Actress Simz Ngema has shared her thoughts on the other side of “pretty privilege” in the entertainment industry — the unflattering assumption that a pretty face equals no brains or talent.

The actress, who shared her thoughts in an interview for the upcoming Tropika: Island of Treasure show, said in her career, the biggest challenge she’d faced was the need to constantly prove her capabilities.

“The biggest challenge I have faced throughout my career is fitting in. The minute that you are pretty, people think you are shallow and you always have to prove yourself. Unfortunately, the entertainment industry is riddled with shallow people, so it doesn’t make the task any easier. For me, I have had to prove myself time and time again to show the country that I have the brains to accompany the beauty,” she said.

Simz previously shared similar sentiments on social media, after she posted pictures of her new house and car, assets she’d worked hard to acquire. She was praised for making good financial decisions.

The actress also spoke about the importance of remaining authentic in an industry that could convince people to change who they were to fit society’s expectations.

“I’ve remained authentic. I’ve always been myself. There is so much fakeness in this industry and in society in general. We live in a social media world where people want to show you what they own and present a fabulous life, but no-one wants to show you their challenges or their souls, or even to be vulnerable. People always relay a message that everything is great, while I am not afraid to admit that my life isn’t perfect. I have gone through some really difficult situations over the past few years and being authentic has helped me to be strong and, eventually, accept fate and move on,” she said.

Simz will be fighting it out on Tropika: Island of Treasure for a chance to win some cold, hard cash and cool prizes.

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Today’s the day! ? #Tropika Island of Treasure episode 1 airs tonight on SABC 3! Which smoooth fan will join me on #TeamTropical? Tune in, see you there ??

A post shared by Simphiwe Ngema (@simzngema) on Mar 3, 2020 at 12:36am PST

“This is probably the hardest decision I’ve had to make and it’s a bittersweet moment as I bid farewell to something that I’ve been doing for the last 11 years”

Veteran broadcaster DJ Fresh is rallying behind radio personality Thando Thabethe after the star revealed that she had resigned from 5FM.

Thando announced her exit as the host of the SABC radio station’s afternoon drive show on Tuesday, saying she was “dropping the mic after six years at 5FM and 11 years on radio”.

ThaBooty, as she is known in these streets, added that she will host her last show on Thursday.

And so…I’ve dropped the mic..after 6 years at 5 and 11 years on radio! This is it. I’ve decide to focus on other spheres in my life … thank you to everyone that’s listened to my show, I’m nothing without you. #EverybodyLovesThabooty ❤️??my final show will be this Thursday… pic.twitter.com/jE5ul1XdOK

— Thando Thabooty (@Thando_Thabethe) March 3, 2020

Fresh, who knows all too well how Thando may be feeling, reached out to her on Twitter, saying, ” … and was sadly probably not the most difficult decision to make! ‍A sad loss for radio!”

Last year, Metro FM terminated Fresh’s contract with immediate effect after he used “foul language” on air.

….. and was sadly probably not the most difficult decision to make!!! ??‍♂ Sad loss for radio!! 🙁 https://t.co/OjstxRGnXP

— DJ Fresh (Big Dawg) (@DJFreshSA) March 3, 2020

In her resignation letter, Thando said, “This is probably the hardest decision I’ve had to make and it’s a bittersweet moment as I bid farewell to something that I’ve been doing for the last 11 years, and grown to love and cherish so much.”

Thando, who was the first woman to host the drive time show on 5FM, expressed that The Thabooty Drive was her baby and a really big moment in her career.

Thando is now focusing on the next chapter in her life, which is acting and growing her business.

Sport presenter Mpho Letsholonyane has lifted the lid about an alleged racial profiling incident at a Dis-Chem store in Dainfern on Wednesday morning.

“When you have two women with full trolleys, one black, one white, both walk into a store and you hear a person in the control room tell the security on the floor to keep an eye on the black woman because clearly she must be there with ill intentions since she walked in with a full trolley!

“I’m the black woman this morning at Dis-Chem Dainfern,” she wrote on Twitter.

Mpho said she was “offended” that someone “decided”, based on her skin colour, that her presence in the store raised a red flag.

“The fact that there was a whole other human being who walked in with me, who didn’t raise a security flag, perhaps because of the colour of her skin, is extremely offensive to me!” she said, telling the company to “do better”.

Dis-Chem issued a brief statement expressing its disappointment at the treatment she received.

