Category Archives: Sa News

Here’s the Gallo #Quarantunes playlist to keep you jiving today

Here’s the Gallo #Quarantunes playlist to keep you jiving today
Idols SA 2017 winner Paxton Fielies. Image: Gallo/Sade Thompson

It’s day eight of the 21-day national lockdown, implemented to curb the spread of Covid-19, and many people have already exhausted their three-week to-do list. Do not fret.

We come bearing good news with a playlist to help get you through the days and nights.

Although everyone is prohibited from hitting an actual groove, Gallo and its artists have created specific playlists to help South Africans get through another weekend in lockdown.

Here are the top five weekend “move your feet” beats:

Its Alright by Rubber Duc
No Distractions by Paxton
Your Princess Is In Another Castle by Loui London
Here I Am off Portal album by Grassy Spark
Savanna by Josh Wantie
Gallo general manager Rob Cowling said the stable wanted to do its bit to help South Africans get through this difficult time of physical distancing, and what better way to do this than with hit songs.

“The idea is to still remain sensitive to the crisis, but show we can be resilient as a society.

“If we can help the process and make it a little more bearable and easier for society through our artists’ music. If it helps people to focus and is a reminder to follow the key recommendations to stay clean and safe, and prevent the spread of the virus, then Gallo has succeeded in trying to do our bit to help.”

To show how committed Gallo is to help make the lockdown period easier for South Africans, songs have been selected for various playlists according to particular themes.

Cowling said: “We have specifically done it like that — and not restricted to a certain platform only — so all fans and music lovers can listen or download on their preferred platform, and no-one is excluded because of using a specific service or device.”

As you count the days to that last day of lockdown, make the isolation period less stressful by finding a playlist that works for you.

Watch! Skeem Saam Ladies Take On The Viral Makeup Challenge

Watch! Skeem Saam Ladies Take On The Viral Makeup Challenge

Watch! Skeem Saam Ladies Take On The Viral Makeup Challenge #DontTrustChallenge! In case you’re deep in lockdown and haven’t seen the viral makeup challenge called the “don’t trust challenge” that has taken over social media, we have the best one for you.

Our local beauties have taken on the challenge and nailing it. From the top influencers like Mihlali Ndamase to actresses like Linda Mtoba, yummy mummies like Lootlove and Bontle Modiselle, the ladies snapped and we loved to see it.

Skeem Saam women came together and did the challenge together. We already know how gorgeous they are but we loved how they put a spin on it when Lerato didn’t transform because the makeup was finished. Watch the funny and hot challenge below.

Here’s Linda Mtoba and her girls taking on the challenge.
Bontle Modiselle gathered her fellow yummy mummies for the challenge too.

GOOD NEWS: Grieving families can now apply for permits to travel for funerals

GOOD NEWS: Grieving families can now apply for permits to travel for funerals

The bereaved will now be allowed to travel to and from funerals for the remainder of the national shutdown.

The minister of co-operative governance and traditional affairs Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma yesterday gazetted new regulations that provides for people to apply for permits to be on the road during this time.

The first set of lockdown regulations, which were put by the minister last week placed a moratorium on all public gatherings except for funerals but didn’t provide for any sort of exemption from the 21-day forced stay at home in order to travel to and from funerals. As a result , the Mpumalanga High court was left with no option but to dismiss an urgent application by a man in Mbombela to be allowed to travel from the province to the Eastern cape to bury his father.

The new regulations which were published yesterday however allowed for the movement of grieving children, siblings, parents, grandparents and partners along with people closely affiliated to the deceased person.

Only 50 people per gathering rule still applies as well as the ban on night vigils and those traveling would need a permit from either the magistrate’s office or a police station.

Has Cici given Birth? – Picture

We are not sure if we should congratulate local singer Cici Twala already, the picture she shared might not 100 percent guarantee that she has given birth, although it looks so.

The social media streets are going buck-wild about Cici‘s latest picture on Instagram, whereby she can be seen rocking a tracksuit, with a flat tummy – has our home-girl given birth already?Has Cici given Birth? – Picture

When an award-winning musician, Cici announced her pregnancy on Instagram, many couldn’t contain their excitement and joy. Her pregnancy journey has been well documented across social media, and the masses have virtually followed and supported Cici throughout the entire process.

Has Cici given Birth? – Picture

Prior to her pregnancy, the Ngidinge singer was quite reclusive regarding her private life. Her pregnancy and discreet love life could possibly be catalysts behind her refreshing vulnerability and openness on social media.

