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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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TimesLIVE
4 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Celebrity boxing match set to ignite the ring in July
The glitz and glam of South African entertainment will collide with the grit and intensity of boxing when the Lehlohonolo Ledwaba Memorial Celebrity Boxing Event takes centre stage on July 26 at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park. TLB Boxing Promotions hosted the official press conference for the much-anticipated event on Tuesday at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg. The event is not just about punches and showmanship; it's a tribute to the late boxing legend Lehlohonolo Ledwaba, whose impact on the sport continues to inspire athletes and fans alike. In attendance at the media briefing were some of the biggest names from entertainment and sports, including legendary boxer Cassius Baloyi, Siphiwe 'Picat' Sibeko from iconic kwaito group Alaska and celebrity boxing contenders NaakMusiQ, Phumlani Njilo and Chad Da Don. Notably absent was actor Abdul Khoza, who could not attend due to other commitments.
Daily Maverick
5 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Love in a time of Wi-Fi: How couples cultivate connection online
For most, WhatsApp was the go-to. It was the easiest, most intimate platform — rich with voice notes, real-time messaging, and video calls. But the communication wasn't just about logistics or surface-level check-ins. We've all heard the horror stories: WhatsApp blow-ups, Instagram posts that notch up the jealousy factor, and an emoji that accidentally ruined a perfectly good weekend. Social media doesn't always have the best rep when it comes to relationships. But maybe that's not the full story. That's what Lauren Maytham, a newly qualified clinical psychologist, set out to explore in her Master's thesis at Nelson Mandela University. Maytham's research, completed at the end of last year under the supervision of cyber-relationships expert Dr Tania Lambert, focused on how South African young adults use social media to maintain intimacy and passion in committed romantic relationships. 'I wanted to find out how young people were staying emotionally close in an era in which we're often physically apart,' said Maytham. 'And I wanted to focus on relationships that already existed — not dating apps or how people meet, but how they stay connected.' The real work of staying close The study interviewed eight young adults — aged 22 to 29 — who were in stable, exclusive relationships. They weren't living together, weren't married, and spent regular time apart. These were the kind of relationships where future plans were being made, but daily routines were still separate. The question Maytham posed was simple: How do you keep romance alive on social media? For most, WhatsApp was the go-to. It was the easiest, most intimate platform — thanks to the voice notes, real-time messaging, and video calls. But the communication wasn't just about surface-level check-ins. 'Participants talked about small gestures that made them feel emotionally close,' Maytham said. 'Even something like a partner asking 'How's your day going?' helped them feel seen and secure.' In several cases, couples created entire digital rituals to bridge the gap. Virtual date nights. Shared streaming. Midweek memes sent just to make each other laugh. 'One participant described how watching a movie together over the phone, with pauses to laugh or comment, created a shared moment that felt especially meaningful,' said Maytham. Intimacy, passion — and a love app called LoveWick While many past studies have focused on the risks of oversharing or online infidelity, Maytham's participants revealed a quiet creativity to their digital intimacy. One of the discoveries that interested her most involved an app called LoveWick — designed to help couples log important dates, preferences, even favourite snacks or clothing sizes. 'The app has a feature called Forget Me Not,' Maytham said. 'One participant used it to remember what flowers his girlfriend liked and would order them when she wasn't feeling well. It was one of the most emotionally thoughtful uses of tech I came across.' Passion, too, wasn't absent — it was just reimagined. Some participants were open about sending flirtatious photos, texts, or wearing a partner's favourite outfit in shared content. Others preferred more private exchanges. Boundaries mattered, and couples navigated them with care. And then there was TikTok. One participant described how she and her partner shared cheeky TikToks and relationship memes as inside jokes. Another said the TikTok algorithm kept serving up videos that mirrored their relationship quirks — and bonding over those little moments became a daily ritual. 'There was a wide range of what people felt comfortable with,' said Maytham. 'But the key was mutual understanding — and respecting that one partner might be more private than the other.' What the men had to say One of the more surprising themes to emerge said Maytham was how frequently male participants brought up love languages — often unprompted. 'I didn't expect that,' said Maytham. 'They not only recognised their partners' emotional needs, but actively used digital tools to meet them. Whether it was sending encouraging messages or sharing content that spoke to their partner's personality, they were intentional.' While popular discourse often paints men as emotionally distant in digital spaces, Maytham's findings pushed back against the stereotype. 'They may not have been as verbally expressive as the women, but the care and thought were there.' Culture, boundaries and public declarations The study also touched on cultural and personal beliefs that shaped how participants engaged with social media. Two women, both of Indian descent, raised concerns about the evil eye — the belief that too much public sharing of love and happiness can attract jealousy or harm. 'They grew up being told to protect what's sacred,' Maytham explained. 'For them, keeping their romantic lives off the timeline wasn't a lack of affection — it was about preserving something private and safe.' This sentiment was echoed by others who simply preferred direct messages to public declarations. 'Some felt that real intimacy didn't need to be posted,' said Maytham. 'Others enjoyed sharing light-hearted moments but kept deeper emotional exchanges within private platforms like WhatsApp.' From TikTok to therapy rooms Maytham sees a future for this kind of research beyond academia. She believes it has practical relevance for couples therapy — especially when it comes to helping people navigate relationships in an age where escaping social media is virtually impossible. 'Social media can be repetitive, even shallow,' she said. 'But it can also be a powerful tool for emotional connection — if it's used with intention and awareness.' DM
The South African
7 hours ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs eye shock move for ex-Orlando Pirates striker
Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly preparing a move for Bienvenu Eva Nga, with the powerful striker set to leave Chippa United at the end of June when his contract expires. The former Orlando Pirates forward is once again drawing serious interest from top clubs in the Betway Premiership, with Amakhosi said to have renewed their interest. Although Eva Nga struggled to make a major impact at Chippa United, scoring just three goals in 28 appearances, his physical presence and experience remain valued assets in the South African top flight. While Kaizer Chiefs look to strengthen their attacking options, they face stiff competition. Interest in Eva Nga isn't limited to local clubs, there's also international attention brewing. 'He won't be short of options. Apart from the local teams interested in him there is a club in Kuwait as well. That club started asking about him while he was still a Pirates player. I think they would also jump at the chance that he is now a free agent and maybe sign him,' a source revealed the last time he was available. As the transfer window approaches, Eva Nga's future remains wide open. Whether he opts for a domestic switch to Kaizer Chiefs or accepts an offer abroad, his next move will be one to watch closely. A return to Gauteng could revive his career, while a deal in the Middle East may offer a fresh start and financial security. Either way, the Cameroonian target man is unlikely to remain without a club for long. Will Kaizer Chiefs be a good hunting ground for Eva Nga? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
