Culture
Echoes Through Time
a week 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
a week 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
3 weeks 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…
Did you know?
Why we dream
6 months 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
9 months 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…
Did you know?
In A Pickle: The Fascinating History of Cape Town's Beloved Pickled Fish Dish
12 months ago
Picklefish, a beloved dish in the Cape for Good Friday, has a long and fascinating history. As the name suggests, pickled fish combines fish and spices, creating a unique and flavourful dish. But where did this iconic dish originate, and how did it become a staple of Cape cuisine? From its humble beginnings in the…
Digital Literacy
Hope Shines
16 hours ago
In today's digital age, access to technology and online platforms is no longer just a luxury but a necessity. This remains a significant, ever-increasing barrier to education and employment for South African youth. With platforms like LinkedIn, the job recruitment process is only moving closer to being completely online and educational resources are becoming more…
Digital Literacy
Chatbots: Friends or Foes?
2 months ago
Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots have become an integral part of our daily lives in today's tech-savvy world. These digital companions have gained immense popularity and play a significant role in how we interact with technology. But as AI chatbots continue to evolve, it's essential to explore the question: Can an AI chatbot be your best…
Digital Literacy
Finding love in the digital age
5 months ago
I don’t know about you, but I know I have gone through some rough breakups. I was 14, and, I will admit, this was before the days of Instagram and Tinder. I had the biggest crush on one of the boys in my class. He played rugby, he was cute, he was rich, and he…
Foodie
From Bubble tea to Corn dogs
10 months 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
a year 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
Navigating Men's Body
10 months 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
11 months 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…
Gents
From Late Texts to Fatherhood
11 months ago
Safe sex is great sex, so better wear a latex if you don't want to get that late text, telling you, 'I'm late' text." Lil Wayne may have rapped these lyrics in his song Lollipop, but they hold more truth than some people realize. I didn't take this advice and received that dreaded late text…
Gents
Breaking the Mold: SA Men Redefine Masculinity and Challenge Gender Stereotypes
12 months ago
Have you ever stopped to think about how masculinity is portrayed in South African society? From TV shows to sports, we're bombarded with images of tough, dominant men who never show any weakness or vulnerability. This can lead to toxic masculinity. Toxic masculinity refers to harmful and limiting beliefs and behaviours associated with traditional societal…
Gents
Hood 007
2 years ago
For years James Bond fans have wanted a black James Bond, with many suggesting Idris Elba be given the role. I mean, it’s Idris – he has the charm, the charisma, and the voice to nail the famous “The name’s Bond, James Bond” line with ease.  I think I would play that role better than…
Gents
Let’s shake on it
2 years ago
I grew up with my grandma and she used different phrases from what I knew for everything. She used izihlonipho in isiXhosa – respectful, traditional phrases, not the more modern,  sometimes slangy ones I used. She called hands, “Izamkeli”, which loosely translates to gestures of welcome.  “Bamba indwendwe izamkeli Thandile,”  she would say. For my…
Gents
School of hard knocks
2 years ago
IKasi is said to have lazy youth, but I think the lack of job creation has more to do with it. Young people have shown time and time again that they aren’t lazy; they just need resources, role models and opportunities to lift themselves. This is something youth development activist, Mboneleli ‘Mbo’ Gqirana, can attest…
Gents
Puff N Pass, away?
2 years ago
“Baby, pass me the hookah!” This Young Thug lyric from 2014 is still very much doing the rounds today, as the hookah pipe sets Mzansi alight. The hookah pipe is a Persian invention from the 16th century. It made its debut in Southern Africa by the late 1900s, but it was only in the mid-2010s…
Gents
Podcasts and misogyny
2 years ago
A Twitter user, Flossyjay tweeted: “Why do men start podcasts instead of going to therapy?” I was confused about what the one has to do with the other. Until I went into the thread and really understood what prompted the question. Various women were talking about men who have started podcasts or are co-hosts and…
Gents
Hosting our girlfriends
2 years ago
Majita, I know we think that some women complain about almost everything about us. If you are on social media, then you should know the “indoda must…”, which is basically a way of some women trying to dictate to men how to act and behave. Often the things some women say we must have are…
Gents
Cleanliness is close to Godliness
2 years ago
Ola majita! It’s time to talk grooming and personal hygiene. Men are sometimes considered to have lower grooming and personal hygiene standards than women, oops – we’re taking Ls. An American Cleaning Institute study found that men are less likely to wash their hands after petting an animal, before and after handling food, and coughing…
Gents
“Men, You Are On Your Own”
2 years ago
WARNING: This piece refers to suicide. Emergency and counselling contact details are provided at the end of the article. The passing of rapper Riky Rick shocked many people, including me. I have been close to that edge a number of times and thought of jumping. I never did – but I understood him and other…
Gents
Abafowethu – Brotherhood
2 years ago
On the 12th of December 2021, my friends and I were involved in a traumatic event that involved shooting. Living in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, one of the most dangerous cities in the world, we hear gunshots every day from breakfast to supper. Even so, none of us, before that day, had ever been close to…
Girl Talk
Mind the Gender Gap
3 days ago
Have you ever jumped on the Gautrain and wondered why the ticket feels like it's eating your wallet? Especially during the holiday rush, when "Mind the Gap" becomes more than just a safety reminder—it's a glimpse into the wider gap we're navigating: the gender wealth gap in South Africa. Forking out R3,595 for a Gautrain…
