Culture
My unique Heritage Day
2 months ago
South Africa is a rich and diverse land, with many cultures making up our beautiful rainbow nation. Heritage Day, commemorated on 24 September each year, is a perfect way to celebrate the wealth of customs and cultures of our people. Each year, South Africans from all walks of life enjoy the public holiday by dressing…
Culture
TikTok Love Tests: More Harmful Than Helpful?
5 months ago
Do you ever question if your partner truly loves you? In the past year or so, there has been a massive increase in TikTok trends that "pretend" to "test" a partner's devotion or the quality of a couple's relationship. Generally, TikTok relationship tests are done with their partner while making a video and posting the…
Culture
Content Copycat: The Culinary Clash Between Chefs Onezwa Mbola and Nara Smith
5 months ago
TikTok and Twitter have been burning for the last week or so with absolute drama, remarks, and FIRE because of South African Eastern Cape-based chef and content creator Onezwa Mbola and US-based chef, model and content creator Nara Smith. Smith is a Lesotho-German fashion model who was born in Bloemfontein. Both chefs have amassed sizable…
Culture
Good Teacher Bad Teacher
5 months ago
Have you ever encountered a lecturer or teacher who was so unkind that the mere thought of seeing them during class would give you anxiety? Have you ever shaped your opinion of your capabilities and how your educator perceived you? Have you ever been so inspired to excel at your studies and future career milestones…
Culture
Girlfriend Proposals: Love Upgrade or Total Hype?
6 months ago
In the spotlight of social media, where every photo and story is broadcasted to the masses, there's a fresh trend on the block—girlfriend proposals. Yep, you heard that right. Proposals aren't just for popping the big marriage question anymore; they've stylishly slid into the dating scene, igniting all kinds of buzz about their meaning and…
Culture
Claremon-Mobri-Kaap!
7 months ago
Step into the bustling streets of Cape Town, and you're stepping into a world where the taxi culture isn't just transportation; it's the city's lifeblood, an ode to the spirit of its people. For those setting foot in the Mother City for the first time, be prepared for an immersive experience, a dive into the…
Culture
Amapiano: From South African Beats to Global Debates
7 months ago
The main event at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations wasn't the match between the South African and Nigerian teams; the real showdown occurred on Twitter with the Amapiano wars between South Africans and Nigerians. Not me logging in after the match and seeing a tweet saying, "Dear South Africans, Amapiano belongs to Nigerians now"…
Culture
Situationships
8 months ago
“We’re seeing each other but we’re not ‘together’.” “We don’t like labels, but we’re definitely more than friends with benefits.” “There’s an emotional connection but I don’t know where I stand or how to introduce them to my friends.” If you’ve ever said or heard any of these phrases uttered before, you’ve likely either been…
Culture
Echoes Through Time
8 months ago
At the core of oral tradition is the goal of preservation. It is why, through the power of our voice and gestures, we tell stories of the past to preserve our cultures, identities, and customs and pass them on from one generation to the next. It is important to acknowledge and examine how storytelling and…
Culture
Whispers from kwaGogo: The Magic of Oral Storytelling
8 months ago
Picture this scene: You're 5 or 6 years old and visiting kwaGogo for the holidays. All your cousins and siblings are there, and you're seated on the dining room floor waiting for breakfast or lunch to be served. UGogo and your Aunt arrive and give you all a meal and promises that if you finish…
Culture
From Maan Kyking to Boeber Night
9 months ago
Ramadaan is around the corner, and Muslims worldwide are preparing for the auspiciousness of this wonderful month. With Muslims following the lunar calendar, Ramadaan is the ninth month of the Islamic year, with its commencement moving forward by eleven days annually. Ramadaan is an important month for Muslims because it was during this period, 1445…
Culture
Rhythms of Unity
9 months ago
While travelling to school on the busy roads of Cape Town, navigating the sea of taxis, buses and the occasional cyclist riding the wave of early morning traffic, you may see the countless posters hung up. Registreer en Stem! Bhalisa, away vote! Register and Vote! As we near thirty years of democracy, one cannot help…
Culture
Echoes of Identity: Embracing Our Mother Tongues
9 months ago
International Mother Language Day always strikes a deep chord with me. It's a day that celebrates the rich tapestry of languages that form the very backbone of our diverse cultures and identities. Let me share a bit about how this day came into being and why it resonates so profoundly with me as a Black…
Did you know?
