"Yes, sir she has agreed to do the one on one interview with us.
It will be in her office, just across the road".
Are you sure? asked my then editor- in- chief, Carl Saton Smith.
My new diary update for the week, had caught his attention.
He had to stop whatever that had kept him busy on his computer to give me his full undivided attention.
Ilizwi's front page
Carl, was still in disbelief that the newly appointed first female executive mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay- Nondumiso Maphazi- had given me permission to feature her in our small community newspaper.
At the time, Dr Nondumiso Maphazi was taking over from Robben Islander, Nceba Faku.
Though, I had pitched the idea earlier in our conference meeting. No one really thought much of it that it could develop into a printable story.
I mean the idea, was good for a dreamer like me.
But in reality of the newsroom, she was too busy and if she really needed coverage. The Herald, Daily Dispatch and the Weekend Post were her obvious go to news point.
Dr Nondumiso Maphazi Picture supplied by the family
But there I was, inexperienced news reporter telling her that one of the most influential woman in Port Elizabeth and probably the whole of the Eastern Cape province has agreed to give us time.
No one was prepared for this.
Youth Focus column on Ilizwi Community newspaper
I myself didn't realise the magnitude of what I had done. I was merely obsessed with getting my Youth Focus ideas being published.
With BayFM community radio cast
This time,I had a meeting with the local artists and there were tired of being unotticed in their home town.
There were even reports that artist who left Port Elizabeth in persuit for better life in Johannesburg were struggling but ashamed to come back home as they were embarrassed and ashamed that their dreams didn't take off and things were even worse for them in Johannesburg.
Youth Day celebration with Xceedo from Imbizo events
One of the events company based in the city, Imbizo tried to accommodate some like the late Joyous Celebration singer from Port Elizabeth but it was not enough. There was a need for intervention by the city, the mayor and all stake holders.
For me then, it was a miracle that Carl had taken me in his wings.
With no formal journalistic experience of writing stories.
Few months earlier, I was a security guard, the whole of Port Elizabeth knew me as the female security guard at Coca Cola Perseverance.
This new role, which I begged after I had over sold myself to him as a freelance Youth Motivator at Nkqubela Fm, a community radio station and someone who was also frustrated and had confronted him that the paper, Ilizwi was not catering for the people living in the township especially the Youth.
Carl, first gave me the Ilizwi youth Focus Column. Mainly written in English but had a drop of Tsotsi taal, Fanagalo, slang and street lingo of PE.
Dr Nondumiso Maphazi Picture supplied
Carl thought of running ideas with me before the interview the next day, but there were not much ideas.
The Herald and weekend post had done all the possible stories. Including covering the fact that she was once a petrol attended in her youth.
But he let me think of ideas that will work for both her and the newspaper.
The day of the interview started horribly wrong.
I was late for the normal bus because my mother send me back from the bus stop to change from the sneakers and jeans to something that was more appropriate.
Press briefing of the homecoming PE Political prisoners with Oom Govt Mbeki
'People don't take you serious Khanyiswa because you do not take yourself serious. First impressions do last you know' those were Ntesh's words
With Zimbabwean singer, Olivia Mtukudzi
The only decent clothing on my wardrope that time was a fur cream winter jacket, a green comoflouge skirt and half leather heel boots all bought on Truworths credit card.
As I crossed the street from the Feather Market Centre to City Hall, I tripped and fell and the heel of the shoe came off.
There was no turning back either, already I was about 15 minutes late for the interview. So I limped into her secretary's office. Explained before hand what had happened and still stated my keenes to do the interview still.
Dr Nondumiso Maphazi picture: supplied by family
Mam' Nondumiso was busy, so she didn't notice my late coming.
Few minutes later,I was ushered to her huge office which made me even more intimidated.
I remember the soft leather chairs, the huge table with the New South African flag at the corner of the table.
The framed pictures of South Africa's first black president, Nelson Mandela, the then president Thabo Mbeki and the Eastern Cape premier then, Nosimo Balindlela in her traditional isiXhosa regalia displayed in the room.
It was only then than it dawn on me that I had come to interview someone very, very important.
'Sorry mam, I broke my heel as I was crossing the street.
Dr Nelson Mandela. Picture from the internet no accreditation given
Otherwise I would have been here earlier, I am really sorry Mam', I said as I was limping to the direction of a chair she showed me.
"It happens to all of us, I had a similar accident in one of the airports, years ago,'she told me the story as she was welcoming and trying to make me feel comfortable.
