#Insight

"Bathandwa Kosani on his way to school". Photo Supplied Meet Bathandwa Kosani who repeated Matric four times. He hails from a small town in the Eastern Cape called Ngqushwa. This young man doesn’t believe in giving up or settling for less, in 2019 he did his grade 12 and unfortunately he didn’t make it, “I was facing challenges on my studies as I fell ill and was in and out of hospitals and I couldn’t focus at school.” Said Kosani He moved to Johannesburg in 2020, his family was supportive; they encouraged him not to be negative as they believed failing means that you will do better next time. Kosani wanted to return to school full time when he got to Johannesburg but his family said he should rather write his supplementary exams as he is old, he had just turned 20 years old. He failed his supplementary exams in 2020 and that when he decided to move back to Eastern Cape so that he can go back to school full time. “I told myself that I need to have my Matric Certificate so...

  #Insight recently caught up with Durban fashion designer Mzwandile Zwandyy Mathonsi. Zwandyy recently participated at the 2022 Durban Fashion Fair showing of his new range ‘African Happy Dolls’. Asked as to what inspired the range “I wanted to embrace the new modern African women. Modern women who have not forgotten their roots.” "Durban Fashion Fair 2022, the African Happy Dolls Range." Pic: Supplied Zwandyy said he was mostly inspired by our ethnicity but wanted to give it a more European look whilst it had our African ethnic fabric. “I have been busy with private orders, also embarking on a new journey which is supplying retail stores. I am also supplying three boutiques which include the Durban Fashion Fair Boutique in Umlazi.” Said Zwandyy. The Durban based designer said he will forever be grateful to the DFF mentorship program which saw him jetting off to Italy in 2014 to learn global fashion trends. He said he started a year ago to supplying shops and there is a hu...

The Award winning Zion gospel group Vuma Zion was established in 2004, and their first album was released in 2005. Speaking to it co-founder Mukelani Mkhonza he says “I wanted to take and showcase Zion music in theatre and Delight Production SA made this to be possible.” In 2017 the group won a South African Music Award for their album ‘Samson aphi Amandla wakho.’ Inspired by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Mkhonza also was passionate to fulfill his dream of taking Vuma Zion into theatre. “I want to celebrate Zion music through drama, dance and poetry.” Says Mkhonza Over the previous weekend they held their second annual show at the Soweto Theatre and the public response was enormous as they also weren’t expecting the kind of support they received. The show was held over two days the 18 th and 19 th of March with it 27 cast members. " Vuma Zion live at the Soweto Theatre." Image supplied “In South Africa I would love to collaborate with Ladysmith Black Mambazo because Zion m...

Sanitary towels are a necessity in every girl child when they start to go on their menstruation cycle. Not every girl is lucky enough to afford them and others end up using newspapers or a piece of clothing. #Insight had a chat with Sandile Nkosi, born and bred in Madadeni, a township situated in Newcastle North of KwaZulu Natal. "Sandile Nkosi, The founder of the Sanitary Pads Drive" He together with his team that constitute of four other members started a sanitary pads drive in order to donate to needy individuals who need this basic necessity. “I wanted to initially start a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), as I was still waiting for the processes to get it registered I thought that I should start a Facebook Page and start some kind of a sanitary towels donation drive.” Says Sandile. Sandile says immediately after he opened the sanitary pads drive page, more and more people started engaging with him as they were interested in this initiative. “Me and my team hustled f...

  Emmanuel Morema. Picture: supplied Up and coming artist Emmanuel Tshepo Morema who hails from Moime village in Limpopo found his outstanding drawing ability while doing Grade 7. The 25 year old says he didn't go to any art school to perfect his exceptional drawing skills however it a natural ability.   "I have drawn Tito Mboweni, King Monada, Sho Madjozi and Casper Nyovest to make reference to a couple of acclaimed individuals I have had the chance to make picture off."   "Morema with a drawing of Casper Nyovest." Picture: supplied Morema earns enough to pay the bills out of his ability and he says most of the time it difficult to get hold of people as they are a few who like or have confidence in art.   "I normally use Facebook and Twitter to advance myself, and if I am lucky people share my work on their social media platforms and I get gigs in that manner and was featured on SABC morning live last year August." Morema want to pass his skill ...

