey • ¾ cup brown sugar • ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice • 150g baby carrots • 200g small beetroots • Knob of butter • 1 small onion • 1 stick celery • ½ red bell pepper • ½ yellow bell pepper • ½ green bell pepper • 5ml olive oil • Salt and pepper to taste • Rosemary, curly parsley, and lemon thyme Preheat the oven to 220˚c. Prepare the meat glaze by mixing the honey, sugar, and freshly squeezed orange juice together in a bowl. Clean the meat and season with salt and pepper. Place a sprig of rosemary under each piece of meat in an ovenproof dish, pour the glaze over the meat and cover with foil. Place the meat into the oven and reduce the

oven to 180˚c. Keep adding a little water so the meat doesn’t stick. Place the maize rice in a small pot, add enough cold water to cover, and bring to the boil. Watch the maize rice carefully, as it cooks in less than five minutes. When cooked, remove from heat, strain, and set aside. Rinse the cooked rice with cold water to stop it from sticking together. Wash the baby carrots thoroughly and place in a small pan over a medium heat and steam with a little bit of water for four minutes until al dente. When cooked, refresh with cold water.

Remove from the cold water, place in a bowl, and set aside. Place the beetroots in a small saucepan with enough water to cover them and boil until al dente. Small beets will cook in 15 minutes. When soft, remove from the pot and season with a knob of butter, rubbing each beet so it is covered, then wrap the beets in foil and place next to the meat in the oven. Roasting the beets extracts more flavour and sweetness. For the mirepoix to be mixed into the rice, dice the onion, celery, and peppers finely then sauté in olive oil in a pan for three minutes.

Season with salt and pepper. Keep checking on the meat in the oven and remember to keep pouring extra juices into a small pot, which you will use as your jus at the end. Place the rice in the middle of the plate using a ramekin. Place carrots, beets (garnished with chopped parsley), and meat around the maize rice. Garnish with rosemary and lemon thyme. Serve with the jus.

‘Talk to elders to find out more about our food history and start developing recipes and menus based on what is in season’

BAOBAB BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE Serves: 8-10 • 2 cups blueberries • 2 cups water • 1 cup white sugar • Juice and zest of one lemon • 90g butter • 290g digestive biscuits • 920g smooth cottage cheese • 690g Philadelphia cheese • 100g mascarpone cheese • 2 cups golden castor sugar • 200g baobab powder • 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice • 50ml blueberry reduction • Extra blueberries and edible flowers for garnishing

Place blueberries, water, sugar, lemon juice and zest in a pan and boil over a medium heat for eight minutes. Lower heat and simmer for a further seven minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool down completely before blending. Pour the blended liquid into a bowl through a sieve.Press all the juices through and discard the solids. Any leftover syrup can be stored in an airtight bottle in the refrigerator for six months. For the cheesecake, melt the butter over a low heat in a small pot. Blend the biscuits into crumbs, then add melted butter. Press the mixture into the base of a greased 26cm springform pan. Mix all the cheese, sugar, and baobab powder together until smooth. Add the lemon juice and mix well. Carefully spoon the mixture onto the crumb base, cover with foil and refrigerate for two to three hours. Finish with a thin layer of blueberry reduction, whole blueberries and edible flowers.

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spirit

‘There’s no way for us to comprehend what light and energy are until we experience it’’

INTO THE LIGHT Vanessa Mogorosi embraces the healing power of reiki text TSHEGOFATSO SENNE photography AUBREY JONSSON/ONELEAGUE

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anessa Mogorosi is a holistic wellness and personal development coach and Lightarian Reiki Master. She believes that a multidimensional approach that looks into developing and healing us holistically is important in today’s busy life.

Mogorosi calls herself an “indigo child”, as she believes herself to be possessed of special and unusual gifts, including the gift of clairsentience, which allows her to feel and sense trauma, challenges, and the energies of people and rooms.