With Dj Sbu, founder of TS during the Metro FM Music Awards PE school's tour
I actually missed my flight that day," We both broke into a huge laughter as she rely her story to try and comfort me and make me feel at ease.
'Would you like me to send someone to get you another pair of shoes", I politely decline.
My security background was that even generous offeres were bribes. I knew this came from a geniune love and concern but politely decline and we continued our informal chat. She was more interested in me. I told her everything about my passion for the youth, art work in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Dr Nondumiso Maphazi
She inturn told me about her plans for the Youth in the Nelson Mandela and her plans to work with the township school and how she was going to use her platform to bring change to the black community of Nelson Mandela Bay.
With the Jeziel Brothers at the Metro FM Music Awards
Everything was a bit informal at the end of our meeting, she had organised all her people to include me in all her work.
Back at the office, everyone was waiting in inticipation to hear feedback.
Playing Golf with the then premier, Nosimo Balindlela
A space was already allocated and people were busy with drawing pictures from files.
The story was Carl's project. A told him everything from the meeting. I often had to say Mam' Maphazi's response verbartism so not to misqoute her.
That article became a game changer for me and the paper. We were now seen and recognised by the community that we served.
People didn't see us as rebelious youth that were just make empty noise and endorsed by the paper.
No, we were noticed and invitations tricked in and tip offs of major stories came in.
When the youngsters were planning to distrupt the Umsobomvu Youth Development Agency national cenference held at the Feather Market Hall.
100% isisXhosa Comedy backstage with Nono and Qhamie
We knew before hand that the ceo of the agency, Andile Lungisa who was also the national deputy president of the ANCYL together with Julius Malema as the president will be dragged out of the conference.
Wearing his sweet pink suit and sharp pointed BEEE shores to address the Youth Unemployment in the region.
When the American singer, Bebe Winans was coming to town, we were the amongst those waiting to greet him at the airport. The invitation came as far as Johannesburg to attend the Celine Dion Concert with transportation which included return flight tickets.
When four Nigerian national appeared in court after a story of a teenage girl that was thrown out of the fourth floor flat in Central.
With the Help of the regional ANCYL in the region, High Schools around the city came to a standstil as youngsters marched to the court demanding the suspects not to be given bail.
Dr Maphazi's term as a mayor taking over from Nceba Faku saw the metro Fm came to the city for two consecutive years, with that our office was flooded with artist from Ts records.
Maphazi life Memorial is on the 18 June, the Wednesday at Nangoza Jebe and Funeral on Friday the 20 June at Feather Market Centre.
I would really like to thank the family and friends of Maphazi for giving me all the pics to use for this article.
To everyone who played a role in tracking them after seeing my post on facebook... Thank you, thank you, thank you! Umuntu, ngumuntu ngabantu. Thank you!
Have you heard?
I mean, I don't like spreading gossip but the rumour mill has it that in 2024 some of the South African movers and shakers were caught by our lens this past year.
From actors, actresses, pastors, community workers, social workers, doctors, teachers, primary school kids,government ministers, gym instructors etc.
Our current camera man, eight-year-old Sphiwokuhle was all over town. In churches, holiday camps, women's conferences, anniversary celebrations, birthday parties and many other gatherings that has happened around Gauteng.
By the way,he has no colour, age, political association, gender or nationality discrimination. When he sees something good.
He just get on with his job of capturing un edited material for the blog or Youtube, instagram, X and tiktok.
A job he was taught by his late uncle, Xolani Ndabeni when he was just few months old.
Unfortunately for this small registered media company, Ndabeni Kunene Creatives Pty Ltd. We lost Xolani, our first male model of our bead work. Our cheff, photographer, driver and unpaid volunteer of the company last month.
Together we were the footsoldiers of the company, before Covid 19.
Our mobile shop was sort after going to MTN head quarters, Deinfern small business market and many other markets that happened hear in Jozi back then.
As Mariah and Boy 2 Men sang..."And I know you're shining down on me from heaven.
Like so many friends we've lost along the way.
And I know eventually we'll be together"...
His sudden death has taught me never to take anything or any person in my life for granted.
Please listen to the lyrics of the song and apply the same to your love ones this festive season.
I mean, it is still hard to believe his gone.
One minute, I was enjoying his late night calls.
Telling me how much he loved and misses me.
How he was looking forward to show me progress on some of the things he had been up to since we last saw each other.
Literary less than a week from another late night call from him encouraging me his big sister not to worry abd that the business will be up and running in no time.
And studying ministry was a Ndabeni blood thing and should embrace it.