Get to know the duo behind Matric Live!
6 months ago
Matric Live, is the flagship product of SAADC (Pty)ltd, an EdTech-focused software startup founded by Lesego Finger and later joined by Kagisho Masae. The company is on a mission to level the playing field for under-resourced children in South Africa. Finger's inspiration for starting an EdTech company came when he finished his final (Matric) year…
Did you know?
Why we dream
a year ago
Have you ever woken up in the morning after the most perfect date night on top of the Eiffel Tower only to become disappointed to realize it was just another dream? Or perhaps you’ve experienced the reverse, waking up in the middle of the night with your heart thumping and sheets wet with sweat, only…
Did you know?
Did You Know? Jay-Z is Hip-Hop's first billionaire
a year ago
From a controversial past, to releasing multi-platinum albums, winning multiple awards and marrying Beyonce, Jay-Z can now add being a billionaire to his ever growing list of achievements. Shawn Corey Carter, known by his stage name ‘Jay-Z’ has officially become a billionaire, according to an article by Forbes magazine. Jay-Z grew up in the Marcy…
Digital Literacy
Turning Pages with Your Ears
2 months ago
In recent years, the world of reading has changed. Where once physical books were the dominant medium, audiobooks are now rapidly becoming the go-to choice for many. This shift from the traditional to the auditory is more than a trend—it reflects our fast-paced, multitasking world. But what about audiobooks makes them so appealing, and could…
Digital Literacy
AI in Africa
2 months ago
Artificial intelligence has grown immensely popular in the last few years, heralded as both the threat to our humanity and the answer to our most basic problems. But is it truly here to solve our issues, or is the hype clouding our judgement? Narratives surrounding this technology are threefold. Firstly, AI is posed as a…
Digital Literacy
Smart Clicks
8 months ago
I know what you’re thinking. “Here we go again, another post about not giving out my bank pin”. As someone who has navigated the internet since childhood, I understand how digital privacy can feel instinctive to us – the young digital natives. We know the drill: don't share personal info with unknown callers, guard your…
Foodie
From Bubble tea to Corn dogs
2 years ago
Have you noticed how Korean culture is everywhere right now? From K-Pop to skincare, it seems like everyone is obsessed with all things Korean. So, I decided to jump on the bandwagon and try some popular Korean food to see if the hype is real. Now, let me tell you, Korean food is not for…
Foodie
Owami Mhlongo: Putting your heart on a plate
2 years ago
Twenty-year-old Owami Mhlongo grew up in Pinetown KZN. She describes her childhood as having been “rocky” and this resulted in her spending a lot of time with her aunt and grandmother. It is from here though that she traces her love of food.  Now a practitioner in a fine-dining establishment, her earliest food memories are…
Foodie
Some yummy chocolate facts
2 years ago
As a child growing up chocolate used to be such a luxury to taste or buy. The only time we could have it at my house was on the social grant day. My granny would wake up early to avoid the long lines and on her way back home she would buy the biggest chocolate…
Gents
The Gentleman's Renaissance
6 months ago
“gentleman” noun (pl. gentlemen) a man who is polite and well educated, who has excellent manners and always behaves well Thank you—you're a real gentleman. He's no gentleman!” Oxford dictionary What are the core qualities of a gentleman? A gentleman is respectful, he’s confident and embraces his imperfections. He carries a mindset of equality, he's…
Gents
Navigating Men's Body
2 years ago
Hey guys, let's talk about the pressure to look good for men. We all know how it feels to scroll through social media and see images of guys with abs for days and chiselled biceps. But then, we're told that it's okay to have a #dadbod and not worry about our physique. So, what's the…
Gents
Breaking the Silence
2 years ago
The recent shooting of South African rapper AKA has spotlighted the pervasive levels of violence in the country, particularly towards young black men. The shooting dredged up memories of my experience with gun violence a few years ago. I remember feeling scared, confused, and powerless at that moment, and the emotions have stuck with me…
Girl Talk
How to Kiss
2 weeks ago
The first time I kissed someone was on a dare. We were in grade 7, and all my friends had already had their first kiss. I really didn’t want to go to High School, never having been kissed. One day after class, my best friends, my crush and I were sitting outside on the field…
