CANYON COAL’S PHALANNDWA COLLIERY

Reading or studying about mining is one thing, but being on the ground and experience the operation
and watch all unfold right before your eyes, that, that is a thrill. Like an adrenaline junkie, Phalanndwa
Colliery at that moment made me feel like I can sky dive without a parachute.

The colliery is primarily a source of ROM (run or mine) coal located almost 15 km east Delmas, the area
is commonly known for its farming and mining reputation, situated in Mpumalanga province. The plant 
became operational in October 2010 and has a life span of nine years, producing about 120 000 tons per 
month and an estimated annual production of 1.4 million tons, with a 60% yield and 40% waste, but have
a total reserve of 16 million tons.

It is an open cast operation with its safest traditional truck and shovel mining methods even though
explosives and blasts are the order of the day. This is probably a home of quality thermal coal which
contributes to 30% domestic consumption and 70% Carters for export markets. When I visited the site
was fascinated by the operations and equity invested in the business.

Phalanndwa Colliery is vast and its scenarios are captivating, from the allocation of equipment and
machinery, the colours of different soil layers and texture and to the heaps of coal and sand, it is like it
was purposely designed to instil beauty in this dusty and dirty but rich business. This place is a source of
employment to 224 people.

Despite the explosive blasts and the presence of the heavy machinery, including the 28 tons per hour
filter press system, crushing, screening and washing plant, the site is the safest place. Although in a
working environment like Phalanndwa, safety measures are a priority, therefore, at the entrance everyone
is required to take a breath test (by breathing in a breathalyzer) and when found positive to drugs and
alcohol, access to entry is denied.

It is also mandated to wear helmets and working boots on premise at all time, and visitors are not allowed to
 wander around without a guide or escort. The process is simple but effective.

In addition, it is also evident that the company offers opportunities to both the youth and women; it shows
that the company notices the significance of economically empowered youth to the three fold development
of the country. For the past decade, there has been a radical transformation in favour of women
empowerment in the mining industry and it is a pleasant feeling to not only see women working at the site,
but also knowing that they are doing well with a 16.8% woman rate of their staff.

Phalanndwa Colliery is running like a well-oiled machine, however, they are facing the water shortage
and illegal mining challenges.

Simphiwe Ngema lets go of her wedding ring

By Cherrol Skosana

The South African actress and choreographer Simphiwe Ngema known to her fans as ‘Thuli Nkosi’ on Muvhango has finally found the courage to let go of her wedding ring.  Simphiwe is admired by many for her strength following her husband’s death in August last year.  Simphiwe says the reason she has kept her ring it’s because she was still holding on to Dumi Masilela who was the rhythm city actor and singer.

“We have a love-hate relationship, sometimes I look at you and I smile. Sometimes I look at you and my heart bleeds. It’s almost time to let you go and the thought of living without you makes me anxious but holding on to you is more painful. I promise to keep you safe and to one day give you to the woman who will be Kgosi’s heart keeper. I will love you, forever and always” she wrote

Dumi passed away last year after he got married to Simphiwe for only two months. His death was a tragedy and became a national topic. Dumi was shot following a car hijacking in Tembisa, Gauteng. He then fought for his life in a hospital then death failed him. Simphiwe has then been expressing her eternal love to her late husband and reliving all the memories they shared.

Amongst other celebrities who have lost their partners is Ayanda Ncwane wife to the late gospel singer Sfiso Ncwane who passed away due to kidney failure and Letshego Zulu who lost her husband Gugu Zulu while summiting Mount Kilimanjaro.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl2YY4WhQaQ/?taken-by=simzngema

How fate decided on Lerato’s radio career

Lerato Maila says she has never imagined herself to be one of the people behind the mic, all she ever wanted to become was a psychologist.

By Cherrol Skosana

The passion driven radio personality, Lerato Maila, well-known on air as ‘LeeLove’ says her willingness to learn has turned her into the self –taught personality she is today. She was taught the right way to read news and do financial indicators, most of which she learned by just listening to other news readers. She taught herself to read sports and traffic because at some point on her breakfast show The Capital Breakfast on Tshwane FM, she had to host a three hour show all by herself.

HER ASPIRATIONS

Lerato has always been fascinated about the magic creation, the creation of the final product people hear on radio and see on TV. “As a child I’ve always wondered what exactly is done behind the scenes so that we could watch what we see on TV and hear what we hear on radio. But like any ordinary young child those were just questions with no answers to,” she says. As inquisitive as she was as a child, never in her wildest dreams did she ever imagine herself to be one of the people talking behind the mic today.  “I always like to say that I feel like radio chose me and not the other way round, considering the fact that fresh from matric I always knew that I’m going to be a psychologist. However, my results were not adequate to qualify me to study in the psychology field so I opted for a bridging course in Events Management at Varsity college,” she shares. And from that year onwards she would like to believe that fate had already decided that psychology wouldn’t be for her.

HOW SHE GOT INTO RADIO

Shortly after graduating for the events course at Varsity College, Lerato had no plans on what to do next with her life. Luckily enough, a friend came to her with information pertaining Tshwane FM auditions. “The initial plan was to accompany a friend to audition but to our surprise, I found myself auditioning too but I didn’t make it through. Five months later, I was called by the same radio station to come and co-host a Saturday night show which played for an hour,” she explains. Lerato gradually worked her way up into doing a weekday radio show.  A year later, she started reading news for the afternoon drive show which she later became the host of. In less than a year, Lerato had already moved on to the breakfast show of which she’s currently the host, newsreader, traffic reporter and a team leader.

