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I'm an experienced writer, sub-editor, and media & public relations specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the media industry – across digital, print, TV, and radio. I earned a diploma in Journalism and Print Media from leading institution, Damelin College, with distinctions (Journalism And Print Media, Media Studies, Technical English And Communications, South African Studies, African & International Studies, Technology in Journalism, Journalism II & Practical Journalism). I also hold a qualification in Investigative Journalism from Print Media SA, First Aid Training from St John's Ambulance, as well as certificates in Learning to Write Marketing Copy, Planning a Career in User Experience, and Writing a Compelling Blog Post.
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IOL News
41 minutes ago
- IOL News
The state of the adult industry in SA: A market under pressure
I started the Lola Montez Brand over 20 years ago. It was the first of its kind. An adult store that was more boutique than a store that made it safe for women to shop. It was a place where couples could get real advice about their relationship and purchase a range of toys to spice up the bedroom. Sharon Gordon is the brains behind the Lola Montez Brand leads the adult entertainment Industry and has revolutionized the way business is done. From conceptualization, to brand exposure and product development. Lola Montez is currently a upmarket boutique in Sandton, Johannesburg with services including events, parties, education and e-commerce. We went from 1 to 4 stores and back again over the years and recently closed all our bricks and mortar outlets to be online. We still offer the same educated and honest advice. I have wondered for some time now whether it is just me or whether we are all suffering. Yes, there certainly are more players in the market with fierce online competition. If your algorithms aren't perfect, you are nowhere to be found. Don't even think about advertising on social media, you'll be banned faster than you can say Butt Plug. I'm assured it's the same for everyone. The South African adult industry, once dominated by a few brick-and-mortar stores offering high-end, discreet and knowledgeable service, is now navigating choppy waters. A convergence of economic, regulatory, logistical, and digital challenges is threatening the survival of longstanding adult retailers and reshaping the landscape of the industry entirely. The Decline of Physical Retail: A Perfect Storm Retail across all sectors has been under pressure, but adult retail in South Africa faces unique hurdles. High commercial rentals—especially in premium, upmarket areas—have made it nearly impossible for adult stores to compete for desirable locations. Despite a more progressive approach to sexual wellness, adult shops still face stigmas that prevent them from gaining access to malls and retail zones with high foot traffic. Zoning laws and landlord reluctance mean many are forced into industrial areas or low-traffic locations, which impacts visibility and footfall and keeps the industry feeling sleezy. Coupled with rising utilities and security costs due to persistent load shedding and crime, maintaining a physical presence has become financially untenable for many businesses. The shift to online retail, accelerated by COVID-19, has only exacerbated this decline. Regulatory Red Tape and Technical Hurdles Beyond rental issues, South African adult retailers also face harsh regulatory and logistical hurdlesThe South African National Standards (SANS) require that all rechargeable adult toys—those containing lithium batteries—meet strict safety compliance standards. Importers must register, test, and certify each model, even if it's a variation of an existing design. This costly and time-consuming process significantly delays product launches and adds to overheads. Moreover, lithium batteries are considered dangerous goods for air transport, leading to additional courier fees and complex logistics. These costs are passed on to the consumer, making locally-sourced products far more expensive than the same items bought from international platforms—many of which skip compliance and safety procedures entirely. The Online Competition Conundrum Online giants like Temu, Shein, and Wish have further eroded the profitability of local Players. These platforms offer cheap adult toys, shipped directly from overseas, often without duties being paid or regulatory compliance being met. These products are rarely covered by warranties and come with no after-sales service or consumer protections. Consumers, facing their own financial constraints, are increasingly opting for lower-cost alternatives, despite the risks. The result? Local adult stores can't compete on price and are losing market share rapidly. Reputable South African brands that offered education, discretion, high-quality products, and in-store expertise are being edged out by volume-based, faceless e-commerce operations. The Bigger Picture: Industry at Risk This collision of factors—regulatory barriers, high rentals, unfair import practices, and international competition—is having a significant impact on the adult industry as a whole. Once-thriving businesses are closing their doors, scaling back operations, or being forced to compromise on quality to survive. The broader implications are concerning - fewer safe, informed spaces to explore sexual health and wellness, job losses in an already struggling economy, and a decline in consumer rights and product safety standards. What Can Be Done? If the adult industry in South Africa is to survive and thrive, multi-pronged action is needed: Lobby for Fair Access: Retailers and advocacy groups must lobby municipalities and shopping centres to treat sexual wellness retail like any other health and beauty offering. Education is key to breaking down stigma. Simplify SANS Processes: Regulatory frameworks must be reviewed and streamlined for small businesses. Consideration should be given to exemption categories or partnerships for low-risk devices. Local Manufacturing Incentives: Encouraging local production of adult toys could reduce reliance on expensive imports and create jobs. Government incentives for manufacturing could drive innovation and economic inclusion. Consumer Education: Campaigns must highlight the importance of quality, safety, and after-sales support. Consumers need to understand what they lose when they buy from anonymous overseas platforms. Collective Bargaining and Bulk Shipping: Local retailers could form cooperatives to pool resources for compliance testing and shipping, reducing costs and increasing bargaining power with regulators and couriers. Our wholesalers have entered the retail market making competition even more difficult. Digital Excellence and Hybrid Models: Investing in sleek, educational online stores with excellent service, discreet delivery, and local credibility could win back customers. Hybrid models that blend online with experiential pop-ups or events could also offer a future path. Those who have the capital are trying. Temu is still winning. The adult industry in South Africa is at a urgent and coordinated efforts to address the unique pressures it faces—from compliance costs to online competition—it risks becoming an underground or entirely imported market, devoid of trusted local brands and service. Preserving the industry isn't just about pleasure products—it's about access to safe, shame-free sexual wellness resources in a country that needs them more than ever.
