South African celebrities speak out on xenophobic attacks

A lot of South African celebrities have taken to social media forums such as twitter and facebook to voice out their concerns following ongoing xenophobic attacks all over the country. The city of Durban in particular is still experiencing these attacks and a lot of foreign nationals have lost their lives while a lot remain in critical conditions. 

This is all a result of a lot of South African nationals calling for the deportation of these foreign nationals who run businesses in the country. Durban is not the firs city to experience such as months ago something similar to this happened in Soweto, in the Gauteng province in Johannesburg. A lot of shops owned and managed by foreign nationals (Somalians mostly) were looted and there was blood shed. One is left with a question if all that is happening is a result of that incidence or not.

 Reports gathered state that in Soweto, the looting of the foreign shops started because a young South African was shot in the middle of the night (by a foreign shop owner) after being 'mistaken' for a robber. A lot of South Africans living in the township really got agitated and started attacking. This has spread to some parts of the country (recently been in Cosmo city, also in Johannesburg) and soon spread to Durban.

Ever since this started, celebrities have voiced out their thoughts on about this with the #HashTags #StopXenophobiaSA #SayNoToXenophobia and more. All social media sites have been ablaze, celebrities calling out for an end to such behaviour. 

This picture was Tweeded by the Nelson Mandela Foundation 

bujybikwa.com ‏@Bujy  22h22 hours ago

I am so hurt and disgusted by the behaviour of our citizens. My question is after killing how has your life changed? HOW? #NoToXenophobiaSA

 

iSayNoToXenophobia‏@djsbu

1 Africa for all Africans. #iSayNoToXenophobia #blacklivesmatter

@DjSbu posted this on his Twitter recently

These acts have been regarded by many as worse than apartheid. A Johannesburg resident was quoted saying 'This is such a disgrace, this never happened during the apartheid era and it only comes up now. I am sure Nelson Mandela is turning in his grave right now'

 

Saviour Kasukuwere‏@Hon_Kasukuwere

These attacks are a shame on us as Africans.Honestly treating each other worse than apartheid is sad.

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7:52 AM - 14 Apr 2015

Five Straight-Up points on how to enjoy happiness!

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The thing with me is that I don't always know where to start. Coming up with a start-off point for this post has been an issue I must say. Apart from anything else, I felt like I should let my readers close to me, into my space and allow you to have a share of how I feel. I have spent a valuable amount of time tying to look deep into happiness, figuring out how one can reach a point where they could happily say they are content.

We have all, at some point, spent a lot of valuable time trying to please others and helping them build their happiness and maybe plainly using ourselves as stepping stones while they step up high trying to reach for their goals. in the process we ignore our own goals as individuals. I have been a victim myself until I felt it was ENOUGH! I have tried to narrow it down to 5 'major' points that have seem to work for me. Of course there is a lot that works for a lot of people but this just works a great deal for me. 

 1. Reconnect with God- to find inner peace

Happiness has to come from within, and to be frank, there is no other way to obtain it apart from consulting the man up-stairs. I have realized, He doesn't just make you feel whole only, He gives you purpose and a million reasons to enjoy the life He gives you (John 10:10). It is true, a majority of us have tried (at least at some point) to find closure in him and met disappointments that made us backslide, but an effort to reconnect is a very important step towards happiness. 

2. Spend quality time with family

I am always on the internet and that really irks a lot of the people around me :-) . Being online all the time, one tends to come across a lot of interesting stuff. Recently I saw an image that made me view the value of family in a completely different way I must say. Someone says that the words "Friend, Boyfriend, Girlfriend and Best friend" have "END" except for 'Family', it has 'ILY (I Love You). In all these years, I have been meeting new people (I would safely say every week) and all of them have added/subtracted value in my life but through it all, I have not met anyone like my family. Friends always try to make us feel like family, but reality always sinks in and reminds us that no matter how hard we may try to make this work, we are not family. Family will not let you down (at least most of the time). Spending time with people that love you will help you find closure, and besides, you will be in the right environment to make mistakes and not be judged. 