INSPIRATION AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Lerato draws her inspiration from her mother, firstly seeing as a single mother her strength and firmness and her strict hand with which she was raised is to this day highly admired and appreciated. “More inspiration comes from one of the industry giants in the radio field Thuso Motaung, whom I grew up listening to every weekend ever since I can remember,” she says.  Lerato has received recognition in the radio field such as two liberty awards nominations for the best campus breakfast show and the best campus news reader. Other awards nominations include the 2018 Pheli awards for the best Radio personality and the best radio show ‘The Capital Breakfast’.

Robert Marawa’s health scare and re-appointment at the SABC

Marawa has allegedly been hospitalized again and the irregularities found in his appointment at the SABC

By Cherrol Skosana

TV and Radio personality, Robert Marawa (45) has been hospitalized again following his heart problems since 2008. Marawa has recently been reappointed at SABC and as a result two executives have been charged for the procedures followed in his appointment.

MARAWA’S HEALTH SCARE

Fans have been asking questions about Robert Marawa’s disappearance as he was supposed to broadcasting the ‘world cup’ tournament that was held in Russia live from SABC.  According to reports, Marawa was allegedly admitted in a private hospital for two weeks around Johannesburg following his health scare.  This is however, not Marawa’s first hospital admission he reportedly have been having health issues since 2008 when he was diagnosed with a heart problem. It has been alleged that his heart has been giving him problems since then.

Speaking to Sunday World Marawa made it clear that his health issues have nothing to do with news. “There are many things that can be written about, and besides, I never said I was not well,” he says

Let us rewind a bit, Robert Marawa’s article with the Oprah Magazine South Africa back in 2012 he mentioned that since that day in 2008 he has learnt to appreciate his life more. He then took a decision with his then-girlfriend to start a family. “I’ve realized that although work is important, it’s really not the only priority in life. Most of us wouldn’t hesitate to take our cars in for a service yet we don’t think to look after our own bodies. Take time to rest and get your cholesterol and blood pressure tested regularly – you might think it’s a waste of time, but it could save your life,” he shared.

ROBERT MARAWA’S RE-APPOINTMENT AT SABC

In July last year, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Sport parted ways with Robert Marawa following his decision to discard his contract with them.  The SABC reportedly went to greater lengths in re-appointing Marawa back on its sports team. His re-appointment allegedly costs the public broadcaster millions of Rands.  According to reports the deal between Marawa and the SABC was a three year deal worth R5.5 million of rands. However, Marawa’s re-appointment was followed by a lot of speculations on whether correct procedures were followed in hiring the sports anchor. This resulted in SABC’s former acting CEO Nomsa Philiso probing into Marawa’s appointment.

  

SABC EXECUTIVES CHARGED MILLIONS OVER MARAWA’S HIRING

According to Sunday World , SABC’s new chief operating officer Chris Maroleng and acting group executive for SABC Sport Marcia Mahlalela were charged for irregularities in the multimillion rand contract they gave to Robert Marawa for his re-appointment. Mahlalela resigned immediately after being charged for her role in Marawa’s appointment and the allegations that she demoted her junior for refusing to draft a memorandum motivating for Marawa’s appointment. According to Marawa’s employment contract of which he signed, the sport’s anchor is set to be earning a monthly of R154 000. The contract also stipulates that he’ll be making R1.8 million per year and that is R5.5 million by the end of his term in May 31 2021..

In relation to the above mentioned Robert Marawa couldn't be reached for comment after several attempts to get him to comment.

Sipho Makhabane PRIORITIZES YOUTH DEVELOPMENT IN MPUMALANGA

‘The big fish’ on his musical journey and talent search in Mpumalanga province.

By Cherrol Skosana

Award-winning, legendary gospel singer, Sipho Makhabane gives back to his community with his search for raw talent in Mpumalanga.  “I’ve been discovering artists from other provinces, it’s time to take it home,” he says.

MUSICAL JOURNEY

Known for unearthing new talent in the gospel industry, Sipho Makhabane has released over 30 albums in his music career.  Speaking to Move! , he says one of the things that kept him going is that he never allows circumstances to determine his future. “I struggled like many artists, started by doing odd construction jobs before I could receive my breakthrough in the industry”.  There was point in his life where his home was burnt and he was left with nothing but the clothes he was wearing then. Sipho had to drop out of school and do odd jobs in construction so that he can maintain a living. By God’s grace, he became a technician at Telkom, where he developed passion for gospel.

His breakthrough came in 1992 when he released his big-selling album Yek’intokozo. This is the album that gained him recognition and opened many doors for him. Sipho began to produce his own music on his third album and from then onwards he produced all his albums.  With only grade 5 education he has done well for himself and many other artists in the industry.  

DISCOVERING RAW TALENT

His first talent search was in Swaziland, the first artist to discover was UShongwe and Khuphuka Saved Group back in 1999. Followed by Ncandweni Christ Ambassadors, France Dlamini (Khuz’izono), these were the first three groups he discovered and developed.  “I then jumped to South Africa and discover Hlengiwe Mhlaba , Thobekile, Israel Mosehla, Tshepiso Motaung to name a few. This are people from different provinces, it’s time to prioritize the search to my province,” he shares. This is a development project that continues to grow, he has been working with Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation.  

The lessons he learnt along the way, was that he mustn’t compete with anyone. If there’s a talent he sees, he must develop it. “That’s when I started to develop artists, I made my own theme-discover, develop, expose.  I am proud, some of the artists now have their companies, it’s a nice thing because I am not competing with them rather complementing them and provide assistance where I can” he explains. 

