THE BYO STORY August 2020 (1)

THE BYOONLINE MAGAZINE STORY

COVER STORY

Thembie Ntie Phida

BE INSPIRED

Dorcas Dube

SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE

Deliwe Mtungwazi



Editor’s Note

Ayanda
The future is female

You are a woman and you were created in God’s image. You are enough and very much worthy. You
create life, you nurture, you love, you grow and multiply what is given to you.
She was given a house and she turned it into home. They gave her groceries and she turned them into a
meal. Whatsoever she touches, turns to gold.
In the month of August, we celebrate and recognise women, in all walks of life. We remind them of how pow-
erful they are, how influential they are, how successful they are, how strong and authentic they are, how coura-
geous they are, how gorgeous, beautiful and resilient they are.
Contrary to the belief that we are living in a male dominated world, women provide the foundation of power,
grace, wisdom, justice, creativity and hope. Women are known to have better intuition, emotional focus, patience
and networking ability. The list is endless.
You are worthy, you are a miracle creator, a life giver and all things beautiful. He beat you up and caused pain
in your body, left with scars as a constant reminder of how evil and heartless he is and blamed you for it. He
said hurting, degrading words to you so that you can doubt your self. He emotionally and verbally abused you.
He put another man in your place when your time of promotion came. He told you that you will not be able to
handle this type of job and responsibility. He judged you. He said you wont be able to run your own business or
write a book because that’s a man’s job. He saw you going to school to study geology and laughed his lungs out
because he thought you will not handle it and you will not be able to wear a helmet everyday. WOW. He judged
you wrong.
We are coming for everything they said we couldn’t attain. We are healing from all the pain they inflicted us.
They told us to be ‘just’ strong. We told them that we are not going to be ‘just strong. We will heal, start all over,
grow and be strong. We will run our businesses. We will wear those helmets whilst rocking a pink lipstick.
Remember you are fearless. You were born with fire and wisdom. You were born to name and create your own
destiny. You are more than you can see. You are loved endlessly.

CONTENTS PAGE IG: @zina_zw

ARTS HUB ROSINA NOTHEMBA
-DJ OF THE MONTH TAPELA
LaDee
-STAND UP COMEDY
Miss Dee
-THE DANCER
Michelle Msopero
INSPIRATION
-BE INSPIRED
Dorcas Dube
-SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE
Deliwe Mtungwazi
-WHY I NEVER GAVE UP
Princess Siziba
BUSINESS
- LADY OF THE MONTH
Rachael Voko Ncube
- MY BUSINESS
Amanda Dube
FOOD
-Kokota
LIFESTYLE
-OUT AND ABOUT
-MEMORIES OF A SINGLE MOTHER
-WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A WOMAN
SPORT
- TENNIS
COVER STORY
-Thembie Ntie Phida
FASHION
ELINAH SUCCESS MANGENA

CULTURE
-Amasiko

DEVOTIONS

Patsor Boni Ncube

Women face many struggles in life, some physical others
emotional while others may be psychological. Other
women have given up, others are at the point of giving up.
When facing these challenges, it is important to pause and
reflect. Start from within and build from there. The following
guides will help anyone facing these challenges:
1. Embrace your identity – the real you
- God created us to be unique but all in His likeness
- Do not be a photocopy of someone else, destroying your own
self
- It is okay to be different. You need to embrace your differenc-
es as a woman, do not try to fit in, ultimately your identity will become compromised
- You cannot discover the real you if you are trying to be like everyone else, you are okay as you are
2. Find your dream and run after it
- What is it that you love the most?
- What is it that completes your joy? If you know it run with it and never give up on it. If you don’t know it then
strive to find it. After finding it, you will find a purpose to live for.
3. Have patience and do not be too hard on yourself
- A virtuous woman when faced with so many challenges in life does not not throw in the towel, but perseveres
4. Love and stand up for other women
- Some women are crushed in spirit and dejected. They need someone who will encourage them. Tell them that
they are special, and they can be able to forge ahead.
- Strive to bring change to other women and stir up the best out of them.
5. Move from your comfort zone
- Usually when we become too comfortable and relaxed, we fail to grow, we fail to discover our potential, even
worse, we become stagnant. Have you ever noticed what happens to stagnant water? It accumulates all dirt and
does not let go.
- Learn to find challenges in life in order to discover your strengths and weaknesses. When you stretch yourself,
you will be able to notice even hidden gifts and capabilities that you never thought you had.
6. At some point in life you will make mistakes
- If you do not make mistakes it means you are not doing anything, however, a doer will make mistakes and learn
from them.
- Only focusing on striving to be a perfectionist will land you to so much heartache, frustration, disappointment
and even giving up. What you need to focus on is doing the best you can with what you have without being too
hard on yourself. It’s okay to trip and fall, to feel hurt and vulnerable and then draw knowledge from these so you
will be able to go back and try again
7. Do not allow any form of abuse, be it emotional or physical, break you
- Speak out, do not bottle things inside. That will only break you
- Shout for help, there will always be somebody read to listen, offer a shoulder to lean on and help you to move
on
- Never feel less important, do not allow abuse to break you. A real woman will always pick up the pieces, rebuild
herself and emerge stronger than before
‘A woman is a full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform’ - Diane Marichild

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AUTHOR OF

THE MONTH

I I“WHY I NEVER GAVE UP” (Princess Noma Siziba)
was raised in the city of Bulawayo and that’s was the girl in the background cheering others on, yet
where all my childhood memories are. Having at- having no understanding as to what direction my life
tended Hillside junior, David Livingstone second- was taking. I felt invisible, as if the world couldn’t see
ary school and Luveve High school I can say l grew who l truly was and what l had to offer. I too wanted to
up shielded from the real world because from grade say “mama l made it” but life seemed to be for every-
3,right up to A level l was in boarding school. body else but me, going with the flow soon became what
l conformed to but; “that wasn’t the dream.”
The detour in my life began at a time when l got Years passed but l was still that broken girl who had cost
pregnant soon after high school. I was barely a herself the African dream by having a child outside of
woman and still counting the teens in my years when wedlock. With zero self esteem it meant “where worth is
it became known to me that l was set out to be a not known anything goes.” l would find myself in ver-
mother. The hardest part of my journey was having bally, physically and emotionally abusive relationships.
to make peace with my new reality because in the I lost me so love could also be my name. It was not until
kind of society l grew up in, l had stripped myself l experienced the most harrowing heartbreak of my life
of every opportunity to make it in life. When oth- that my heart became the ultimate sacrifice and in the
ers were going off to college to chase their dreams l process, brought forth a whole new woman.
remained home to raise a baby. I cannot explain that I remember waking up one morning and thinking if l
sinking feeling of realizing that your dreams have allow these emotions to consume me l will die here. My
shattered onto the ground like a broken mirror. My aha moment came in after realizing that l could choose
reflection soon became that of brokenness, l soaked the thoughts l give power to in the midst of adversity.
in the moments of motherhood with the divided sup- This is something l term “on purpose thinking”. And
port of my family but nothing could have prepared so little by little I committed to the process of changing
me for the years of dysfunction l would live through my thought process. I fought so hard to take care of my
as l sought to find myself and get onto the path any mind because l knew l did not want that experience
parent would desire for their child. to be the end of me. I would place my hand over my
heart and begin to repeat to myself: “my heart is broken
For years l struggled- I was that girl constantly in but it will heal. I know it may seem like l am a nobody
the shadows, the one you write off, the least likely to right now but l shall be great “l began to speak great-
succeed, the one who watched others graduate and
get married.