Girl Talk
PATTY
3 months ago
Ek haal my sunglasses af om vesieke te maak ek sien reg. Daai's mos Patty wat soe innie vlak branders rol. Nogals in ‘n zebra print bikini. Ek dog sy’s 'n never-nude. Sy’s gewoonlik toegekap. Sy’s altyd gelayered met jerseys, jackets en doekies, even oppie waremste dae. Patty moet sieke my gaze gevoelet wan sy…
Girl Talk
Embracing the Cycle
3 months ago
The menstrual cycle (or period) is a beautiful stage of life that every woman experiences. It can be quite scary at first but you are not alone. I remember my first period. It was at the end of Grade 8. Early one morning at school I felt strange cramps in my stomach. I carried on…
Health
10 Things to Know About Your Vagina
4 months ago
When I was a toddler, we lived in a yellow painted house in Steenberg, Cape Town.We had a neighbour who was about my age, and he would come over to play. On one of these occasions, he uttered the inevitable toddler words: 'show me yours and I'll show you mine'. After a quick calculation of…
Health
The Gold Inside a Plant-based Diet
4 months ago
So what foods should we eat on a daily? Health nutritionist, wellness coach and Nurse, Kellie Bowman. The daughter of the late renowned herbalist Dr Sebi (the man who cured diseases by using plant based foods) carries on her father's legacy by educating people about the importance and health benefits of a plant-based diet. Through…
Health
From Pain to Peace: A Fibromyalgia Survivor's Guide to the Now Moment
5 months ago
When I was 30 years old, I felt like my life was just starting to thrive. I was happy in my career as a B.Ed. Foundation Phase Teacher. I am a mother of two wonderful children and have a loving husband. I had everything I ever dreamed about. Then, my doctor diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia.…
How to
How to Have Difficult Conversations
5 days ago
What do you do when you fear conflict and dread tough conversations? As difficult as they are, it's important to have them. Even when it hurts, speaking our truth and setting boundaries are essential for growth and flourishing in our lives. Below, I will take you through some tips that have helped me navigate tricky…
How to
Write Right
2 months ago
Just under a year ago, my blogging journey with Fundza began - a journey that transformed my understanding of writing. Initially, I had a basic grasp of putting words together, but the art of crafting a compelling blog was still a mystery to me. Each day, I dedicated myself to refining my writing skills, diving…
How to
Immune-boosting natural remedies
a year ago
It has been cold, really cold, and now more than ever we experience symptoms of flu or the common cold. So, how do we combat them? Going to the doctor can be expensive and sitting for hours at the day hospital is no one’s idea of fun. If you are not seriously ill, and just…
How to
How to stand up for yourself
2 years ago
If you’re shy and timid, standing up for yourself can seem like something out of your comfort zone and may seem unfamiliar. However, in certain situations, if you don’t stand up for yourself, people can walk all over you. Being assertive, which is simply being more confident, and standing up for yourself may take time,…
How to
New year, new me! Healthy eating on a tight budget
2 years ago
More than ever before, people of all ages and walks of life are choosing to lead a heathier lifestyle in terms of their physical wellbeing and daily nutrition. Having the internet at our fingertips means we’re more conscious of the nutritional value of the food we put into our bodies. Unfortunately, the wealth of information…
How to
How to stay fit on a budget
2 years ago
Fitness can be seen as a luxury in a country where many people don’t know what their next meal will be. Perhaps this is why, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), almost 40% of South Africans are physically inactive. But fitness is an important part of health, which is why in this blog we…
How to
Ke December on a limited budget
2 years ago
It's that time of the year when we spend, spend and do some more spending. It's the festive season; we look forward to the best clothes and food. It's a time to celebrate Christmas, the new year, with the ones you love the most. But Januworry is also around the corner, a season for food,…
How to
How to make crumbly mielie pap
2 years ago
There is something primeval about mielie pap. Well, there is something ancient and basic and satisfying about all starches that serve as the backbone of meals in cultures around the world. That which accompanies whatever sauce or stew or condiment being served in most ordinary homes, is what fills the tummy and leaves you with…
Life Advice
Help me, I’m changing!
