Busisiwe Mmotla Reigns On Top As Miss Soweto!

Busisiwe Mmotla, from Emndeni was crowned Miss Soweto 2017, beating 19 other finalists at the Soweto Theatre on Saturday, 25 November 2017. The annual beauty pageant, proudly sponsored by White Star Super Maize Meal, was a glitzy and prestigious affair with world-class entertainment, featuring local and international performers.

Dazzling in a sleek and lacy red evening gown, the beauty queen took centre stage, flanked by her first princess, Musawenkosi Gumede from Naledi and second princess, Phumzile Nyembe from Diepkloof. Musawenkosi Gumede took the “Miss Personality” title as well, while Lindokuhle Cele from Emndeni was named “Miss Photogenic.” White Star also presented the “Social Butterfly” title to Nelisiwe Nyongwana for being the most active finalist on social media.

 

Mmotla is a 24-year old qualified teacher at a private school in Bramley; she has a passion for books, and plans on starting a programme to develop literacy skills for the youth of Soweto. One of her biggest goals is to surprise her hard-working mother with a new house. In addition, she plans to start a bursary foundation for learners in Soweto.

 

White Star sponsored the main prizes on the night, with Mmotla receiving the grand cash prize of R50 000 and the life-changing opportunity to represent White Star as a brand ambassador. The first and second princess received R10 000 and R5 000 respectively. International cosmetics brand, Black Radiance, presented all the finalists with hampers to make sure their faces are always camera ready; Even & Lovely made sure the girls maintained a radiant and glowing skin with a skincare hamper and also presented the top 3 ladies with tablets to aid them to stay connected and productive. Clinix Health Group generously sponsored the top 3 finalists with a healthcare cover for two years; while the fashion brand, Urban Zulu, made sure that the finalists embodied the spirit of young, contemporary African women with original outfits on the night.

 

“The top 20 finalists were all exceptional young women, and we are confident they will one day be the custodians of positive change in their communities. We are proud of all of them. We would like to say a huge congratulations and welcome the newest Miss Soweto to the White Star family. Mmotla embodies the ethos of our brand, she is a beautiful and intelligent young woman, who will surely be a positive role model in her community. We look forward to a fruitful partnership during her reign as Miss Soweto 2017,” says White Star Marketing Manager, Mokhele Makhothi.

 

Local TV icon Vusi Kunene, brought his charm and charisma as the MC, while the cheering and enthusiastic audience was entertained by international songstress, Monique Bingham, accompanied by up and coming artists who were discovered during the White Star Talent Search competition which was held earlier in the year.

 

“White Star wishes Busisiwe Mmotla great success in her reign as Miss Soweto 2017,” Concludes Makhothi.

 

For more information contact visit White Star Super Maize Meal Facebook page.

MTV’s “THE PEOPLE VS PATRIARCHY”THE CATALYST FOR CHANGE

Commissioned by Africa’s leading youth brand MTV and directed by acclaimed South African documentary maker Lebogang Rasethaba, and producer Jasmyn Asvat, The People vs Patriarchy goes behind the headlines and the news footage to investigate what patriarchy is and how it has struck a chord in the hearts of our society.

 

The documentary premieres on MTV (DStv channel 130) on Wednesday, 29 November, at 21:15 CAT during the global initiative, 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence.

 The documentary follows on from last year’s hugely successful and thought-provoking ‘The People vs The Rainbow Nation’, which examined why South African youth continue to believe the struggle is far from over, more than 20 years after South Africa’s first democratic elections.

Through frank and confrontational dialogue with diverse South Africans from different walks of life, The People vs Patriarchy features musician and Inxeba lead actor Nakhane Toure, transgender activist Glow Makatsiand 2017 Aspen New Voices Fellow Koketso Moeti among several others who examine South Africans response to an epidemic of violence against women.

The one-hour film was shot in Joburg, Durban and Cape Town and contextulises how most South Africas are affected by this scourge that is destroying lives of ordinary people and communities.

Talking about his goals in making the documentary, Rasethaba says: “We have a personal responsibility to accurately unpack and portray the realities of a range of people existing within a patriarchal society. Beyond the storytelling is a greater need to distill an intimate experience. If we had just made a typical film it would have trivialised the issue. We have created a piece of work that bolsters the conversation in a constructive way and offers the important need to begin a personal healing process of dismantling patriarchy within.”

