Minister of the Presidency Jackson Mthembu has died from COVID-19 related complications
Benjamin Gentles | January 2021 | Nochillinmzansi
Jackson Mthembu, Minister in the presidency has died from COVID-19 related complications, on Thursday.
President Cyril Ramaphosa in a statement said “Minister Mthembu was an exemplary leader, an activist and lifelong champion of freedom and democracy. He was a much-loved and greatly respected colleague and comrade, whose passing leaves our nation at a loss.”
The president continued, “I extend my deepest sympathies to the Minister’s family, to his colleagues, comrades and many friends.”
More on Minister Jackson Mthembu:
Jackson Mphikwa Mthembu was born on 05 June 1958, in Witbank, Mpumalanga. Jackson Mphikwa Mthembu was the Minister in the Presidency of South Africa’s government, and parliamentarian for the African National Congress. Previously, he served as the Whip of Parliament for the ruling ANC and as well as the national spokesperson for the ANC.
TV personality and singer Nandi madida. Received a gift from the one and only Beyoncé.
Nandi took to her Instagram and Twitter account to show the public an envelope written “Thank you for your beautiful contribution to black is king” and sealed with what is assumed to be the signature Beyoncé .
“ Thank you @beyonce and the Parkwood team for the beautiful gift, forever grateful and humbled to have been part of such a great project and working with inspiring people. Ngiyabonga” The TV personality went to compose her caption.
Thank you @Beyonce and the Parkwood team for the beautiful gift, forever grateful &humbled to have been apart of such a great project and working with inspiring people. Ngiyabonga #blackisking ✨🙏🏽🤍 pic.twitter.com/nn0KcrgU6H
Nandi Madida in an interview with MacG on
his YouTube channel spoke about how her feature in Beyoncé’s Black is King came
about.
Written, produced and co-directed by
Beyoncé, Black is King serves as a visual companion to the 2019 album The Lion
King: The Gift.
Nandi was among several other famous South
Africans who got featured on the the body of work including Warren Masemola and
Moonchild Sanelly.
The TV presenter explained that as with other significant milestones in her career, Black is King happened very unexpectedly.
She explained that as with other significant milestones in her career, Black is King happened when she least expected it to happen.
She remembers the day she received the email from Parkwood Entertainment, saying: “Holy moly! There is only one Parkwood. And you know the writing. You know when you see Parkwood.”
Males and Females experience the world differently. It is
quite evident how each sex performs in different fields and especially on
Social Media.
People may have many theories as to, and I would have theories of my own on as to why its apparent that the women are killing the Social Media Game more than men.
Let me challenge you for a second. You can either do it
right now or at a later stage after reading this article. Head onto your
Instagram and go to your followers list, you’d notice that approximately 70-90%
of your followers depending on how big your account is or maybe if you may know
persons either close to you or persons you know on social media that wants to be
an Influencer with everything they got, on Instagram specifically, have an
attractive feed, they have a few passion, but they do not have many followers
to ultimately qualify to be an influencer or even a micro-influencer, but they
want to be that person that has millions of followers because you love food,
love to travel or love travel photography.
Unfortunately, that industry is brutal to men. Its evident
that sexism exist in the real world, and that there is a huge pay gap with
women and men. In the real world, for years it is better to be a man than it is
to be a woman.
This Is A Bad Issue, do not get me wrong, frankly it needs
to be resolved in the real world, however if you a male and you want to become
an influencer, you have little to no chance to be one because looking at the
state of the influencer market today, it is dominated by females.
Females are better at making communities and creating content…the
statement is arguable yes, but that is just the way it is. Females are super extraordinary
in the influencer market to-date. They dominating social media as is. Men just
can’t be travel, fashion influencers as successfully as females.
It is not easy to escalate as an influencer on Instagram unless you have a huge amount of content to post with the perfect balance in aesthetics, constant collaborations and high-quality content.
Examples of female influencers, that are increasingly upcoming and are already crushing it on Instagram.
Yes, there are male influencers who are crushing it, but if
you look at your social media, those males are either really good at fashion, fashion
streetwear or photography. They are just specialists at style and fashion. Some
can be really rich, constantly networking with rich people, hanging around
beautiful girls/models and collaborating with them or even getting shout outs.
Being an Artist perhaps.
You have to be really good at something in real life to be a
successful influencer and crush the market. You have to work extra hard to be
noticed and some will not even get noticed as quick as they expect, but for
females, the good news is, if you want to be an influencer, you do not
necessarily have to be good at something in real life, the industry is just
built that way. You can be good at social media and succeed at this life thing.