4 months ago
Puberty… What is it and why is it so confusing? You have probably heard your teachers or parents throw this word around so casually that it feels like a joke to them, therefore they do not have to take your feelings seriously. But the fact is, that’s not true. In easily understandable terms it is…
Life Advice
The Price of Silence - Why We Must Speak Against Human Trafficking
5 months ago
As Blue Campaign defines, human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labour or commercial sex act. While traffickers might use different methods, the most noticeable methods to lure victims into trafficking situations are violence, manipulation, false promises of well-paying jobs and romantic relationships. Like many stories shared…
Life Advice
What Comic Characters Teach Us
a year ago
When I was just a young comic book enthusiast, I was captivated by the awe-inspiring heroes and their unwavering dedication to using their extraordinary powers for the greater good. Like Uncle Ben wisely told Peter, the iconic Spider-Man, "With great power comes great responsibility." Witnessing these heroes embrace their responsibility ignited a deep admiration within…
Mindspace
How to Mend a Broken Heart: Surviving the First Month of Heartbreak
a week ago
The first month after the end of a relationship may seem impossible to get through. After having recently gone through a breakup myself, those initial four weeks are some of the hardest days to get through. Here are three core approaches you can implement immediately into your life to keep yourself afloat amidst the all-consuming…
Mindspace
Why Being a Relationship Virgin is Nothing to Fear
2 weeks ago
The term "relationship virgin" refers to individuals who have never been in a romantic relationship. When it comes to romantic relationships, there are two kinds of relationship virgins: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary relationship virgins deliberately avoid romantic commitments, often due to reasons like being selective, valuing independence, or other personal factors. Involuntary relationship virgins, on…
Mindspace
Beat Exam Stress: Your Guide to Surviving Finals
3 weeks ago
The year 2024 is nearly at its conclusion, with high school, college, and university students burning the midnight oil in pursuit of their best possible grades. For many, especially matriculants writing their National Senior Certificate exams, this time represents a challenging yet pivotal moment in their academic journeys. The pressure to succeed can feel overwhelming,…
Mindspace
#BookTok Buzz
2 months ago
Have you heard of #BookTok? It is a sub-community within TikTok specifically for readers and book lovers. It features short videos in which users talk about their favourite books, recommend titles, authors, and genres, and theatrically make inside jokes about literature. Additionally, #Booktokers discuss recently released books and promote novels they've read and either really…
Mindspace
Beyond Words
2 months ago
Over the past twenty years, social media's impact on society has increased noticeably. Social media has become an integral part of our lives, influencing how we communicate, consume information, and tell stories. For people of all ages, platforms like Instagram and TikTok, amongst others, aren't just for staying connected anymore; they are powerful tools for…
Mindspace
World Literacy Day
3 months ago
Every year on September 8th, the world comes together to celebrate World Literacy Day, a tradition that started way back in 1967. But why is literacy—just being able to read and write—such a big deal? If you're reading this right now, you’re one of the lucky few in South Africa who can. Our country’s literacy…
Mindspace
Journaling your Journey
3 months ago
We are constantly bombarded with information, expectations, and challenges that can overwhelm us. Amidst the chaos, one simple yet powerful tool is often overlooked: journaling. This age-old practice of putting pen to paper can be a sanctuary for the mind, offering numerous mental health benefits. Writing about your feelings can bring clarity and perspective. When…
Mindspace
Thuto ya Basha le bokamoso ba kontinente ya Aforika
4 months ago
Ka kakaretso, mosola wa thuto ke go ruta batho gore ba kgone go nagana ka mokgwa o o tla ba kgontshang go lebana le go samagana le seemo sa loago, bobakapuso le ikonomi jalo jalo. Thuto eno e tshwanetse go ba letla gore ba kgone go lemoga mathata a a leng gone, go a tsharolola…
Mindspace
The Quarter Life Crisis
4 months ago
