Youth Magazine issue 02

In

EDITOR’S LETTER June 16th, 1976. The date that will always be significant in the history and in the hearts of many South Africans as it is a constant reminder of the power displayed by the youth to bring about change in their circumstances and contribute to the greater good. Taking a trip down memory lane, on this day a pivotal event took place which was the Soweto uprising. Not dwelling too much on it, this is where a student led protest took place against the apartheid regime at the time. What is beautiful about this celebrated day in South Africa is not the event itself but the spirit of the youth of 1976 that has been similarly cultivated by the young people across the landscapes in the entire world. Question is, is it really that the youth stand out to be different amongst the species of man in the world or is the universe constantly throwing things at them that they constantly find themselves fighting against?

In this contemporary world infestations come in different shapes and sizes. From the economy dropping, COVID-19, the resurgence of gender-based violence straight to fights for recognition and consideration of existence in the world otherwise termed as #BlackLivesMatter. Now to the youth, the young, the fresh, and the vibrant‌because the struggles are as persistent as ever, have we found our purpose, or can we define ourselves in this universe we live in? The world has become a badly treated wound that keeps on spewing its insides and we continuously failing to patch it up.

However, even with all these horrible, unexplainable things happening in the world we do not see less of the youth but more, even with failure to patch, the young are doing the patching even with the daily struggles. We are still determined to make this a better place than the past, in the present and for our future.

Therefore, as part of the youth it is only right to speak to the questions of the world.

To defend my own and provide an argument for the youth by the youth. We will always and forever bring about change, defy the norm, rebel our way to righteousness, consciously question tradition and fight systems and cultures of the world. So even in times where we feel boxed and constrained, we strive to be louder than ever because the real question should be who better to redesign then us? So, to us movers and shakers lets pat ourselves on the back because regardless of the many unforeseen obstacles we still the baddest .

-Akhona Ntsume Editors latter

CONTENTS 7

43

Entertainment

Reflection corner

14

45

Exhibition

Interview

21 Primary colours

49 Artical

26

52

#VogueChallange

Blog

28

55

Fashion trends

Colour with us

35

56

Interview

Contact us

Who? What? Where?

Entertainment The past months worldwide have been about alterations, adaptations, and ultimate change in our day to day schedules. The year 2020 has been living prove that we can plan all we want but cannot make final decisions. Even with all that said, the industry that provides us with endless amusement and enjoyment never backs down. The top stories of this month have been all about celebrations, creations and losses.

Nothing has contributed in maintaining a sound mind like stories,

whether fictional or reality. Netflix is an online streaming service that caters for a variety of audiences with its TV shows, documentaries, movies and so much more. However, Blood and Water which

premiered May 2020 has been one of the best by far in our books.

This is Netflix’s second African original series and its cast is full of young uprising South African actors who do nothing but the most in

this stellar drama.

This is definitely a must watch with all the mystery and drama keeping you on your toes, created for the youth and acted out

predominantly by the youth. It’s all about having conversations to do with human trafficking, different lifestyles, family dynamics and mental health. This show is definitely intriguing and a must watch if

you have not yet. We can’t wait for season 2!

Source: www.esquire.com

Because the month of June means something different in South Africa compared to the rest of the world, we have chosen to celebrate our youth month differently this time around mainly because of the pandemic. #stayhome has prevented us from commemorating this day with a thousand other young people at events like Busha Uhuru Freedom festival, however digital platforms came through yet again to fill that void. June 16th marks the day fellow students of 1976 fought against the virus of that time, the apartheid regime, so to celebrate this day despite the lockdown, DJ’s around the country held concerts on various channels and digital platforms such as MTV Africa, YouTube and channel O. Shoutout to the music industry worldwide because honestly on the list of things that keep us sane, music is on top.

This lockdown has brought nothing but tough times for most of us because of the distance it has created between our friends and families but it is totally unfair to say that everyone has been without

companionship during these times. South African rapper Cassper Nyovest aka Mr Fill Up nton nton, took to twitter a day after Father’s Day to tell the world that he’s about to be a Father. Cassper rather

took a different but pleasing reveal of this news as he decided to “name his new album AMN” meaning any time now. Following the announcements, fans congratulated Cassper on twitter and some

people had already started imagining Kairo-AKA’s daughter dating Mr Fill Up’s unborn son which might just end the feud that’s been happening for years. Celebrities including Ricky Rick, Anele Mdoda

and Boity also sent their congratulating to the first-time dad. We wish Cassper the best days to ever come.

