Let John Tovey show you how to be a star in your own Kitchen while entertaining

Caption: Me in my kitchen in 2018 before the body cooperate vandalized it.

Welcome to another Tuesday book scrutiny slot.

 As we close off the month of July, I thought why not do that with some  food to say bye bye July and hello to women's month.

Caption: Baking in my stove before my property was vandalized and the new built in stove destroyed by the  body cooperate members of the building.

Yes, I love food. All sorts baking and cooking for consumption and entertaining  people. The first ever person who made me fall in love this art of making food was my father. 

That one complimented every meal I produced for him when I was a little girl.

Thanks to my  Sunday school teacher from Naledi Assemblies of God, Mam’ Lizzie Mogale, I also ventured into baking  and as if  was working in some classy Sandton restaurant, I had to serve her guests with a tray with all that fork and knife and water or drinks served with a sorcery plate.

 Youtube on the day I visited Mam’ lizzie Mogale at her house in  Protea North Soweto. Only to be told she's late.

 While the boarding school I attended, Rand Girls High in Braamfonteing Johannesburg. I learnt how to set up tables like they do in the Rosebank, Sandton restuarants.

You Tube video of green market lady showing his cooking skills. 

You know the ones  with different knives for this and that. Where the fork should be placed between the different dishes starters, main meal and deserts …. blah, blah blah.

Caption: pictures of cooking books I have collected through the years.

So whenever I pick up a cooking book I am reminded of my beautiful colorful childhood.

Time will just go back to the days of either cooking for my father or helping my aunt, Nomathemba in Alexandra Township set up her many Sunday dishes.

 

Her and friends who worked either as domestic workers or cookers at the affluent Sandton restuarants would share dishes like you are watching an announced  cooking competition with the competitors in a healthy and developing cooking club.

 

 

Youtube video at the Alexandra township Museum

So I knew who made the best fried cabbage, who preferred it cooked and spiced with the white pepper spice.

 I copied from the them the different kinds of making a beetroot salad.  The traditional grated with onion and vinegar for taste.

 

The diced and then dressed up with chutney source and the ones that are just done with Mayonnaise. As well as copying how to make the traditional Chakalalaka salad, with chillie and without chillie.

 The plain traditional Coleslaw salad or add raisins or apple.

 

 

The traditional Coleslaw salad pic from internet

While I was staying with my aunt, I was still in Primary school then, she taught me the basic food preparation.

 Weekdays were my turn to cook while Sundays, she took over as the senior woman of the house.

My dishes were very simple, especially in a house headed by a traditional Sotho man who preferred Pap in his main meals.

So every day I cooked pap, with minced meat on Mondays, Tuesday Pap with fried Ox Liver, Wednesday Pap with steak, Thursday Pap with fried Boerewors, Friday Pap with beef, Saturday Pap with tinned staff either  bull Brand or fish.

A picture Idea of my dishes

As you can see, it is true that in Johannesburg meat is the real deal hence the Eastern Cape say Apho inyama ingapheli kuphela izinyo lendoda. Coming from the Eastern Cape, these people made me enjoy pap and eating it with my bare washed hands instead of using a spoon.

While my weekend visit to my father in Protea Glen Soweto, I would grasp almost every recipe for scones, biscuits etc as the Christian woman loved entertaining guests and her house from Monday to Sundays were always frequented by different church people.

 Others from Assemblies of God and Faith Mission. Saturday mornings were her evangelism day for children so she would also gather kids from our street after a session of Biblical lessons and games. We would have a meal together before dispensation. So you see, I’ve always been a food lover. I may have lost interest in cooking over the years but the love of food has always been there.

 I’ve always collected and bought cooking books but never really had a chance of trying all of them.

Entertaining with Tovey- How to be a star in your own kitchen is one of the books I bought during the many Sunday Times book sales.

The paper had a slot to review new books at the end of the year,they gave journalist a chance to buy the books reviewed throughout the year.

John Tovey, a former theatrical company owner and now operate the Miller Howe Hotel in the Lake District.He has appeared in many Television and Chat shows, runs gourmet competitions and cookery courses at the hotel. He likes going on cooking tours of South Africa and the United States.

In this book, Tovey whose hotel- the Miller Howe- was singled out for its ultimate accolade of tureen, pestle and moratar and bottle for best table, best hotel and finest wines in the Good Food guide of 1978 and 1979. Want to build the confidence of those who love to play in the kitchen. In this book he compares the preparing food as the art and the kitchen the same as the theater where actors need to practice and polish their skills as well as be ready to deliver that excellent piece to their audiences. He describes the interpretation of the recipe being the same way as the actor interprets a part.

Who are you to tell me how to run my church?

