Author: Tshegofatso Letsie
The recent make-up masterclass that was hosted by South Africa’s media personality and entrepreneur Bonang Matheba alongside UK fashion and beauty influencer, Uche Natori, with the largest French cosmetic company, L’Oreal in South Africa, broke the Guinness World Record of being the biggest masterclass in the world. The beauty gathering that was held in Johannesburg on 7 December, was attended by about 600 self-care devotees, who got the chance of a lifetime to receive make-up tips from the best in the game. The announcement of the groundbreaking achievement was shared live on stage with attendees, while Matheba and Natori were…
As the deadline for consultations regarding clauses four and five of the BELA Act looms, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa to request for its inclusion and other Chapter 9 institutions in the consultations. The Commission’s plea comes as the grace period that was afforded stakeholders to address the suspended sections of the Act, ends on Friday 13 December 2024. Recently an announcement of an “agreement” between civic groups Solidarity and Afri-Forum with the Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube sparked controversy. Several political parties, trade unions including Deputy President Paul Mashatile condemned the…
South Africa’s influential and internationally recognized genre of Amapiano was the most listened to this year in the country. This is according to music streaming platform, Spotify in its yearly Wrapped compilation of music and artists that were most played. Spotify also noted a 93% increase in local music consumption for 2024. Amongst the top 10 artists that were the most streamed in Mzansi this year was Drake, Chris Brown, DJ Maphorisa and Kelvin Momo. The King of the Yanos Kabza de Small topped album streams with Isimo which surpassed the 10 million mark. Tyla with her self-titled album also…
Controversial author and social activist Jackie Phamotse has addressed President Cyril Ramaphosa in an open letter, voicing her urgent concerns regarding recent changes to the visa application process for Nigerian nationals. The changes, which were revealed during the South African-Nigerian Binational Commission in Cape Town, have ignited significant public apprehension. During the meeting on Tuesday, Ramaphosa hosted Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, unveiling a decision that, according to Phamotse, has the potential to exacerbate issues related to human trafficking, gender-based violence, and other violent crimes that plague South Africa. “I’m writing this to express my deep concern about the growing threat…
“Ke Dezember” vibe has officially been activated in Mzansi and those who know, know! Rapper Cassper Nyovest and TV personality Pearl Thusi have now become the faces of December, after both videos of them displaying excitement to the arrival of the festive month emerged and went viral. The two separate videos which have the common thrill of the holiday season aren’t new to the social streets as they date back some years ago In Cassper’s video, he pretends to wake up from a deep sleep then gets the biggest shock as he opens his eyes, while he repeats the words…
The National Treasury has issued a call to the public, inviting written submissions regarding the taxation of alcoholic beverages, with a deadline set for 13 December 2024. This initiative aims to tackle South Africa’s escalating alcohol consumption crisis, as the country battles the ramifications of high alcohol use, which ranks fifth on the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) list of nations with heavy drinkers. According to WHO statistics, alcohol is responsible for over 5.3% of global deaths annually, linking it to more than 200 diseases and injuries. South Africa, being a charter member of the United Nations, holds a responsibility to…
Australia has taken a decisive step to restrict social media access of children below the age of 16. The minors will be blocked from platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook, in a move that the government believes is aimed at protecting their mental health. According to Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, the new law will protect kids from harmful social media content. “I’ve met parents who’ve had to bury their children as a result of the impact that social media has had, as a result of bullying. We need to do something about it,” explained Albanese. The law, which…
The Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has announced that about 25 icons in the arts sector will be honoured through documentaries. McKenzie described this as a gesture of “giving them their flowers” while they are still alive, and to recognise their significant contribution in telling South African stories, promoting and preserving various languages and culture. The Minister declared that the time when legends get paid little money to perform is over. “You have already performed for all the time that you had to perform. You have fought for all the times that you had to perform. So, we…
American actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has revealed that he didn’t have to go on a full transformation or to “bulk up” as he described it, for his character in Disney’s Moana 2. He plays the headstrong shape shifting demigod called Maui, who accompanies Moana on her journey. The Rock let viewers in on the secret behind his character’s solid muscular body, during a sit-down with media publication Extra after some images of him on set were leaked on social media. “That’s a suit that took a long time to put on. So, I’m so happy you said ‘You bulked…
The Department of Social Development has appealed for more time to investigate safety vulnerabilities in the disbursement of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants. Minister Sisisi Tolashe provided an update on the outcomes of an independent investigation that was launched, after two Stellenbosch University Students Joel Cedras and Veer Gosai flagged the lapse in security system of the grants. The students’ uncovered that fraudsters were benefiting from the grant unlawfully through identity theft amongst others. During a briefing in Cape Town, Tolashe confirmed the allegations presented by Cedras and Gosai, and announced the appeal for more time beyond the…