Commented Monde Twala, Vice President for BET, Youth & Music for Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa,“At VIMN Africa, we are passionate about bringing authentic and relevant content to our viewers. MTV’s ‘The People vs Patriarchy’ enables important conversations and engagement on a critical social issue. We have chosen to air the documentary during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence from November 25 to December 10 as a global call for the prevention and elimination of violence against children, women and men.”

 
The documentary raises complex questions around the issue including whether boys will be boys; are women in part responsible for raising violent men and are all men culpable? Well known commentators and media personalities also weigh in with their opinions including poet, activist and feminist Lebohang Masango; transmodel and artist Elle van der Burg; editor of GoTrendSA and media personality Kevin McLennan; performance artist Desire Marea who uses art to elevate black queer reality in society and YouTube sensation Sibu Mpanza.

 
Producer Jasmyn Asvat concludes with this important message, “How we percieve our social and personal relationships across gender is important. All other questions to the type of society we create is underscored by our gender relations. This documentary aims to help us get to a place where we face some of the toughest questions around gender violence and how we appropriately respond to this epidemic.”

VIMN Africa’s MTV and BET has partnered with TEARS Foundation, who provides access to crisis intervention, advocacy, counselling, and prevention education services for those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and child sexual abuse. http://www.tears.co.za/

The People vs Patriarchy premieres on MTV (DStv channel 130) on Wednesday 29 November @ 21:15 CAT It is a documentary directed by Lebogang Rasethaba on behalf of MTV.

For more information, visit www.mtv.co.za like us on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/MTVza  or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @MTVAfrica and to join the conversation use the hashtag #peoplevspatriarchy
 

Khuli Chana broadens Absolut partnership with One Source Live – a festival of African creativity “We can really change the way the world sees Africa”

One Source Live video: https://youtu.be/ZPUfHHw4Bpc

Africa is in the midst of a creative revolution. A new breed of artists, musicians, and fashion designers is changing how the world sees and thinks about Africa and its people.

Absolut and Khuli Chana continue their collaboration, this time bringing together a heroic league of international artists from across the continent to celebrate and advance Africa’s creative revolution at One Source Live (OSL).

On March 24, 2018, leading African creative revolutionaries in music, fashion and art will gather in Johannesburg for a spectacular all day live event with multiple stages, performances and collaborations geared at re-writing Africa’s story. 

Presented by Absolut, One Source Live builds on the momentum created in 2016 when Absolut brought Khuli Chana together with other leading Pan-African artists to produce Africa’s most collaborative album and video, One Source. It became the best selling record on iTunes.

One Source Live will witness the collaborative rise of Five Creative Revolutionaries led by award winning rap-star Khuli Chana (South Africa / Music) standing alongside Sho Madjozi, (South Africa/ Music), Trevor Stuurman, (South Africa / Fashion) Fabrice Monteiro, (Senegal-Benin /Fashion, art), and Osborne Macharia, (Kenya/ Photography). One Source Live portrays the five as the superheroes – heroic avatars inspired by Africa’s history, mythology, and bright futures. 

Behind the campaign is also a call for all Africans to join the creative revolution and change the way African creativity is represented online. 

This aims to replace the dominance of curio images with a true reflection of African creativity with more images of contemporary African art. People can visit OneSourceLive.com to get involved.  

Absolut Ambassador and Creative revolutionary, Khuli Chana says: “OSL, being a platform for the growing unification of African creatives, is a perfect opportunity for me to fulfill a long-standing dream of mine to display Africa to the world in the most majestic and powerful way possible. This project defines what being a creative revolutionary means to me – the courage to unite in the face of all physical, cultural, and political boundaries and differences as Mama Africa’s offspring and make her shine, to make her proud, to make her smile.

This is a very important part of the African Renaissance. Africa’s creative awakening is ushering in a new era in World Entertainment and in the Global Arts Sector at large. As we unite, grow, and progress creatively, we influence the world and share the greatest and most effective inspiration the world has ever experienced. I’m proud to be an African leader in my own right and to be championing the advancement of African brilliance in our lifetime.”

Iris Le Berg, Global Marketing Manager at The Absolut Company says: “Absolut has a long history of supporting artists and standing up for the rights of “communities;” whether it will be LGBT or female power/rights. One Source Live underscores our believe that creatives are the real leaders that can rewrite and recreate the kind of change that modern Africa is poised to own. We are bringing these creative revolutionaries together to highlight Africa as the creative engine of the world. One Source Live is a movement that promotes a proud and authentic African identity by reminding people that we all come from One Source.”

Be part of the Absolut conversation on Twitter / Instagram / Facebook: @AbsolutSA, Hashtag: #BeAbsolut.