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3. Have a mentor 

We all have someone we look up to. It is true that some of us still need to snap out of the mentality that we are our own mentors and we are self-motivated. Truth be told, we all need inspiration once in a while, when days seem so dark, there is no better way of getting inspired than consulting, obviously from someone who has been on the same path as you are. One mistake we tend to make, however, is trying to imitate the people we look up to and forget that they are also human and they commit mistakes.

4. Have time for friends - Hang out more often

In as much as friends should not entirely be part of the road to happiness and success, they however bring a vital ingredient in the whole journey. Hanging out with my buddies has proven to be a very great thing in my life. This also brings me to the importance of choosing the right 'crowd'. Hang out with the kind of friends that will fuel your growth, the ones that will make your life change in a very positive way. 

5. Relax your mind with recreational activities 

A lot of my friends, family and just everyone around me will tell you how much I love horse riding. I have even went to the extent of falling in love with not just the sport itself but the horses (as it is supposed to be with every rider, of course). This is how I relax my mind. This is where I find comfort when I feel knocked down in life. Horses have become a very important aspect in my life and I truly cannot imagine life without them. They truly make me happy. Horses and riding may not do it for you but trying to find (if you don't already have) an activity that will help you relax and unwind, is such a very important thing. This is how we run away from pressures around us, that will force us to do things that are not part of our road to happiness. 

Thank you very much for reading. Let's carry-on with the conversation, hit me up on my social media:

Facebook: Straight Up with Mlondzi Nkambule

Twitter:@MlondziClass

Email: mlondinkambule@gmail.com

The smokehouse and Grill in Braamfontein- The place to be at!!

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Johannesburg- I recently went out with friends for drinks and a snack. I'm not a Joburg person so I need a little guidance here and there when it comes to hangout spots and all. Well, my Joburger friend suggested we try out The Smokehouse and Grill. 

The moment you enter through the door, you feel the 'vibe'. The positive energy by the waiters just instantly make you feel at home! As a former coffee shop owner, proper customer service is what I always look out for when I go out. I am always on the lookout for waiters on their phones while on duty, waiters that don't wear a smile when approaching you (PS: this job doesn't care you had a bad day or what, a smile is ESSENTIAL). I can positively say my check list was never ticked even once. These guys are good!

From the moment I went in with my friends, we were greeted with a huge smile from a very smart looking (yes, I watch out for that too) waiter who directed us to our table. Asked what we would like to drink before we order food (shows he was trained. Unlike some who just jump to taking food orders). I and one friend ordered Mojitos and the other 'boring' ones ordered still water :). That was the best mojito I ever had in my whole life! The mint leaves were fresh and everything was just mixed very well.

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I was very much impressed by the way our waiter was paying attention to us. Like we literally never had to shout or wave at him when we needed service. He just knew what to do when. Everything that happened from  when we walked in to the moment we walked out made me decide that next time I am in the Johannesburg CBD, I am definitely doing The smokehouse and grill.

Find them in Braamfontein, 73 Juta sreet, Johannesburg.

Thank you very much for reading :)

Remember to follow The Smokehouse and grill on Facebook.

And follow my food adventures on:

Twitter/Instagram-@MlondziClass 

Up Close and personal with Mkhondo FMs Surprise Maila aka Lady-S

"Love yourself to forgive yourself for all your mistakes, flaws and time wasted-you are with it"-Surprise Maila

I was honoured this week to get the chance to interview a very humble and special soul, Surprise Maila. Surprise is a radio broadcaster from a recently opened radio station in Piet Retief called Mkhondo FM. She is such a humbled, God fearing young woman. The warmth in her smile just told me I had to do this interview. I had no choice but to hear her story.

 Briefly tell me more about your upbringing On the 5th of November one day, God came down at the Baragwanath hospital in Johannesburg. I enjoy the joys of being a last born at home (chuckles). I have never been stationed at one place ever since my childhood. My life has been lived (to the fullest) around Gauteng-KZN-Mpumalanga. I came to Piet retief in 2003 and did my matric at Piet Retief Combined School

When did you realise you have a passion for radio?
During my school days (at Standard7 to be precise), I started noticing that God has blessed me with the skill for radio and I would listen to and imitate Ukhozi FM deejays. I listened a lot of jacaranda, Metro and Ukhozi FM. At school I was this loud kid that everyone loved being around. My teachers started giving me positions that were supposed to be filled by senior students just because of my ability to speak. They started encouraging me that I should do media studies at varsity.