That was a question I was asked on Fathers Day last year. At the time I was still drunk on the word received from my church. I had honoured an invitation from my Bracken High School friend, Nalo. The girl who decided to shortened my name from Khanyiswa to Khanyi. So to accommodate all the white speakers who found it difficult to pronounce the swa, the last three names of my full name. So there I was in Soweto, at this different kind of church where R60 offering is collected at the gate. Before you could see the different evangelists, prophets,apostles and pastors of this different church took to the show grounds to wow congregants with their car spinning skills. The Bible was the line up of BMW 320 or BMW 3 series E21 cars renamed to Tezza, MA. ERA, Izinyoka nyoka and Skudunga. These cars to wow the crowd as they spin on the field until all tires were damaged or the sport referee calls them out as soon as he spot danger. When watching the sport live, you can't help but clutch your teeth and cross your fingers that the driver doesn't loose control and he come crushing on the bob wire fence. According to Floyd, one of the participants and name the sport as a BEE sport. The sport is costly. He bought his BMW E21 as a second hand for R40 000. He has his own mechanic and has spent almost R100 000 on just maintaining it. One of the courageous ladies, Phumzile from Protea North in Soweto said she loves the sport as it helps her release stress. Phumzile aka Lady P first saw the sport at the South African hip hop star, Pro Kid's memorial service. "I fell in love with the adrenaline rush that it brings. From that day on, I bought myself a car and whenever I want to release stress. I climb on it". Car spinning is not a new sport but it is a growing sport in the black community.

Every Wednesday and Sundays there are sessions held all around Soweto with competitions held in Durban and Cape Town. Please follow us on the various social media pages: Facebook: Khanyiswa Ndabeni Instagram: Khanyiswasa Youtube:Khanyi Ndabeni and here is the link with this article https://youtu.be/QXQ67xYqZEE Twitter: @ndabenik

Twinning up to build a legacy that benefit SA

Twin brothers and pastors, Mpho and Thabo Putu

They are probably one of the many unsung heroes of the black community. 

 But for decades now, twin brothers -Thabo and Mpho Putu- had been grooming and supporting many gifted children from the previously disadvantage communities to excel and and make a impact on

Caption: former DA president and now Build one SA ( Bosa) leader Mmusi Maimane.. Picture from internet

 others.  

Kwaito Star and now Pastor at Rhema Church, Kabelo Mabalane 

 Their aim, is to see these kids grow up to become leaders in various fields including art, politics, sports and other areas that will later benefit South Africa.

  Through their early 90s programme, Gifted Child Development Programme (GCP) they have produced the likes of Kwaito kingpin Kabelo Mabelane who became one of the members of music group TKZee, SABC3 Isidingo's new director and actor Motlatsi Mafatshe and the current Democratic Alliance (DA) 

leader, Mmusi Maimane.

   

 YouTube visit at Orlando Baptist Church where the youth had a fundraising event for their upcoming youth camp.

It is no surprise that in some households they are called deputy fathers as they provide the father figure and guidance to many youth especially those from single parenting homes.  I too have felt their extended fatherly love in the 90s.

   

Youtube video of the Tour of Orlando Baptist Church where Rev Thabo Putu is the leader

When the South African government opened white schools to accommodate black students, these two brothers went all out raising funds that saw me become part of the first black students at Rand Girls High in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

   

Youtube video of Homebased care transportation of Orlando Baptist church

 It did not end there, together with teacher friends, Humphrey Mogale, Paul Dlamini and Ben Setlhatlhole volunteered to teach us English, mathematics, science at PACE High School in Soweto.

Pastor Mpho Putu often holds Babtism services at his church Mondeor Baptist Church

An exercise that was suppose to prepare us for Model C schools.

On my visit to Orlando Babtist Church in 2024. With Rev Thabo and wife

In those days some of us had never had a chance of being in the same room with white children nor did we know how a science laboratory looked like.

 

While the five days camps at Rocky Valley and Stoney Ridge was a nice holiday away from home but also had spiritual and educational programmes to boast our confidence and believe in our dreams.

On our first meeting in Jozi 2018/2019 soon after I left the papers. I didn't really know what to do next

  Our 1993 educational trip to the SABC Auckland Park where we met and interacted with the much love newsreader then, Noxolo Grootboom sparked an interest in me of gathering news.

 

Youtube video me interviewing the Mother of Stompie Seipei after Mama Winnie's announced death

Rev Chikane pic from internet

From the internet: South African actor, Motlatsi Mafatshe

I listened with interest as she told us that she started as a receptionist and later groomed for news.

Screengrab of The Herald stories on winning awards

Not knowing later in my life I will become a print journalist for a community, regional and national newspaper with five awards (national and provincial) to my name. "We strongly believe in prevention," said Mpho as we set down for coffee at Seatlle in Rosebank.