Sipho has successfully managed to develop about 45 young people from Mpumalanga to form a group called Mpumalanga Praise.  The praise team has released 2 albums already, Mpumalanga Praise volume one and volume two. “I’m still working hard to raise these kids and I’m inviting business people who would like to assist us with a bus.  Before I die, I have a wish to see the Mpumalanga Praise band grow and on other level,” he says.

This project is to help all the young people who are unemployed. He also shares future plans for it saying he would like to see it expand and ask for fellow brothers and sisters who are doing other genres to also come when conducting auditions for talent search. “I want to give every child from Mpumalanga a chance not only for gospel but other genres as well,” he concludes.

Motsoaledi Setumo dismisses witchcraft rumors

The Queen’s actress Motsoaledi on her journey in the industry and the witchcraft rumors

 By Cherrol Skosana

Actress and radio producer, Motsoaledi Setumo (27) is known for her role on Generations as Thabitha Cele the model that got the whole of South Africa talking.  She talks about her career, woman’s month and the witchcraft speculations around her.

WITCHCRAFT SPECULATIONS DISMISSED

According to Sunday World, The Queen’s actress Motsoaledi Setumo has fled her parental home in Kagiso, on West Rand after suspecting that her enemies were casting a bad spell on her.

Speaking to the paper, a source says Motsoaledi had parked her car in the garage after arriving home from a shoot and went to bed.  According to the source, the garage and the house were repainted white as part of the renovations the family did.

“She was shocked when she woke up the following morning to find what looked like blood sprinkled on the car.  And the white wall in the garage also had what looked like blood stains. It appears the person was using something like a broom to sprinkle the liquid,” says a source from Sunday World

However, speaking to Move! Motsoaledi dismissed the allegations and said she doesn’t even drive the car mentioned in the Sunday World article and that’s that.

HER JOURNEY IN THE INDUSTRY

Being on TV has always been her lifelong dream, her big break surfaced when she join the cast of Generations the Legacy as Thabitha Cele, the model that got the whole of South Africa talking. Following her recognition from Generations she played the lead role of Tselane Dlamini on Mzansi Magic’s popular telenovela Greed and Desire. She currently plays Mmabatho on The Queen.

“So far it has been an amazing journey.  All the roles I’ve played have allowed me to better my craft. It has been a bit of a challenge but this is only the beginning,” she says.  She list that her greatest accomplishment so far as an actress is being able to give her full potential to all the characters she has played so far. “They’ve become a household name and I can safely say that they have stamped my existence in the industry,” she says.

Seeing her name on the credits of Generations, Greed and Desire, and The Queen alongside industry veterans has been one of her biggest achievements.

When Move! asked her how she deals with setbacks, Motsoaledi says acting is an emotional art so any setback helps her to perform even better on set. “It brings out the authenticity in an emotional scene. Girl, I use that opportunity to cry for real,” she laughs.

Motsoaledi admires the strong, bold and courageous woman she has become. She is a fighter on and off screen. “There’s still a lot that I am learning about myself but looking back I can say that I’m proud of who I’ve become,” she says.

She has grown immensely and it’s all thanks to her mom. “My mom is my best friend, she’s my right wing woman, and she has always been the first person I turn to for everything.  The fact that she gets excited about my career more than I do makes me to work even harder and make her proud,” she shares.

Speaking about the Women’s month sentiments, the star thinks that this month should be a yearlong celebration.  “Why are we only dedicating 31 days to celebrate such powerful humans? Anyway, I hope this year we continue shining the light on the women who marched against the extension  of Pass Laws and bring even more meaning and purpose to what the month represents,” she explains.

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Zonke Dikana on LIVING OUT VARIOUS EMOTIONS

By Cherrol Skosana

The multi-award winning singer, song writer and producer, Zonke Dikana has recently released her highly anticipated fifth album titled L.O.V.E(Living Out Various Emotions) This follows the release of her new single Tonight  in April, which is the opening single of her full-length album in three years.

HER MUSICAL GIFTS

Over the past fifteen years, Zonke has managed to successfully use her musical gifts to be where she is today. She is one of the most important artists working on the continent today. She is well-known for her hit maker album Ina Ethe which was certified platinum following its release in 2011.  Zonke is known for always being a deeply intuitive songwriter, capable of writing songs of immense emotional impact.

Not only has she written her own songs but she has done writing for other artists including Tsepho Tshola, Winnie Khumalo, Mafikizolo and Thebe amongst many others. “My song writing just happens on its own. It’s involuntary and I don’t know how to explain it,” she tells, “What I do know is that often the best songs are the ones written from a place of pain.”  It was her father, the late Vusi Dikana who said to her music is what you feel there’s no rule book. This lesson remains the guarding force in her resolute focus on bringing her musical vision to life though song writing, arranging, producing and backings.

ON THE NEW ALBUM

Zonke says when it comes to her fifth album studio album, she didn’t shy away from creating music that signals the year it was made in.  She is more self-directed in her music-making than she’s ever been in her music-working career. “I don’t worry about relevance or sit and think about how I am going to make my sound ‘now’. I am only true to my artistic journey which has always been about not following where others have gone, but about starting something new,” she says.

“I just went with my heart with my heart on this album and my heart wanted me to write about love-sometimes in a very light-hearted manner. Some songs are very playful and I hope people will find themselves laughing along the lyrics on songs like Best Days of My Life,” she explains.