DJ KNOCKOUT CHALLENGE HOTTER THAN EVER

A special someone exceptional in the use of their fingers or hands may claim a massive hundred and twenty thousand rands (R120 000) in cash on December 16 right on time for some Christmas pleasures.

The catch is that the person in question must be an emerging DJ with a fine taste of selection and exceptional touch –in music mixing- that sets audiences on fire. Such an upcoming and future mix master stands a chance to win the dough by simply entering the RedSquare DJ Knockout Challenge by noon on the 20th of October 2017. To date there are close to ten thousands entries that have been received with numbers increasing on a daily basis.
 

Nearly a hundred venues, spread across six provinces, will offer stages on which emerging DJ’s that have entered -because they fancy or believe themselves to be winners- will be challenged to prove they have a R120k touch and skill.  A DJ that falls short but not too far of from the first prize will be compensated with R10 000 for coming second and R5 000 will go to a third placed Dj. 

Auditions for the RedSquare DJ KnockOut Challenge will be held –following close of entries- in parts of the Western Cape, Durban, Limpopo, Bloemfontein, Gauteng and Mpumalanga. Entry forms for contestants are available from the competitions’ website:  http://www.djknockoutchallenge.co.za

After last year’s incident free and packed ten year anniversary celebration the 2017 final event look set to be even greater with good vibes only as it returns to Vereeniging’s Dickinson Park, for the third year running on 16 December.

The bar keeps getting raised higher and higher and this year two stages will be set-up for the final with live band performances for the very first time.  Giants of hip-hop A.K.A and Casper Nyovest will lead the acts performing.  The very first winner of the DJ knockout Challenge, DJ Shimza will also dazzle this year along with Amanda Black, Lady Zamar, Sjava, OkMalumKoolKat and a number of really hot acts from the Vaal.

“As much as the RedSquare DJ KnockOut Challenge is about discovering the next big Dj and helping in launching their professional career, it is also about giving the general public a fantastic time and entertainment right in the middle of the festive season. Thus the campaign, more especially the final, is packed with lots of fun, a pleasant atmosphere, electrifying moments and is full of great along with positive energy not only for the contestants but also for the audience. We are really great-full of the wonderful audience that attended the final event the previous years and look forward to seeing them bring more of their friends for a really memorable time,” says RedSquare marketing manager Victor Selaelo. 

The RedSquare DJ KnockOut Challenge Finale is on the 16th of December at Dickenson Park in Vereeniging. Early bird tickets are selling fast at R100 and are only available until end of October. Thereafter tickets will sell at R150 and R180 at the gates. VIP’s are R600 and all tickets are available at Ticketpros, Jet, CNA, and Edgars.

ABOUT THE REDSQUARE DJ KNOCKOUT CHALLENGE
 
Since 2007, the RedSquare DJ KnockOut Challenge has been catering for the needs of Mzansi’s emerging talent in search of opportunities to boost and turn their lives around for the better. Previous first-prize winners’ include Dj Shimza, DJ Kwanele, Dj Romeo DJ Divalash, DJ Pentse, Dj Lite, Dj Khomza and Dj Bhaze whose profiles were given a massive boost by the RedSquare DJ Knock-Out Competition. Most of the winners are now living their dreams, having gone from playing at birthday parties in their townships to becoming brand names and organize their own gigs, thereby creating employment and stimulating economic activity. 

For The Latest Updates Visit: http://www.djknockoutchallenge.co.za

http://www.facebook.com/RedSquareDJKnockOut

http://www.twitter.com/djknockoutsa

Festive Season Stocking Stuffers for Sneaker Freaks

Whether you’re buying sneakers for a Vans fan, Nike nut, Adidas addict or Reebok radical this festive season, why not throw in some products to keep your gift looking fresher for longer? Sneaker LAB – born from an infectious passion for sneakers and minimalist street culture – offers an environmentally friendly, biotech-driven, premium shoe care rangecomprising products that clean, care for and protectsneakers. 

 

Squeaky clean sneaks

Keeping kicks clean is easy with Sneaker Cleaner(R79.00) – a pro-bacteria concentrated solution that accelerates the breakdown of dirt at a microscopic level and continues cleaning for up to three days after application.

 

Armour in a bottle

With a water-based treatment that acts as an invisible protective barrier against dirt and stains, Sneaker Protector (R79.00) makes cleaning easier and keeps sneakers looking newer for longer.