Males can dominate as well, but it is a uphill battle to get
there and dominate as fast as they want to. Females dominate the influencing
market and they surely can dominate the real world as well.
Sure the past year (which we will not write by name) has been horrendous but Thank Goodness it’s 2021 year and yes nobody really wants to reminisce much about the previous years either but, before we all wipe our slates clean, please allow me to nostalgize you with the following throwback songs because- before last year, there were matric dances, weddings, parties you name it and because no one said we can’t revisit the memory lane, we take you back to the good ol’ days.
Fun. – Some Nights
Some Nights is a song by American indie pop band Fun. It was released on June 4, 2012, after their first single “We Are Young” This is the year which many believed the conspiracy that the world was coming to an end, also the movie 2012 was a huge contribution to that belief. Hopefully, 2021 will have fewer conspiracies and the group will finally release an album!
WTF (Witness The Funk)- Nomusa
Released 2015, these cool Durbanite kids really brought the game in the hip-hop segment with this single. These were the days Gqom was dominating way before Amapiano took over – many argued that this song had the Rae Sremmurd’s No Type sound and vibe to it, Agree?
Jimmy Nevis- Heartboxing
All the way from Cape Town, Jimmy had the Mzansi peeps wearing their hearts on their sleeves with this single, released in 2012, this single gained popularity with its solidified texture of visuals. His recent single titled Hey Jimmy is out now!
Teargas- Mhlobo Wami
This is a real throwback, way before Bonang was a business mogul and K.O a renowned RSA rapper. The single was released back in 2009 by the group Teargas. It is still a banger to date.
DJ Kent feat. Maleh- Falling
If you enjoy the sounds of DaCapo, DJ Fresh then this is for you. DJ Kent released this hit song back in 2013, the leading vocalist, Maleh is the one who makes the song pure magic and a classic.
The Parlotones- Push Me To The Floor
From their album- Dragonflies and Astronauts in 2005, this single won the Best Music video of the year in the SAMA’s that year.
Freshlyground- I’d Like
This song got so many couples together back in the days. I’d Like was released in 2004 under the album ‘Nomvula’ and yet this soft serenade is and will always be fitting for any ‘love confession’ scenario, don’t believe me? send it to your crush!
Zola- uMdlwembe
Forget Rihanna’s Needed me-If you wanted to channel your inner savageness- this was the theme song back in the year 2000 when Zola released this hit single. The song did remarkably well and receiving numerous SAMA nominations and awards. It was again featured as a soundtrack in ‘Tsotsi’ – a crime drama film produced right here in Mzansi.
Avril Lavigne- Here’s To Never Growing Up
2013 might not really seem like a long time ago but this song definitely made tons of people’s matric after parties memorable years after its release. ‘Teenage fever forever’ is the theme of the song- so if you are hitting the town after lockdown, definitely bump this one from the jukebox; for old time’s sake.
Lady Antebellum- Need You Now
Famously known as Lady A, this country group the world by storm when it was formed back in 2006. A number of its singles were featured in numerous American TV shows which were on popular demand at the time, for example, The Hills. The group’s sound was often likened to that of British pop band ‘Westlife’ and musician, Shayne Ward.
What are some of your favourite throwback songs? Let’s hear them in the comments’ section!
Mzansi’s very own creators among 20 other content producers from Africa has been selected to receive a grant for the development of their channels from the #YouTubeBlackVoices fund.
Lasizwe, Sho Madjozi, MacG Mukwevho and other South African content producers have been selected for this fund.
This is an amazing achievement and opportunity for a Black YouTuber. The fund assist them with the development of their channel and the development of themselves. The 20 content creators from Africa that has been selected with take part in an intensive three-week incubator programme, which involves some workshops, community engagement and wellbeing, networking programmes and training. They are part of an overall 132 creators from across the world!
We’re excited to spotlight Black creatives and to continue to center both their voices and perspectives. As part of that mission, we developed the #YouTubeBlackVoices grant program, which is an initiative dedicated to investing in Black creators and artists, and equipping them with the resources to succeed on our platform.” – YouTube Team
Additional South African YouTubers part of #YouTubeBlackVoices Creator Class of 2021:
Although the statement of Sony Japan has been issued confirming that it has decided to cease the production of its PS4 Pro- the good news is, the one base Paystation 4 model will continue for production and hitting the shelves as normal. Forget the PS5…for now, cause if you already own the 4K- PS4 Pro or PS4 then this game list (which comes in no particular order) is for you.