A quarter-life crisis is a period of significant doubt, anxiety, and uncertainty that typically occurs in a person's mid-20s to early 30s. Usually brought on by comparing oneself to other peers, internal pressure, transition and change, social media and fear of failure. With my 25th birthday just four months away, the pressure of societal expectations…
Mindspace
Making Every Day a Mandela Day
4 months ago
I'm sure you know the importance of the 18th of July. We celebrate this day to honour the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, one of our former and most valued presidents. Nelson Mandela spent 67 years fighting for our rights and the eradication of apartheid. Symbolically, we take 67 minutes on Mandela Day to…
Mindspace
Charity is Good for the Soul
4 months ago
Mandela Day is that time of the year where we reflect on one of the deepest forms of kindness we can engage in: charity. In a world dominated by hustle culture, where people are encouraged to make decisions by self-interest, charity remains a powerful way to align with the legacy of Nelson Mandela, whose life…
Mindspace
The Dolls are Dolling
4 months ago
I stopped playing with dolls when I turned 18 years old. I know, you probably think that's pretty old to have still had toys. Many people, my friends and family, teased me for being an adult who played with toys. I didn't want to, but I gave my dolls away because adults don't play with…
Mindspace
Well-Being is Not a Trend
5 months ago
We frequently hear, "What's the latest well-being trend?" The 'trend' definition of well-being implies a temporary movement that may wander due to external causes or swing along an uneven route. Well-being is feeling positive emotions like happiness and contentment, developing one's potential, having some control over one's life, having a sense of purpose in life,…
Money Matters
How to Start a Startup
4 days ago
What is a startup? According to investopedia, a startup is defined as a company in its early stages of operations. Founded by entrepreneurs who want to develop a product or service they believe is in-demand and hopefully underserved.   What does it do? Basically it's a new company working to solve a pain problem or…
Money Matters
How to Start Your Start Up
2 months ago
What is a startup? According to investopedia, a startup is defined as a company in its early stages of operations. Founded by entrepreneurs who want to develop a product or service they believe is in-demand and hopefully underserved. What does it do? Basically it's a new company working to solve a pain problem or do…
Money Matters
Job-hunting is whack
6 months ago
“We regret to inform you that you have not obtained this job.” “We will keep your résumé on file should a similar position open up.” “Thank you for taking the time to apply, but we will not be moving forward with you for the recruitment of this job.” If you have received any of the…
Money Matters
350 Degrees or R350: The Heat is On in South Africa
8 months ago
In an intriguing twist of fate, the question of "350ºF or R350" slices through two vastly different worlds - the kitchen and the economic reality of young South Africans. On the one hand, the culinary advice from a 2015 article, “What’s so special about 350 degrees Fahrenheit (350ºF)?” reveals that while baking at 350ºF is…
Money Matters
How Trauma Affects Our Relationship with Money
9 months ago
Growing up poor usually motivates people to work hard and strive for financial stability and security. I find, however, that underneath all this culture of working and overworking lies a reality we do not discuss as a Black community of people who were previously disadvantaged: the impact of childhood trauma on our relationship with money.…
Money Matters
Your Money, Your Future
9 months ago
Understanding the South African Budget Speech It's that time of the year again when the Minister of Finance presents the budget speech. This might seem like just another political event for many young South Africans. But it's more than that – it's about your future, dreams, and the country you'll inherit. What's the Big Deal?…
Money Matters
Stokvels: The Cool Way to Save and Invest with Friends
9 months ago
Let's chat about stokvels – you've probably heard of them, right? In South Africa, they're as common as braais and rugby, but let's dive into what makes stokvels such a cool and smart way to handle money, especially for us younger peeps. Stokvels 101: The Basics A stokvel is like your own mini-community bank, but…
Money Matters
Empowering Dreams
10 months ago
Amidst economic challenges and a staggering unemployment rate of 33% in 2021, where 6 in 10 young people find themselves without a job, particularly among South Africa's youth, a glimmer of hope emerges through the avenue of youth entrepreneurship. Given the persistently high unemployment rates, the need for innovative solutions has never been more urgent.…