A member of the Create at Home club, following his most loved

Single eazy, Nasty C recently dropped an international mixtape titled ZULU. This collab project by Nasty C and DJ Whoo kid has been making waves in the music scene and has been received well

by fans. ZULU features some of the best artists such as the legendary T.I Tip Harris, Mishlawi, Landstrip Chip, iZZe and Crowned Yung.

A star has fallen. Veteran actress Mary Twala was laid to rest on the 9th of July 2020.

A few days before, Somizi took to social media to share the passing of his mother by sharing that “the tree has fallen�.

Mary will forever be remembered for her talent and enthusiasm for the arts.

EXHIBITION TITLE: BLACK MAN

Art student Judy Maphoso Exhibits her ‘create at home’ portraits depicting the generations of black man in her family who inspire, influence and impact her life, titled “BLACK MAN”

“The aim is to change the narrative about black man being less than simply because of skin tone, because in the end, black man are a force to be reckoned with.”

I fear for you.

I fear for the colour of your skin.

I fear for the kink in your hair.

I fear for the size of your lips.

I fear for you.

In a society that makes you feel inferior, takes away your pride and reduces your courage.

In a society that degrades you, manipulates you, tears you down and kicks you around.

I fear for you.

But But theythey should fear. fear. should

They should fear your greatness, your mind, your unstoppable power.

They should fear your ambitions, your love, your capabilities and your grace.

Kings Melanin covered kings dripping in unshakable, unbreakable, unstoppable courage and faith for a better tomorrow.

I fear for you

But they should fear.

Briansky The Nurturer

Grant The Sharpener

Kaizer The Truth

Moscow The Innocent

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Photographed by: Gloria Godwin Dressed by: ISDWADLO Modelled by: Nosipho Phophi & Ntshembo Faith Khoza

Vogue Challenge Instagram, Facebook, tiktok and twitter have been receiving an influx of challenges created by creative individuals. However, none so far has outdone the VOGUE challenge. This unique challenge had focused on embracing and celebrating people’s beauty, creativity, artistic sides, facial and body expressions, proving that anyone from any part of our planet can become a magazine cover star. Here are our top 5 favourite covers from the #VogueChallenge.

Jordan Blake

Pumla Dineo

The professor

Obogwu

TW Studio

FASHION TRENDS

The B.O.M It’s all about layers this season with bright bomber jackets.

Making you hard to miss even with your mask on.

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2

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1) The Fix R399.99, 2)Mr Price R229.99, 3) The Fix R449.99

More Lettuce?

The Lettuce hem top The Lettuce hem has gained popularity this season because of its crinkly edged style, adding a world of waves to your wardrobe.

1

2

1) COTTON ON R124.50, 2)Mr Price R69.99

Cuddles from a bear

Mr Price R299.99

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You know that warm fuzzy feeling on the inside? Well now you can feel it on the outside too with the teddy fleece jackets.

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3

1) Zando.co.za R718 2)Zando.co.za R699 3)Jet R299.99

The COAT The Trench Coat continues to be a fashion trend.

T

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2

1) Mr Price R349.99, 2) H&M R150

From the kitchen to the lounge The AZANIA Loungewear polo necks will have you looking stylish and feeling warm and comfy on the couch for another episode of your favourite series.

Shop all of the above at shop.richmnisi.com R1,999 each.

ISDWADLO

Meet Lloyd, Mongezi and Sizwe, creators of streetwear brand ISDWADLO. We discuss partnerships and ambitions in this interview.

Ever heard the expression “don’t mix business with friendship”? Well these three clearly didn’t listen and it works out well for them. Here’s what they had to say about each other and the brand as a whole.

G: How did you three come together and what do each of you bring to the table?

M: we actually met in college. We were all there for the same thing, trying to learn or improve the same skill and I guess interest just sparked from there because we already had so much in common. Plus with regards to who brings what to the table, I can’t really answer that because we do everything together. So I can’t say one does what the other doesn’t. We come up with design ideas together, draw up patterns together and sew together.

G: Why ISDWADLO?

S: It’s Kasi Taal !

L: Ya its Kasi Taal meaning your dress code is nice, it’s beautiful, beyond dope. It describes our type of style and the things that we create.

G: People in partnerships don’t normally last long, so how do you guys stay together without wanting to strangle each other?

S: I always want to strangle them *hahaa* M: We able to stay together because we have one aim and honesty comes first. We really do understand each other.

L: We don’t take things personally, because if we did, we’d be fighting right now.

G: Describe your design aesthetic and why it is what it is.

L: Streetwear because we want to target young people.

S: it’s a mix of streetwear and modern day corporate wear because we dealing with modern society. Some people now wear sneakers to work. So we want to cater to people who could wear our brand from Monday to Sunday without a problem.