“Hi Mpho, we are disappointed to hear about your experience at our Dainfern store and thank you for reaching out to us. Please DM us your contact details so we can escalate this to senior management to look into and provide you with feedback,” the company said.

When you have 2 women with full trolleys, 1 black 1 white, both walk into a store and you hear a person in the control room tell the security on the floor to keep an eye on the black woman coz clearly she must be there will ill intensions since SHE walked in with a full trolley!

— Mpho Letsholonyane (@M_Letsholonyane) March 4, 2020

Hi Mpho, we are disappointed to hear about your experience at our Dainfern store and thank you for reaching out to us. Please DM us your contact details so we can escalate this to Senior Management to look into and provide you with feedback.

— Dis-Chem (@Dischem) March 4, 2020

After weeks of speculation, e.tv has finally confirmed that actress Kgomotso Christopher will be leaving hit soapie Scandal!

News of her “temporarily exiting the show” was revealed in a statement by the channel on Wednesday.

“Kgomotso Christopher, who plays the overly forward and busybody character of Yvonne on daily e.tv soapie Scandal!, will be temporarily exiting the show. Her last on-air appearance in the current storyline will be on June 2, 2020,” the statement read.

Kgomotso had been part of the show for four years and recently decided to embrace a new venture in her career.

“As my last day in YV’s shoes approaches, I can’t help but reminisce about the thrill ride it’s been to navigate this gem of a character, gifted to me by the dedicated and talented Scandal! writers. Scandal! will always hold a special place in my heart because through the efforts, talents, and love of the cast and crew.

“I grew so much as an artist and experienced so many career milestones, including my SAFTA Best Actress win and recent Best Supporting Actress nomination,” Kgomotso added.

Fans can still look forward to loads of drama from her character in the coming two months until her exit, with Yvonne set to attend to an emergency involving a critical family member who desperately needs her attention.

Rumours of her departure first surfaced last month when her character said she would be leaving the country.

The show’s Twitter account then fuelled the rumours further by teasingly asking if it could be true.

Fans flooded the comments section, pleading with the production not to let her go.

Oh, YV! Are you truly leaving us? #BackToHerRoots #etvScandal pic.twitter.com/wevKje3YNA

— Scandal! (@etvScandal) February 4, 2020

The week is yet to come to an end and some of mzansi faves have been dishing out sizzling selfie snaps.

Here are some celebs whose selfie game is top notch;

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Letting my 5head breathe. ??? I’m enjoying this look. ?❤️ Thank you @queensstudio_sa ? #Lashes: @coollookbeauty #OwnYourThrone?

A post shared by Boitumelo Thulo (@boity) on Mar 3, 2020 at 11:11am PST

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Trust the vibes, energy doesn't lie…?

A post shared by Minnie (@minniedlamini) on Mar 3, 2020 at 11:17pm PST

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Love, Peace & Happiness ✌?

A post shared by Leratokganyago? (@leratokganyago) on Mar 3, 2020 at 10:20am PST

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?

A post shared by Buhle Samuels (@buhlesamuels) on Mar 3, 2020 at 11:16am PST

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I had a dream⭐️

A post shared by LADY ZAMAR (@lady_zamar) on Mar 3, 2020 at 10:05pm PST

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…not everyone needs to know everything. I hope you protect your space and your peace. Sending you love and light ✨ I felt cute with this polka vibe on my head today… happy Tuesday loves ?

A post shared by P E A R L ? M O D I A D I E (@pearlmodiadie) on Mar 3, 2020 at 8:05am PST

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Hi ? ladies @hairweavemasterssa is selling this bob- fringe for R1000, head to their website and thank me later ?

A post shared by Sinqobile Tusani (@seenqo2) on Mar 3, 2020 at 9:21am PST

Actresses Rami Chuene, Zenande Mfenyana and Nokuthula Mavuso have weighed in on a young actors versus established actors debate that was sparked on Twitter after a well-known scriptwriter said the kind of abuse young actresses endure at the hands of the older ones was shocking.

Rami commented on Phathu Makwarela’s tweet about how, in his experience, Mzansi will have no one to stan if the truth were to come out about how the “loved” and established actresses mistreat the young and upcoming generation.

“The day young and upcoming actresses open up about the abuse they’ve had to endure at the hands of established actresses that we venerate, we’ll have no one to stan. Some of our idols don’t take imminent retirement well,” Phathu said.