How was life after school?
I encountered a very huge disappointment after high school when I applied for media studies at university and never got accepted. Since the God in me won't let dissapointments hold me down, I applied for a course in Business management and did that for two years.

Do you have any role models in the broadcasting business? Who do you look up to? 
I love Dudu Khoza from Ukhozi FM . We have so many things in common with her. I have never met her in person but i'd say we are so much alike.We both have the love for people and surprisingly, we have the same slot on radio(from 9am-12 midday) . I just love following her life and knowing more about her.

 Are you a fashionista? Who inspires the way you dress? 
Cece Winans is who I look up to when it comes to fashion. That woman's dress sense defines her status, and she is just on point all the time!

 You are married, tell me more about married life and how you juggle work and family.
I am so in love with my husband and daughter. They are the reason I wake up everyday with a smile on my face. I was so lucky to get married to an understanding man. I do not stay with my family and they are two hours away from me. I make the most out of every chance I get to go and see them. My absence never bothers them because they are always on my mind and they know that. Work is never a reason why one should desert their family.

 What advise would you give to young people that look up to you?
To all the young people out there, always know it will not be easy since everything comes with its fair share of challenges.
Always know that family comes first, PRIORITISE!! Value family.
Another important thing is being yourself. Do not try imitating your role models: they make mistakes too.

Tell me about your new family, the Mkhondo FM family.
I have a very great relationship with my workmates. Yes every workplace has its own share of problems but the trick is how well you work together as a team to sort them out.

"Never let anyone tell you its impossible. Your future is in your hands"

Five facts about Lady-S

• I love singing.
• I love reading aswel. I am more into motivatoonal material. Currently reading 'Destined to reign' by Joseph Prince.
• The kitchen is my playground. I love cooking a lot. 
• I am a child of the most high God. He is everything in my life.
• I love writing. Give me my notepad and pen anytime.

Thank you very much for reading :) 

Follow Lady S on Facebook: Lady S at Mkhondo FM 

14th Metro FM Awards results #MMA14

DURBAN- The 14th annual Metro FM awards was held at the Nkosi Albert Luthuli conference centre (ICC) in Durban.

Music stars, fans and celebrities came out dressed to the nines to honour the theme 'Celebrating Greatness' in music.

ALBUMS

Best new artist 
Chymamusique Gift of Sound

Best dance album 
Nastee Nev 0808 Sweetsoul

Best collaboration 
AKA featuring Burna Boy, Da Les & JR All Eyes on Me

Best compilation album
Vinny da Vinci Deep House Sounds vol 10

Best Urban jazz album 
Wanda Baloyi Love and Life

Best urban gospel album
Sfiso Ncwane Bayede Baba

Best remix
Duncan featuring Aka, Professor, Mampitsha Tsiki Tsiki remix

Best female album
Naima Kay Ngiyavuma

Best male album
Cassper Nyovest Tsholofelo

Best kwaito album
Lvovo Derango The Boss

Best hip hop album
Cassper Nyovest Tsholofelo

Best afro pop album
Afrotraction For The Lovers

SINGLES
Song of the year 
Cassper Nyovest Doc Shebeleza

Best hit single 
Cassper Nyovest Doc Shebeleza

Best music video 
DJ Fisherman Call Out

Best R&B single 
Lloyd Cele Ndiyakudinga Mtakwethu

METRO FM SPECIAL AWARDS

Best produced album
The Soil

Best styled artist
Donald

Best duo/group album
The Soil

Listner's choice 
Cassper Nyovest

Best selling music download
Sahar

Lifetime achievement awards 
Tshepho Tshola
Mahotela Queens

60 Shades of Slay- S'bonga and the limelight

Living in very busy and 'happening' towns can somehow prove to be a challenge when you relocate to small and 'less recognised' ones. I've been to Piet Retief, Mpumalanga for a while and my hungry eye hasn't stopped looking for its 'delicacy'. Met up with a very inspirational young man who is determined to leave a mark.