  "Gee Six Five." Image supplied #Insight would like to join the millions of South Africans who are mourning the untimely passing of Mrs ON Selepe better known as Gee Six Five. The 65 year old Newcastle resident had just released her first hit single Obani Lababantu which made waves across the country and on social media platforms. In 2018 she completed her Master’s Degree at the age of 63 and was pursuing a doctoral degree at the time of her passing with the University of KwaZulu Natal. Gee Six Five had been in self isolation after receiving positive result of Covid19 on Monday and she passed away on the early hours of Wednesday morning due to Covid19 complications. #Insight would like to send condolences to the family, friends and the Regina Coeli Catholic Church in Madadeni. By: Thobela Sibiya

  "Thandeka Sibeko" Photo supplied. Thandeka Sibeko of Social Market Movement Events (SMM) which has just celebrated four years in existence, was born in Glencoe and later moved to Newcastle in 2007 to live with her dad and siblings in Northern KwaZulu Natal. She has a qualification in Human Resources, a Digital Marketing Certificate and a Content Market Certificate. “I am a self-taught events planner which is why I started SMM Events as I started exhibiting in markets in Bloemfontein.” Says Sibeko. After completing college in Bloemfontein, she moved back to Newcastle. She decided to introduce the social market in order to uplift small and upcoming business entrepreneurs while creating a social experience. “The social market in Newcastle was born in the year 2016, yes I did have hiccups as any other businesses but I already had a five-year plan that is why I have managed to keep it going.” Says Sibeko. She says that when you love something and you are passionate about...

Palesa Manaleng was born in Polokwane (Limpopo) she was raised by her Grandmother, and later moved to Witbank in Mpumalanga to stay with her parents. “I am a qualified journalist and I love writing short stories, I have actually been published by the Johannesburg Reveal Books.” Says Manaleng On 10 September 2014 Manaleng had a cycling accident that changed her life. It was her normal day off; she had just joined eNCA and was there for two weeks in the new job. “I went for a run and I came back, started cleaning and I looked outside and decided to take Dolly (bicycle) for a ride around my block, I was going down on a very steep hill and I was going fast and I realized that my bricks were not working, I couldn’t brake and I hit the pavement, and flew at the palisade wall.” says Manaleng She dislocated her spine, broke two ribs, fractured a shoulder and sustained a head injury and she was paralyzed at the scene. Manaleng’s life changed, she is a complete paraplegic as she may neve...

"Mzwandile Mathonsi".   Mzwandile Mathonsi of Zwandyy fashions is an up and coming fashion designer. Born and bred in the dusty street of KwaMashu north of Durban and later moved to Inanda with his family. Mathonsi says he was inspired by the women around him in his family to be in fashion as he felt that he wanted to make them look and feel good. In 2014 he entered a mentorship programme sponsored by the Ethekwini Municipality called the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) mentorship programme which selected only 10 designers to go and study fashion in Italy Milan for two months. “It was quite a great platform to be part of, as I got to learn more about fashion, more especially at looking at fashion as a business” says Mathonsi. “I now design using global methods instead of using something that will only appeal to South Africans that how studying in Milan opened my eyes to see the world.” Says Mathonsi. His target market is for modern women who enjoy looking good, and he doesn...

  "Ntobeko Buthelezi fitness and personal trainer." Image courtesy of Ntobeko Buthelezi Ntobeko Buthelezi (23) of Indalo Muscular; a fitness personal trainer and model from Newcastle KwaZulu Natal, he recently launched his own product that helps in losing weight, burns belly fat within a few weeks improves skin tone speeds up metabolism and relieve constipation. "Image of Ntobeko's product that was recently launched." Image courtesy of Ntokozo Buthelezi “My passion for the gym started in 2014 when I entered a pageant competition and I didn’t make it because my body was not in shape.” Says Ntobeko He is a personal trainer and the equipment he uses is different from the normal gym equipment, he uses old damaged bus and truck wheels to train his clients and do all sorts of outdoor exercises. Ntobeko says “The equipment I use is different because I only deal with the stomach, squats, toning abs and it works for me and my clients.” From here Ntobeko want to be ...

  "Nthabi Mokgosi doing one of her motivational talks." image courtesy of Nthabi Nthabi Mokgosi the brains behind the YouTube channel RealTalkWithNthabi, is a mover and shaker who was born and bred in Mahikeng (Tsetse village) in the North West. Nthabi is a public speaker, a web and graphic designer by profession, and an entrepreneur. “IL Designs started when I was 22 years old, I love designing and used that as a way to start my company, I started offering the service to students and later grew the brand to various clients and brands, also IL Designs gave birth to Entrepreneur Puzzle which is an online magazine for entrepreneurs to elevate their businesses” Says Nthabi RealTalkWithNthabi her YouTube channel, she says it was inspired by her own story of life growing up from a village with no much opportunities, “I now have a channel under this brand which inspires the world to be the best versions of themselves, I see it as the next Oprah Winfrey show as I engage the audi...

  Sonke Mazibuko (28) has just released a hit song Angikhathali. Sonke was part of season 9 (2013) Idols and made it to the top 3. "Sonke's single was released on the 7th of August 2020." Image courtesy of Sonke Mazibuko Sonke says he took a risk by entering Idols competition and didn’t know he would make it that far in the competition. “I took a risk and I sang Michael Buble’s song home and I got three yes’s and one no and from there I just took it off and I told myself it now do or die.” Says Sonke He didn’t know that he would make it that far, but he learnt a lot with regards to the music industry. "Sonke Mazibuko on Season 9 Idols in 2013." Image courtesy of Sonke Mazibuko Being voted out on Idols, Sonke didn’t have any plans but he took every gig that came his way as he now had great exposure. “My song was inspired by love, because I am all about love, wherever I go I spread love and I will be doing more of love singles.” Says Sonke With the strict ...