Check out this Picture, can you tell:

Has Cici given Birth? – Picture

Therefore, her fan’s immense probing into her latest pregnancy updates, is a bit warranted because they actually felt, as though they were part of her journey.

TheRealNkanyiso: ”Igama lengane uNkanyiso angithi ☺️☺️?.”

MaisNowie: ”Where is the baby bump now? hayii this baby must be a girl I’ve never seen someone so beautiful and preg at the same time ??.”

Oros_Mampofu: ”Yess mummy!? You look amazing.”

In a magazine interview, the Lady-Smith native revealed that her pregnancy, strengthened her belief and faith in God, hence she was told by, several medical practitioner’s that due to her fractured pelvic bones, future pregnancies might be a non-possibility.

The injuries that Cici sustained, were as the result of a lovers tiff between herself and former romantic partner, Arthur Mafokate.

If Cici has actually given birth, she joins a list of fellow celebrities who recently became first-time mothers as well.

Nyaniso Dzedze’s heartfelt Letter to his Wife Yana

Nyaniso Dzedze’s heartfelt Letter to his Wife Yana

After what seemed like the most draining experience for couple Nyaniso Dzedze and his wife Yana Fay Dzedze, he took to Instagram to appreciate her. Nyaniso tumultuously expressed his outrage and disappointment on Instagram, after his wife was detained at OR Tambo International airport in Johannesburg. This occurred when they came back from a trip in Rwanda, a day after President Cyril Ramaphosa introduced travel bans from high-risk countries, to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Nyaniso Dzedze’s heartfelt Letter to his Wife Yana

The actor pleaded with the president and anyone who can help with getting his wife home safely. There was a huge sigh of relief when his wife was released and shared the moment they got reunited on social media. They often say once you go through the storm and make it out alive, it makes one appreciate the person who held you down during those tough times. For the actor, this experience has strengthened their love and shared that with his followers.

Nyaniso Dzedze’s heartfelt Letter to his Wife Yana

“Thank you for this. This love. This journey and these lessons…The past two weeks have shown me that the most brutally challenging situations indeed happen FOR every one of us. Every brutal challenge is a lesson, and every lesson is an opportunity,” he shared.

Nyaniso Dzedze’s heartfelt Letter to his Wife Yana

He pointed out how the past few weeks where his wife was locked up at the detention center, highly exposed to the virus, were actually a lesson for them. You and I are constantly facing every trip, every stumble and trauma filled lock up in detention centres with the simple question… “What’s the message… What’s the lesson?” he wrote.

Lorna Maseko’s cookbook wins 2 international awards

Lorna Maseko’s cookbook wins 2 international awards

Television presenter and celebrity chef Lorna Maseko‘s cookbook, Celebrate With Lorna Maseko, has won two international awards. The book won the best celebrity chef cookbook and best international cookbook awards at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.

Lorna Maseko’s cookbook wins 2 international awards

Lorna shared the exciting news on social media saying in part; “Oh my gosh – Just found out my cookbook #CelebrateWithLornaMaseko has won 2 awards with the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2020.” Lorna Maseko’s cookbook wins 2 international awards. Congratulations!

Lorna Maseko’s cookbook wins 2 international awards

The season finale of #KwaMamkhize left viewers Begging for more

The season finale of #KwaMamkhize left viewers Begging for more

The season finale of Mzansi’s hit reality show KwaMamkhize, left viewers begging for more. The reality show of astute Durban-based entrepreneur Shauwn Mkhize, made her into household name and it captured the hearts of many ordinary South Africans. Centred around her private life with her family, many could not stop heaping praises on her humility and being authentic. Shauwn entertained her viewers with her lavish lifestyle, and her humble demeanour secured her, a special place in the hearts of her fans.

The season finale of #KwaMamkhize left viewers Begging for more

Avid viewers of the show were given a front-row seat into her opulent lifestyle, her big mansion and all her travel experiences. She would flaunt her opulence in a way that South Africans loved and yes, she is just a girl from next door The reality show graced our TV screens in January and it topped the Twitter trends list on the first day of its debut. It was a rollercoaster ride filled with exciting moments.

We got to see popular fitness trainer, Sbahle Mpisane, recover from her horrific car accident and, she even opened up about what led to her separation with her former bae Kaizer Chiefs goalie Itumeleng Khune. Not forgetting, Andile Mpisane who would casually require a copious amount of cash from his mom. Yesterday as the season finale hit our TV screens, viewers were left begging for more and they expressed their views on Twitter about the show overall. Clearly Mamkhize had a successful run because they are demanding another season.