 

Spotless sneakers anywhere

Sneaker Wipes (R99.00), soaked in Sneaker LAB’s signature Sneaker Cleaner solution, are designed for on-the-go cleaning with 12 individually packaged wipes perfectly sized to fit into pockets and handbags.

 

Longer lasting leather shoes

Prolong the life of leather shoes and restore that ‘new shoe’ smell with Leather Care (R79.00) – a water-based cream that combines special nutrients and sealants to nourish and protect leather. The conditioner also protects shoes from UV rays and creates a water-resistant seal. To keep leather shoes looking good while on the move, Leather Wipes (R99.00) – drenched in the Leather Care cream – are the answer.

 

No-reek sneaks  

Say goodbye to stinky sneakers with Odor Protector(R79.00), which prevents and eliminates unwanted odour emitting bacteria. The pro-bacterial formula continues working long after application to actively keep kicks odour free.

 

Technological takkie towel

With fibres that are 20% finer than a human hair, the extremely absorbent Microfiber Towel (R99.00) has been designed specifically for sneaker care and maintenance. The Towel has been made with microscopic fibres to increase absorption and features non-abrasive technology.

 

Kits to keep kicks crisp

Sneaker LAB shoe and sneaker care essentials are also available in convenient kits. The Deluxe Kit(R390.00) comprises all of the products packed in a limited edition box, while the Premium Kit (R249.00) features the Sneaker Cleaner, Odor Protector, Premium Brush and Sneaker Protector packaged in a re-sealable Velcro travel pouch. The Basic Kit (R129.00) includes the Sneaker Cleaner and Premium Shoe Brush – the two must-haves for keeping sneakers clean and looking their best.

 

All products in the range work on various materials such as suede, nubuck, leather and canvas. They are also water-based and readily biodegradable, with packaging suitable for recycling. What’s more, the Sneaker LAB website has a series of videos showing sneakerheads how best to use the products and care for their kicks.

 

With stocking stuffers like these, sneaker freaks will be smiling long after the festive season.

 

For more information, or to purchase Sneaker LAB products, visit https://sneakerlab.com. 

 

Picnic-style Family Holiday Fun with OUMA

With December fast approaching, planning a last-minute family breakaway might prove to be a challenging task. Fortunately, there is still plenty to do for those who decide to keep things local instead. Picnics are a great and affordable way to spend the summer holidays outdoors with the family, and also offer the opportunity to bring along some of your most loved and convenient treats, such as OUMA Rusks.

“The holiday season is a great way for loved ones to get some extra bonding time in, and partake in activities that they, due to their busy schedules or friends and family living far away, normally would not have a chance to do during the year. Picnics accommodate every generation, you can incorporate various  games and packing everyone’s favourite nibbles,” says explains OUMA Brand Manager, Lonwabo Thinta.

 

For generations, OUMA have been South Africa’s most loved rusks and they have hand-picked five picnic spots where people can “Dip ‘n OUMA” with their loved-ones, for an unforgettable family holiday outing:

 

Ethel and James Grey Park, Johannesburg

This 36 hectare tract of land is fed by the Sandspruit River that winds through a series of landscaped lawns, indigenous vegetation, walkways and benches. The park provides a green lung in an otherwise built up residential part of the city, giving local residents in the high-density area an escape that offers a space for reflection, relaxation and picnics.

 

Emmarentia Dam and Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

Visitors can enjoy the various special gardens and the main arboretum, which houses family groupings of plants and trees from South Africa and the rest of the world. Pick a spot on the tranquil lawn next to the dam and enjoy an escape from the city life with your family.

 

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Town

This garden is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Few gardens can match the sheer grandeur of the setting of Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, set against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain. This 36-hectare garden is famous for their Sunday Sunset Concerts.

 

Jameson Park, Durban

This gorgeous park is set on a former pineapple plantation that has been transformed into an enchanting rose garden. It is host to over 200 rose species and an impressive 600 rosebushes that transform the garden into a fairy-tale during their bloom from September to November.

 

Rietvlei Lifestyle Centre, Alberton

This spot promises a day of adventure and fun for the entire family. Start the day with a round of putt-putt, then have a look at the farm animals, take a ride on the steam train or tractor and end the adventure with a relaxed family picnic surrounded by tranquil natural wetlands, large trees and gardens.

 

Take advantage of the warm temperatures, sunny skies and break from work responsibilities this holiday season by packing your favourite OUMA Rusks in your basket and relish in some quality family picnic time.