Resident Evil 7 Biohazard
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is a survival horror video game released in 2017. It saw a high-end success along with its movies which made waves in the film industry with every release they had. If horror is your thing then I highly recommend this game, the gruesome and the grim are all packed in here.
Reviews: Yo I have never played any other resident evil game in my life but I know this game took a sorta curve from the other resident evils, man this game was so amazing I can’t count the amount of times I screamed like a child lol- Steven Allard
For those who like games with a great horror atmosphere that challenge your nerves it doesn't get much better then this. You will run, shoot, do chainsaw battles, set your enemies on fire, solve some puzzles while always being engaged with the solid characters, creepy story and creative game mechanics. It does make you want to know more and keep pushing forward. - David Resende
Mad Max
Released in 2015, this is an action-packed game of murder and death. It’s much-praised for its visuals and grand hits if this sounds like a thing you would like then haway!
Reviews: Water And Fuel is the most important!!!
Wow!!!!! I didn't except that this game can satisfy me very much!!! This game is soooooo underrated!! I played all of triple A titles on PS4 and let's be honest , I can tell you it's my best Experience !!! - Moshen Sadheghi
This game gives me the best experience after play Witcher 3. The graphic is so nice that I can't stop myself by playing this awesome game. The story was very awesome and I wish you will brought another part of this game. - Sunny Roy
LOVED this game! Its epic like Halo. It’s actually a game you can win but has so much to do and the story line is fantastic! Hours and hours of addictive entertainment...well worth the $! Sad that I finally won and my journey is over... - Micchah Jessen
Call of Duty Warzone
Warzone is a free-to-play battle royale video game released on March 10, 2020. If the war zone gets gives you blood rush, this is for you. (very addictive I must warn ya)
Reviews: I have been a call of duty fan and gamer for a long time and so far this has been one of the best Cod games to date. It's fun, exciting, hard ...... it's clear a lot of work and dedication made this all possible there are a few things they could add in warzone perhaps add two new warzone map - Eddie Moore
This is the best Battle Royale game Ever!! *People who are giving negative reviews is just because this game can be very hard and frustrating or they are pissed because of players who use tracers or because of their noob squadmates. - Rishabh Sharma
This is the best Battle Royale game Ever!! *People who are giving negative reviews is just because this game can be very hard and frustrating or they are pissed because of players who use tracers or because of their noob squadmates. - Ronan Freeman
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is an action-adventure game developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts. Star Wars Fans- this is definitely our dreams come true!
Reviews: Just completed the game and WOW it was awesome! This was my first time playing a Star Wars game and I had a blast. The storyline, gameplay and characters are well designed and thought out.- Jessica Ghazi
I really liked it. I thought it had an interesting story and brought together many gameplay element from the last 20 years of gaming and the graphics were phenomenal it wasnt PS4 exclusive phanominal, however its easy to deliver god of war graphics when your only dealing with one platform. - Adam Shaw
We've come such a far way in these combat style games. It's finally starting to feel much less "clunky". The perfectly timed parries and dodges followed with a counter feel so rewarding, and look awesome - L. S
Grand Auto Theft
Well, this one is finally inclusive of ladies, I know a few girls who are die-hard fans of GTA and, many kids love it. however, some parents may complain about its graphic and violent nature.
Reviews: Aside from the PC performance issues that plagued this game on release which, as far as I can tell, have been completely fixed since I recently bought this game and am playing it on my mid-range gaming laptop, I am honestly astonished by the bad reviews. This is, for me, the best game in the Arkham series by far.- Parent of a 12 year old
Small things are important. GTA V has a lot of fine details graphics good, pop response good also best gaming experience. If you have PlayStation 4 you must have this classic! - DareJedi
It’s funny, well written, good looking, has great music and will keep you busy for months. It is an essential purchase for those who haven’t played it before and a huge recommendation for those who have. - CalmDownTom
Batman: Arkham Knight
Arkham Knight is a 2015 action-adventure game developed by Rocksteady Studios. Based on the DC Comics superhero Batman, it is the successor to the 2013 video game Batman: Arkham Origins
Arkham Knight is a 2015 action-adventure game developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Based on the DC Comics superhero Batman, it is the successor to the 2013 video game Batman: Arkham Origins- KS, west Credit
Aside from the PC performance issues that plagued this game on release which, as far as I can tell, have been completely fixed since I recently bought this game and am playing it on my mid-range gaming laptop, I am honestly astonished by the bad reviews. This is, for me, the best game in the Arkham series by far. -Paul Cook
Aside from the PC performance issues that plagued this game on release which, as far as I can tell, have been completely fixed since I recently bought this game and am playing it on my mid-range gaming laptop, I am honestly astonished by the bad reviews. This is, for me, the best game in the Arkham series by far. -'Your Mother'
Control
This Action-adventure game was released back in 2019, best believe if there are government agent spies with superpowers involved, that is about to be a killer game. If you enjoy fantasy such as X-men then this is your lane.