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ness about myself in moments l thought I’d l never HOW I OVERCAME
amount to anything.
Part of my journey to healing and overcoming began
It is in my brokenness that l discovered my purpose by acceptance of what had happened. I couldn’t
in the midst of what seemed to be the end of me. change what was done but could face what lay ahead
Who could have ever imagined that this girl who was with an attitude that my life will get better. I spent time
a teen mom and missed out on an opportunity to go in the word of God, read books and listened to healing
to University could write a book, found a publishing material. The only counsel l had was that of the Holy
house and become an award winning author? For me Spirit.”
to get ahead was something unthinkable but when “Worship also got me through that season, there is
l aligned with purpose, everything else began to fall something about it that makes you hope again despite
into place. what may be happening around you. It gives you a
My journey to becoming a writer started when I ad- sense of comfort that there’s a higher power ready to
opted a habit of journaling every day, and as l started turn things around for you and uplifts your spirit. So
to share those pieces with the world on social media, each day l would lay before the Lord and weep. I told
so many people began to point out how it was help- Him l wanted to use my pain for good and cried out for
ing them and giving them hope. It also came with wisdom. It turned into something so personal for me,
the persuasion that l should write a book but nobody my heart posture became one of desiring to serve.
knew that in my secret place God had already placed “God heard my cry and began to show me how to get
a book in my heart. That is the moment my eyes were out of my adversity. He strengthened my heart and
opened to the understanding that this was purpose gave me assurance that this wasn’t the end. It’s in those
for me. My first book “Why l never gave up “was moments that He spoke to me about who l am and the
then published in 2018. kind of future He desired for me. What was meant to
destroy me, He would use for my greater good. I made
it not only for myself, but for many others. Years from
now people will read my book and find one more rea-
son to hold on.
Why l never gave up is a book that is an echo of hope
for many that whatever your story may be, you too can
overcome “yes I did”
What l would say to somebody out there who’s on the
verge of giving up is; never give up because of PUR-
POSE.
Even after everything you may have experienced, the
fact that you’re still here is God’s way of saying LIVE!
The evidence of life in you means that you still have a
chance.

FB:@Princess Noma Siziba
Instagram:@ princessnomasiziba

Twitter:@normasiziba
THE BYO Story | Page 7

Aggy Mwale

IG: @aggyzwdoll

THE BYO Story | Page 8

Be Inspired

Born and bred in Bulawayo, Dorcas Dube (30) is a recognised and accomplished executive possessing
multi-faceted experience, leading and managing Not-for-Profit Organisations. Prior to joining Symphonia
for South Africa, she worked for Oxfam which is an NGO that focuses on ending injustices that result in
poverty. Currently, Dorcas is the National Marketing and Communications Manager of an award winning NGO,
Symphonia for South Africa under the flagship programme, Partners for Possibility which is a creative solution
to South Africa’ education crisis. From a tender age, Dorcas has always been passionate about the development
sector in particular education. This does not come as a surprise as both her parents where educators for many
years, and her father was a school principal for over 20 years in Bulawayo.
Dorcas believes that quality education for all is the answer to most of our societal problems. She believe that
enhancing the quality of education, improving the school environment and encouraging engagement between
parents and teachers are meaningful and attainable goals that would provide an upward spiral of real change in
society. Moreover, she believe in contributing to sustainable improvements in the country’s education system
by strengthening powerful levers for change within the system. Dorcas is currently studying towards a Masters
in the field of Strategic Communication at the University of Johannesburg. Her dissertation focuses on strategic
leadership development through cross-sectorial collaborations intended to improve public school leadership in
South Africa.
In 2019, Dorcas was announced as one of top 8 youth
wonders in South Africa making a difference. Additional-
ly, she was awarded the Carolina Nyberg-Steiser bursary.
This bursary is awarded by Greenpeace and the Resource
Alliance with the support of Carolina’s family with an aim
to empower incredible young women working in the social
impact space and who care deeply for the wellbeing of the
planet and the people that inhabit this earth. Furthermore,
Dorcas was nominated as one of the PRISM Young Judges.
The PRISMs are Africa’s most sought after public relations
and communications awards that are judged by 67 judges
and 10 dynamic young judges.
The strong passion Dorcas possess in the development
sector as well her drive to mentor young girls to be leaders
of tomorrow has publicised on various platforms. Recently
the quote that strongly resonates with her is by the current
Miss Universe, Zozibini Tunzi and it reads “Leadership
has been lacking in young women and girls for a long time
– not because we don’t want to lead, but because of what
society has labelled women to be. We should be teaching
young girls to take up space. Nothing is as important as
taking up space and cementing yourself.”
In conclusion, Dorcas aspires to inspire young girls to
remember that education is key, always show up as the best
version of yourself and be a contribution in making the
world a better place.

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SECOND CHANCE
AT LIFE

Iwas born and raised in Bulawayo, second largest
city of Zimbabwe, in Southern Africa. I was raised
in a family of 9 girls and 2 boys. Having trained as
a Primary School teacher before coming to England, I
went on to train as a Special Needs Teacher at University
of London. I did an Advanced Diploma in Education and
Psychology of Special Needs Children with disabilities
of sight. This led me to complete training with the Royal
National Institute of the Blind, where I attained a Certifi-
cate in Standard English Braille.
For further studies I went to University of Greenwich
and completed a Bachelor of Arts honours degree in So-
cial Work. I have worked as a teacher and Social worker.
In November 2017 I however collapsed on my way from
work and was rushed to PRUH intensive care unit. I had
multiple organ failure. My condition quickly deteriorated
and doctors declared “Do not resuscitate”. However, I was
transferred urgently to Kings College University Hospi-
tal. I was in a coma for a month. By the grace of God I
survived the coma, came out of hospital six months later.
A strong urge to know what had happened to me led me
to start gathering information on my plight. Eventually I
wrote a book: A Second Chance to Life
I collapsed behind the wheel whilst driving from work
suffered a multiple organ failure, fell into a coma, and
was on life support for one month. Doctors declared “Do
Not Resuscitate”. I went to heaven and back. Lived to tell
the story
...

ake use ofGod is real...if you “Believe”. All you have to do is “Believe”.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

Myour ChancesKing James (Hebrews 13:8)

https://deliwemtungwazi.wixsite.com/author

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Celebrating Self Love

As we are facing our current situation, COVID-19 whereby our normal routines have suddenly become
staying at home and spending time with family l believe that instead of feeling like the situation at
hand is only a negative effect we should also look at the positive side of this whole thing. For in every
bad situation something good comes out of it. About a year ago staying at home and spending time
with family was one of the things most people were dying to have going on in their lives as some of them would
be working away from home hence this serves as a chance to make up to the family moments lost due to work
related travelling, working long shifts and over time. August is a month where we celebrate our Women, not only
their presence but also the positive difference they make in our lives. Often times we like to show our greatest
appreciation to women who have made significant changes throughout the world that is the well-known and
influential women, their work is undeniable amazing and we will always appreciate them. However, 2020 all in
all has been a very different year as compared to the past years mostly because of the pandemic the whole world
is facing. Of course many of us have faced difficulties due to this pandemic but it will not hurt to look at some
of the positive things that came with
it. The world has been given a chance
to mend broken marriages, fading re-
lationships, to save what is left and to
give our children the chance to expe-
rience how a family set up is supposed
to be. How bad can that be. This year
as we celebrate Women’s Month we
should pay attention to the way this
pandemic has changed our lifestyles.
The situation at hand has made of us
realise how priceless life can be and
as women l believe it is high time we
started embracing who we are more
than we did before. This is the time to
question ourselves about our actions
and our dreams and also our goals. It
is about that time we took all this time
in our hands to make informed deci-
sions about how we want to spend the
rest of our lives and also with whom.
Our lives are as good as our partners.
As women, we deserved to be loved
and also to be loved right. This may mean different things to different people and that’s the way things have
always been but it is important at this time to remind yourself how precious you are and to never settle for any-
thing less than what you deserve. This year as we celebrate Women’s month l would really like us all to celebrate
being women but to a greater extend to acknowledge the time we have to ourselves as individuals and wisely use
that time to think towards our future. Let us love who we are and also love who we are to become in the future
by making wise decisions with the time given to us. Happy Women’s Month.

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OUT N ABOUT

W LIFE IN SAitney Mitchell Ndebele was born and
raised in Bulawayo Zimbabwe, Raised
by loving parents. My father was di-
agnosed with severe skin cancer and we had to
relocate to South Africa in 2009 sadly he passed on
in 2010. I am currently residing there. Witney is an
all-round people’s person, I witnessed my widowed
mom raise her four kids on her own, I can safely
say that the person I have become today is truly a
miracle and I thank God for my mother.
I realised my love for art at a very young age, I par-
ticipated in school dramas, dance groups, writing,
modelling competitions, public speaking, debating
and choirs. My favourite art group at that time was
IYASA dance group.
The difficulty I faced when I relocated to South
Africa was the language barriers, xenophobic
attacks and extensive social media exposure. I
did not know where to start and my confidence
dimmed down, but alas when I realised who I was I
bounced back, straight after attending high school
at Bryanston High school. I broke out of my shell.
I began reciting my poetry in public, in church.
I soon became a leading actress in the church, I
joined the youth band, explored my love for dance
and singing. I discovered that I had a funny bone,
a streak of comedy and started a writing blog and a
YouTube channel.
Career wise, I am receptionist/admin assistant
working for a leading brokerage in Johannesburg,
I am also a small business owner selling my own
range of home-made foot care products.
Everything big starts small, I am in anticipation of
a brighter future, by that I mean. Doing what I love
will get me to where I need to be, there is famous
saying that says “let people pay you to do what you
love” and in the book of proverbs it says “A gift will
place you before kings and queens” therefore each
and every person should maximise.