L.O.V.E is about the different emotions of love.  Zonke takes you on a journey full of emotions, she is no stranger to composing from the darkest place. However, this time around  the nine tracks from her album tell a different story.

L.O.V.E showcases Zonke’s ability to use Xhosa to convey the subtleties of game-playing that new love can bring and her abiding devotion to the language of her roots is threaded throughout L.O.V.E.  Her new album’s lyrics are wholly determined by the melodies that arrive in her mind (often in the middle of the night). “I don’t know what’s going to come out, even seconds before I open my mouth to put words to the music. But when I do, there is something that feels so right about how the lyrics work with the melody that I can get goose bumps myself,” she shares.

“I thank God every day that I’m a musician. For both the creator and the listener, there’s something extraordinary about what music brings and I’m continually grateful that I’m part of that,” she concludes.

Jessica Nkosi sets the record straight on who’s her baby daddy

 By Cherrol Skosana

The Isibaya actress, Jessica Nkosi took it to her social media accounts on the 24^th of July 2018 to put a final stamp on the rumors about her baby daddy.  She confirmed that the Uzalo actor TK Dlamini is indeed the father of her unborn baby by sharing a picture they took together and captioned it as follows. “PARENTS and no one must ask me who the father of my child is again guys please. This is the first and last time you will see him la #ToBeDeletedInAFew, #AbazaliBaTwinkleStar,” she captioned

Fans and fellow celebrities managed to screen grab her post and they’ve been flaunting about it ever since. Amongst the celebrities who were questioning Jessica’s baby daddy is the TV personality Dr Musa Mthombeni. “Nayi le ndoda! Yazi I’ve been wondering, having sleepless nights thinking about who the father of our #WCW’s baby is kanti it’s this man (meaning TK Dlamini),” he wrote

He further expressed love and excitement to the two and congratulated them on their baby.  Fans also responded positively to the news congratulating and wishing them well.

Fans have been questioning the paternity of her unborn baby, with others suspecting it’s the Uzalo actor TK Dlamini.  This follows after Move! Magazine reported about Jessica and TK’s relationship and remaining tight-lipped about the speculation that they’re expecting a baby. Sources told Move! That the two were not planning to publicly address the pregnancy news until Jessica gives birth.  However, they dismally failed to keep up with the pretense.

https://twitter.com/DrMusaMthombeni/status/1021825046753566720

https://twitter.com/JessicaNkosi/status/1022041348382367744

Zodwa Wabantu buys land for her businesses

By Cherrol Skosana

South Africa’s socialite and dancer Zodwa Libram known to her fans as Zodwa Wabantu has recently bought land in Mpumalanga for business purposes. She shared a post in her instagram account tagging the prominent politician Julius Malema who’s been fighting for land to be brought back to black people.

“I have land @julius.malema.sello Izimbungulu azina Nex zilala emzini wenye indoda my Second Land Ngakhile futhi. You can disrespect me kodwa Angizalwa e South Beach. I have Flats there wena unani making fun of me”

She further boasted about the land to her haters making it clear that they can disrespect her all they like but she has land and property.

“With this land I want to do business that will not only benefit me but my entire family. So that when I pass on or when something happens to me everyone is well taken care of. Right now I’m still undecided on which specific business I want to venture into. It can be a super market, a salon or cinema anything except for a bottle store because alcohol is destroying the youth and the people from Nelspruit are reserved” she shares

Speaking to Move! Zodwa says life is unpredictable and the entertainment industry is not stable. “I’m just planning for the future life is unpredictable, fame is not a stable thing we might wake up tomorrow and find that people have already forgotten about Zodwa. But when you plan ahead and invest you can always have something to bounce back to,” she says.

Not only is Zodwa a dancer but she is a business woman too. She has made investments in the property business as well. Zodwa has flats in South Beach Durban where she rent them out as student accommodation and she generates income from them.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlP3SlOFlSo/?taken-by=zodwalibram

Thuso Mbedu scores another international nod

By Cherrol Skosana

Thuso Mbedu receives her second international award nomination, the star is nominated for the best young actress in the 2018 International Achievement Recognition Awards (IARA).  Good doesn’t begin to describe Thuso’s year.  The star was nominated last for the Emmy awards , as if that’s not enough  she recently took number one spot on the 2018 Forbes Africa Under 30. Thuso also won the SAFTA’s best actress award.

In an interview with IOL news, Thuso Mbedu shared how she started in the industry.  “I really took a leap of faith when I got to Johannesburg. There was no plan, but I knew I needed to survive and I needed to do anything and everything it took to find work in the industry. For a while I squatted with friends. Then I auditioned for Saints and Sinners, I went into that audition as if it was a do or die moment. And it paid off,” she explains.

Thuso is South Africa’s young leading actress and known for her role in the popular TV series  Is’thunzi  as Winnie which managed to score her an award at the South African Film and Television Awards. Thuso has been in various TV shows such as Saints and Sinners, Isibaya, Scandal, Snake Park and Shuga.

Former Generations actress Refiloe Seseane shared her abortion experience

By Cherrol Skosana

In an interview with Azania Mosaka on Real Talk, Refiloe opened up about abortion.  She believes that being upfront and honest about her experience with abortion can encourage other people to reconsider their decision.  She says it’s the hardest thing she has ever gone through and It haunted her all her life.“But the fact that I have gone through the journey, I’ve got the healing and can speak about it retrospectively. I think that’s something that could be of inspiration to someone else,” she says.