Money Matters
Hustle Smarter
12 months ago
Today, young people view the term 'side hustle' not just as a trend but almost as a rite of passage. It's less about working ourselves to the bone and more about creating a safety net, a mixed bag of skills and jobs. It's smart, it's strategic, and honestly, it's exciting. Many young people are balancing…
Money Matters
Drip, Drink and Debt
2 years ago
So, you've turned 21 and officially entered the realm of "adulthood" – congrats! But let me tell you, the independence you see in movies and TV shows, with fancy cars, apartments, and pets, is far from reality. My friends and I, like most young South Africans, have barely a penny to our name. It's like…
People on the move
Curator Phokeng Setai
a year ago
Phokeng is a name to be reckoned with in the art world in South Africa. Hailing from Bloemfontein and at 31 years old, he is a curator in Cape Town and has worked at Zeitz MOCAA, the world-famous art museum in Cape Town. His work is multi-disciplinary, as he recently completed his PhD in Anthropology…
People on the move
Get gaming with Tshepiso
a year ago
Meet Tshepiso Malema, the visionary entrepreneur on a mission to close the technology gap for young people in townships, all through the enchantment of gaming. It all started when he first laid his hands on an Xbox at a friend's place. "I was whisked away to different worlds. Gaming showed me that it can transport…
People on the move
Get to Know Yandisa Peko, Astrophysicist
a year ago
Get ready to swoon over Yandisa Peko, who set Twitter on fire with her jaw-dropping graduation photo and an oh-so-cool caption that read, "UCT Astrophysics and Science Space graduate." We may not all be astrophysicists, but one thing is crystal clear: this field demands some serious brainpower, especially when it comes to subjects like math…
Politics
Will We Ever Stop Talking About Black Tax?
2 days ago
Social media was abuzz some weeks ago when lifestyle influencer, Sabelo the Kreator shared a vlog of his home renovations. In the video, with Thinah Zungu’s testimonial song Thandiwe serenading the viewers, the content creator can be seen through different phases of seeing the renovations come to life—from sourcing the material and crafting what he…
Politics
DIPUO TSA SEAFORIKA, THUTO, LE TSEOKAROLO SEMORUO YA BASHA
2 weeks ago
Nngwe ya dintlha  tsa botlhokwa tse di amang bokamoso  jwa basha ba maAforika, ebile di tshwarelelang lefatshegadi (kontinente) la Aforika morago mo maitekong a lone a go bona kgololosego ya tota ke gore batho ba lefatshegadi leno ke bangwe ba batho mo lefatsheng ba ba sa diriseng dipuo tsa  bone mo ikgolololong le itlhabololo ya…
Politics
“Ban? I Thought You Said Burn!” On Censorship in the Modern Age.
3 weeks ago
Many of my favourite books are banned in several American states. The conversation is about children’s safety, parental paranoia, and the problem of censorship in the modern age. I believe that parents have already had their young years. As much as we are grateful to have them in our lives to impart gems and nuggets…
Snapshots
My matric ball
a year ago
The matric dance was a chance for me to make beautiful memories. It's something I will take with me to University or College. It's something I can use to remember my friends, my classmates and my school. At first I was really nervous when I thought about the matric ball. I've never worn a formal…
Snapshots
Tiktok slang for 2023
2 years ago
What makes TikTok aka the clock app unique? It has to be the sense of familiarity as it recognises the smallest of things that we do daily, from skincare to chores or even mannerisms.  TikTok can be both general, but can also be quite niche, which helps people not feel like outsiders or weird for…
Snapshots
Is flirting cheating?
2 years ago
Imagine being on Instagram and seeing a certain post that your partner liked and commented on. The comment is something along the lines of  ‘Beautiful (heart emoji)’. You confront your partner and they don't see anything wrong with what they did, to them it was just harmless flirting with a friend. Was it harmless flirting…
Snapshots
But What Does It Meme?
2 years ago
Have you ever been going through something, and you just didn’t know how to explain it? Then, when you’re scrolling online, you find a meme that is so wickedly funny, so *relatable* that you finally feel seen? Finding the right meme helps you confirm that other people have experienced something similar to you. It’s like…
Snapshots
“Let’s go all out.”