THE BYO Story | Page 12

Felicia Rose was born in Bulawayo and attended St Ga-
briel’s High and Tenson Hlabangana High school then I
went to Solusi University.
I left Bulawayo 2019 end of September to Germany
where am currently based, after studying I realised it
was a long shot to get employment that’s when I decided
to leave. Life here is fun , great am enjoying though the
weather is horrible . It’s different from home so there are
times when I miss home. Here it’s always work through-
out. At the same time life here is affordable and more
adult like.
My first day this side wasn’t all that, it wasn’t that hyped
up Europe we saw or read about it. In terms of language
I had to adjust, met some of my friends and also made
new ones from back home, it really helped me adapt.
Being the women’s month it’s also my birthday so the
month is very special to me. Am all for gender equally, I
don’t rely much on the next person be it of the opposite
sex, women have the same rights as man. Then women
LIFE IN THE UK it comes to women abuse it’s a major issue whereby we
I(Brianna) as women are not safe ,you can never trust a stranger or
was born in Bulawayo where I spent half of my someone around you.
life there (10 years), I did my primary schooling
there before I moved to the UK in 2012. LIFE IN GERMANY

My first day at school I felt it was normal because
you go see the school first before you actually start,
when you enrolling, they give you a tour of the
school. So, on the day I was at ease as I was now
familiar with the environment. The only scary part
was getting used to people because it’s a totally
different community everyone was white and I
was the only black person .The accent was another
major issue as they couldn’t understand me as I
couldn’t with them so it took time so I guess that
goes on to adapting, listening to them to speak and
changing .When I came this side it was way too
cold which I never got used to it, I actually ended
up getting used to be in the cold. Currently am do-
ing media studies in the film and television second
year at a local college.
Women leadership is a good thing however there
is reasons why sort of leadership requires men, am
not saying let’s shut down the idea. If women are
up for it then cool but let’s not pressurize women
let it come from them as their own will .Feminism
is a movement trying to take over everything that
men do .In marriage a man will always be the head
in as much women are allowed to work and make
their own decisions.
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Super heroes do LADY
live amongst us OF THE
and we don’t MONTH
usually recognise
that now and again. AT A TIME] its funded by
Communities really do an individual who believes
need some saving, that’s that even if you can’t help
why this young lady everyone help one person
serves her purpose by
offering her services. and the help will go far.
Racheal Voko Ncube is As a representative I do
undeniable the mother of surveys and make sure
comfort when it comes to
those in need of help and that people who are
love. At the age of 24 she seriously in need are
is doing nothing but the catered for. Some I visit
best she can offer making them and some I enquire
sure everyone is taken via WhatsApp or calls to
care for. The award
winning Voko has been find out if they are
all over the place not for seriously in need or what.
her life experience but The projects that Princess
also for a good cause
amongst the people Diaries is looking at is
around her. Racheal is donating water to some
also part of the Humor of the residents in Pumula
For Social change Project East, donating sanitary
where she hosts a show wear and mealie meal,
called #HerWednesday baby towels and rompers.
under Youth For
Innovation Trust as a Target its young girls,
media and solidarity pregnant women and
officer. They do elderly people”. You can
awareness days, uplifting get more inform about
the youth, empowerment Princess Diaries on their
and they have a platform Facebook page. Voko is
for female artists. The
former radio presenter of also a member of
on Charisma Radio which Amadramatics which is a
broadcasted on Dstv back poetic program airing on
in 2018 is now a
representative of Princess Skyz Metro fm every
Diaries. Sunday.
Princess Diaries was found
Compiled by:
by Princess Ncube, and Dumisani Albert Matewe
Voko best described it. [email protected]
“Princess Diaries-motto
[HELPING ONE HUMAN +263 77 9 966 606
THE BYO Story | Page 14

ARTS
HUB

IG: @ hillary_mandy
THE BYO Story | Page 15

Model Of The Month

Nandipha Josephine Bulle

THE BYO Story | Page 16

Q: Please introduce yourself the Bulawayo modelling industry for it to
NB: My name is Nandipha Josephine Bulle. reach the international level?
Q: When did you realize you had a pas- NB: I think in Bulawayo maybe more marketing and
sion for modelling? taking modelling as an actual profession rather than
NB: I have always wanted to be a model from a very just another show case.
young age but never really got the chance to get into Q: What would be the advice you would
it until this woman at church kept insisting that I give to a little boy or girl out there wanting
should join a modelling agency and pursue model- to be a model
ling. NB: My advice would be confidence enables you to do
Q: After you graduated as a profession- anything in life despite what everyone else may say.
al model what did you do to push your If you want to do it go for it!
career further? Q: How and what would you want people
NB: After graduating I honestly didn’t do much be- to remember you by
cause I had school and so many other activities but I NB: I want to be remembered as the woman who saw
have helped other girls in the modelling field. what she wanted, got it and made a difference.
Q: Living in another continent how is
life there in terms of school and your
career?
NB: Being away from home really shows you how
one is always at an advantage when they are at
home, but above all you get to experience another
culture which makes you appreciate what you never
really did and also question some of our beliefs.
I am currently working and yeah, the saying you
work for your money has become a living reality but
you do learn a lot from everything you do.
Q: What other passions do you have?
NB: I am very passionate in Politics and empower-
ing the girl child also in helping the less privileged
having a life they never imagined was possible.
Q: In the next 10 years what do you see
yourself having achieved
NB: In the next ten years, well I see myself having
an organisation which facilitates for everyone from
different walks in life, having enabled people to have
an equal chance at life, proving that where you come
from does not determine your future always.
Q: To your view what are the differences
between the Bulawayo modelling in-
dustry and the international modelling
industry
NB : Modelling industries internationally accom-
modate everyone in terms of plus size, people with
acne, short people, anything you name it, where as
in Bulawayo yes it is being slowly introduced but
not in a very effective way because up until today
body shaming and the sorts are still are very big
thing.
Q: What do you think should be done in

THE BYO Story | Page 17

Blazer R200

Outfit R300
Bag R250
Slides R150

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THE DANCER

My name is Michele Msopero , I grew up in Entumbane those things whereby you give it a try and see
then moved to Gwabalanda and Harrisvale Living in dif- how it goes. I managed to reach the semi-fi-
ferent suburbs exposed me to a lot and made me who I am today nals and had to go to Harare to represent
.Growing up I was surrounded by ladies my granny ,mom and Bulawayo although I didn’t win I was selected
aunt , the love was too much as they taught me many things. My to go to China and represent Zimbabwe that’s
granny was my first inspiration being a single mother raising my how I got my big breakthrough.
mom and aunt ,she was my mbokodo .That’s where my fashion Coming to China for me was like a dream, it
style started as I learnt from the very best that is the women was like someone was living my life I couldn’t
around me . believe it. Everything was different from
After my studies I joined IYASA as I had a passion for acting, what I was used to. The food was a bit of a
dancing and singing. Am so grateful for the opportunity they challenge as it is spicy. Living in a foreign
gave me and groom me in my craft. I was taught how to dance country is challenging though the experience
be in a stage and how to act professional. I also managed to is amazing ,you always have to push yourself
work with big artists like Jah Prayzah , Sandra Ndebele to name every time .This side arts is taken serious
just a few , back then there used to be galas which exposed me from the costumes , stages and performances.
to many artists and my craft grew in different ways .Many doors It’s wonderful to be at such at a place it makes
opened for me . you want more and creating new things.
I was involved in a competition called dream star, a competition On projects and the future I prefer people
for artist to showcase their talents and they were selecting peo- finding out once I start, am planning a lot
ple to go to China. For me when I auditioned it was just one of and some of them are out of my comfort
zone so am hoping people will like them. In
Without Him I’m nothing (GOD) that’s all. my spare time I teach English on a part time
basis and also I Dj.
I have been norminated twice for the best
female dancer at the NAMA Awards.