The next thing, I get a call to say he was rushed to hospital three days ago, he had diabetes that was picked up during Covid 19.
To make things more bazaar, I'm told he kept all this from me because he didn't want to worry me all these years he knew.
Anyway, the stalking and the destruction of my property by Small Business Minister, Stella Ndabeni Abrahams and her politically connected crew affected our business.
Mind you we dont know this woman from a bar of soap.
But her insecurities are on another level.
she had been avoiding me since 2012 when I was still interning for Mail and Guardian amabhungane centre for investigative journalism.
I was keen and curious to meet with her then. Even dropped some facebook inboxes to her then.
She made a grand entry in the political scene.
One minute she was an unknown, the next I was told
she had disrespected the late South African anti-apartheid activist and the second wife of Nelson Mandela, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
I mean the courage? Hence everyone was curious to know who was she and where did she come from and my relation with her.
Some who dont know my mothers kids well mistook her for my
big sister, Nomonde.
Both my brother Mandla Ndabeni and her were never into politics. Lets just say, after my late mother stop being active in the ANC, we were just ordinary supporters of the political party.
I on the other hand, was disappointed by the party not able to further my studies. I thought, I was entitled to free tertiary education or a bursary from it since both my parents were active in the party before 1994. I thought the sacrifice of leaving me for prison due to political activities and another flying the country in fear of his life while leaving me behind to be cared by the community, relatives and siblings would win people's compassion and fund my studies through a bursary or scholarship of some sort.
But instead, I together with my brothers and sister we find our way through life. Especially after my mother died in 2016, we hustled alone. Xolani had been affected greately by my mother's long time illness. He was her full time support system from the age of seven years. When my mother still had a post as seargent major at Kimberely Military base. With her gone, he came to stay with me and my son in 2018 to do a drivers license and we were in a process of getting him into a chef school through the money we both made selling beads. I will forever miss him. But also deal decisively with bulies especially with evidence and criminal cases opened....GBV must be addressed and now.
Anyway, while still on the topic of bullies this year.As we were preparing for 2025 school year. I mean, finally this year, I was able to register online for NSFAS and was approved pending availability of funds and registration at Unisa. So out of excitement of finally having prospects of finishing my law studies last week, I went to Unisa Johannesburg.
To find out the registration process.
My first stop was at the commercial crime court but the service from my fellow sister from Amanda Security company was so bad that I quickly moved to Unisa. Just to be greeted by another bully female. The previous week, I was sent home because the staff at the university could not even answer or have this information because the building had no water. On this day however, there was water and people to help, I was also desperate to use the toilet. The security lady and the access control had no time for me, one was busy on the phone and the other was laughing at the fact that I was so pressed I couldn't stand still and she was enjoying my jumpiness and desperation. She showed me a lift that took me to the basement instead of to the toilets and I was up and down with the lift until I couldn't help it anymore. There was more laughter of amusement when I told them about the accident until a male staff intervened. Both confrontation was more of Titus1:12 description of Cretans. People who lie even when theres evidence right infront of them.
Anyway, I was impressed by the openess of Journey South Africa during their presentation at the Johannesburg Bible College early this year.
The organisation works with churches to address issues such as addiction, sex treatment of the LGBTIQ to mention but a few. I love their openess towards all topics.
Me thinks, more South African churches should work and invite this organisation to their churches. The topics they cover are taboo in some of our churches and by engaging we can stop the cancer of discrimination against anyone...My opinion of course.
In February this year, we find ourselves at a L'Abri conference in Auckland Park discussing spirituality and whitchcraft with qualified medical doctors and Christian faith practitioners. I must say, after getting out of the conference, I wanted to launch a campaign for the witchcraft Suppression Act of 1957 to be brought back.
I spotted the MK guys busy in Alexandra township, they were doing a programme for youth day. I didn't have a phone then but Jacob Zuma's kids sponsored this photo. By the way, Msholozi I am sorry if I have ever been harsh to you while in the Media or general. I had to be out of the media in order to see what you were working with. Sir, I think you did a great job with what you had. You brought in your A game even when the situation was rough. I am looking forward to covering your party's events next year. I hope you don't mind me remaining with the ANC still. I have a personal issue with a minister that I think will be able to solve when I am in the organisation. Besides, I think they now need me and this is the best time to say, witches bow down from an organisation that was formed based on Christian principals. You have caused headache and division.