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
South African dancer Hope Ramafalo showcases the power of passion in dance
South African dancer Hope Ramafalo, also known as King Maestro, is making waves in the amapiano dance scene. Image: Supplied Multi-talented artist Hope Ramafalo, also known as King Maestro, is taking the world by storm with amapiano dance. This July, Ramafalo will be headlining the BeAfrika Amps international afro dance camp in Montpellier, France, alongside Bontle Modiselle and other renowned dancers from across the globe. Her international takeover won't just stop in France; soon after, she will be on a dance tour performing in Amsterdam, Spain, Barcelona, Paris, and the United States. The dancer never thought she could build a career from dance, but she is now living in the reality that it is possible. 'A dance career was never encouraged enough; if anything, people never understand when someone wants to be a dancer, but by God's grace, I found my passion and purpose through dance,' she said. Sharing a message for the youth who may feel uncertain about careers in the music and dance spaces, Ramafalo encourages them to follow that fire. 'Your path doesn't have to look like everyone else's. We weren't born to play it safe; we were born to move, create, express, and inspire. 'Your gift has a purpose, even if the world hasn't seen it yet. Keep showing up for it.' The choreographer and dancer won the Social Media Personality of the Year award at the 16th Feather Awards. With viral dance challenges like Hamba Ha, uMkhukhu (MKK), and Zula ka Strata inspiring millions across the globe, her music has also gained significant traction, with her song "Areyeng" trending on TikTok. Ramafalo has firsthand experience with the impact of social media on a person's career. There are no auditions, gatekeepers, just a stage without borders. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Hope Ramafalo, also known as King Maestro, is taking the world by storm with amapiano dance. Image: Supplied 'Social media changed the game, honestly. Viral dance challenges? Those are like digital revolutions. 'One video can take a dancer from a kasi in Jozi straight to global screens. It's not just about clout, it's about visibility, connection, and pride, our stories, our moves, our culture. 'The world wants it and now we have the tools to deliver it ourselves.' Ramafalo's journey shows that passion and perseverance can break barriers. She hopes that the next generation of South African dancers and artists will be inspired to dream and know it's possible to make it. 'I want young artists to know that 'international' isn't out of reach. The only limits are the ones we believe. We are the future of storytelling, African, powerful, unapologetic. 'Keep dreaming, but also keep working. You never know who's watching, or how far your talent can travel.' IOL Entertainment
IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
WATCH: Doja Cat speaks out after fan reportedly ‘manhandled' her
Doja Cat has expressed discomfort over a fan grabbing and hugging her, but he says she started it by saying she liked his shirt which he gave to the South African-born star. Image: Doja Cat Instagram Doja Cat has found herself at the centre of controversy after a fan reportedly touched her without consent. Fans eagerly awaiting new music from the Grammy-winning artist are now grappling with the complexities of boundary respect in their interactions with her. The incident became the talk of social media after a TikTok video featuring the rapper and a fan named Pablo Tamayo began circulating. In the clip, Tamayo enthusiastically took off his shirt and offered it to Cat, who appeared visibly pleased. 'When Doja Cat likes your shirt, you give her your shirt,' he captioned the video, capturing a moment that many would consider light-hearted enthusiasm. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading However, the mood shifted when Cat took to X to express her discomfort about the situation. In a series of since-deleted posts, she bluntly called out the fan for what she termed "manhandling', asserting that his actions crossed a line. 'Bottom line is I'll smile at you but it doesn't mean I f#ck with you and don't touch me and manhandle me when you don't even f#cken know me. iykyk,' she stated. Cat elaborated on her feelings, explaining, 'I honestly think I need to stand up for myself at the moment sometimes,' further noting that Tamayo had invaded her personal space without knowing her name, a move she described as 'crazy.' Despite her discomfort, she acknowledged his pleasant scent but reiterated her unease regarding his proximity and contact. 'I threw that musty ass shirt away btw,' she added. Doja cat posted and deleted this and I'm gagging so bad like what 😭 — NATE (@NATERERUN) June 14, 2025 The fallout from the incident prompted Tamayo to clarify his intentions in a follow-up. Speaking out from his perspective, he expressed regret if his actions made Cat uncomfortable and reassured fans of his admiration for her. 'I just wanna clear this up because it hurts,' he began. 'I love her… she's the one at this event that's being so nice. She pointed out my shirt and said, 'I like that.'' He admitted he should have been more cautious: 'I understand, guys if I was being too nice or whatever. I will take full accountability. I'm gay! I would never want to make her feel uncomfortable.' Born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, Cat's career skyrocketed in 2018 with her viral hit "Mooo!" Since then, she has enjoyed a tumultuous yet successful journey in the music industry, marked by both accolades and controversies. Known for her candid nature, Cat has often embraced an assertive online presence, at times courting criticism for her remarks and associations.