Rami was one of the first actresses to share her views on the matter. Speaking from her personal experience, the veteran actress said she has no time to beef with the youngin’, and that for her as long as they are willing to learn, she’s always willing to help them flourish to their fullest potential.

“Phathu o bolela ka proper actors not bo motšwaoswere le bo ‘I wanna be famous’. I personally don’t have time for those. Coming to work unprepared is an epic fail for me cos your straight teeth and blank, expressionless face are not going to cut it.”

“Both men and women. Acceptance is key. I’m over 40, I can’t be fighting with a 25-year-old!” Rami said.

Zenande, who plays the role of Goodness Mabuza on The Queen, revealed that she has personally experienced such abuse, and said that one day when she’s ready, she would share the story.

“I experienced this, and one day I’ll have the courage to speak up about it openly. The abuse from older actresses onto younger ones needs to stop. Enough is enough.”

Abomama actress Nokuthula Mavuso said the young actors needed to own up to their actions that may contribute towards the treatment they receive.

She gave an example in which an unnamed young actress almost always wasted everybody’s time by coming to set unprepared.

Read the rest of the conversation below.

The day young upcoming actresses open up about the abuse they've had to endure at the hands of established actresses that we venerate … we'll have no one to stan! Some of our idols don't take imminent retirement well…

— PhathuMakwarela (@PhathuMakwarela) February 28, 2020

Ey mara le bona the new ones…go nale ba go sa. Rea ba tseba. E noba mabitso a tura. You're telling one story but motho is hellbent on making it impossible. They don't prepare, waste everyone's time, disrespect wardrobe and makeup staff. Giving weird energy nje.

— ?Nokuthula Mavuso (@NoxNonozi) February 28, 2020

The moment you make it your job to leave your house and go to work to terrorise a child at work …. hai guys, make it make sense.

— PhathuMakwarela (@PhathuMakwarela) February 28, 2020

Ey mara le bona the new ones…go nale ba go sa. Rea ba tseba. E noba mabitso a tura. You're telling one story but motho is hellbent on making it impossible. They don't prepare, waste everyone's time, disrespect wardrobe and makeup staff. Giving weird energy nje.

— ?Nokuthula Mavuso (@NoxNonozi) February 28, 2020

The day young upcoming actresses open up about the abuse they've had to endure at the hands of established actresses that we venerate … we'll have no one to stan! Some of our idols don't take imminent retirement well…

— PhathuMakwarela (@PhathuMakwarela) February 28, 2020

The day young upcoming actresses open up about the abuse they've had to endure at the hands of established actresses that we venerate … we'll have no one to stan! Some of our idols don't take imminent retirement well…

— PhathuMakwarela (@PhathuMakwarela) February 28, 2020

DJ Zinhle has been mum on her break-up with rapper AKA since news of their split broke.

However the “Umlilo” hitmaker has finally broken her silence.

Speaking to Drum Magazine , she shared that the reason behind her silence on the split was due to being booked and busy.

Family and work are important to Zinhle, who said: “I am fine, I’m genuinely fine. I just have been overworked.”

She said as far as her relationship with her baby daddy was concerned, they were civil towards each other and “one big happy family”.

“Kiernan, my mom and I, everyone is just getting along. Our break-up hasn’t broken up the family.

“It doesn’t have to be a romantic relationship to make a family work and that is what we are trying to do now.”

The duo ended their romance at the end of last year.

Rumours of their break up started when Zinhle went on holiday with her BFF Pearl Thusi to Mauritius and AKA jetted off to South Korea on a solo holiday.

After weeks of speculation, AKA confirmed their break-up in an interview on Metro FM in January.

The “Fela In Versace “hitmaker told DJs Sphectacula and Naves: “It’s been a crazy start to the year, I had to go away. I went on holiday. I was just speaking off-air that I went on a very cold holiday. As people might have noticed it’s my first holiday being a single man for many, many years.”

Last month AKA also tweeted: “I’ve been single since 2019. What was I supposed to do? Inform you?”

This is not the first time that AKA and DJ Zinhle have parted ways. WHen they first broke up, AKA had cheated with Bonang Matheba. It is no secret that Bonang and DJ Zinhle have not been on good terms ever since it was rumoured that Bonang was dating AKA. DJ Zinhle called it quits with AKA after a 3-year long relationship in 2015, this after DJ Zinhle accused the rapper of having an affair with Bonang.