Reviews: A little background, I have a very hard time finishing games without getting bored of this, but this certainly held my attention. The unique combination of a third person shooter mixed with a pseudo-magic based combat system was really incredible and really well pulled off, - Mason Sickler
A little background, I have a very hard time finishing games without getting bored of this, but this certainly held my attention. The unique combination of a third person shooter mixed with a pseudo-magic based combat system was really incredible and really well pulled off, - Simon Lam
Absolutely amazing fun if you enjoy progression based action games. Similar to Ori in the Blind Forest in that you unlock new abilities as you play that make combat more and more fluid and therefore more and more fun. By the end of the game, you feel amazingly powerful and combat feels incredibly smooth and just... fun - Sarah Bacak
God of War
Released in 2018, this combat packed game is all for those who love the adrenaline pulsing through their bodies, the moves are a bit hard to master though- practice makes you perfecto, here’s what others had to say about this butt-kicking masterpiece
Reviews: God of War is a surreal and mind-blowing action-RPG that provides players with a nonstop over-the-top adventure through Norse mythology. It's a long, satisfying game that offers much more beyond just a linear campaign. - Cnet post
God of War is a surreal and mind-blowing action-RPG that provides players with a nonstop over-the-top adventure through Norse mythology. It's a long, satisfying game that offers much more beyond just a linear campaign. - Sulerman Haider
One of the best games I have ever had the pleasure of playing. Everything from the game play to the story had me constantly asking for more. There is never a dull moment in this game as there is so much to do and the story always has you hooked. -Eusha Mia
The Outer Worlds
The Outer Worlds is an action role-playing game developed by Obsidian Entertainment. It has a 50’s space retro feel to it. if you enjoy star wars or star trek, this is your stuff. Initially released in October 2019.
Reviews: 14 hours in, and it's safe to say I'm enjoying this game very much. As a fan of similarly-styled RPGs such as Fallout and Elder Scrolls, I knew I had to give this game a try, especially being as it was made by Obsidian- Sean Meece
Completely mindblown by The Outer Worlds, beautiful scenery on all the planets/stations, great story, truly engaging side and companion missions.- Unknown
I cant thank them enough for saving the Genre which was otherwise falling down the micro transaction hole. If you loved Fallout New Vegas, you will love The Outer Worlds.- Matt Barker
Fortnite- Chapter 2
This is a classic game that all gamers know. For a start, it’s free to play so everyone can get involved, and even its in-game emotes have become real-world dance crazes.
Review: Well, Fortnite is still as addictive as ever, although I have to say they kind of nerfed it when they introduced Chapter 2. It’s easier, it’s much more bubblegum, and it just doesn’t feel the same. It’s lost the atmosphere that made Battle Royale exciting and adrenaline-filled. I have to agree with Ninja when he says that “Fortnite’s boring now.” I think it is geared towards a younger audience now, and I do feel a bit daft playing it sometimes - Medium Loki
The South African government has been restrictive about many things essentially in 2020, but the country had it when the alcohol ban was announced again for the third time in December last year.
The South African Brewery (SAB) is one of the frustrated companies by the alcohol ban decision which the government has taken, as a result, the company has decided to take up the government to a court in the Western Cape. SAB which merged with AB InBev, the world’s largest brewer back in 2016- is said to be very much agitated by this third ban and claims that the government is now infringing on people’s rights and must face the law. Not only has this third ban affected a major part of the company’s investment plans but also its chance to recreate the 60,000 jobs which were lost during the past two past bans in 2020.
SAB, which produces a large portion of Mzansi’s beer said its decision to approach the courts had been a difficult one but they consider this third ban an unnecessary one.
“We are concerned about the resurgence of the Covid virus and remain steadfast in our intention to continue to support the government in flattening the curve, but the third ban on the sale of alcohol goes well beyond what is reasonable and necessary to contain the spread of the virus,”
SAB vice President- Zoleka Lisa
Although the concerns have been raised by SAB, it is reported that other liquor producers in South Africa seem to have distanced themselves from this court action leaving SAB to fight the battle on its own for now.