Talking politics, big up to the Gauteng ANC guys for giving me this free ANC T-shirt and a scarf or headgear. I never got anything for free in the party for years so I was so thrilled that I asked for a picture and the guys even sponsored to take one and send it to my facebook inbox...I mean in the world where people do not want to share a thing let alone a picture taken by their smart phone or iphones. Anyway, thank you guys.
We were off to Rosebank Union Church where we attended the Township Reformation Annual Conference.
Guess, who we spotted, the current Miss Gauteng Teen finalist.
The girl is busy trying to raise R2500 for the competition next year and offers any company willing to sponsor her branding opportunity on the competitions social media platforms. Anyone interested her Instagram page is @Angel.
She also shared her views on the Nigerian Mozambican who pulled off from the Miss South Africa beauty pageant soon after the approar on her nationality. Listen to what she had to say then.
If you thought the 2010 Fifa World Cup fever was over in South Africa, think again. I mean we were still Waka Wakaring in 2024 and brought in primary school children to join in the fun.
As the school had its concerts hounoring the legends such as Hugh Masekela, Micheal Jackson, Destiny's Child, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Freddie Gwala and Mbongeni Ngema.
Before the country danced to Chris Brown last week, we were already setting the mood with my grade two friend, Christine on stage. Watch the video.
We were so honoured to be part of the guests that were invited to a finger snack after the concert and escorted home by the school staff.
The next day, the school had a fundraising event in a form of a family fun day.
The family and community of the school were invited to a bring and braai event where they could socialise with each other on a more casaul and safe environmnet.
Children were also catered for with playing spots while adults could have their breavarages and braaing their meat.
Still on the schools, I also visited the school where I matriculated and met up with the principal that is currently doing amazing work.
It was so reviving to be there and talking to some of the former pupils. Please click on this link to learn more about the school.
I also had a chance to re unite with my favourite twins. I swear, when I'm rich enough I will buy these guys Massarati's, Lamborghini's Mc Lauren's etc.
The Putu brothers are doing amazing community work. I am so looking forward to working with them again next year, in the mean time. Please click on this link for their work to date. PSst.. their story is not finished
Can you believe that woman are behind most GBV cases in South Africa?
We do need more platforms to actually address this amongst us woman with the hope that this will help us get rid off our insecurities, spirit of lack and build a better country for all.
This I learnt at the annual Women's Convention conference held in Midrand Christ Church.
According to an Muhau, an organisation formed during Covid19 GBV cases spiked during the Lockdown.
This surely means that South Africa need more programmes that uplifts woman and operated by women who trully mean and do work that uplifts women and the church is a good place to make sure that such programmes for women are implemented.
The spirit of competence and pulling each other down is really not working for the country.
Pastor Sfiso Twala invited us to his business expo held at his Kingdom Mandate International (KMI) church at 3rd Avenue Alexandra Township. There are more stories you will here from that big white tent next year in this blog...watch the space.
One of the brother's from Africa and a colleague at JBC was kind enough to forward me this picture taken at an Africa Day event held near Alex. Thank you Mike and lots of love.
Have you ever visited the Rosebank Union Church in Nelson Mandela Drive? I think I will frequent them next year just for their coffee and pastor Richard's teachings.
These guys seems to have something to celebrate everytime.
My son enjoyed their winter holiday camp with an Inside Out theme.
We got down at pastor Sithole's 40th birthday Celebration.
I'm yet to meet someone who will throw a better party than Mama Marjorie Manganye, you will read more about her and Itlhokomeleng next year.
There's more stories that you wil read about the works of Bab'Linda Twala in Alexandra Township and the kassie itself.
You cant separate Bab'Twala from some of the community development there, he is so intertwined with the township and Im finding my way to decently tell the stories there.
Of course more stories are coming up about Johannesburg Bible College as I finish my ministry courses with them.
Come next year, we will be bigger and better.
For now please enjoy the season with your loved ones.
If around region E area on 31st December.
GNF is having a cross over night.
Check out the snippet on what to expect.
Heita, Hola!
Can you believe that we are just a few days from ending the year?
I don't know about you, but for me. This year flew like a blink of an eye.
I mean one minute, I was enjoying a scrumptious breakfast and enjoying the fellowish with the new students from the Johannesburg Bible College.
The next, I see myself at a packed Rosebank Union Church where amongst other's graduating from the college class of 2024 class is Isibaya actor, Patrick Muziwakhe Mathabela.
Mmm-hmm! I don't know how you feel, but I think the bar has been raised on the South African story telling side.
Yes, you guessed it right. Almost all story tellers look to the book of life for inspiration. I mean even the most watched movies of all times have the Biblical themes,hate, love and jelousy and joy.