FB: Michelle Msopero Msopero
IG: @Michelle Msopero

THE BYO Story | Page 19

stand up comedywas introduced to stand up by Ntando Van Moyo
when I saw him working on a project called IBhay-

Iiskopo which was a film making project by Priscilla

Sithole.
My first gig was my big break because if the audience
hadn’t laughed I would have known I wasn’t funny and
I would have gone back to taking pictures .My major
career highlights have been getting a standing ovation
after I surprised the audience by performing a different
set which wasn’t my usual crude comedy that people were
used to and performing a very clean set, sad my son was
still in boarding school that would have been one perfor-
mance he would have enjoyed even my mum too.

This is a male dominated industry and being the only
female here in Bulawayo it gets lonely but I’m glad Harare
is having more females I’m hoping the same for Bulawayo
because I believe every woman has a story to tell, what
better way than in a hilarious way. Performing at HIFA
was the wow moment of my life I’m still humbled .Carl
Joshua Ncube gave me the chance, coz my CV has colour.

I’m currently working on MaiWirry, this is about a mar- NOMSA (MISS DEE) STAND UP
ried woman’s challenges, entertaining and enlightening COMEDIAN
.Bulawayo Comedy has very funny comedians and I feel
we need to come together to start a project
that showcases our different skills and narratives. Zimba-
bwe and the world is being starved of the raw talent
from Bulawayo ,it’s amazing how one topic can be narrated
in different yet educating ways the angles will shock you.

Covid has also been a learning curve, while it has been hard on the pocket it has given me time to reflect on my-
self as an Artist , review my craft .If I come out of this alive I’m going to be greatest comedian people will have a
rib pandemic from laughs.

Being women’s month I’m touched by child marriages happening in our country, these children need us to be
their voice poverty shouldn’t end a child’s dreams and future .I’m a single woman thanks to my craft men think
I’m a big joke, even my relatives don’t even take me serious they say seqalile UMahlekisa when I’m being serious,
my body has caught on I have been feeling like I’m white lately. Next year I’m still going to do more of stand-up
improved n polished n a lot of MaiWirry .I’m also going to start a savings account or invest in a business because
there is nothing funny about being broke 2020was an eye opener.

My advice to young and upcoming comics is, if comedy is your passion go for it ,research don’t be a joker, write
and have discipline, always stay humble so that the wiser can impart wisdom to you.

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THE BYO Story | Page 21

DJ of the month

Name La Dee
Q1) Who is La Dee
A1) Born Duduzile Ndlovu and raised in Emakhandeni and based in South Africa
Q2) When did you discover that music is your calling?
A2) I fell in love with music at an early age. I joined the church choir at the age of 15 and performing in front of
people was the best feeling ever. That is when I knew that the entertainment industry was my home
Q3) Besides music, what else do you do?
A3) I am an office manager, radio DJ and business woman
Q4) What challenges have you faced as a woman in a male dominated industry?
Q5) Firstly I have had the other gender trying to take advantage of you as a female and thinking you cannot
make it on your own. Getting airplay for my music was also an uphill battle
Q5) What message do you have for the Bulawayo girl child?
Q5) Never let anything stop you from achieving your dreams. Work hard because nothing comes easily. Believe
in yourself and never give up.

Facebook La Dee
Instagram iamladee
Twitter La Dee

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THE BYO Story | Page 23

CSOTOVREYR

THE BYO Story | Page 24

Thembie testants and while there are those that would smile and
Ntie Phida nod at my direction when i say i reached top ten. Well
here is the thing guys..they wanted one person, she
I’ve never been one to stand out in class or in a got to be the face of that show and that person wasn’t
crowd. My teachers always thought me “quiet me. I certainly cant build a career by being almost a
and shy to strangers”. They even wrote that on my presenter now can i? Lol #sigh...goes without say i took
report card throughout my primary school. I wore that gracefully. The whole audition though...wow!! The
those introvert shoes right through to high school. lights, the vibe! the energy! I was sold out to this life
My high school teachers added “ she is quiet, polite . Like a kid who tasted candy for the first time, i was
and respectful”. What can i say, I’m still that girl. hooked! Unswayed by my failure to secure a presenting
More mature of course! Friends and those close to job i towered my head high, chin up, tits up and kept
me call me Ntie’. Its not on my birth certificate but i the positive vibes going.
grew into it, liked it even. My government name is It paid off! I got to work with Next Level Media after
Thembi Mankazana Phida. I know right! Don’t get hosting a beauty masterclass. It was mainly online
me started, but that’s a story for another day. Its been interviews which streamed on Facebook. It was just
twenty eight years since i was born and raised in the wow! My parents weren’t as excited though. Hard as i
city of kings and queens. Yes, royalty has rubbed tried to explain new age technologies in media, they
in real good on me. I always fancied myself to be a just didn’t get why i was doing online things and not on
lawyer when i was growing up. It was a big dream regular tv. Goes without say that they extended their
for me. And my face always lit up when my prima- difficult in understanding to not approving. They sent
ry school teachers asked what we would want to be their child to law school, so that’s understandable. Well
when we grew up. My response was always with a it was either peace at home with my parents or the job
Colgate smile, smug on my face and a bit of shine on with izaguru. In as much as izaguru with parents are
my eyes. “I want to be a lawyer”. Of course i knew always quite a thrill and fun, it wasn’t worth it. I had to
very little about law, advocacy or presenting a de- quit....i mean i had to under those circumstances. My
fence. It just felt right. I finally got the opportunity to work with Next Level left an indelible mark. The studio
learn what it was and all that jazz when i enrolled in excitement, meeting Bulawayo greats like Nobuntu,
Law school in Harare Zimbabwe. It wasn’t only the Asaph, Elina and others that i cant name impromptly.
law that i got hooked on while in Harare though..*- Like i said…Candy on a kid. I couldn’t live without the
giggles. Well its the capital isn’t it? Lights ,life and all taste.lol.
those things. Not sure whether my eye got the cam- So when the calendar began on 2019 i started my little
era or the camera got my eye but i guess there was project of making short videos for social media and
chemistry between us two and many people saw it. what do you know. Someone noticed and told me to
I was complimented a lot on how my face was made audition for a Ztv show Pink and Purple. Yep! I got the
for tv. I didn’t protest. There was something magical job!
about being in front of the camera that just soared Of course i was excited. This is my dream. Well grant-
my heart to space. ed it was a newly found passion but C’mon!! I was
So with all the goose bumps ,butterflies in my stom- walking into it. Pink and Purple was like red bull to
ach and all that going on for me when ever i stood my dreams..lol it gave them wings. Granted it had its
in front of the camera., I felt quite determined to challenges. Early mornings and late nights. Shooting
make a career out of this whatever it was. It was just three episodes a day that were 2hours long..gees! I
magical!! would sometimes cry but i knew it was worth it. After
It wasn’t all sunshine and hunky-dory though. The Pink and Purple i got other gigs and hosted several
journey has had its bumps detours and such. I got to events at Intwasa Arts festival. I got to present an award
audition for a local tv show that attracted 170 con- at the Bulawayo Arts Award..fancy that! Its been a thrill
and a roller coaster ride. I guess the only way to swim
is to dive into the deep end. When you get out of your
comfort zone, opportunities will start coming and
doors will open.