Prior to the abortion process, Refiloe says that she was asked by the nurse whether she would like to go ahead with the pregnancy termination but her mind was already made up.

“But my mind was already made up, in so far as I knew that having a child at that stage would have just been too burdensome for me and for my family. I might have prevented other future things from taking place because now the priority would’ve been in taking care of the child, feeding, educating- you know providing for the child as opposed to my own dreams and ambitions. So, from that perspective there’s no regret,” she says

However, often times she would wonder how it would’ve been has she taken a different decision although she doesn’t regret making that decision at the time. “You wonder, you never really stop. And even to this day, she would have been 19 years old. So you’re thinking university. The questions are always there but I think working through all of those emotions and just maintaining a sense of honesty is what helps you cope and get through it,” she shared

JT Medupe portrays the role of Jacob Zuma in a new theatre production of Khwezi

By Cherrol Skosana

Former Generations actor, JT Medupe is set to play the role of former President Jacob Zuma on a new theatre production of Khwezi.  Khwezi is a book written by Redi Tlhabi which tells a story of a young girl who was sexually appropriated by her father’s friend who happened to be the former President of South Africa Jacob Zuma.

JT will portray Zuma during the time he was giving his testimony concerning the rape charges laid against him and his side of the story as per the book’s focus.

JT says the process of preparing for the stage play so far has been a remarkable journey as it has forced him to grow as an actor of which he loves. “So it has been an exciting challenge which I’m looking forward to taking on,” he says.

”As an actor I need to be as neutral as possible so as not to judge the character or let my own personal views, opinions and thoughts get in the way of telling the story, it's the narrative that's important and that's it, I’m just a vessel bringing what is written to life,” he explains

Speaking to Move!, JT says at first he was nervous as to how he was going to portray Jacob Zuma more especially because he is a real person who is still very much alive. “This is one man who South Africa and most parts of the world are familiar with. He’s also a man of power and high stature so it’s quite an exciting challenge,” he explains.

 It has presented him with the opportunity to interrogate his role as a man when it comes to social issues such as sexual violence against women, patriarchy, power and the South African law.

Ntsika Ngxanga opens up about getting his songs from the ancestors

By Cherrol Skosana

The soil’s group member Ntsika Ngxanga says there’s more to his solo album I write what I dream than most people think. The title of the album is inspired by dreams he have of his ancestors especially his great grandfather.  

Ntsika says his album is unique and out of this world. He wants people to know him through the spiritual connection he has with music.  “I will treat them to timeless songs that are crafted by God then handed to my great grandfather UTa’Mkhulu UMayiza and ultimately given to me through dreams,” he wrote.

In an interview with Anele Mdoda last year on Real Talk, Ntsika mentioned the process of how he receives his songs and produce them. The singer said he will get everything from his dreams on how each member of the group was singing a certain part to the melody of the song.

Speaking to Tshisalive he said it was a spiritual thing, a divine gift, a calling almost like the one would get to be a traditional healer, except that his calling is to music.

He also posted a video of him and Vusi Nova singing one of his singles ‘awundiva’ ensuring his fans that his new solo album will pack serious heat.

Understanding the 2018 SASSA changes

Changes are underway at the South African Social Security Agency.

By Cherrol Skosana

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is mandated by the South African Social Security Agency Act of 2004 to “ensure the provision of comprehensive social security services against vulnerability and poverty within the constitutional legislative framework”.  According to the 2018 statistical reports, the total number of people receiving social grants in South Africa from September 2017 to February 2018 has increased. There are now over 17 million grants that are paid monthly in South Africa.

BEFORE THE CHANGES

The Cash Paymasters services’ is currently the one responsible for the distribution of social grants on a monthly basis on behalf of SASSA since 2012.  The CPS is assigned to distribute in the rural communities where most people do not have access to the ATMs. The CPS’s social grant card was the safest with biometric security features in accessing the cash. The CPS process made it easier for the beneficiaries to receive their social grants by bringing the grants closer to them it didn’t segregate those with bank accounts and those without including the older persons and people with disabilities.  With the new system in process, it raises a lot of questions on how will this system work for the better good of all the social grant recipients.

Further to the above, Minister of social development Susan Shabangu has recently met with the South African National Taxi association to find ways of bringing the taxi industry on board regarding the SASSA payment transition process.   In

Cash transportation is becoming increasingly risky following the recent cash-in-transit heists, the South African Social Security together with the South African Post Office collaborated and took a decision to reduce the number of social grant beneficiaries at cash payment points. Sassa aims to do away with cash components of social services and urges their beneficiaries to move cash payments to using the new card which is the safest.  

The 2018 SASSA Changes

As a result, Sassa has recently launched a new card for its beneficiaries.  The use of the new card system is a priority but in order for them to successfully move their beneficiaries away from cash, the agency needs to replace old Sassa cards by the new Post office cards. The new cards are reliable and do not attract any charges, the first card and one card replacement is free. It allows for free monthly services including unlimited Point of Sale purchases, unlimited pin resets at SASSA offices,  three cash withdrawals at merchants, retailers, POS devices.

 a statement released by SASSA, the minister mentioned that it was realized that there may be a need for transport to take the elderly from certain areas for them to receive their money and safely come back. “We do not want a last minute thing where we just stop taxis to take people to receive their money, we want a proper arrangement that is why we are starting the engagement with the taxi industry,” she explains.

REASON BEHIND THE SASSA CHANGES

Oskido’s investment into property

By Cherrol Skosana

While most celebrities stress over what to wear for the Durban July event, Oskido’s mission was to make money and invest on property.  He took it to his social media account earlier this week to show off his beachfront apartment in Durban.

