Joe Thomas promises showstopper at Ndlala Mall launch after Women's Day concert disappointment
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News24
16 hours ago
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She digs deeper: Nomalanga Shozi explores the role of a ‘female zama zama' in BET's Black Gold
Black Gold is the new BET show that dives into the world of illegal mining. Nomalanga Shozi believes the series is unique in its portrayal of a woman zama zama. She stars alongside Dawn Thandeka King and Sello Maake kaNcube and calls it an 'incredible experience'. Nomalanga Shozi is back to shake up South Africa's screens with a new lead role. The actress, presenter and media personality has snagged the lead role of Amandla Zungu in the new BET daily drama Black Gold, diving into the high-stakes world of illegal mining. Set in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal's rich terrain, Nomalanga's character Amandla is a principled and headstrong woman forced into the world of illegal mining after a tragedy changes the trajectory of her life forever. Catching her in between shooting explosive scenes on the Black Gold set, Nomalanga takes a few minutes to chat with TRUELOVE on her new role. Exploring the world of a woman zama zama Nomalanga tells us what resonates the most with her about playing Amandla Zungu on Black Gold. 'I think a story of unbecoming to become is really what resonated with me. And I think it just came at the perfect time in my life as well, where I had gone through just enough life experience to understand how to portray all of those feelings and all of those emotions because I think also life experience is our greatest teacher. 'So yeah, I think the story of somebody going through a phase of having to shed an identity that they had attached themselves to for so long and then become something completely new, that's what resonated the most with me and excited me about it,' she shares. What portraying Amandla on Black Gold has taught Nomalanga is that the only constant in life is change, and that 'The quicker we embrace change is the quicker we learn and grow,' she remarks. Black Gold explores themes of feuding family, betrayal and lust, themes that audiences are all too familiar with from popular telenovelas. But Nomalanga believes that what sets the series apart from other local shows is its focus on a woman navigating the world of zama zamas or illegal mining. She explains, 'I think it sets itself apart in the fact that it's the first story we've ever seen or been told, or watched of the first female zama zama basically. 'How a woman could navigate that world, who she would have to be, how she would morph her way into becoming this very dangerous, scary, determined, courageous, brave person. So, I think that definitely is the one thing that sets it apart from most.' Sharing the stage with industry greats Nomalanga acts alongside industry veterans like Dawn Thandeka King, who plays her fearsome matriarch Florence Zungu, and Sello Maake kaNcube as Tom Motspe, a mining magnate caught in forbidden love and haunted by his deadly past. This powerhouse cast reflecting the theme of feuding families that Mzansi has come to love is also what distinguishes itself from other telenovelas on air. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BET Africa (@bet_africa) On sharing the stage with these acting greats, Nomalanga says, 'It has been the most incredible experience of my life, I can't even begin to describe to you. I mean, yes, the role is super challenging and obviously having such a big story is also really, really challenging just as a creative, but just having such a supportive web and network of seasoned cast and actors and actresses just to draw inspiration from or to go to for when I needed inspiration, when I need a different way to tackle a scene or handle emotion. 'All of those things to me are just such a blessing and it's not lost on me how unique this opportunity is. And the fact that it's also just a once in a lifetime, yeah, it really, really is. 'I mean, I grew up watching ubab' Sello and now I get to act alongside him and it's just so beautiful, it really, really is. It feels like I'm just learning from the best, and I'm just so grateful, man. It's such an amazing opportunity ... Can you imagine? You walk on the set and it's Archie Moroka,' she laughs.
News24
a day ago
- News24
Judged by its cover: Publisher takes on Amazon over termination, royalties in book bungle
Publisher and author Melinda Ferguson. Jaco Marais/Gallo Images/Die Burger Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once.
News24
a day ago
- News24
Mrs SA 2023 Palesa Matjekane launches international pageant with Dubai royal partnership
Mrs South Africa 2023 Palesa Matjekane is the CEO of the global Miss Polo Universe Africa pageant. The pageant is in partnership with the royal family of Dubai hopes to strengthen relations with the Middle East. Successful applicants will experience a boot camp and the top three will fly to Dubai for the world finale. There's a new groundbreaking pageant merging high stakes diplomacy with purposeful leadership. The Miss Polo Universe Africa pageant is an international pageant and the first of its kind in South Africa, partnering with the royal family of Dubai for a promising a diplomatic and economic gateway to position South African women as global ambassadors in culture and commerce. Crowned Mrs South Africa 2023 Palesa Matjekane is named as the CEO of the Miss Polo Universe Africa pageant, and she tells TRUELOVE about her role in bringing the pageant to life. 'As the CEO of Miss Polo Universe Africa, my involvement goes beyond leadership it's a calling rooted in empowerment, diplomacy, and transformation. I was inspired to be part of this platform because it merges elegance with purpose. Miss Polo Universe Africa isn't just about beauty it's about giving young women a stage to showcase intellect, leadership, and their potential to become global change-makers. 'My journey as Mrs South Africa 2023 gave me a firsthand understanding of how powerful these platforms can be, and I wanted to create that same opportunity for others especially on a continental scale through Miss Polo Universe Africa,' she explains. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Palesa Matjekane (@palesa_matjekane) A groundbreaking partnership with the Middle East The pageant, which boasts the banner 'Crown your Purpose', will give contestants access to trade and investment networks, international business mentorship programmes, cultural exchange initiatives and direct pathways to Middle Eastern markets. On how Miss Polo Universe Africa sets itself apart from other local and international competitions, Palesa says, 'Miss Polo Universe Africa distinguishes itself by prioritising substance over spectacle. While many pageants focus primarily on aesthetics and performance, Miss Polo Universe Africa integrates cultural diplomacy, education and international relations. It's a pageant with a purpose merging fashion, global advocacy and philanthropy. 'Our participants don't have to wear swimwear locally and internationally. The participants are not judged on their beauty and body but on their intelligence, community impact and ability to serve as cultural ambassadors. The platform acts as a bridge between continents and cultures, and that global perspective is what truly sets it apart.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Polo Universe (@misspolouniverse) Palesa describes the pageant as 'foreign policy in action' and shares how she believes South Africa and the international community will learn from each other. 'Through South Africa's involvement, I hope the international community gains a renewed appreciation for our country's leadership in promoting diversity, unity and women's empowerment. South Africa is a country rich in resilience, history and cultural depth and I believe our representation can inspire others. 'For the entrants, the partnership with the Royal Family of Dubai is a unique opportunity to learn about global etiquette, diplomacy and visionary leadership. It's a chance to witness how tradition and modernity can coexist, and how influence can be used to drive sustainable development. I want every young woman to leave the pageant with a broadened worldview and a deepened sense of responsibility as a global citizen,' Palesa adds. The logistics Applications are open online from 15 to 23 August for women between the ages of 18 and 40, a broader age range than most traditional pageants. Auditions are set to take place virtually to avoid geographical barriers and the top 10 candidates will enter an intensive boot camp experience in Johannesburg before the top three winners head to Dubai for the November 2025 world finale. My advice to any potential entrant is simple: lead with purpose, not perfection. Pageantry is no longer about fitting a mold it's about breaking barriers, telling your story, and using your voice to inspire. Be authentic, prepare yourself mentally and emotionally, and enter with a heart to serve. Palesa Matjekane, Mrs South Africa 2023 and CEO of Miss Polo Universe Africa