 

ABOUT OUMA RUSKS

 

The OUMA legend lives on. The story of OUMA rusks started in 1939 in the small North-Eastern Cape town of Molteno. The great depression spurred OUMA Greyvensteyn and her friends to find ways of helping their community. OUMA Greyvensteyn started by baking a batch of rusks using her trusted family recipe. After selling these delicious treats to farming families in the community, orders soon started pouring in and a much loved, iconic South African brand was born. Today, OUMA Greyvensteyn is still South Africa’s most famous rusk baker. The OUMA bakery runs around the clock to ensure that South Africans will always be able to “Dip ‘n OUMA”.

 

Be part of the OUMA Rusk community on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/OUMASouthAfricaand Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/OUMArusks/. Join the social media conversation by using the hashtag #DipnOUMA.

 

BET’s The Big Secret continues with a Story of Repentance

Programme: The Big Secret
Premiere: Wednesday 22 November
Time: 21:30 CAT
Channel: BET (DStv channel 129)
 

 
Confessing your sins and revealing your darkest secrets is a big step towards repentance, but not everyone is strong enough to deal with the consequences once the secret is out.  Khanyi Mbau will hold the confessor’s hand on tonight’s episode of The Big Secret, on BET (DStv channel 129) at 21:30 CAT on  Wednesday, 22 November.
 
Miriam is a pastor’s daughter and leader of a young women’s club at her church. She teaches teenage girls how to live according to Christian values and to uphold the moral code of the church. But Miriam is struggling to live by the values she preaches about. Unable to manage her guilt she confesses her sins to her church sister Phindi.

 
The local creation and production of THE BIG SECRET is indicative of Viacom International Media Networks socio-economic contribution of working with local production houses in this case, Endemol, to create local and relevant content that resonates with South African audiences. THE BIG SECRET raises relevant pro social topics in each episode and is a strong illustration of how our BET channel creates content for audiences on important matters.
Catch the big reveal Wednesdays at 21:30 on The Big Secret on BET (DStv channel 129).

 
Visit www.betafrica.tv, like and chat to us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/BETinAfrica, or join the conversation about the channel on Twitter and Instagram @BET_Africa using the hashtag#BigSecretBET

A video promo for the episode is available here: https://we.tl/FwdJdp2YFR
 

Edgars UNITE Orange Run

On 2 December 2017, Edgars and its partners will seek to mobilise thousands of people to take to the streets of Sandton to support the Edgars UNiTE Orange Run –an initiative that aims to create awareness about gender-based violence.
The Orange Run forms part of the Edgars UNiTE Orange Day Campaign which was initiated by Edcon on 25th November 2015, in partnership with UN Women, the Gauteng Departments of Social Development and Community Safety, and the South African Fashion Council. Edcon launched the Edgars UNiTE Orange Day Campaign in an effort to #BreaktheSilence and say NO to violence against women and girls.
This flagship Edcon initiative seeks to support women survivors of gender-based violence by developing their skills in the world of fashion design and sewing through workshops and accredited training courses. This will result in tangible opportunities for job creation in the local manufacturing market, financial independence and enterprise development. This initiative is ultimately aimed at allowing survivors to reclaim their dignity and lives and to become self-sufficient.
Since the inception of the Edgars UNiTE Orange Day Campaign in 2015, Edcon hassuccessfully rolled out the campaign in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, empowering over 120 women by providing them with skills and knowledge in fashion design and product development.
“The Edgar’s UNiTE Campaign is more than just a programme, it’s a long-term commitment towards empowering women. Our strategy is to ensure that the women we train are skilled enough to produce garments that can help them generate an income for themselves, be it as employees or entrepreneurs with the potential to grow into suppliers for the retail markets,” explains Bernie Brookes; CEO and Managing Director of Edcon. “We’re excited about the Orange Run and its ability to generate far-reaching awareness about gender-based violence and educating people about how to get involved so we can collectively address this significant problem we have in our society.”
As part of creating awareness around the 16 days of activism – which commences on 25th November – and to pledge your support towards the campaign against gender-based violence, Edgar’s invites you to take part in the 6km Orange Run which will take place at Mushroom Park – Sandton, Johannesburg on Saturday, 2nd December 2017.
Tickets are R120 per person, and every participant will receive a goodie bag. The first 8000 entries will receive the official Edgars UNiTE Orange Run T-shirt. Children between the ages of 10 – 12 can participate at no cost. For the younger ones, there is also a dedicated play area.
Tickets are open and available at http://www.orangerun.co.za or in-store at your nearest Edgars.