“I know that it was Durban July but some of us went there to work and not to drink champagne. All the money I was doing on the gig had to come in as a deposit,” he says.

On a video he took, he mentioned that the renovations are underway and his fans should give him three months.

“Sold. Thanks to all the guys who booked me for this #durbanjuly this is how I’m spending the money, no champagne for me darling. #investment #property #durbanbeachfront #northbeach #renovation #under construction,” he wrote

Oskido whose real name is Oscar Mdlongwe is one of the respected legendary Kwaito musician, Dj, producer and businessman.  He is the co-founder of the well-known record label Kalawa Jazmee.  His latest album is called 50 degrees featuring Nokwazi.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlAgS_lFFmh/?taken-by=oskidoibelieve

Sizwe Dlhomo details the ‘Chest bump fight’ he was involved in on twitter.

By Cherrol Skosana

TV star Sizwe Dhlomo says he was at Highveld mall in Witbank waiting for a friend he was supposed to meet when the incident took place.  An unknown lady caught Sizwe’s attention when she waved at him and that stirred trouble for him at Wimpy.

 An infuriated man who was sitting across the lady accused Sizwe of being the reason why the lady left by swearing at him. Sizwe couldn’t hold himself and chest bumped the guy revealing his other side that people don’t know. The fight continued between the two until a waiter from Wimpy jumped in to stop the fight.

This is how Sizwe detailed the fight, he says he was in Witbank to meet a friend so he decided to go grab something to eat Wimpy.

 “I see this lady waving at me. I figured okay. She must recognize me from somewhere so I wave back.” He shares

The guy who was sitting across the lady turned around to see who’s greeting the lady.  Few minutes later the guy looks at Sizwe from across the restaurant and shouts something. So Sizwe thinks he must be speaking to him he removes the earphones so that he can hear what he’s saying.

“You’re an asshole, are you happy with what you’ve done now,” the other guy asks Sizwe. Out of curiosity Sizwe approached the guy to find out what’s happening. People are now starring at the other guy not understanding what’s happening. “I get to him and we basically bump chests, that childish male bullsh*t. We are right up against each other’s faces and he continues to say she’s gone now are you happy? The waiter jumped in to stop the fight,” he wrote

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Make a difference with Bikers for Mandela Day

By Cherrol Skosana

Bikers for Mandela Day’ Bikers for Mandela in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation will ride this coming weekend in aid of charity to ‘Keep a Girl Child in School’.  The aim is to collect sanitary pads for three million girls who miss school annually because they cannot afford basic sanitary products. Bikers across the country are encouraged to participate by arranging a ride in their cities or by joining the mass rally planned in Cape Town and Johannesburg on the 14^th and 15^th of July.

“This year’s rides will allow for more bikers to participate in this nine-year old tradition about having fun while doing good at the same time. Madiba believed that every small effort counts in bring about change. My hope is that all rides of scooter bikes, superbikes and everything with two wheels and an engine will join us to make a massive impact to this cause.  As little as R180 can provide enough sanitary pads to keep one girl in school for an entire year, a little can do much,” says Zelda la Grange, organiser

Over  10 000 people have directly benefited from this initiative, it has helped to restore orphanages, delivered food parcels and blankets to old age homes, provided stationery to schools. They continued to plant vegetable gardens in needy communities and spruced up facilities at Rape Care centres and police stations across South Africa.

Interested riders can register for free at http://www.nelsonmandela.org/nelson-mandela-100. All the products donated will be distributed amongst less fortunate girls by the “bikers for Mandela” project partner, Mimi Women- a proudly South African organisation that makes sells and distributes sanitary pads.

On Saturday, 14 July, bikers are invited to meet at The Grand Parade in Cape Town CBD at 8:00am. The ride will then depart at 9:30am and travel to Drakenstein Prison. This is a City of Cape Town support initiative.

The Johannesburg rally will take place on Sunday, 15 July, from 8:00am at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Houghton. By 9:30am the bikers will depart to travel to the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Mpho Letsholenyane frees herself from pain and guilt

By Cherrol Skosana

The sports presenter, Mpho Letsholenyane took it to her social media account and confessed to living with guilt and pain of not being able to carry her unborn child full term. Mpho felt responsible for not giving her unborn baby life.

Ten years ago she took a decision of wearing a ring on her right hand to commemorate the loss of her unborn child.  However, she recently took a decision to retire the ring so that she can leave the guilt and pain in the past.  “Today I retire this ring. I am finally setting myself free from the pain and the guilt of not being able to carry you to the term… Of not being able to give you life…. even though I will still remember to never forget,” she wrote.

Mpho is now a mother of a four year old boy named Thato and she remains grateful to God for entrusting her with his life. In an interview with Move! Earlier this year she said motherhood has taught her valuable lessons.   It’s all thanks to her son she has learnt to be patient, “I have never been very patient before but he has taught me to improve on that,” she says.