THE BYO Story | Page 25

2020has hasn’t been that eventful
because of the pandemic. The arts
and entertainment industry has
been severely affected in Zimbabwe. Sometimes i feel like
I’m so near yet so far. Mxm. My destiny is the driver that
motivates me to keep going. Nothing else is good enough
or far enough until i get to this place called “there”. To me
it is the point when i host big shows with huge follow-
ings, bigger platforms. Until i get there, there’s no stop-
ping, no room for complacency.
I’ve learnt that you get out of life as much as you put
into it. I’m always conscious of where i am every time. I
take a moment to take it all in, be grateful of those who
helped me get there..my people. They are the fuel to my
rocket . Their love and support are what makes me reach
to the stars. Nothing comes easy. Life isn’t an Indian
movie where everything stops and everyone bursts into
song and dance when things get hard. Neither is it a
Korean film that is fixed to a happy ending. Real world
demands that you put sweat and tears on what you want.
No one will hand it to you. You have to go for it, believe
in yourself, your value and build on it to be the person
you ought and want to be. Its tough work! But you need
to be honest with yourself. There really isn’t much when
it comes to pay in this here thing. Well at least not when
you doing it for the passion nje. Money comes when you
get to be business minded about it and become an en-
trepreneur. That would be asking for too much from me
right now. I just do it for the thrill, passion and drive. You
could call it a sort of a high that i got drugged in and i
cant get enough of.
I look at a people that inspire me, Nomzamo Mbatha,
Azania Mosaka, Oprah Winfrey, and until we get there
there’s no way we are sleeping on Ntie and her dream.
Above everything, God is my source of strength He has
never failed & He won’t start now. At least not with me.
I’m hopeful that the future is brighter standing on the
promises of God. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

THE BYO Story | Page 26

Thembie Ntie Phida

IG: @ntie_phiedarh

THE BYO Story | Page 27

VISION

Siyathuthukisa, siyafundisa njalo siyeseka amasiko,
isintu lemvelaphi yethu.

We promote, teach and support our Culture and
Haritage

CONNECT WITH US

FB: Sigiyangamasikoethu
Call: 00447447949371

Email: [email protected]
Web: www.sigiyangamasiko.org

Sheila Sibanda

THE BYO Story | Page 28

AMASIKO ABESIFAZANEmasiko yindlela abantu abaphila ngayo beqhuba kumbe belandela imikhuba yabo. Njengazo zonke
izizwe, isizwe samaNdebele laso silamasiko esiwalandelayo empilweni. Njengoba sisazi ukuthi kulob-
ulili obubili kuzidalwa zikaMlimu; isilisa lesifazane; eSiNdebeleni kukhona amasiko ayemelwe aland-

Aelwe yibulili obuthile. Sizakuhlahlula ke ngamasiko abesifazaane kusizwe semaNdebeleni.
Kudala abesifazana babengabantu abakhangelelwe ukuzehlisa kakhulu. Njengoba kulibumba elibuthakathaka
nxa kuqathaniswa labohlangothini lukaAdamu, babephathwa phose njengabantwana yikho okuvela ukuthi abe-
sifazana ngabantu besintwana. Belibumba elibuthakathaka benjalo; kwakukhangelelwe ukuthi bazehlise kakhulu
emuntwini wonke ikakhulu kwabesilisa. Kwakubalulekile ukutshengisa inhlonipho ngokwephula amazonga nxa
bekhuluma labantu; ukuviyoca nxa bebingelelana labantu ikakhulu nxa besendaweni engavumiyo ukuthi bat-
shaye ngedolo phansi njalo babekhangelelwe ukuguqa nxa bengekhaya besipha abadala/ abantu ukudla loba be-
babingelela. Abesifazana behlonipha kanje; kwakuqakathekile ukuthi batshengisa impilo yokuzehlisa ebantwini
bonke, laloba ayekhona amahlongandlebe; lokhu kwakungenqabeli isiko lokuzehlisa. Abesifazana babengandan-
ga ukukhuluma imibono yabo njengalamuhla; babengaphikisi njalo babengatholi ithuba lokuya embuthanweni
ehlangene ubulilibonke ikakhulu okulabadala besigaba. Okwabo kwakuyikuzwa bavume lokhu abakutsheliweyo.
Babekhangelelwe ukuzehlisa kubantu bonke besilisa kugoqela amanina emizi kanye lamantombazana asakhu-
layo.

Lalikhona isiko eliphathelane lokudla kwabesifazane. Kudala kwakungaphongukhelelwa kumontshelwe konken-
je okudlekayo ingqe ngubani nje. Yingakhoke abesifazana kuphela babesidla ukudla okufana lembuya ledelele;
lokhukudla kwakungadliwa ngomunye umuntu esiNdebeleni. Kukhona njalo ukudla okwakuzila ukuthi kudliwe
ngabantu besifazana; wawungeke uthole ngitsho loyedwa wabo owayekudla; lokhu kugoqela inhloko (eyembuzi,
eyemvu, eyenkomo) kanye lenyamazana ezinjengendlegu. Emini abesifazana babandise ukudla izinto ezifana
lomxhanxa, isijeza, ibhizha, inkobe kanye lomcaba.

Likhona isiko njalo elalikhangele imvunulo yabesifazana. Kudala abesifazana babegqoka imisisi, besebegaxa is-
embatho okwakuyisikhumba esitshukiweyo ukwenzela ukuvala amabele. Babengambombozi ikhanda lonke ko-
dwa babebopha uzwezwe olwalufakwa ifindo esiphundu. Abanye babesifazana ikakhulu abadala babefaka icholo
ekhanda. Okunye okwakusenziwa ngabesifazana yikuklekla indlebe besezifakwa iziqhazo ezazenziwe ngezigodo
kumbe amahlanga ezitshakala zomumbu. Babesithi nxa sebececile kanje abesifazana besebegqiza imithando
ezandleni lasentanyeni. Imithando le yayingabe yenziwe ngotshani, ngengxoza, ngentanga laloba ngezigojwana.
Elinye isiko elalibumba lakhe amaNdebele lisiko lokulobola. Lelisiko lalithungamela amantombazana asekhululi-
le ekwenzeni kuhle.

Owesifazana wayekhangelelwe ukuthi nxa sekhombile, selejaha alibone walikholwa ukuthi lingaba ngumkhwen-
yana wakwabo, kwakulisiko ukuthi athathe lelojaha ayelitshengisa uyisekazi. Kwakubalulekile njalo ukuthi nxa
owesifazana selejaha; athole isithembiso/ isibambiso kulelojaha okwakuzabayibufakazi bokuthi ngeqiniso unka-
zana ukhombile. Lesisibambiso kwakungaba yisikhava, ijesi kumbe isifinyo lokunye nje abangabe bekukhethile.
Ngemva kokuba inkazana siyazise uyisekazi ngejaha ayeyabeselitholile, kwakuthunywa abantu bangakibokwe-
jaha ukuyacela umlilo, ngemva kwalokho ubabakazi kankazana wayehle avelelendaba yonke egcweleyo kamn-
tanomnewabo. Kwakusenziwa-ke yonke imininingwane yokwaziwa lokulobola ngakibo kankazan. Kwakusithi
nxa umkhwenyana sesaziwa ngokugcweleyo ngakibo kankazana, unkazana wayehle asale evalelisa ezihlotsheni
phose zonke kundawana ezehlukeneyo lapho ayehamba ethola izipho zokuyakwakha umuzi. Kwakulisiko la-
maNdebele njalo ukuthi nxa owesifazana sesiyakwenda uqhutshwa ngumthimba lesanyongwana sokuyamli-
bazisa. Kwakungezinye zezinto eziqakathekileyo ukuthi lo owesifazana osesiyakwenda lesanyongwana sakhe
bafika kwabozala basebenze gadalala; ukukha amanzi, ukutheza inkuni kanye lokugudula izindlu nxa kusebusika

THE BYO Story | Page 29 THE BYO Story | Page 27

kwakungeminye yemisebenzi ababengafika bayenze. Kwakulisiko lamaNdebeleni ukuthi laba abesifazana (um-
alukazana lesanyongwana sakhe) babesenza yonke imisebenzi beguqile; ukugezisa, ukubutha izibi lasibi sok-
wethula inkuni. Kwakuyinzilo ukuthi owesifazana abonakale sethe mpo! emziniwabantu.
Kwakusithi nxa owesifazana esiyakwenda asuke kwabo ethelwe inyongo abesehamba lekhasi kwabozala kuthi
nxa isanyongwana sakhe sesiphenduka sibuye sesigqize inyongo yakibo kajaha. Lokhu kwakuyindlela yokuhlan-
ganisa izinyoka zemuli lezizombili. Kwakulisiko labesifazana njalo ukuthi nxa owesifazana sesiyakwenda uphu-
ma ekhaya ebanjwe ngumnewabo, basebesiyantshungubala esibayeni. Lokhu kwakutshengisa ukuthi lowo owe-
sifazana osesiyakwenda kaphenduki mahlayana nje. Elinye lamasiko elaliqakiswa kakhulu kwabesifazana yikuthi
engakaze aphume ngakibo sesiyakwenda, wayethwaliswa iqhaganyana elilezihlahla besekuphehlelwa isithundu
ukwenzela ukuthi afike elesithunzi emzini wakwabozala.
Lawamasiko kumqoka-ke ukuthi kunanzelelwe indlela ayesakha abumbe ngayo abesifazana besiNdebeleni.
Ayebabumba abenze babelesizotha, bezehlisa, behlonipha njalo beqinile kunkolo yabo ababeyibambile.