G: What motivates you guys to do what must be done for the pots to boil?

M: We get motivated when we go to fashion shows and photo-shoots.

S: but basically we don’t see ourselves dwelling on one thing, we see ourselves internationally, so we want to co-work with many people and we still want to learn and offer a lot in the industry of not only fashion design but textile as well and even the entertainment industry because all those segments go hand in hand.

G: What type of growth do you hope to see for the business a few months down the line?

L: Bill boards M: everywhere you look, billboards, grow on social media and attract more clients.

G: Do you have any advice for friends wanting to go into business together?

S: No don’t do it, don’t start!! *ha-haa*. Nah I’m kidding. Go into business together only if you guys trust each other M: It depends on the type of business you want to start with your friend. You can’t have deferent interest and want to do the same thing.

L: also ask yourselves if you have the same vision and assess your level of trust.

G: Okay lastly, imagine you guys win the lotto as a collective (because we know if only one wins, they won’t share) what is the first thing each of you would buy with your winnings?

M: get a factory where the production can expend.

L: Machines, more machines. Every type of machine S: Marketing. Invest into marketing the business.

You can follow ISDWADLO on social media @ISDAWADLO on Facebook and Instagram

A piece of the pie In times where unemployment is high, money is low and rent is due, we come through with tips and tricks on how to make an extra coin or two‌

In this issue we provide you with the necessary information on how to register your business and where to apply for funding.

Registration: go onto the CIPC website and register your business. Registration fees cost R125 AND the name of your business cost R50. You will deposit these amounts into their bank account. Find their banking details on their website.

You can register in the comfort of your own home if you have the resources like internet access available to you.

Alternatively, you can go to your nearest internet cafĂŠ.

Make sure to have a certified copy of your ID scanned to your phone/email to make it easy to upload onto their website.

What they will do for you after registration: they will do your BBBEE certificate for free as well as other business documents.

Improvements for your business: you can open a business account at FNB for R500. Alternatively you can open one at ABSA for R250.

Go to SEDE for a business plan and training for your business.

Register as a supplier on the municipality database.

Hire employees and register for COIDA, Letter of good standing at the Department of Labour.

Start your business and market it by branding and creating things like Logos, Letterheads, Business email, website and even a landline.

What can you do for free after registration fees are paid?

-Get a SARS Tax clearance for free.

-A request for help with your business plan is free when you go to SEDA as well as training that is relevant to your business.

- Registration on the CSD is free.

- Registration as a supplier on the Municipality website is free.

-Attend financial management short courses at your nearest NYDA for a mimimum of 5 weeks for free.

-Apply for NYDA funding for free, if successful you could get up to R50 000 worth of equipment that you would not have to repay.

REFLECTION CORNER

What Drives Your Life?

Some of the best lessons in life come through the medium of reflection. Reflection holds up a candle and lights up our past experiences so that we can look upon them and see them clearly. Reflection allows us to re-visit lessons in our lives that we may have once looked over because often, experiences do not leave us until we ponder up the courage to learn the lesson. So today, I want us to get into a comfortable place of reflection and think on some of those things in our lives that have shaped our decisions, our paths and continue to forge our outlook on life. Today I want to put it to you to question the concept of what drives your life?

There is truth in the fact that we are shaped and motivated by what we focus on the most, we are pushed to move forward by what we give the most power to and in this respect there are many factors and drivers that contribute to how we live our lives. The most common one comes from our environment, from where we come from, what we have gone through and the people who surround us. Other drivers stem from our deepest fears, our greatest passions and even our biggest regrets.

The thing about the trials and the storms we have faced and even the circumstances that we have found ourselves in is that they all had the one purpose of growing us and grooming us into better individuals. While the trials may have been painful, we need to realize that growth happens not on roads of comfort, but on roads layered with challenges. The greatest tragedy in what we go through is that many people stay stuck on the challenges. They refuse to see the development or the lesson that comes with the circumstance, so they ponder on all their problems and allow them to become their story and the thing that drives them the most. It is normal to go through things and to be in pain, but do not allow this to be your whole story, often times this only breeds bitterness, regret and a negative attitude towards life and these things do not add any value to your time here on earth. What you have experienced can only do two things: make you bitter or push you so that in the end you achieve better, I hope you will choose the latter.