Mpho Letsholenyane known for her passion for sports broadcasting is married to the soccer star Reneilwe Letsholenyane. The two celebrated their traditional wedding earlier this year, after secretly getting married in 2017. They have been inseparable since then. The Letsholenyanes flew to Paris last month for a baecation and we wish them nothing but the best on their love and marriage.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlBNeuQjAkP/?hl=en&taken-by=mpho_letsholonyane

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgvbJYYjSBH/?hl=en&taken-by=mpho_letsholonyane

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj6gfWEjNjW/?hl=en&taken-by=mpho_letsholonyane

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj_lNq5nuyo/?hl=en&taken-by=mpho_letsholonyane

“Married but not to each other “with Tumi Morake and Ndumiso Lindi

By Cherrol Skosana

South Africa’s most loved comedians join forces to travel across South Africa to tackle issues around marriages and relationships on their new show called “married but not to each other”.  The show’s concept “married but not to each other” suggests that they are both married but not married to each other. “Ndumiso and I come a way back since we were still dating our partners to being married to them,” Tumi who’s married to the famous actor Mpho Osei-Tutu emphasises.

This is a comedy show about relationships and marriages. It brings together couples to have a fun night and just forget about their problems at home. The show is more than just comedy, there’s a segment where they’re able to interact with the audiences. The audience is then able to ask questions and seek advice about relationships and marriage.

These two comedians aim to bring nothing but pure love and laughter, rekindle relationships and remind the couples of why they got married in the first place. The show has been receiving a positive feedback from couples and that’s what motivates Tumi and Ndumiso to keep on hosting these shows. It gives them joy and hopes to know that they are able to lend a helping hand where there is a need.

 “We’ve seen it happen, couples coming to our show not talking to each other and after the show , they’re holding hands and smiling,” Ndumiso shares.

Speaking to Move! Tumi Morake highlighted that it’s a genuine thing that they’re doing with Ndumiso. It’s very rare to find comedians who will think of using a marriage angle for their stage shows.

When Move! Asked them of their working relationship, “it’s fun working with Ndumiso, we’ve been friends for years, he’s very conservative and open-minded guy,” Tumi explains

“We’ve enjoyed taking the show around South Africa, people love it and they keep asking for more of these, we can see that these shows have a good impact on many relationships and marriages,” Ndumiso concludes.

Tickets are available at all Computicket stores or visit www.computicket.com .

New tour dates:

21 July- Sibaya Casino (Durban)

3^rd of August- Graceland Casino (Secunda, Mpumalanga)

Musa Mseleku on life and polygamy

By Cherrol Skosana

A respected business man, polygamist and UThando Ne’sthembu star, Musa Mseleku opens up about his book called life and polygamy.

Speaking to Move! , the star with four wives  and 10 children says his book is a revelation that aims to correct the misconceptions around polygamy.  At a time of writing his book, he felt that those who were doing it were not doing it right.  Hence this book acts as a guide on how to do it right. The well-known reality show, Uthando Nes’thembu emanates from this book to give exposure to the polygamous lifestyle because he felt that many people are not exposed to it.

When Move! asked him of what might be the cause of misconceptions about polygamy, Mseleku says that most men get into polygamy for all the wrong reasons, for instance, having marital problems one may think that by getting another wife the problems will go away. That’s not how it works, he advices. “Honesty is a key foundation to any relationship or marriage, if one wish to be in polygamy they must be honest from onset,” he explains.  Mseleku says he has seen many abused women and children as a result of negligence from their husbands and fathers.

 “If you want to be a polygamist, you must be emotionally strong and financially stable, you can’t have this lifestyle if you won’t be able to maintain it,” He concludes.

Global employee engagement on the rebound (Supplied Content)

Employee engagement plays a major role in organisations around the globe; it has an impact on its reputation, growth, sustainability and success. Global employee engagement has been inconsistent over the past years. However, according to Aon’s latest 2018 Trends in Global Employee Engagement Report, employee engagement on the African continent climbed from 61% of the employees to 66%. “It’s a remarkable jump when you consider the trends over the past five years. Only (51%) of all employees were engaged in 2012, whereas now nearly two-thirds of employees are engaged. It is by far a biggest increase in the five regions in this study” Says Gavin Griffin, of Aon Employee Benefits in South Africa.

Aon’s analysis of more than five million employees at more than 1,000 organisations around the world found that global employee engagement levels rebounded back to 65 percent in 2017, up from 63 percent in 2016. The percentage of employees who were highly engaged increased from 24 percent in 2016 to 27 percent in 2017.

Organisations need to be wary when it comes to their leadership teams which may lack ambition or who do not have the organisation’s interests at heart such as not being involved on the day today activities of their employees; Having employees who are not passionate about the work there are doing for the organisation  may affect the employee performance and the organisation’s efficiency. Shutting down the input of the junior staff based on who has more experience in the field can also affect employee engagement. It is therefore of great importance that organisations set a platform for every employee whether in a junior position or executive position to take part in the company day to day running in this way different opinions are being valued and employees engage with each other and come up with the best possible decision that best benefits the organisation. Thus ensuring that global employee engagement increases or gets stabilised.

Background screening significant to an organisation’s success (Supplied Content)

  

                                            

Background screening now this term has been frequently used in the past five years it refers to a thorough background check of an individual which includes criminal, commercial and financial records.  Although some may ask, why background screening whereas candidates have stated and attached all the background information needed on their curriculum vitae? Truth is organisations have been victims over the past years of employees with qualifications that are not registered with SAQA thus demolishing the reputation of the organisation.

Companies like the Managed Integrity Evaluation(MIE) which is the largest background screening and vetting company in Southern Africa have managed to come up with ways  in which companies can add value to their hiring processes and also assist them through increased productivity as most suitable candidates were hired thus reducing the risks and potential reputational harm of bad hires.

The uptake of background screening has increased to 6.77% over the past five years.