THE BTYHOEStBoYryO|SPtaogrey 3|0Page 28

AMALIBHO

Kudala kungakabi le technology abadala kanye labantwana babethanda ukuzilobazisa ngamalibho ikakhulu abe-
makhaya.
Namuhla ngithi asikhumbule emuva sidlane igqondo. Nanzo asambe, ngikulibha ;
1. Bham’tsiriri bham’tsiriri ngad’umkhob’omduna. Libhayisikili.
2. Ngodadewethu obambe iqolo. Yinkomitsho.
3. Ngenkomo yami ebomvu ehlala esibayeni esimhlophe. Lulimi.
4. Ngomfana wami owahamba eGoli eze waphenduka esegqokile. Lizambane.

5. Ngenkabi yami egwaz’iqethukile.
Ngumankunzane.
6. Ngabafana baami abanatha
ndawonye. Zintungo.
7. Ngentaba yami ekhwelwa ngezandla.
Yisitshwala.
8. Hamba sihambe umphako nguwe.
Zintwala.
9. Ngitshiye bemhanqile asazi kumbe
uzasila. Yisitshwala.
10. Ngenkomo zami ezintathu , ebomvu
yaahlaba emnyama, emnyama yahlaba
emhlophe, emhlophe

yeq’isibaya. Ngumlilo, lembiza
lochago.
11. Bhoda ngale siyahlangana ngale .
libhanti.
12. Sukuma silingane. Lidelele.
13. Ngabafana bami ababili abagiji-
misanayo kodwa abatholani. Ngamavilli
ebhayisikili.
14. Ngathi ngibhoda ngale ngathol’uM-
hlab’ubomvu gebhu. Ngamathunduluka.
15. Ngejazi likababa elingelamphetho.
Yisibhakabhaka.
16. Ngomfana wami ogida edakeni.
Luphehlo.
17. Ngomfana wami ogida emeveni.
Lizulu
18. Ngabafana bami abahlala bonke kod-
wa ababonani. Ngamehlo.
19. Ngavakatshela kobabamkhulu
ngavunyelwa ngabafileyo. Ngamahlamvu
esihlahla.
20. Ngemthombo kababamkhulu echay-
wa ebusuku. Zinkanyezi.
THE BYO Story | Page 31

Memories of a Single Mother

Dear Society

Iam taking a trip down memory lane. Going down a dark and lonely lane. Overcome by emotion, painful
memories and words that lingered for a lifetime. “Mama, is it true that our family is not normal?” Immediate-
ly i stopped stirring his sorghum porridge and paid attention to the little inquisitive young man. Tears were
streaming down is eyes as he posed the question. I battled to hold mine back and came down to his level to try
and console him. I leaned towards him in a plea to find out the source of the question. It came to that they had
an arts and craft lesson in the week.
Art and craft were “The Little Mans” favorite subject and he looked forward to it. Teacher Magogo gave them
an assignment. I could picture him smiling from ear to ear and that little dimple on his left cheek caving in. He
probably lined his crayons and rose to the challenge. They were given a task to draw a portrait of their family. My
little boy did just that and drew a beautiful picture of him and i. Even his teacher commended his beautiful work
and stuck a gold star on his crisp white paper and remarked how beautiful and unique his version of the family
unit was.
As his only parent, I decided to take up the role of a detective and probe a bit further. He told that children who
drew pictures similar to his were put on the far left of the wall. I know “The Little Man” picked that up easily
because he is left-handed. Upon further questioning, he told me about his best friend Lolo’s drawing. He vividly
described her interpretation of what sounded to me like a beautiful drawing. It consisted of Lolo, Gogo, Khulu
and Malume. Oh, not forgetting Trixie her beloved cat. In her eyes, that was what a perfect family unit and she
was right. To Lolo’s dismay, her work of art was also put on the extreme left. My little man continued to cry as he
narrated the events of the day and how an assignment in his favourite class turned him and other children with
similar drawings into the laughing stock of the class. As supermum, i gave him a big hug and took the chance to
clear my throat and wipe my tears.
Wrapped my little man in a warm and soft fleece blanket. Guess it was, as soft as a mother’s touch. He seemed
rather confused at why even his aunties and uncles always remark that “ungumntwana kaMazakhela.” He asked
me if one of our totems was “Mazakhela”. All these years, he loved having the same surname as me till he was
openly asked at a family gathering what his real surname is and was jested and told to ask me what his real sur-
name was. Immediately i said my abrupt goodbyes and made an early exit. Was i wrong?
Taking this trip down memory lane to the shortest drive back home. Strapped in his booster seat, my little man
wandered why his mummy was in such a hurry to get home but i could not find the right words for him to
comprehend what had just happened. I was in a hurry to protect him from our own people. From the ones that
i called family. I still remember being treated as a plague for being a single mother. My cousins were even cau-
tioned against associating with me as I was deemed a bad influence. Some escalated their concerns to my moth-
er. They sighted concerns such as an additional mouth for my parents to feed and outright called him an extra
burden.
I turned up the volume to “The Little Man’s” favorite song so I could distract him from seeing me in that state.
Why should he have been subjected to so much hate and stigma? Drove to my parents’ home just to get reassur-
ance and acceptance. I had knocked on the right door for that.
Our hug had taken me on a trip down memory lane. It felt like time stood still but in reality, time was not on

THE BYO Story | Page 32

our side. We had to get ready for school and i had to pack my laptop because this business woman branded as a
single mother by society had a business to run. Got him ready for school. He looked up at me with his big brown
eyes and it felt like love at first sight. This little man gave me renewed vigor for relive my life and share it with one
that will never leave my side. Being a single mother should never define a family unit or be a standard measure of
a family unit.
The joys of motherhood are the memories that I forever carry and treasure in my heart. A mother’s love is be-
yond measure and is a memory that each and everyone of us carries.
Cheers to many more memories
Yours sincerely

THE BYO Story | Page 33

THE BYO STORY

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SPORTS

THE BYO Story | Page 35

Munashe Kodjei
Bera

D.O.B : 23 March 2005
Height: 1.72m
Club : Union Tennis
School : Girls College
Game Style: Right Handed Aggressive
Baseliner
Current Ranking: Province 1

: National 5
Highest Ranking Zim: 2
Career Goals :To represent Zim at the
Olympics , To play the Fed Cup, To
play WTA, ultimately win a couple of
Slams!
Coach : Coach Raggs

THE BYO Story | Page 36

Glory Gijima

• Tennis Zimbabwe Executive Board member
• Bulawayo Metropolitan Tennis Board Organising Secretary
• Advanced Sports Management graduate
• Women in Sports Leadership Academy Alumni
• Advantage All ITF Country Coordinator
• Principal Labour Officer (Ministry of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare)

y passion for sport began at an early age
and grew through high school into Uni-

Mversity. However, as the world of work

beckoned sports took a back seat.
My love was rekindled after noticing that my
daughter was multi talented in sport I began be-
ing involved in sport fundraising and ultimately
ventured into administration.
I am a firm believer in the immense power of
the girl child. I feel empowering girls is indeed
the future. Having noticed that women’s issues
especially in sport were not receiving the desired
attention I became an advocate for equal opportu-
nities for women in sport be it as athletes, coach-
es, officials or administrators.
As the Bulawayo Metropolitan Tennis Board,
we are responsible for tennis in the province of
Matabeleland. We have a provincial squad which
competes every year at the Inter-provincial cham-
pionships. We have won this tournament in 2017
and 2018 but unfortunately, we could not partici-
pate last year.
Our Team is comprised of extremely talented
athletes ranging from 12 to 18 years who are
drawn from clubs in the city namely Emakhan-
deni, Tomasik, GAP, Union Tennis, Petros Tennis
just to mention a few. This is our thrust at Tennis
Zimbabwe to be an inclusive sport for all.
Our biggest set backs have the economic situa-
tion, lack of sponsors for some of the disadvan-
taged players and most recently the COVID-19
pandemic. Despite this we remain positive as we
have continued to have athletes receiving scholar-
ships to American universities.
I aspire to continue being an ambassador for the
development and promotion of women in tennis
at all levels.
THE BYO Story | Page 37