The National Liquor Traders’ Council on Tuesday said liquor traders were very concerned for their livelihoods and urged the government to do more to protect the 250,000 jobs in the sector by allowing off-premise sales to resume on January 16.
Trevor Noah, host of “The Daily Show” concluded 2020 on a high note as he has splashed R400 million on this impressive mansion in Bel-Air, a neighbourhood favored by some of LA’s biggest-name buyers.
South Africa’s very own exceptional comedian must have a eye for architectural spaces, as he bought a contemporary megamansion such like this one in 2019 but sold it for about R300 million in 2020 and this 11000-square-foot luxury mansion, designed by Mark Rios in Bel-Air spans over three stories overlooking the city.
Trevor bought this one just last week. This house is fitted with a host of materials like stone, glass wood and the property has floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows, where one can see a slight view of the city and out to the ocean. It includes a spa, gym, wine cellar, screening room, rooftop terrace, outdoor bar, and an infinity pool.
Trevor bought this from Mark Rios, an L.A Architect. From the street the home appears to be fitted with a series of cubes, as the home sits on a hillside but all-in-all is an exceptional, stunning home with six bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, also includes a library and an office.
Google images: Archidaily.com
South Africa’s Own Fresh Prince Takes It To A Whole New Level.
The year 2020 has been exasperating for all, to say the least, Several students were faced with great challenges suddenly imposed by the government when amending the global pandemic lock-down. It is now 2021 and tertiary institutions are now preparing for a new academic year, here are some preparations currently going underway.
With the amended level 3 lockdown regulations placing several restrictions on South Africans, some institutions of higher learning are still preparing for the resumption of on-campus teaching.
While some universities have started with online registrations for the 2021 academic calendar, others will only be completing the 2020 academic calendar in February and March.
Here is the status of some institutions’ preparations, as of the first week of January 2021:
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Johannesburg
Students who are completing their 2020 academic year will be writing their examinations online.
The 2021 academic calendar will commence on 8 March 2021.
Students will be allowed to register online from 5 January to 5 March, according to their relevant year of study, faculty and programme.
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Operations to continue just as they were before the year-end recess until further notice.
Students returned to campus on Monday, 4 January, for contact sessions.
Registration will commence on 25 January and close on 12 February for returning students. First years register on 23 February to 5 March.
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Won’t have physical contact sessions until the second semester.
First semester classes will be conducted online.
First-year students will be able to register from 23 February, until further notice.
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
Will continue with remote-blended teaching and learning from 6 January 2021.
University will be in touch with students for whom it is mandatory to complete their practical sessions, to make arrangements.
Examination arrangements will be included in the 6 January 2021 communiqué.
Registrations will commence after the 2020 March/April academic calendar.
University of Cape Town (UCT)
Will commence with physically distanced learning in the first semester, from 15 March.
Students will be returning to residences in groups from early January 2021 and only students who have been invited to return to residences will be accepted.
Undergraduate teaching and learning, as well some postgraduate teaching, will be online.
University of Pretoria (UP)
Online registration commenced on Monday, 4 January.
Students will be returning in the second week of March.
This story will be updated as soon as more information becomes available. Some tweets voiced their concerns over tweeter
UKZN just confirmed that they will not be physically opening till 2nd Semester. First entry students registration will commence online from 23 Feb 2021, even their classes will be online for the 1st semester. Poor rural students will be highly affected by this.
“I been trying to get divorced since Kim met with Meek at the Warldolf [sic] for ‘prison reform,’” the rapper tweeted.
Kim and Kanye are popular for being one of the most unconventional married couples in Hollywood, the two dated in 2012 and tied the knot in the year 2014- in an over the top wedding ceremony.
The year 2020 has seemingly rocked their boat of happiness as it has been reported that Kim has hired Laura Wasser, the powerful divorce attorney who has previously represented Angelina Jolie, Heidi Klum, and Kardashian herself during her 2011 divorce from Kris Humphries.
Kim Kardashian has reportedly ditched her $1,3M wedding ring after the couple spent the whole festive season apart, with Kanye doing his own thing at his lavish Wyoming ranch.
Almost everything Kanye West has done since marrying Kim is to make her and his family happy. A break in that through divorce really worries me for him man…
I truly hope Kanye is doing okay and everything works out for him, hearing his music you can tell how much she means.
I don’t have an opinion on Kanye West and Kim Kardashian seperating, I am just using this as an opportunity to post my favorite Kanye clip 😂 pic.twitter.com/CxSsITXU2K