Of Lightarian Reiki, Mogorosi says, “Light is in the energy life-force of everything. I teach and give this therapy to people who are looking for balance throughout their system — emotionally, physically, spiritually, and mentally. It clears, harmonises, balances, and reminds the body how to heal itself.”

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A learned practitioner, Mogorosi has studied and developed her skills after years of working in corporate public relations. “It’s like getting into a taxi; if I’m your driver, you need to tell me exactly where you’re going. What is the grandest version of yourself that you want to get to?” The foundation, she says, is to allow yourself to ascend.

A large majority of us function using only 2% of our consciousness. We have been doing a great deal using a mere 2%, but why would one not want to reach 20% of our consciousness? “Being the only girl in my family, I was always taught to aspire and strive for perfection. I had no room to make mistakes, because I was put on a pedestal and had no room in my consciousness for it. It gave me an opportunity to embrace my mistakes, and my

relationship with them isn’t destructive anymore,” Mogorosi says. Working in phases with her clients, she has an initial session where a client’s needs, objectives and goals are outlined in order for her to understand exactly what they want to achieve, and then training begins. The first phase is about looking within your consciousness. “I always use the term ‘looking’ because that’s exactly what it is.

We look. It’s a big battle between the mind, which wants to think about things, and the method we use, which encourages you to look and explore,” she adds.

The second phase involves the Lightarian programme that assists clients to move to the higher vibrations. In this phase, Mogorosi teaches you how energy and light shape your experiences.

“It’s very experiential. There’s no way for us to comprehend what light and energy are, until we experience it. Reiki is an amazing experience, because you just lie there in receptive mode and receive beautiful radiant energy, aligning your chakras and harmonising your body.”

Mogorosi notes that there are many who combine her teachings with religion. Being a spiritual rather than a religious person, Mogorosi explains that it may not be linked to religion, but it can strengthen your faith if that’s one of your goals. “If you pray to a god that doesn’t want you to develop yourself, you should question it.”

One of her goals is to see more black people within the space, and she speaks at schools in Protea, Soweto, where she grew up, to introduce young minds to the career option of energy therapy and holistic wellness. “I’ve been running my practice for five years now and I’m fulfilling my life’s purpose by educating black youth about this. There should be more of us, I can’t be the only Mogorosi on the list. There should be Tshabalalas and Khumalos too.”

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a healing technique originating in Japan that promotes healing by reducing stress and improving relaxation. It is based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch or “laying on hands” to transfer energy and to heal and guide people physically and emotionally.

Who would benefit?

Anyone looking to live a balanced life. Benefits include: relaxation, improved sleep, pain relief, and spiritual growth and emotional clearing.

How do I find a reiki practitioner?

The Reiki Association of South Africa has lists per province on its website: reikiassociation.co.za

real wedding

CELEBRATION This adventurous groom proposed to his future wife during a daring date spent shark-cage diving text TSHEGOFATSO SENNE

Decor ‘We wanted our personalities to be reflected in the decor,’ says Lelethu of the minimalistic look. The couple chose subtle shades of yellow, creams, and champagne gold. Rose petals were scattered on the tables, with cream roses and candles forming the centre pieces.

Cake The couple decided on a three-tier cake made up of red velvet, carrot and lemon, and poppy seed sponges. The floral detailing on the cake was inspired by the bride’s dress.

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elethu Mhlaba and Kgotso Thipa had been dating for five years before he popped the question on a daring date: sharkcage diving. The couple, who met at a braai, celebrated over two days, hosting guests for both an African and white wedding. The white wedding took place on August 5 at the Gonubie Manor in East London. The following day, Lelethu’s family went to the Thipas where she was accepted via a ritual of walking around the house in order for her to become well acquainted with the house where she would become the makoti. The highlight of the day for Lelethu? “The coming together of two families and seeing the joy on everyone’s faces. Everyone was in celebration with us.”

The dress ‘Not to sound cliched, but it made me feel like a queen.