"Hope Motau at Thobela FM studio." Image courtesy of Hope Motau Ngwanamakwa Koketšo Hope Motau of Thobela FM once had an interview with #Insight on his days working for TUT’S Department of Journalism as a TV student assistant and as a freelancer for Talk Radio 702’s Eyewitness News for close to two years. The Ga-Mathabatha (Limpopo) born radio host Motau says “I have always been passionate about radio and journalism and my journey started back in 2010 when I studied Versatile Broadcasting, continued to do a National Diploma in Journalism and a B-Tech in Journalism from TUT.” On his journey working as a freelancer for Radio 702’s Eyewitness News he was working there as a journalist covering stories for both radio and online platforms, and that how he got an opportunity to work for SABC’s Thobela FM. "Motau back in the days as a freelancer at Radio 702." Image courtesy of Hope Motau Motau says “In 2018 Thobela FM advertised posts for new presenters and producers, I we...

Insight recently had a chat with communications officer of Black Child Foundation Thamsanqa Ngubeni. The foundation is based in Newcastle KwaZulu Natal. A project that was formulated by Sicelo Ndwandwe in 2017 and he is also the chairperson of the foundation. Ndwandwe decided to look for people who are making a difference in the community of Newcastle and he started off with a team of ten members but now they are currently six as others decided to pursue other business interests. "The BCF Members, from front Zamayengwayo Magwaza, Sicelo Ndwandwe & Nomfundo Mazibuko. Back row Thamsanqa Ngubeni, Thabo Madi & Sifiso Buthelezi." Image by: BCF The foundation has been in existence for three years and it is a non-funded organisation as they don’t have main sponsors but rely on local business people for assistance when they have a certain project to pursue. Ngubeni says “The foundation comprises of different projects such as the Kasi2Kasi colour run as their healthy lifes...

Dear #Insight readers, I have decided to relaunch my Blog on the First of July 2020 as more and more readers were left devastated when I stopped publishing stories and profiles this was because of my studies that I had to focus on. but do not despair I will be bringing you fresh new content and you can also advise me of the content you want to read about. Thobela Wiseman Sibiya

Mampai Ndlovu perfoming at AFM HRC on the 1st of April 2017 Gospel star in the making Mampai Ndlovu had a Levitical Altar launch in the build-up of her recording an album. The Launch was held at Apostolic Faith Missions, Hilltop Restoration Centre on 1 st of April 2017. Mampai is part of the worship team at AFM Hilltop Restoration Centre. She always takes to the stage on Sundays and blessing people with great spiritual music with her remarkable soothing voice. After numerous attempts from people - who kept on asking her when she is recording her album because of her lovely voice - she decided to have what she calls a Levitical Altar Launch. Mampai believes that God has called her to be the minister of the word of God through song. She has a conviction in her heart that the Holy Spirit has revealed God’s calling upon her life in the music/praise and worship ministry. The name “Levitical Altar” is inspired by the name “Levi” which means connect/attached according to the b...

Ahmed Kathrada The Ahmed Katrada Foundation announced the passing of ANC Veteran Ahmed Katrada (87) this morning, at the Donald Gordon Hospital in Johannesburg. Katrada passed away peacefully after a short period of illness, following a surgery to the brain. He was born on 21 August 1929 in rural Schweizer-Reneke and was introduced to politics as a young boy when he joined a non-racial youth club run by the Young Communist League. In 1954, Kathrada was placed under restrictions by apartheid security police and was arrested several times for breaking his banning orders. In 1956, he was among the 156 Congress activists and leaders charged for High Treason. The trial continued for four years after which all the accused were acquitted. Kathrada, Mandela and Sisulu were among the last 30 to be acquitted. While they were on trial in 1960, the ANC and PAC were banned. In 1962, Kathrada was placed under “house arrest”. The following year Kathrada broke his banning orders and...

Vukosi Baloyi Vukosi Baloyi is the founder of Vukosi Baloyi Sport Academy which is set to be launched in December. He is the chairperson of Vukosi Baloyi Foundation and he is a junior lecturer at the Tshwane University Technology at the Department of Journalism. Hope Motau a Television Assistant at the Department of Journalism and Baloyi’s colleague said, he is an inspiration to him and others because he has achieved so much at just at the age of 26. Baloyi was born and bred at Mphambo Village, a small village located in the Limpopo Province (Vhembe District). He is the third born in his family and has three other siblings. He started his schooling career at Mheho Primary School which is close to his home. He then proceeded to Sasa Combined School which is in Venda and he had to travel daily and he decided to finish off his high school at Shingwedzi High School where he obtained his Matric in 2008. “I then made my way to TUT to study Journalism, as I was a foot...