Girl Talk
Beyond the Crown
2 weeks ago
Oh, beauty pageants, those glittering spectacles of glamour that have strutted through the decades, often getting side-eye for celebrating a pretty narrow slice of beauty - all sparkle, no substance, right? Wrong! It's time to toss that old script out the window because pageants like Miss South Africa are flipping the narrative, mixing beauty with…
Girl Talk
Breaking Codes and Stereotypes
3 weeks ago
"During my second year, I heard about the shortages of black females in tech, and it was always a wow factor when people heard what I was studying. I suppose it was surprising at the time to have any interest, being black and female," Nozipho, a 28-year-old Information Security Specialist, shares her empowering journey within…
Health
Caught Napping
3 weeks ago
In today's fast-paced world, where the pressure to constantly perform and produce never seems to let up, napping emerges not just as an act of self-care but as a powerful tool for mental and physical rejuvenation. Taking our cue from the Nap Ministry, founded by Tricia Hersey, this movement champions napping as a form of…
Health
Boost Your Wellness
3 months ago
Being healthy can be a challenge, but being unwell because of poor choices is even worse. Start 2024 off the right way and kick into gear. 2023 was a challenging year for many of us, but there’s no better time than now to leave the heartbreak and pain behind and start the new year in…
Health
Hung up on Hangovers
3 months ago
Waking up on the first day of the new year, I felt a sense of relief and clarity, having said goodbye to alcohol. But as I looked at my friends and down the street, I saw a different story. Eyes red and tired, everyone seemed to be showing off their hangovers like trophies. Why has…
How to
Immune-boosting natural remedies
8 months 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
a year 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
a year 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…
Life Advice
What Comic Characters Teach Us
10 months 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…
Life Advice
Parent Power
10 months ago
Parenthood is a remarkable journey that many of us may embark on someday, and as teenagers, it's essential to reflect on the profound impact parents have on our lives. On the occasion of the Global Day of Parents, we celebrate and honour the incredible dedication, love, and sacrifices that parents around the world make to…
Life Advice
Romance on a Budget
11 months ago
Hey there, budget-conscious lovebirds! Who says you must break the bank to have a good time with your partner? Here are ten budget-friendly date ideas that will help you spark joy in your relationship without spending a fortune:​​ Go for a walk  As cliché as this may sound, taking a walk on the beach or…
Mindspace
Let them
2 weeks ago
Living up to societal expectations can leave one feeling lost and overwhelmed. The 'Let Them' theory, popularised by Mel Robbins, frees an individual from the anxiety of other people's opinions. It inspires people to live true to who they are, express themselves freely, and establish clear limits. This approach suggests letting people have their views…
Mindspace
A Peaceful Farewell
2 weeks ago
"Two things are inevitable in this life: taxes and death." This quip, often shared with a mix of humour and resignation, underscores a truth we all face. Alua Arthur, a death doula, pushes this conversation further into the light. Through her work, including her widely acclaimed TED Talk, Arthur directly addresses the inevitability of death,…
Mindspace
Relax, Time Isn’t Running Out
3 weeks ago
Let's talk about something that's been on my mind lately. The year has just started, and we have set several resolutions and goals for ourselves. We set these to help us manifest and take control of our lives. But have you had that feeling where it seems like you're a passenger in your own life,…
Money Matters
350 Degrees or R350: The Heat is On in South Africa
5 days 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
4 weeks 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
a month 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?…
People on the move
Curator Phokeng Setai
5 months 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
7 months 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
8 months 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
Confronting Shadows
4 weeks ago
At Fundza, we recognise the nuanced challenges that racism continues to present in South African society. As we observe Black History Month in America, a time dedicated to recognizing the significant contributions and struggles of African Americans, we're reminded of the universal struggle against racial prejudice and discrimination. As we reflect on the progress made…
Politics
My Road to Awareness
2 months ago
I recently saw a post on Twitter/X asking readers what moment radicalised them. Radicalise is such an intense word. I’d like to rephrase the question: When did you know that the world is unfair and that you should do something about it? This article is my story. My answer to this question. With elections coming…
Politics
Now let’s get in formation
4 months ago
We live in the age of socio-political movements spread through digital platforms and applications like posts and tweets. We have figureheads like Beyonce calling us to attention and have registering to vote made easier to do through online portals. However, as a student, I have seen many individuals my age shrug off the chance to…
Snapshots
My matric ball
6 months 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
a year 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?
a year 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…
Student Life
Stress, Sleep, Study
11 months 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!
11 months 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!
12 months 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
9 months 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
10 months 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?
11 months 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
a year 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
a year 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
a year 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
Work Etiquette
7 months 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
10 months 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
10 months 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…