It really did,’ says Lelethu, who decided to keep it simple and elegant.

SUPPLIERS Wedding planner, Decor Yamkela Njingolo 072 342 7086 Bride’s dress Bride & Co 011 807 4000 Catering and venue Gonubie Manor 043 732 1775 Cake KST cakes (Kholo Mali) 072 264 0039 Groom’s outfit Designer Warehouse 011 024 0992 Hair and Make-up Clarity Beauty Boutique

Rings ‘The exchanging of the rings was a very special moment for us,’ Kgotso says. The groom chose a simple band, with Lelethu sporting a solitaire ring.

(Nada Namhla Tyilo) 072 767 5266 Photographer Candice Dollery 083 628 8236

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kasi memories

NO PLACE LIKE HOME Climbing trees, catching locusts and playing in the river — Florence Masebe takes us back to her Limpopo

text NOMFUNDO XULU-LENTSOANE illustration SYLVIA MCKEOWN

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ome call it their kasi and others say township — but we all know there’s that one place we call home. Home is where the heart is. It doesn't matter where you are in the world, it is that certain place where there will always be those things that remind you of where it all started.

Homestead.

For Florence Masebe, now wellknown as Masindi in the TV series Ring of Lies, it is the villages in which she grew up that give her a sense of nostalgia. “I grew up in a number of villages in Limpopo.

I especially grew up in a place called Tshakhuma. That's my home,” says the former Muvhango actress.

When anyone thinks of Limpopo, the first thing that springs to mind is the vegetation and how the province is blessed with possibly some of best fruit on the African continent. Masebe also remembers the fruit that she ate as a child — and still does now, as an adult.

“I love the fruit we have. My village is especially famous for mangoes, 32

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“Restaurants? What's that? We eat in bananas and avocados.” our homes. Our village is famous for The Florence Masebe that we all its 24-hour fruit market. Stop by when know is not just a famous personality driving on Punda Maria road. Look for a — she has a heartfelt story to tell lady named Mushavho, she'll look after about her memories of growing up you,” she says with a smile. in Tshakhuma that we can all relate For Masebe, Tshakhuma is not just to. “Climbing trees and going to catch her home. It is also a piece of her heart locusts in the veld are just some of my she will forever cherish because of its favourite childhood memories. Playing rich heritage and culture. “One of the at the river was also cool,” she recalls. most renowned and highly regarded For the winner of the Best Actress Venda traditional dance groups is found award at the 9th Africa Movie Academy in Tshakhuma. It's Awards, some called Thikundwi recollections are 'Heritage is gold. We need kha Sialala. My of life-changing to wake up to this' village is also home experiences. to the internationally acclaimed sculptor “I miss the many delicacies that we Meshack Raphalalani," she says proudly. ate growing up. I spend too much time Back in the day, the Elelwani star in the city now, it's not so easy to access remembers witnessing Tshakhuma my favourite village foods.”

Day. “I don't know if it still exists, but if When Mme a Masakona, as her I were to develop my village, I would social media name displays, talks about build a craft market near the already her memories of growing up, she well-established fruit market. It would laughs at the question of entertainment be a one-stop shop for traditional arts in the form of restaurants.

and crafts. Heritage is gold. We need to wake up to this.”

There are not a lot of people who are able to describe their lifestyle, and express their experiences of their place of growth, in a way that is so sincerely passionate; people who can attest to the fact that kasi memories are just that. “We proudly call my village Tshakhuma tsha Madzivhandila! Tshakhuma tsha Mmandiada! Tshakhuma tsha Vhadamane! Thavhani ya Mangwele na ya Tshalovha! Shango ļa Vhadau! Ļa Vho-Mammboko na vho-Tshimbiluni!

Madzivhandila nga a lalame.”

And if you are not too certain how one goes from being a village girl to being an award-winning star, it’s simple, as Masebe explains, “Village code makes it difficult to talk about others without their permission. But we are many. Some highly educated South Africans walked the same path to school as I did.”

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