This is according MIE’s seventh annual Background Screening Index (BSI) report released on 14 March 2018, the increased rate shows that organisations are starting to be aware of the excellent screening services done by the MIE across the continent.  There are other findings highlighted in the BSI report:

·          2017 saw a growing demand for criminal background checks within the public sectors and SOEs with 724 507 criminal checks, 9.91% were found to have a criminal or pending criminal record. The mining and manufacturing sectors were found to have the highest associated risks.

·         Misrepresentation and fraud of qualifications remain high. MIE conducted 552 871 qualification checks in 2017 where 14.3% of these checks were found to misrepresented, fraudulent or the transaction was cancelled.

·         An associated risk with confirmed credit checks has increased. Overall the potential risk associated with confirmed credit checks has increased to 18.08% 

With the findings listed above, organisations will be able to see the importance of background screening for greater hiring processes.  Background screening enable organisations to identify individual which may be a threat to the success and growth of the organisation . 

By so doing they are also ensuring the safety and security of their employees from a new employee who might have a history of a harmful or negligent behavior.  Back door hiring should also be avcoided at all costs by organisations as they may not know what they are getting themselves into hence the services of companies such as MIE are to be considered for the prevention of such obstacles.

Sound ethics for the greater good of the company! (Supplied Content)

“Sound ethics” now this is a phrase that is commonly used in a business environment, it refers to the codes of conduct or principles that the organisation’s employees should uphold in the work place and that also contributes to the success and growth of the organisation. Therefore failure to uphold these principles can be bad for the organisation’s reputation, relationship with the clients and or investors and corruption often result in such instances.

However, there are ways that organisations can use to ensure sound ethics in the workplace. For a start executives or those in leadership roles should lead by example so that fellow employees can also be ethical and productive in holding the company’s morale.  Management of ethical behavior in the workplace is of key importance as it depicts the organisation’s positive public image. It helps them also with regards to their competitors in the industry. If they practice sound ethical behavior it is most likely that even in hardships their clients or investors are able to remain loyal to them because they are aware of the principles they hold.

According to Thapelo Petje the Executive Director: Group Strategic Sales, Jasco Group maintaining ethical business policies can also be driven from the bottom up. Employees should be comfortable enough to be able to question possible unethical business decisions, and to bring these to the attention of the right people. However, it is often the case that employees simply stick to their own work and don’t speak out against managers. Whether due to fear or simply being employees who are not interested in the greater good of the company, instances where employees ignore questionable dealings should be investigated. Usually, their silence can be traced back to a work culture that does not encourage an “open door policy”, which can stunt business growth altogether.

Cyber security alerts of great importance ! (Supplied Content)

Organisations tend to turn a blind eye when it comes to cyber security alerts which in most circumstances might help them prevent an incident from taking place. This is becoming a norm in the corporate world where many organisations suffer great loss from cyber attacks instead of being wary when receiving cyber security alerts. It is however, important that companies become active participants in the case of cyber security alerts because time is key in such incidents. The quicker you respond to such alerts may save the organisation from having to deal with cyber attacks.

“Failure to respond quickly can cost businesses millions of Rand, not only in lost business, but in lawsuits and loss of reputation,” says Simon Campbell-Young, MD of Credence Security. 

He says one basic mistake businesses make is assuming that shutting down the power will solve the problem and lessen the risk of further damage or data loss. “It won’t. It might stop the cyber criminal’s activity at that moment, but it could endanger the business far more, as it could lose valuable business data, as well as forensic data that could be used to trace the attack.”

Other than being quickly responsive to cyber security alerts , organisations may decide to come up with cyber response plans which enhance decision-making within the organisation and how to implement those plans in a manner that is not time consuming and can instantly detect any cyber threats and dismiss them.  It would be great if organisations do consider installing hacker software which will disclose the hackers details such as name, location , reason for hacking , what data have they acquired.

Mobile-first solutions driven by the growth of IoT (Edited Content)

Mobile-first solutions are starting to dominate the enterprise sector. This is according to Cassie Lessing, CEO, Strato IT Group, developers of mobile business applications. Lessing says that more businesses are realising that a mobile-first business – in which employees rely on their mobile devices to conduct business - is better set for long-term success. Globally, enterprise mobility strategies, which focus on mobile device use for business purposes, are already a top priority as most seek to better engage with customers and create a more efficient workforce.

It is of significance that companies adopt this platform of mobile first solutions as it helps them to interact with their clients providing a better way for communication, improvement and productivity. However, in order companies to use this platform they have to reach a certain stage of business maturity. According to Yankee Group there are levels of maturity which includes:

Ø  Opportunistic: Companies that are still deploying mobility solutions to meet specific use limited architecture extendibility, supporting those deployments.

Ø  Strategic: These are more forward-looking companies deploying mobile applications to address larger subsets of workers, featuring more sophisticated functionality. They use a definite roadmap along with a more policy-driven approach for delivering their pre-defined business outcomes.

Ø  Mobile-First: There are just a few companies that have reached this stage of enterprise mobile maturity. Mobility, at this stage, is integrated into the whole organization in order to re-envision business processes and transform business processes, driving innovation in a unified way.

Sitting behind this innovation and growth is the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT). The total number of IoT devices is predicted to surpass mobile phones worldwide by the end of 2018, making it the largest group of connected devices. Exacerbating this phenomenon is that by 2021, there will be 7.7 billion mobile broadband subscriptions, 9 billion mobile subscriptions, and 6.3 billion Smartphone subscriptions. “This makes mobile-first an inevitable enterprise strategy within the next five years,” says Lessing.