Shanty B

THE BYO Story | Page 38

THE BYO Story | Page 38

FITNESS & WELLNESS
Aflat tummy requires a low
Fitness is derived from Getting a flat tummy is one body fat percentage. So
consistent physical activity of the biggest challenges in conjunction with consistent
whether it’s running, weight I’ve noticed as well as experi- training one needs to follow a
lifting or boot camp and even enced, because not only is it clean and healthy eating rou-
home exercises which normal- based on exercise but as they tine. Diet and exercise togeth-
ly comprise of body weight say ‘abs are made in the kitch- er are the best way to achieve
exercises. Wellness is not just en’, and that is the challenging your fitness goals. It’s always
about how the physical looks, part. advised to limit junk food,
but how we are psychological- sugary drinks and baked or
ly and emotionally as well as deep fried foods. A balance
health wise. of fruit vegetables and meats
Moving forward to home with lots of water is the key.
workouts, due to the covid 19
pandemic unfortunately gym
facilities have been closed or
restricted, so this has taught
us that in order to gain or
maintain mental well-be-
ing and physical health we
have to engage some form
of activity at home. Home
workouts generally consist
of combined cardio such as
sprints, jogs, skipping etc.
with other forms of body
weight exercises such as
jump squats, push ups, sit
ups, pull ups lunges. in as
many of their variations to
keep the body challenged.
Although exercise at home
can be hard to maintain be-
cause it lacks the motivation-
al environment, it’s always
best to remind yourself that
discipline is important. Even
if one get in 3 days a week of
exercise it makes a difference
on your physical as well as
your mental health.

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POETRY CORNER

Born in Bulawayo, then grew up in the dusty roads of Sabahwisa Gwelutshena district eNkayi. A place of ori-
gin she might call it, as it is where she found her calling before coming back to reclaim her throne in the city of
Kings and Queens. On this month, we focus on Nomagugu Gumede a.k.a Nominice Queen. A poet and a writer
under one mind, that’s how she was built, designed to wow the world with her gift. The 21-year-old arts lover
does acting as well, which is not surprising since she has written two movies yet to be screen played.
Poetry elevated her to greater heights and that has been one thing motivating her throughout her life. More
confidence was gained when she won at a talent show in high school. She describes the competition as chal-
lenging, to be against singers and dancers
since people love something with vibe.
Nominice Queen is about to embark on a
life experience of university. The law side
of things will be her focus but her heart
wants to learn more about poetry and
story writing. This is a measure she states
to be the greatest in her life. Motivation
and inspiration come from her mother,
whom she deciphers as her oxygen “I
can’t live without her”. After winning the
Poets and Writers’ Den’s master writer
of the week, she has vowed herself to
jot a dedicational poem for her mother
and women all around titled The Biggest
Lioness.
THE BIGGER LIONESS
From day one till today,
She stood tall amongst Kings.
Brave and strong, she was a crowned
Queen to the world
Through thorns and hardship, she raised
her two royals with love.
Struggle tried to succumb her but she
refused.
Hunger and poverty knocked on her
Queendom doors, she never opened.
With no Lion King to protect her,
She took the armor and shielded her two
royals.
Through thick and thin she was their
protection.
Like her fellow sisters around the world,

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A strong bond she created, Shine on me, sunshine,
With one belief in her, “omama bazimbokodo ezin- Rain on me, rain;
gahlulwa lutho”. She bends forth and back throughout the year.
Built them with respect, they knew their part. Making ends meet from home to work;
It takes a village to raise a child, Her presents bring back goodness.
Her royals were the perfect craft. She never ceases to amaze,
They thought she wouldn’t do it but she did it. Even the world doesn’t know how or why?
They told her to submit, she wasn’t going to make it When she helps another sister;
but she made it. Their work is magnificent.
Every lioness in her jungle was just like her. It shines forth like the light of a supernova.
Her zeal, pride, love and her will power she clutched. As she continues to fight peacefully,
And she carried on, giving life to her precious royals. All she would like is a slice of the pie she baked.
They grew, A taste of the freedom she gallantly fought for,
One to be a bull with horns, Some recognition as the mother of the motherland.
The other a Queen with petals on her crown. It should be all about her.
The horns pierce through the thick bushes in darkest A name being written in history and immortalized in,
days, time.
The petals bloom day in and out, Her footprints leave a deep imprint in the sand,
They shine with pride and joy, As her journey continues.
For they know nothing less.
They were raised with bravery only to be brilliant. Nomzy
Shading light to the world, uMpumelelo (the lady of soul)
It’s like they are the moon and the sun.
It wasn’t milk nor honey but, Compiled by:
With love, unity and God she branded them. Dumisani Albert Matewe
Their wishes are her commands. [email protected]
She can kill a Lion King for their joy. +263 77 9 966 606
It is safe to say the bigger lioness is their life,
Therefore, let her roar and breathe more life to her
precious little ones.

POETRY
ALL ABOUT HER

“When a sleeping woman awake,
Mountains move”.
Apart from the flash of my teeth,
There is the fire in my eyes,
The boldness of my spirit;
That makes me virtuous.

The fire that burns from within,
As the phoenix rises from the ashes;
And gets ready to soar to greater heights.
Her fiery spirit never dies.

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ELINAH SUCCESS MANGENA
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IMAGE CONSULTANT / Ombre Lip
BEAUTY MAESTRO This is by far one of my favourite hacks. Many of
us love an ombre lip because it gives the illu-
Currently based in South Africa, she is a CREATIVE sion of thicker lips. To get the perfect ombre
DIRECTOR, MAKE UP ARTIST, WARDROBE lip, you have to gradually apply different shades
STYLIST, HAIR STYLIST and ALL ROUND PER- of lipsticks moving from light in the middle to
SONAL STYLIST. dark around the edges. The problem is, it’s hard
She has and continues to work on photoshoots, TV Produc- to blend in the colours to get the perfect shades
tions, models, celebrities and other high-profile personnel. and many beginners don’t have a wide variety of
She staunchly believes it is her duty to help people look and lipsticks to choose from. The easy way to create a
feel their best, to ensure their image is consistent or congru- perfect ombre lip is to simply apply a dark shade
ent with their personal, social, or professional roles & what lipstick (deep plum ) all over your lips, take a
they want to accomplish in life.” concealer (LA Girl Fawn) and apply it on the
This Bold Afrocentric Styled lady’s journey in beauty began inner lip and blend well by putting your lips to-
in 2014 and has worked relentlessly ever since to build her gether. Repeat the blending process until you are
brand. happy with the shade. If you wish, you can add a
With a commendable execution style and precision, She clear gloss on top to give some shine.
GETS THINGS DONE. SHE IS THE BOSS LADY! Touch up
There is nothing as frustrating as oily skin. Many
5 Makeup Hacks You Must Know people suffer from the oily nose, chin or forehead
even just a mere few hours of applying makeup.
To maintain your matte look, blot out the oil
using blotting paper. You can get this easy to use
and easy to carry oil absorbent paper from Es-
sence. Another trick is using toilet seat covers (I
know right) before reapplying your powder. This
will avoid makeup caking and creasing.

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Make Your Own Matte lipstick
Matte lipsticks tend to last longer and have a more vibrant flawless finish. If your favourite lipstick is oily, there
is an easy way to turn your glossy lipstick into a matte one. After applying your lipstick simply dab translucent
powder on your lips. Once done you can brush of the excess powder using an eyeshadow blending brush. This
will set your lipstick and stop it from budging and bleeding.
Long lasting Eyelashes
If you want long and fuller eyelashes without the hassle of applying false ones, simply dust of translucent powder
on your eyelashes and apply mascara, the mascara will grip the powder elongating your eyelashes while making
them voluminous.
Baking
This is your best highlighting technique that will give you a flawless finish. If you really want to brighten your
under eye, use baby powder. Yes baby powder! Apply it in a triangular shape under your eyes and leave it for 3 or
so minutes to absorb moisture and excess oil .You can basically do this on your T-Zone. It is a great highlight and
that area will stay oil free for longer.
Bonus Tip
How to pick your foundation….
Foundation is meant to give you a flawless toned finish and not to make you lighter or darker. You don’t want to
look like you are wearing a mask with 2 shades from the one on your neck and face. When choosing your
foundation, do not test it on your hand or face. The best way to pick your foundation is applying it where your
neck and face meet or just under your ear. For oily skin to combination skin I advise a water based foundation
eg NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP TOTAL CONTROL, ESTEE LAUDER DOUBLE WAER LIGHT SOFT
MATTE HYDRA MAKEUP,MAC STUDIO WATERWEIGHT FOUNDATION.

