Caption: Stealing a selfie moment with Bassie at The Herald Miss PE held at the Feather Market Centre in 2009. Bassie was the MC on the night attorney Di-Ann Qoto won.
Helllloooowwww ...there!!!!!!! Welcome to South Africa's women's month.
Pic from SA History online.. The faces of the 9th August March
I don't know about you, but I still can't believe that it is exactly 69 years since the women, across all racial groups in the country marched to the Union Building in Pretoria.
Yes, the over 20,000 women lead by Mam' Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Albertina Sisulu and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn
Picture from SA History on line.. The brave faces behind the famous historic march of 1956
I don't think J.G. Strijdom who was the prime minister then was expecting the unity and the courage of these women who were sick of the oppressive pass laws.
At the launch of Bassie-My Journey of Hope in Sandton in 2019
So in the unity spirit amongst us women uniting and passing on the baton, I thought why not do a close look on the book, Bassie-My Journey of Hope. Miss&Mr Freshett Nelson Mandela Metro University 2019
This was released by Penguin Random House in 2019.
Besides, we are all about creating the culture of reading amongst us South Africans and Africans especially with the group that the like of Bassie speak to.
We really need to know about our story, gone are days where someone else told our stories and there was a broken telephone situation or sensory of information.
Miss Gauteng finalist
This is a book that every beauty pageant girl in South Africa should have. Bassie is the face of the post apartheid beaty pageant queen.
Pic from the Bassie book launch in 2019
I mean the girl, GXHEBE!!! the big sister was rolling with the president of the country then, Nelson Mandela and the relationship lasted until his last days and even after his passing, Bassie continued to be a child that can give the family all the support it needed from a child.
Nelson Mandela's Memorial Service held at the FNB stadium with US president then, Barack Obama speaking at the memorial service
During the disorganized memorial service where important people that needed to be properly credited and given a chance to pay their last respect to the men were not given the chance.
Nelson Mandela's funeral service in Qunu
To Mam' Operah Winfrey, thee mother of talk shows having to pose for a selfie before they will get an accreditation to the funeral.
As much as she spills everything, I'm only assuming out of disgust of how we (South Africans) have
quickly forgotten where we come from and the respect that was instilled in us by our parents just flew out of the window as soon as we heard and given the word, rights.
Bassie Book Launch 2019(I think pics were taken from her instagram account or I took them, not sure)
In her book, she also pays a tribute to Mama Winnie Madikezela Mandela. The two last met in hospital.
Footage from
The old lady gave her a bit of a lecture on how she needed to pass on the baton i.e train other youngsters to be in the position she is currently in.
With Alexandra Townships upcoming beauty queens
In the Book, Bassie also introduce you to the other side of her. The normal South African woman who
also suffered physical Gender Base Violence (GBV) under her then boyfriend and boxing icon, Dingaan Thobela.
Alex Community Unites during a GBV case held in Alexandra Magistrate Court in 2024
She is also a religious who puts God first in almost everything she does. A woman who suffered the painful loss of eight babies while yearning to be a mother.
A woman, whom despite being a public figure still loves her husband a former Metro FM jockey, Romeo Khumalo. She had a chuff life indeed but you can see that Bantu Education really worked on this one.
Some of the lessons learnt from the book:
1.The money and friends can work. If all parties respected each other when it comes to money
2. She interviewed Micheal Jackson during her top Billing years, the interview was done in a musical shop. Not sure why but if you are MJ's fan like me, in one of his Youtube documentary, the child's star reveals how fame didn't allow him to do little things like grocery shopping and has been yearning to go to shopping malls.
Mam Doreen Morris picture from internet
3.Questions to ponder on or would really make you want to know more on is the question.
If Miss SA was Mam' Doreen Morris's brain child, how did it end up with the Weils family and Sun International?
With Miss World 2014 Rolene Strauss
Sistas need to give us clearity before black people start toy toying the event. She is in a better position to provide us with clearity.
Founder of Ithlokomeleng Home for the Aged founder, Dr Majorie Manganye with
Deputy Minister of Public Enterprise, Obed Bapela
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.
At the Alexandra Peace Ambassador community talk event. All political parties and the community of Alexandra were invited to help some of the issues affecting the township, mainly housing.
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.
My late brother with Kuhle playing with my phone
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.
Do you need a safe secure place where you, family and friends can seat and relax on Sundays?
Why don't you join us at the Maponya Precinct Market in Soweto every Sunday.
This new hot hang out spot, not only boast of big space for you to enjoy amongst other things live music and a place for children to play. But visitors will be spoilt for choice on items on the market and both Toyota and VW will have their cars on display for you to choose your dream car.
The Ndabeni Creative team will be on site with all of our products- from your traditional South African beaded jewellery, the ancient stone hand made necklaces and bracelets, wooden beads jewellery etc. You will have a chance to ask any questions you have on our products as well as give you advice on how to wear our items.
Traders that will be with us this Sunday include, Nobuhle Hub.
Nobuhle Hub is a South African beauty and hair care online store. It provide quality virgin hair from across the world at affordable prices. Their hair ranges from Peruvian, Malaysian Brazilian and Indian hair. At the moment they only stock high quality grade 10a hair from various countries abroad. The hair comes in bundles, closures and wigs custom made for customers unique hair needs. The hair quality last for over 2-3 years if maintained well.
Currently, Nobuhle Hub only operate through online channels such as Instagram and Facebook. It uses courier services to send hair to places as far as Limpopo and Bloemfontien.
Another new and young trader is Naledi Goottsch from co- founder of Berry-Ledi crafted Gin.
In 2016 Naledi met James Chirwa, co-founder of Berry-Ledi Gin, and gained the knowledge and experience of making gin. Through that Berry-Ledi, the first flavoured gin, came to be by the first gin in South Africa to be owned by a Black female.
Their first product, Pine-Ledi first went to the public at the AVA Gallery First Thursday last month.
Other traders include the T-shirt brand, Welcome to Soweto and the direct selling perfume company, Inuka.
Maponya Precinct Market is over looking the struggle heroine, Winnie Madikizela's Orlando House, it is also a five minute drive to Maponya Mall a walk to famous Vilakazi Street where two noble prize winners, Bishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela lived. You can also visit the Hector Peterson museum which is a few streets away.