So, what a great way to start the year for me in February 2024 as I celebrated my 28th year walking with Jesus and than to be in a classroom full of freaks that loves the same man as I do.
I mean to be so into the player of all players to a point that they will spend every morning between 7.30 am and 12:30 noon learning not only about him but the father of all creation.
Yes, baby.. My year was very productive, entertaining and weight gaining too as I grabbed two slices of bread with peanut butter or jam.
Or scrammbled egg and a filter coffee every morning before joining a group of Johannesburg based Bible freaks whose position in the different churches varies from ushering, choir, cleaner, pastoring, counselling and some just mere memembers of the church but want to grow in the Lord and understand his word.
The 20-year-old college which had partnered with Rays of Hope for class accommodation in 2024, Rosebank Union Church and The Kitchen restuarant which provided Wednesday fellowish lunches.
Opened its doors to almost every one in Alexandra Township and surrounding areas three years ago.
I mean, it didn't matter which background you came from wether you passed matric or not.
As long as you could utter basic English and show initiative in wanting to learn and understand the Bible. The college's principal, Nat Schluter was eager to travel as far as United Kingdom and the United States of America to find someone who can sponsor a student who cant really afford to pay the now R19 500 fee or R2000 registration.
.
Not only do they make you understand the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, they also encourage students to be more practical with the Bible in their every day life.
I remember the very first term, as part of the practical of how to engage the word of God. The College had brought in people from journey South Africa, an organisation based in Johannesburg. They were so opened about some of the topics often church shy away to speak about.
I remember the speakers quite well, speaking about being gay and the church reaction.
Another had struggled with keeping up with people's expectations and not living her life according to how she would like but rather what was expectated of her.
A male guy came and spoke about how an absent father led to him being molested by a pastor that he trusted and looked up to.
He also kept this a secrete and allowed it to happen many times even though he didn't like it but wanted to please the man who had by then instilled all fears at him. If you thought, cigarrette was the only bad habit in life, think someone eating a jar of jam as a habbit everyday because they wanted to gain weight.
The third term was on another level as we had the annual Mission Day at the College. Some of the organisation who came to speak to us included Open Doors which work with persecuted churches, Mr Hendrick Chili highlighted how Christians were being killed in countries like Mozambique to a point that they now had underground churches.
While Wits University resident pastor, Priviledge Tafirei said the gospel was needed most in at Universities. "People now hate Christianity because there are no faithfull Christians today. We have professional missioneries who care about budget yet the teaching about the gospel is needed most", said Tafirei.
In Africa, there are many countries where churches are persecuted yet they grow. One of those places is Nigeria. The church grew so fast in Nigeria that new believers have little chance to be discipled. According to operationworld in Nigeria, much of the division and false teaching enters into Nigerian churches mostly it is prosperity teaching which distorts the gospel.
The fourth term was even on another level especially for us ladies.
We got to attend the annual Women's Conference that was held at the the main campus in Auckland Park.
One of the things that the college encourage is students volunteering either at the kitchen or in any of its event.
I was fortunate to be the head usher girl at their third annual conference with the black and Gold theme.
Here, I got to make new friends some as far as their Soweto branch. Others who had travelled all over the world to study at the Auckland Park Campus.
Did you know that women need to take supplements when they are on their monthly period?
I was really surprised when one of the speakers, Busi revealed this to all woman.
The college offeres amongst others a Women Serving Chirst coourse. Like all their courses, you get a Ministry training course when done and it includes, Biblical womanhood, Women engaging with God's world, Communicating God's Word.
By the end of the courses, one is able to start a church with a full support from a body that support South African Churches. Or be effective members in their church.
This year's students drew congregants from TBL ministries in Alexandra Township, Rhema Church, Anglican church in Pretoria, Christ Embassy, God Never Fails and Assemblies of God to mention but a few.
Anyway, my year was fun and full loaded with everything about the Bible. I know everything is the result of the fall but will see if next year I will be able to stand infront of the audience and preach or like Bab' Patrick, I'm only good for camera's on TV.
Anyway, as the president, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa asked during his innaugaratin in 2019 Whom shall I send, I will respond in a dance like the class of 2024.... THUMA MINA!
For now please familiarise with your pastors in the following videos they are in no particular order:
1) Buti Lucas
mama Rahab
2)
mam Manina
3)
4) Sister Khanyi
5) Sister Mathabo
6) Brother Mbongeleni
7) Sister Lebo
A bonus video is when the College pulled an Opera Winfrey on Alexandra branch pupils.