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F&OODIG:@nkatha_zw
RECIPES
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Ko-kota is Annah Pretty Muzombi of my customers are trying to eat healthy. My dreams
A warrior, uniquely home-grown sandwich mak- are coming true and my business continues to grow.
er out of the hood which has a special place in the It has constant support from both my family and the
hearts of many. community. I’m currently working with my cousin
Vision sister and one more colleague. I have come a long
To give a chock-full significance of bread mealtimes, wa. The future looks bright and I’m confident in my
and to be recognized of our “quarter” loaf (kota) of abilities as a township entrepreneur.
bread hollowed out and filled again If you ever want to get the original flavour of a Kota,
How Ko-kota started you have to find Ko-kota. While the current exper-
It was in the year 2018 that I opened a spaza shop imentation with the kota is growing in popularity,
which was trading mainly grocery staff. I went along there’s a reason it’s been around so long and is the
and introduced normal meals like pap, fish, rice, beef ultimate guilty street food in our food culture – the
stew chicken and chips. In the process as I felt dis- nostalgia it invokes is unique to each customer’s
contented, my breakthrough was just in front of me. childhood.
Ooh my goodness I was in a township, in the streets, God is my biggest and my number one inspiration in
a special place in my heart, the kind of place I grew everything and in all things
up in. Flour the bread maker inspires me so much because
So i decided let me do kotaz as well, let me just add I want to achieve every thing and anything that a
them to my menu. And wow this was a stepping loaf of bread can give me, i want to achieve anything
stone for me. It just felt so right! My entrepreneurial that the flour can give me.
spirit was ignited. The introduction of Kotaz. They I’m excited to be a part of the thriving township fast
are one of the street foods that is popular like a burg- food industry
er in America. We normally call it our local burger. The dream itself is so big enough to wake me up,
I said to myself “BUT mine SHOULD and MUST be pick myself up, stand no matter what, cry and wipe
unique, different” my tears and tap myself on the shoulder and say hey
I managed to make enough money to buy stock, and girl you can make it
to make ends meet. I believe Food is memory. The art of cooking or
As my business grew, I upgraded the Spaza, and sitting down to a meal with friends and family, or
gained more customers. I worked hard on improving simply that act of taking that first bite has the ability
my business and keeping ahead of my competitors to transfer us to another time and place. ...So just
because there is a lot of competition in this business. seeing anyone smiling and enjoying our food in-
So during the course of time I gave full attention to spires me to always strive to get a happy client.
the kotaz. Covid 19 Pandemic
This was the time Ko-kota was birthed and named While this negatively impacted almost everyone in
Exquisitely enough during this time one of the hit the world in just two weeks into lockdown we had a
songs in Mzansi was called “Kokota piano” and to break in at the shop. All our cooking equipment was
our advantage we were more relevant to our custom- stolen (fridge, cutlery, furniture almost everything)
ers. Through the initiative, I learnt important busi- I’m sure you can imagine the frustration.
ness skills that helped me to become an innovative However, after such a tragedy one would wish to sit
entrepreneur. down and wait to win lotto to replace all that equip-
My business now offers a telephone order and deliv- ment. But looking ahead, nothing stops me, I then
ery service. I also offer healthier kota options as most started working from home also complying with the

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Covid19 lockdown rules. We are therefore strictly doing takeaways and deliveries .
Future plans
I have big plans for my business as I’m currently working normal like any other restaurant even if I’m working
from home, then I do weekend dinner deliveries and pick ups which we are also working on doing them daily ,
we have COVID 19 funeral catering services .
Ko-kota will grow all over the world...just like McDonalds, Nandos restaurants hahaha .There’s more to Ko--kota
and myself than this and that on its own inspires me to wake up every day looking forward to its unveiling pro-
cess of it.
We are looking forward to be having our own restaurants and Shisanyama outlets, our own Ko-kota branded
packaging, our own sauces, our own bakeries, our own candy outlets and to do catering for all kinds of occasions
and events. Though I wouldn’t mind having our own school of cooking hahahaha
Nothing will ever stop us. We keep going.

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MENU Yummy talipia bream fish with fried rice
Yummy talipia bream fish recipe
2 ×talipia bream fish
Fish seasoning
250ml vegetable oil
2 tablespoon paprika
2 maggie stock cubes
1 and half fresh lemon (1cut into slices and half
squeeze out the juice)
2 cloves of crushed garlic
1 medium large onion (cut into rings)
1-mix your crushed garlic, lemon juice, cubes, papri-
ka, onions, fish seasoning and oil in one bowl
2-marinate your fish with the ingredients in the bowl
3-stuff your fish with onions
4-cover and leave the fish for 3-4hrs or overnight if
you can
5-place your fish in the casserole dish cover with foil
and cook at 160-180° for 1hr:30mins checking in
between especially on the sides that its not sticking
or else it will burn
6-after 1hr:30min, add your cherry tomatoes, lemon
slices, left over onion rings and put it back in the
oven for 20mins
7-after 20mins remove the foil, put your fish back in
the oven,switch off your oven and leave it in there to
Brown up with the heat left inside the oven
***its ready*

Fried rice
1 cup cooked rice
1 large chopped onion
2 tablespoon vegetable oil
chopped bell peppers ( half green pepper, half red
pepper and half green pepper *all medium *)
2 tablespoon curry powder
1 tablespoon paprika
Bay leaves
2 handful of defrosted mixed vegetables
1-fry your onions in vegetable oil for just 2mins
2-add your bell peppers and your spices
3-add your chicken seasoning and paprika
4-continue to fry for 2mins then add your vegetables
5- start adding your rice consistently mixing it well
together with a spoon
6-let it simmer for 5mins in low heat
* its ready*
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sIomcerwonyaennaandhug

Depression
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Depressiona mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest.
• It affects how you feel, think, behave and how you handle daily activities such as sleeping , eating or

Is working.

To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.
TYPES
• Persistent depressive disorder – occurs when one has a depressed mood that lasts for at least 2 years.
• Post partum depression-it is major depression after delivery. The mother experiences feelings of extreme sad-
ness, anxiety and exhaustion which make it difficult to complete daily care activities for themselves and or their
babies.
• Psychotic depression – occurs when a person has severe depression plus some forms of psychosis such as delu-
sions, hallucinations or paranoia.
• Bipolar disorder-sometimes called Manic depression. Mood episodes range from high energy to low depressive
periods.
• Seasonal affective disorder-it’s related to changes in seasons and begins and ends at about the same time every
year.
• Situational depression-sometimes termed Stress response syndrome. It occurs when one is having trouble man-
aging a stressful event in their life.
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder(PMDD) – women with PMDD have depression and other symptoms such as
anxiety, irritability or mood swings.

CAUSES
Common causes include
• Family history-one is at higher risk if mood disorders or depression run in the family.
• Early childhood trauma-some events affect the way your body reacts to fear and stressful situations.
• Brain structure – there’s a greater risk for depression if the frontal lobe of your brain is less active.
• Medical conditions – certain conditions may put you at a higher risk for example chronic illness.
• Drug use-a history of drug or alcohol misuse puts one at higher risk of depression.

DEPRESSION TEST
There is no single test to diagnose depression. Health care providers can make a diagnosis based on an individu-
al’s symptoms or psychological evaluation.
A series of questions about your moods, appetite, thoughts or sleep pattern may be asked.

TREATMENT
The mainstay of treatment is usually medication, talk therapy or a combination of the two.
• Medication-antidepressants, anti-anxiety or anti-Psychotic medication can be given.
• Psychotherapy-speaking with a therapist can help an individual learn skills to cope with negative feelings.
• Light therapy-exposure to doses of white light can help regulate ones mood and improve symptoms of depres-
sion.
• Exercise – it increases the body’s production of endorphins which are hormones that improve an individual’s
mood.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs-in the long run these substances can make depression and anxiety symptoms worse.
• Take care of yourself – get plenty of sleep, eat healthy, avoid negative people and participate in enjoyable activi-
ties!!!
THANDEKILE NCUBE

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