2 years ago
We arrived at Waterfront for a night of good food and amazing company. My boyfriend asked me to choose the restaurant that we’d go to that evening. I felt under so much pressure because I know I’m so indecisive, so I got a recommendation for a restaurant at Waterfront for a place called Sevruga. I…
Snapshots
Come with us: The Mother City Edition
2 years ago
Cape Town has so much to offer. There’s Table Mountain, the Waterfront, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch, and so much more. If you’re planning a trip to Cape Town or if you’re a local already, then there’s no better way to travel than by the City Sightseeing red buses. It was a sunny Wednesday morning; we ubered…
Snapshots
My ticket to freedom
2 years ago
I have always been too embarrassed and ashamed to admit this: When I see this train, I am reminded of a time when I had to forge train tickets in order to go to school. The ticket below has a QR code. So it would be impossible to forge now. Below is the what I…
Snapshots
Gugu’s Gogo Demands Respect
2 years ago
Soaking her sore swollen feet and enjoying a hot cup of tea was all that was on Gog’ Vatiswa’s mind as she sat in the Venture taxi. At 79 years of age, standing in a queue for most of the day to receive her Sassa grant was no fun. “This government really doesn’t care about…
Snapshots
Not quite singing in the rain
3 years ago
It was a breezy Thursday afternoon at Oriel Park when some pals and I decided to disperse and head home before the heavily pregnant clouds above us gave birth to much-needed rain. Not convinced that I would get drenched on the way home, I walked up towards Van Buuren Road with no particular sense of…
Snapshots
Gugu’s Taxi Ride
3 years ago
It was an uncharacteristically chilly summer morning in Orange Farm when Gugu, a full figured beauty, was about to climb into a Quantum on her way to Jozi Maboneng. At this time of the morning most of her fellow passengers were familiar to her, except for the two gents who rudely pushed past her to…
Student Life
Stress, Sleep, Study
2 years ago
As a student and a full-time employee, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to balance the demands of school, work, and personal life. Sometimes I feel like I'm drowning in deadlines and responsibilities, and it can be hard to find the time to just breathe and relax. But I've learned that with some…
Student Life
Tips for Crushing Your University Applications!
2 years ago
Are you ready to kickstart your journey towards higher education and crush your university applications? Whether you're the first in your family to consider university or seek guidance, fear not because we've got you covered. In this article, we'll dive into all the practical tips and resources you need to prepare for university applications like…
Student Life
Unleash the fun: Holiday Activities To Make the Most of Your Time Off School!
2 years ago
It's that time of the year again - school holidays are finally here! It's the perfect time to take a well-deserved break from studying and focus on exploring new interests and learning new things. School holidays are an excellent opportunity to recharge, bond with friends and family, and engage in activities that promote personal growth…
Style Secrets
Skin Cycling
a year ago
In the vast world of beauty and skincare trends, a recent buzz has been around skin cycling. Popularised by dermatologist Dr Whitney Bowe on TikTok, this nighttime skincare routine focuses on using fewer products in a specific way to achieve healthier-looking skin. Let's delve into the routine and explore what experts have to say about…
Style Secrets
Having your best Glow up
a year ago
Have you ever experienced a glow-up? You know, that amazing process of positive personal transformation that involves changes to your appearance and style and even boosts your confidence? It's all about embracing who you are, making healthy changes physically and mentally, and being happy in your own skin. I had the chance to chat with…
Style Secrets
Thrifting or Vintage Shopping?