 S'bonga Mthembu is a fashionista and aspiring radio personality. Recently made a debut at Mkhondo FM (a community radio station in Piet Retief) and everyone LOVED him.

What really caught my eye is his fashion sense. The way he dresses (and the story behind each item) are such an inspiration. 

Who inspires your fashion sense? First of all, I dress myself. I am my own stylist band I come up with my own creations. I of course get help from here and there if need be. I admire a lot of people when it comes to fashion. Donald never gets it wrong. His style is just out there and a few personalities  match the standard.  

Let's talk radio. What's happening at Mkhondo FM? I did my first show this past Monday. I'm doing a fashion feature and giving out updates on the latest trends. Judging from the response I got after the show, people loved my 5min slot and I'm hoping for the best.

 What are your future plans. Where are you going from here? My main focus is to develop myself into this huge brand that everyone will want to relate with. I'm here to leave a mark in the fashion world. People associate fashion and success with the big cities like Johannesburg and all, whereas it is just everywhere. Mpumalanga will not be the same again.People should be on the lookout. A lot ofbexciting things are on the way.

The sky is the limit-Living a transgender life in Swaziland |Manqoba 'Pinty' Dludlu

I've been asked by a lot about the things that inspire me. I don't really get inspired by so many things easily. I've tried finding inspiration to even draft my first blog post but I would just stop half way through (really) .. Until I finally paused, took a breath and started all over again.

I somehow realised that im inspired by free spirited people. People who are willing to beat the odds and live their lives the way they want to, irregardles of stereotype and maybe 'taboos' !
Manqoba 'Pinty' Dludlu is a walking definition for free spirit. A humble soul from Matsapha, Swaziland. Destined for greater things in this life. His down to earth persona just attracts you from afar.
I was lucky to get close to him and eventually get the permission to write about him.

Determined to show the whole world that no cultural belief, haters or stereotype can hold you down. A transgender determined to leave a mark in the Swazi society! This is what he got to say:

FROM MANQOBA TO PINTY? TELL ME ABOUT THE JOURNEY.

It all began way back at university. I was well known as this pint sized diva that loved fun a lot. I would grace the style pages of the Times of Swaziland every week with my trademark legs and body.

YOU HAVE A LOT OF AWARDS TO YOURSELF. TELL ME ABOUT THEM

I am am so honoured to have taken part and got these awards. They always encourage me to work harder in life.
•Second princess Miss gay, Swaziland 2007/8
•UNISWA's most stylish male 2009/10 (award that propelled me to the public eye)
•Reigning miss sexual diversity2014/15
•Drag queen of the year 2014/15

BEING A QUEEN COMES WITH A LOT OF WARDROBE ATTENTION. WHO INSPIRES YOU WHEN IT COMES TO FASHION?

Locally I view Ms Gciniwe Fakudze as a style icon. Her dress sense is just out of this world.
•Mduduzi 'Lokza' Lokotfwako (now based in Cape Town, SA) would give me a run for my money back at school. His dress sense is just on point.

Outside the Swazi borders,
•Bonang Matheba has a very fabulous dress sense, she never gets it wrong when it comes to fashion.
•Theo Kgosingwe never dissapoints aswel. He has a great taste in fashion. His outfits are always outstanding.
•How can i forget David Tlale? That man is a god when it comes to fashion. He really does justice to all his clothing.

WE ARE STILL FRESH FROM THE VALENTINES WEEKEND. ANYTHING INTERESTING ABOUT IT?

For me, valentines day is just a normal day like all the rest. I would see its relevency way back when my parents would exchange gifts. I havent been lucky to find a guy who fancies it so i dont really fancy it either. Being bottom, i expect guys to make the first move and maybe i can return the favour!

Get to know LaPinty more by following him on instagram @lapintydee