Latest news with #EngineerYourLife
TimesLIVE
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
I couldn't even afford an Uber: former Generations actor Thabiso Mokhethi
Former Generations actor Thabiso Mokhethi has opened up on his financial difficulties. Thabiso discussed the emotional and monetary issues he faced after being let go from the popular soapie. He shared that he couldn't afford necessities and had an existential crisis when he lost all his material wealth. He opened up about his financial struggles during an episode on popular YouTube podcast Engineer Your Life. He explained how he couldn't afford the basics, such as food and transportation. 'There were times when, as an unemployed man, I couldn't even afford an Uber. Sometimes, I didn't have food to eat.' The actor, who also portrayed Musa on Rhythm City, revealed how he struggled to adjust from being a provider to a dependant. 'Coming from a position where I could provide for my family, to suddenly relying on others was a bitter pill to swallow. I know this is a reality for many people, but this is my story,' he shared. Thabiso isn't the only star who has faced hard times after his career on the small screen ended. Recently we've seen a number of actors who have faced financial difficulties with some resorting to asking for donations. They include veteran actress Nandi Nyembe, former Isibaya actress Gcina Mkhize and former Skeen Saam actor Pebetsi Matlaila.
News24
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Reality TV star Ratile says she experienced drama for years before it was public
Though they presented a united front for two seasons on The Mommy Club, Ratile Mabotja, famously known as Ratile Mabitsela, and her late estranged husband Lehlogonolo Mabitsela were putting out a lot of fires behind closed doors. When he died by suicide in February, the two were separated and in the process of divorce. Before his death, during separation and after his death, there were claims made about the former couple. Many flocked to her interview with Lungelo Mdletshe on the Engineer Your Life podcast. This was the first time she had an interview after the death of Mabitsela. Names were not mentioned in the interview, and neither the presenter nor the beauty queen were specific about situations. However, there are those who know that, since her The Mommy Club fame in 2023, Mabotja's private life and battles have been made public. The drama followed her till her estranged husband's death and burial. As cagey as she was in the interview – and some subjects were avoided, with the host saying it was too early – some things were addressed and she opened up about her loss. Speaking about the loss of her estranged husband, Mabotja said the public had showered her with love and support during the difficult time. Though she presented a strong front, she had the nation behind her at the time she felt as if she had to deal with the worst. Asked about her recovery, the beauty queen said she was healing every day, adding that she and her children were in therapy, which they attended once a week. "[The loss] left me traumatised. More trauma than anything. Having to also feel the absence. We would have conversations with the kids. Now we constantly have to revisit it. It's a journey," she said. She explained: He will always be the father of my children, whether we were married [or] divorced. There will not be any other person who will say now this is the father. I really do think that he did mean a lot to my children, and there are certain things that need parents. I don't want to see my children break down because [dad is not there]. Mabotja said she was not the only one who had lost someone; a mother lost a son, people lost a brother and uncle. She hoped that they would support one another because what they had in common was grief, however, her family came through for her. "I am grateful for my family, each and every one of them. There are two of his aunts who came through proper, and I am grateful for them. The people that mattered showed up." In the interview, she hailed her mother as the most supportive mother, who has always been there for her. Speaking about the drama before and after the death of her estranged husband, Mabotja said that was the negativity she had witnessed over the years, but it was only being made public now. She said this was not new for her, but she constantly chose to walk away for her peace. She said: Sometimes winning a fight means walking away and being okay with walking away. If you have to get in the mud, it's probably going to hurt you more than it hurts the other person. Even though her name was dragged, she said she did not need apologies from anyone. Having gone through all the pain, the businesswoman said she still believed in love. THE MOMMY CLUB The interview touched on the two seasons the reality TV star spent with The Mommy Club on Showmax. Just like the current cast members, the former The Mommy Club cast member pointed out longer hours of shooting. Mabotja said the show took her away from her children, and she felt guilty for not spending quality time with them. She said every time the show aired, she would be anxious because some things she shot were omitted during editing. The former Mrs South Africa contestant shared about the new chapter of her life, saying she was taking up mentoring and pageant coaching, especially for young people in townships.
IOL News
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Sipha Lee reflects on Big Brother experience
Sipha Lee, former Big Brother housemate, reflects on his experiences in the show. Image: Instagram The recent controversy surrounding former Big Brother housemate Sipha Lee has sparked a heated debate about bullying, accountability, and the consequences of one's actions. In a series of interviews and podcasts, Sipha Lee has opened up about his experiences in the Big Brother house, including his involvement in the notorious "Bandana Boys" crew and the bullying allegations that have followed him since his eviction. Sipha Lee's journey in the Big Brother house was marked by controversy, particularly with regards to his treatment of fellow housemates Uyanda Hlangabezo. The Bandana Boys, consisting of Sipha Lee, Ezra, Luzuko, and Swiss, were accused of bullying Uyanda, with Sipha Lee being singled out as the primary perpetrator. The bandana boys, Sipha Lee, Swiss, Luzuko and Ezra Image: X Their competitiveness was put to the test during the head of house challenge, where Sipha Lee emerged victorious against Hlangabezo, who had held the title for only six hours. However, this victory marked the beginning of a tumultuous relationship between the two, according to Sipha Lee. The bullying allegations center around comments and jabs made by Sipha Lee about Uyanda's appearance, which sparked outrage online and led to widespread condemnation. Additionally, Sipha Lee was also accused of calling Muzi The Mbuzi names, and Abobo, Uyanda's friend, faced some bullying by the Bandana Boys. The public felt like there was a pattern to this behavior. Despite this, Uyanda remained vocal and assertive, refusing to be victimised. The tension escalated, leading to several verbal altercations between Uyanda and the Bandana Boys over the following weeks. Meanwhile, Uyanda has been met with an outpouring of love and support from the public, including lucrative endorsement deals and a significant increase in his social media following. His bravery in speaking out against bullying and his resilience has made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. In his interviews and podcasts, Sipha Lee has attempted to downplay his role in the bullying, claiming that he does not hate Uyanda and that his actions were simply a result of the competitive nature of the Big Brother house. However, his words have been met with skepticism, with many feeling that he is not taking full responsibility for his actions. Sipha Lee has also claimed that he is the one who initially got Uyanda a fanbase because people pitied him, which has been widely criticized as insensitive and dismissive of Uyanda's experiences. In his recent interview on Lungelo KM's podcast "Engineer Your Life" which was posted on Youtube on 08 April, Sipha Lee expressed regret and remorse for his actions, stating that he plans to apologize to Uyanda in private.