AKA and Bonang finally decided to go public about their relationship, which has since collapsed.

Meanwhile, AKA’s mother Lynn Forbes has shown a great deal of loyalty towards DJ Zinhle, who is the mother of her granddaughter.

The pair have displayed a good relationship over the years, despite AKA and Zinhle’s messy breakups.

The businesswoman spoke to DRUM Magazine on where she and Kairo’s mom stand. Glammy, as some know her by, has said that her relationship with the DJ will never change and the love is still there.

“My relationship with Zinhle is never going to change and neither will my relationship with Kiernan (AKA). I love them both dearly and I support both. They’re amazing kids. My relationship with Zinhle is never going to change,” she said.

The couple is notorious for having an on and off relationship, but that has never hindered Lynns’ relationship with Zinhle. In fact, if you may recall during their first breakup, Lynn’s relationship with her son was strained. This was caused by her loyalty to DJ Zinhle.

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Tis the season … ❤️

A post shared by Lynn Forbes ?? (@lynnforbesza) on Dec 26, 2019 at 2:36am PST

But as much as mommy dearest loves his ex, AKA has clearly moved with his new bae, Nellie Tembe.

Amid growing controversy that this week saw singer Jabulani Hadebe, known professionally as Sjava, removed from the line-up of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, the artist finally broke his silence about rape allegations against him in a statement on Tuesday.

Sjava denied the allegations made by his former lover, musician Lady Zamar, who had opened a case of rape against him in November last year. She reportedly claimed she was raped after the two performed at the Royal Heritage Festival in Limpopo in 2017. In his statement, Sjava revealed that his lawyers had sent a letter of demand to Lady Zamar in November after she had accused him of abusing her following one of his shows on October 27.

A day after they served summons on her for a case of defamation, 13 November, Lady Zamar opened the rape case, he said. Sjava added that he had then cooperated with the police, who had told him they were still investigating, including interviewing witnesses, and that he had not been charged. By January, it was still being decided whether he would be prosecuted, he was told.

By February, Sjava’s legal team apparently pushed ahead with the defamation lawsuit against his accuser, after which Sjava was contacted by tabloid Sunday Sun, who informed him they were writing an article about the alleged rape. He took issue with some of the questions posed to him, including one about Lady Zamar’s “ulterior motives”, which he believed would have been better put to her directly

Sjava has now accused the police of breaking protocols for allegedly talking to the media about his case despite the musician not having been charged yet. He explained that he had refrained from answering questions about the case because, among other things, he had received advice from the police not to. He could, however, not remain silent due to the massive attention the case was getting and the effect it was having on him. He said “we are looking at our options” with regards to the SAPS “talking to the media/public”.

Sanibonani. pic.twitter.com/za08CXpHF2

— Sjava indlalifa (@Sjava_atm) March 3, 2020

It’s funny how a week can change a man from being petty to being kind. Prince Kaybee is that miracle when he came for DJ Zinhle‘s defense after a troll came for her on social media.

Prince Kaybee was not having the cyber bullying that was directed at DJ Zinhle when she posted a picture, slaying us to pieces (as per usual). But a troll reared its ugly head and pointed out the most obscure thing to make fun of her for. According to Briefly.com, the tweet was posted and shortly deleted once Prince Kaybee retweeted and commented on the distasteful post.

URGH! This troll is clearly a bored clout chaser and upon closer observation on the trolls socials, he loves the attention. He has been retweeting the posts that agree with him and those that disagree with him.

As for Prince Kaybee, we’re super impressed by his turn around from the last few weeks, where he had been fighting with Maphorisa about….everything? Going tit-for-tat over the pettiest things on social media.

URGH! This troll is clearly a bored clout chaser and upon closer observation on the trolls socials, he loves the attention. He has been retweeting the posts that agree with him and those that disagree with him.

As for Prince Kaybee, we’re super impressed by his turn around from the last few weeks, where he had been fighting with Maphorisa about….everything? Going tit-for-tat over the pettiest things on social media.

The speculation that DJ Zinhle got involved and mediated the situation towards the tail end of the feud, must have had some truth to it because Prince Kaybee has taken to DJ Zinhle’s defense with the quickness and shortly after, the beef between Maphorisa and Prince Kaybee went a little quiet. But only a little.