2 years ago
As a teen or young adult, you might be wondering how you can make a positive impact on the environment while still enjoying fashion. The good news is that there is a growing trend of thrifting and vintage shopping in South Africa that allows you to do just that! One of the biggest benefits of…
Word Of the Week
New year, new me
2 years ago
So it’s that time of the year again. You know, the time when you hear many people say, “New year, me.” It is very common to start a new year's resolution on this day. This can be to give something up, like sweets or chocolate, so you can be healthier. Example scenarios: “This year is…
Word Of the Week
Ukwaluka
2 years ago
It's that time of the year when boys become men, this traditionally happened between the ages of 16 and 26, though for health and safety concerns the South African government made it illegal for a boy under the age of 18 to go to initiations school. The ceremony is when mothers can show off their…
Word Of the Week
Slay, not sleigh
2 years ago
I’m sure you’ve heard or even read in the comment section on social media when girls or women praise each other by saying, “Slay, queen!” According to Dictionary.com slay, in this particular context, means, “to do something spectacularly well,” especially when it comes to fashion, artistic performance, or self-confidence.” Example scenarios: When your bestie posts…
Work-Wise
Her Name is Mbali Nhlapho, and She’s a Housekeeper
5 months ago
With her sweet catchphrase, “My name is Mbali Nhlapho, and I’m a housekeeper”, captivating audiences, the charismatic 40-year-old uses TikTok and other online networks to share cleaning tips with audiences. In her videos, Mbali often uses everyday household products, such as vinegar, lemons, toothpaste, and bicarbonate of soda, to remove stains, get rid of bugs,…
Work-Wise
Work Etiquette
a year ago
Starting a new job can be stressful, and once you’ve gone through the interview process, things can seem a little bit easier. But you should be mindful of how you conduct yourself at work. There are some things that may not be wise to share at work, there are some things that may not be…
Work-Wise
Young and Unemployed
a year ago
In the challenging landscape of youth unemployment, Tasneem Eckardt, a 23-year-old from Mitchell's Plain, finds herself among the countless young individuals grappling with the daunting task of securing employment, particularly with no prior work experience fresh out of high school. According to the latest data from StatsSA's Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the first…
Work-Wise
YES for Youth Employment
a year ago
Youth unemployment is at an all-time high, with 62,1% of the youth unemployed in South Africa. To help address this issue, the Youth Employment Service (YES), also known as Yes4Youth, was established in 2018 and has created over 107 355 jobs. YES is an non-profit organisation funded by the private sector. The YES programme aims…
Work-Wise
Student creates job-seeking app
2 years ago
Looking for a job has never been easier in today’s age of technology, but finding a job is becoming increasingly difficult. A report by StatsSA stated,  “According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the first quarter of 2022, the unemployment rate was 63,9% for those aged 15-24 and 42,1% for those aged 25-34 years,…
Work-Wise
How to teach English in Korea: A guide for South Africans
2 years ago
Have a student loan? Need to find a job using your degree? Dream of traveling? Teaching English in South Korea suits all three.  South Korea (AKA: The Republic of Korea) is a small East Asian country with a population size similar to South Africa, even though its geographic size is closer to KwaZulu-Natal. Since the…
Work-Wise
Workplace 101: The importance of a strong work ethic
2 years ago
For some of us, 2023 is the year we begin our journey into the working world. Whether part-time or permanent, a packer or cashier, a call centre agent, in-service training, or your first job post-graduation, all these roles have something in common: employers require a committed, trustworthy employee with a strong work ethic. But what…
Work-Wise
Career Spotlight: Coding
2 years ago
Have you ever wondered how our phones or computer work, or even how to build an app? The technology behind is called coding (developing) and it’s a computer language. According to Computer Science Degree Hub, “Coding is basically the computer language used to develop apps, websites, and software. Without it, we’d have none of the…
Work-Wise
Job hunting: red and green flags
2 years ago
You finally get an interview for a job. You’re excited and nervous – a little bit all over the show. You know you can’t mess this up, so you dig deep and go all out to prepare. Here are some red and green flags to look out for when looking for a job: Red flags…
Work-Wise
To be a mentee
2 years ago
"Indlela ibuzwa kwabaphambili" is an isiXhosa proverb I grew up hearing. Loosely translated, it means "we ask for directions from the people in front"; that is, we ask for knowledge from those who know and have walked that journey before us. That is essentially what the practice of mentorship is: inspiring, teaching and guiding from…
Work-Wise
Must-haves when looking for a job
2 years ago
So, we all know the basics to have when looking and applying for a job right? CV and cover letter? But what about the process of applying. It used to be common practice to print out your CV and hand it to the recruiter, but these days everything is digital. We search up online, we…
Work-Wise
Work it!
2 years ago
There is something about being exposed to the real world – the real world of work, specifically – that helps young adults morph from the young to the adult part of that phrase. As an educator at a technical institution of learning, which sent their learners off for a period of in-service training/internship – before…
Work-Wise
Critical Skills: Becoming an Accountant
3 years ago
Are you a person who enjoys being organised and pays attention to detail? Are numbers also your thing? Do you find that you’re not so interested in abstract algebraic numbers, but you enjoy the structured approach of numbers when working out your finances? If this sounds like you, have you thought about becoming an accountant?…