Pic from Rev Mpho Putu facebook posts 

"Better give the child everything they need so they do not end up doing crime. Make them believe that everything is possible and they can be anything they want to be. Ours is to give them that kick start". Both are teachers by profession but also run their own community church, Orlando Baptist church and Mondoer Baptist Church. Both churches have youth ministry every Friday.

Pic from Rev Mpho Putu Facebook post

They still advocate and lobby for exchange programmes and have traveled to countries like America, Ethiopia and all over the world.

Pic from Rev Thabo Putu post on the unveiling  of Mr Chris Hani

Just recently, they were able to facilitate for more than 800 students who wouldn't have had the opportunity of studying at a tertiary institution. "For us this has been our life purpose and calling. Hence we've never stopped and instead we continuing with the work and growing in all areas that we have served," said Thabo. They have a collection of MBAs, degrees and masters.

   

You Tube video, of me trying an item at Johannesburg Bible College

You can imagine the embarrassment I felt when I had to tell them, I'm still trying to complete my law degree at Unisa,i didnt even reveal I was hustling for a TV job over and above the journalism and creative writing qualifications on my belt.

   

Youtube having fun taking pics with the ladies of Orlando Baptist Church

I mean, as one of the loud mouth playful student.

Look up in the sky... With ladies from Orlando Baptist Church

I did feel a bit embarrassed by the little effort I had put on my education. 

But felt a light burden been lifted off as they encouraged me in all the projects I'm currently doing.

 I met the brothers at Teen Out Reach Christian Club.

 At the time, my father had just returned from exile with nothing and they were helping him to rebuild his life. 

The club was formed in the 1970s and is one of the living legacies of Rev Frank Chikane and Pedro Raboroko.

It was formed to continue the work Steve Bantu Biko's black consciousness movement.

Bokang, a rising star

Barely a year ago, she was an extra playing a character of a slay queen in the South African Telenova, The Queen. Little did she know that in a few months time, she will land a job as a presenter in one of the biggest township television station.

New kid on the block, Bokang Lebina

Bokang Lebina,24 couldn't contain her excitement when her form of being a presenter on Soweto TV was approved. For a week, she will be presenting Kasi Vibe,  a music show on the station based in the famous township Soweto on Vilakazi Street, Orlando West.

Bokang visiting the Trending SA studio with mentor, Nonhle Thema and class

The talented youngster, was one of the South African, upcoming talents that was mentored by veteran tv presenter, Nonhle Tema. But her love for TV and arts had always been there when she was growing up.  She has appeared as a guest presenter on the children's programme, Yo-TV and a commercial Nik Naks advert. "I've always been a creative person. My grandmother taught me how to sew when I was young. I wanted to be a model too but I was told, I was too short for it. But I have never pursued my dream even after completing matric at Mondeor High.

Go getter Bokang Bouncy Lebina

Though her strong background is that of an actor, landing a cameo role on Mzansi Magic's drama The Qeen. This after she couldn't continue financing her studies in advertising at Boston Media House, Bokang felt polishing her skills in what she also love wouldn't be a problem.

Guest presenter on Kasi Vibes

"I guess when you truly love something, you go after it. This is also what I would advise young and upcoming artist to never give up. If its something you truly love. Work hard have patient and faith and also show interest too but never give up," she said.

Bokang is one of the aspiring presenters who are mentored by Nonhle Thema

With the entertainment being so pretentious Bokang says she hope she is able to bring her unique self to the table. This an advise she got from American TV host Steve Harvey when he had a group of high school students who were confused on which field to take for college. "The one Thing you do every morning when you wake up and the last thing you do before you go to bed will lead you where you want to go". For Bokang who describe herself as being shy but outspoken those words sparked the fire in her.

Busy in rehearsing for her role as a new presenter

"I was always comfortable in my own skin.I will come and promote self love because the industry is full of pretentious people. Some pretending to be something they are not because they think people love what they do. People will love you as you as you are. I also dont place value in material things hence I'm able to grow at my own pace in the industry," she said.
TEN THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BOKANG:
1 She can sing and think she is a good singer at it too
2.She makes her own clothes
3. She's very shy and hates attention
4.She is a good cook with the interest of going to a culinary school to learn more about food
5.She's funny
6. She spent some time in Lesotho during her childhood years
7.She has never had fake nails
8.She makes her own wigs
9. Doesn't really like make up
10. She is a homebody and enjoys her own company

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We haven't spoken for over 18 years, but when my Bracken High School and Youth Alive friend, Nalo FancyFace Jivhuho heard about our start up, she showed us love. This club dj and female car spinner is seen wearing our screw simple wooden piece at a wedding in Orlando, Soweto. This is what she said about us... "I purchased my beads from Ndabeni Creatives, from day 1 she was hands on, she asked me to choose my preferred colours and sent different samples for me to choose from. 

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