Twitter makes fun of Amanda Black’s new house

Twitter makes fun of Amanda Black’s new house

With everything going on in the world right now, it’s easy to get despondent but one celebrity decided to make sure they used April 1st to make people laugh.

Award-winning musician Amanda Black took to Twitter to announce that she had bought a “new house” on Wednesday.

Twitter makes fun of Amanda Black’s new house

However, the same house in question has been posted before by others who have also claimed it as their own house. Posting pictures of the two-story house, Amanda simply attached the #GirlswithHomes hashtag to the post. Which then sparked a riot on Twitter

Zoleka Mandela remembers Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

Zoleka Mandela remembers Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

The death of struggle icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, political and non-governmental organisations paid tribute to the former anti-apartheid activist, lauding her commitment to the liberation struggle. Affectionately known as the “mother of the nation,” Madikizela-Mandela died aged 81 at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg after a long illness.

Zoleka Mandela remembers Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

The ANC Women’s League acknowledged the role she played in the freedom struggle. She did not die, she multiplied.

Zoleka Mandela remembers Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

We will forever be indebted to her contribution to the struggle,” the league said on social media. The EFF described Madikizela-Mandela as a “liberator,” “freedom fighter” and “mother of the nation”.

EFF commemorates the second anniversary of the passing of Mama Winnie Nomzamo Madikizela-Mandela.

We remembering a liberator, a freedom fighter and mother of the nation

“She multiplied,” the EFF expressed on social media. The Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF) also highlighted her contribution to the struggle.

“Mama Winnie represented a symbol of freedom,” NMF spokesperson Luzuko Koti said. “She represented resilience, persistence and tenacity.

Cuban and Chinese doctors are coming to SA to fight COVID-19

Cuban and Chinese doctors are coming to SA to fight COVID-19

Cuban and Chinese doctors may soon be deployed in SA to reinforce the country’s medical capacity in the fight against the spread of coronavirus in the country.

Health Minister Dr. Zweli Mkhize had asked Cuba and China through the World Health Organisation to send doctors to the country.

The medical practitioners may start arriving as soon as next week.

The request is a sequel to a working meeting between Mkhize and the Cuban ambassador to South Africa, Rodolfo Benitez Verson, on 24 March.

The discussions, attended by Cuban chief of the Medical Brigade in South Africa Dr. Reynaldo Denis de Armas, looked at exchanges between the two countries and how Cuba could assist in the fight against the coronavirus.

Currently, more than 200 Cuban doctors are deployed in eight South African provinces except for the DA-run Western Cape, which declined to participate in the South Africa-Cuba medical doctors’ training programme.

The doctors had been working at various medical facilities providing general and specialist medical needs. Now with COVID-19 in South Africa the doctors have been providing assistance including patient care, medical examinations, transferring of samples and other services to stem the spread of the virus.

A large number of Cuban doctors were recently dispatched to Italy, which has been ravaged by COVID-19, and more have been sent to other countries. More than 700 South African medical students trained under the Nelson Mandela-Fidel Castro Cooperative Program initiated by the two leaders several years ago are expected to graduate soon.

The department said this was the largest graduation of doctors in South African history.

Numerous calls had been made by many within the ANC for Mkhize to ask Havana to send doctors to the country due to the increasing number of infections and deaths due to coronavirus. South Africa has cordial relations with both Cuba and China, which were established post-1994.

Irate ANC opposition leader in the Western Cape legislature Cameron Dugmore has written to Premier Alan Winde expressing concern that the province might not be able to benefit from the deployment of the Cuban doctors as a result of DA policy.

Dugmore said the ANC in the Western Cape welcomed the Cubans to come to the Western Cape because they had the best medical skills to deal with the pandemic.

“A major concern for us is that the province has not been part of the national project to send our students to train in Cuba as doctors. We are thus concerned that the Western Cape government will once against decision not to be part of this initiative which offers support from Cuba,” Dugmore wrote.

He urged Winde, in the interest of getting the best medical expertise to stem the virus in the Western Cape, to welcome the doctors if they were deployed in the province. The ANC MP said they had realized during their oversight visits that many rural communities in the Karoo did not have enough doctors.

“Extra doctors from Cuba and China would no doubt be of assistance in urban communities like Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, and other Cape Flats communities in need of additional medical practitioners. I urge you to put the best interest of the people of the Western Cape ahead of any ideological objections your party might have with Cuba,” said Dugmore.