REFLECTION CORNER

While the trials in our lives influence the way we think, we are also driven the most by people around us, be it friends or family or even people we acquaint with regularly. Our need to fit in and to shape the perceptions that people have about us exposes us to the control of people's opinions and what they have to say about us. Many of us are driven by this more than anything. We are driven by the need to please or impress others so that in turn we can feel validated and worthy. It is how we live on social media and the pressure we feel with being on these platforms. People's opinions can be of value, but we need to realize that our lives are made up of more than what another person has to say or think about us. What someone says does not equate to our purpose or what we were made for. More than anything it matters more how we feel about ourselves more than what others think because inside of us is where we get the courage to move forward and face the challenges of life. It's inside of us where our focus should be, not on other people.

I could name a million other drivers that control many of our lives including fear, regret, money and so many more, the lesson, however, is the fact that where we go and how we get there is dependent on where our thoughts are mostly focused. What we focus on directs the movement of our lives. If we live in our past, in our pain, our fears, and what is said about us, we will continue to hit stumbling blocks and fail to go where we hope to go to. Today, I challenge you to reflect on what drives you, if that driving factor is not serving the one purpose of moving you forward, perhaps it’s time to shift your focus.

Love & Light

The process of creating, visualizing and self-expression and bring all that to life.

Gregory Pembanyai, also known as Koala, speaks on the influence of Japanese art in his character creations, the struggles of a character creator in South Africa and hopes for the future in this interview.

Gregory Christopher Pembanyali

Character designer ,illustrator and Animator Instagram: @hikikomorikoala

Q: Describe the art of illustration in your own words.

A: Illustration for me is like speaking without having to say a word. It’s letting people get an idea of what’s going on in your brain. It’s very intimate in a way, like showing someone your dairy..

Q: How did you start? Where did it all begin? Or did you just wake up on day and say, you know what, I’m going into graphic design?

A: I started drawing from an early age. Trying to emulate the art style of Dragon ball Z creator Akira Toriyama. I initially never considered being an artist as a career option and mainly drew comic strips and flipbook animations for fun. The catalyst in my art journey was a friend of my older brother, who is also an artist. He came over one day and showed me his file of drawings. I was extremely impressed by the Japaneseinfluenced character designs, and immediately started getting into learning more about art.

Q: What inspires your work and why?

A: I’d have to say Anime and Manga (Japanese comic books), specifically the works of Oh! Great (Ogure Ito). The diversity of the characters he creates as well as his technique; that defiantly keeps me wanting to see and learn more. Video games are also a big part of my love for character design. I think anyone who grew up in the early 2000’s in Soweto would agree that Arcade games became a part of our culture as the youth. Most of the games we played were created by the Japanese game companies such as SNK and Capcom, so you will probably see some of that influence in my work.

Q: Challenges? What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced so far?

A: getting my work to pique the interest of the right people, especially since we don’t necessarily have a booming video game or comic book industry in SA with just a handful of exceptions. It’s also a bit difficult to get people to want to purchase something that can’t be labelled as fine art, but it is art nonetheless. Being taken seriously is a huge challenge.

Q: What is it that keeps you going despite the challenges?

A: knowing that I’m not the only artist who has been through such hurdles, it’s almost a rite of passage. Also knowing that I’ve inspired quite a few people here in SA and around the world with my work, it all reminds me of why I became an artist and why I should keep creating.

Q: When you tell people that you an illustrator, what’s the first thing they do, say or ask for?

A: people usually immediately ask me if I could draw a picture of them, they also ask if I make any money off of my art or not, advise me on what I should start drawing or painting. Things like that…

Q: So what are the ambitions? What are the goals? You never know, maybe the right people might see this.

A: I have rather big ambitions. Some of which include starting an Animation Studio, which could double as an art school. I think a lot of young people could benefit from being surrounded by creativity. I want to see a diver art industry in South Africa that can be compared to the likes of Hollywood in the US, Akihabara in Japan or Montreal in Canada. I believe it can be done.

Q: Tell us something we don’t know.

A: If the leaders in this country decided to invest in the Arts beyond just the surface-level and pay attention to the middle and lower class. It could mean great things for the economy and South Africa as a whole.

Q: Finish the sentence in your own style/ personality.

“In conclusion…”

A: In conclusion, what we’ve achieved so far in the creative industry of this country is just a mere drop in the ocean of possibilities.

Considering the commemorations, divisions in our systems of governance and brutal attacks against the minority of any kind, activism must by far be one of the many things that took centre stage and managed to grab the world’s attention.

It is safe to say that the year 2020 has proven to be the worst with the spiralling of the world pandemic but what has been way more alarming is the constant fights for black lives and the fight against gender based violence.

These issues are not surfacing as new tragedies as they have been discussed in the years before however, recently in the United States the movement blacklivesmatter started protesting against the injustice and racist police following the death of George Floyd caused by a police officer, which South Africans resonated with as similar events took place here during the national lockdown between SANDF,CAPS and the citizens of South Africa.

People like Collins Khosa who was assaulted by SANDF resulting in his death, Sibusiso Amos who was shot at his own home, Peterus Miggels , Adane Emmanuel, Robyn Montsumi and 6 others were all victims of the brutality at the hands of the same people who are supposed to be keeping us safe and having our best interest at heart.

While GBV and femicide in South Africa has also been and continues to be an ongoing issue. Many acts of robust campaigns followed the death of women such as Tshegofatso Pule and Naledi Phangindawo at the hands of their male counterparts. These movements have been a combination of marches, peaceful and not so peaceful riots, campaigns and because we are in lockdown, a lot of social activism. BML Solidarity SA had this to say regarding Black Lives Matter and GBV “We are guided by the fact that all black lives matter regardless of actual or perceived sexual identity. We had the issue of GBV, women’s lives matter, the issue of corrective rape, queer lives matter, we deal with xenophobia and in this case we say foreign lives matter.”

To report a case of abuse please visit: www.gbv.org.za Alternatively call the emergency hotline on 0800428428

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The #SupportBlackBusiness started trending on our timelines as part of the umbrella coverage of the black lives matter movement, encouraging members of our society to support black businesses by mentioning them, purchasing products from them, sharing their products and services on timelines and even subscribing to their channels.

With all this happening, I got to thinking …its funny how the first black businesses that pop into our minds are the ones that most of us already know very well. How the brands, products and services we think about are the ones with the thousands of followers and supporters while we forget about the businesses that really need our support and our recognition because they might not be recognized at all. How come we fail to recognize those close to us who are trying to start their own and hustle? I mean why is it so hard to share the work of a loved one, friend or family member who really is trying to make things happen and build but so easy to share the work of a stranger who you’ve never even met before? Why hype where there is already enough hype there, why applaud when they already get enough of that?

We so often speak about it being hard to get recognition and we speak about the “gate keepers” and how it’s so hard to get into the industry, the business, the market when most of us know someone doing something but we too can barely even share their work with our contacts.

I get that it’s about supporting black owned businesses but can we support black

.

It’s easy to support those already getting that praise but not so easy to support someone who deserves just as much praise and support but is not receiving any of it.

I get that it’s about supporting black owned businesses but can we support black owned businesses that don’t usually get the support it needs to gain a strong clientele? Can we support businesses that are actually close to us? Businesses that are trying just as hard to make it. Can we support businesses, the ones who don’t normally get the recognition and the spotlight? The ones who few know about but the potential of greatness is nowhere near lacking; can we go out and support those people? I know you know them; your friends, some even your family. Fact is; if you want to see fresh faces, content, products and services, it starts with you sharing. It starts with your mentions and it starts with your recommendations. So can you go out there and identify those people, who you know, in your Kasi, your circle, your family who are doing amazing things and share those things with your contacts, your friends and on your timelines?

Money is nice, no lie. In fact money coming in for a business is the best thing ever but when you can’t support financially, lets mention, like and comment, lets share and recommend, lets subscribe and encourage. Today I challenge you to support a black business, not the ones with thousands of follows on Instagram or likes on Facebook that you hardly really know anything about besides its “popularity status”, today I challenge you to support black businesses you know of, support that struggling artist, support that street vendor who sells fruits and vegetables come rain or shine, support that person who asks you to check out their YouTube channel by subscribing. Support that local designer, photographer or barber, support that person who is always offering to wash your sneakers at a reasonable price, support that friend who is selling beauty or Herbalife products and support the people who you know are just trying to hustle for a better tomorrow and make a living because ultimately that is what we mean when we say support black businesses, a community bring each other up.

COLOUR WITH US: THE PROTEST Youth stand up and make your mark. What do you stand for?

Bringing you a page every issue. Show us how creative you are by turning this into your own. Tag us on your socials or send us an email of your interpretation to be featured.

Submissions, Exhibitions and Suggestions Do you have something to say or share? Contact us because we always looking to share our platform with you.

Young.Fun.Free.Youth

Contact us

@Young.Fun.Free YOUTH

@young.fun.free

Young.fun.freeyouth @gmail.com

Youth Magazine Contributors

Gloria Godwin Zanele Mangena

Akhona Ntsume

Exhibition and Interviews Judy Maphoso ISDWADLO Koalatheartist

Models & Wardrobe Nosipho Phophi Ntshembo Faith Khoza Dressed by ISDWADLO

Marketing Celine Hendricks

Sanitize, Stay Alive