Latest news with #Generations
The Citizen
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Presley Chweneyagae: Mourners gathered at Mmabatho like they did in 2018 for HHP
Referring to Chweneyagae by his local nickname, Tobetsa, Makapan said the late actor was a people's person. The first memorial service of Presley Chweneyagae was hosted in his hometown of Mahikeng. Picture: Presley Oageng Chweneyagae/Facebook In his welcome note at the memorial service of actor Presley Chweneyagae, the mayor of Mahikeng, Tshepiso Mphehlo, reflected on the pinnacle of the province's art scene when Tsosti was released. 'That period was a pinnacle period for the arts and culture in Mahikeng,' shared Mphehlo. The memorial service is being held at the Mmabatho Convention Centre for the late 40-year-old actor, who passed away a week ago. This is the first of two memorial services expected this week. The other service will be held at Pretoria's State Theatre on Thursday for his friends and industry colleagues who are based in Gauteng. ALSO READ: 'Working with Presley and keeping a straight face is almost impossible' — industry mourns Chweneyagae 'Like we did for HHP' The mayor said that when the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi was released in 2005, Motswako — a rap style that blends Setswana rap lyrics with English — was at its height, with artists like HHP and Tuks in their prime. 'For us as youngsters, this provided hope. We had believed that challenges in our background could be overcome. We knew through their rise to stardom that we too will be called for greatness,' said the mayor, mentioning other artists from the province like Mo Molemi, among others. 'Today, like we did in 2018, in this very hall for HHP, we are gathered here to bid farewell once again to a torchbearer of hope. Through the decades, we've seen him illuminate our TV screens with talent.' Real name Jabulani Tsambo, HHP died of suicide in 2018. ALSO READ: Presley Chweneyagae's family reveals cause of death, memorial, and funeral details 'A people's person' Friend and former Generations actor Rantebeng Makapan was one of the speakers on the day. Referring to Chweneyagae by his local nickname, Tobetsa, Makapan said the late actor was a people's person. 'Tobetsa was able to gather people. Tobetsa was a people's person. There are many people who wanted to get this opportunity to speak about their experience with Tobetsa, but did not have the opportunity to come here. 'It's not that you were undermined [or] ignored…it's just that the programme was set the way it was. I wasn't even supposed to be standing here, the person who was meant to stand here was unable to attend,' said Makapan. The actor, whom many viewers will remember as Thomas on Generations, said he spent most of his time with Chweneyagae in Pretoria, where they first met after being introduced by a mutual friend. 'Even through the pain we're feeling right now, we all know he made us laugh. He was a people's person who was able to be, [to] chill with us. He didn't care to chill at a five-star place, even if we chilled under the tree, he never judged people.' Makapan said he went to Chweneyagae's house after the news broke of his passing, and that the deceased's wife said he should be celebrated instead of mourned. 'He did so many things for us to come here and cry for him.' NOW READ: Nozipho Ntshangase's husband of 17 years marries second wife
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Actor Moditle 'Boikie' Pholo honoured during film festival in North West
The festival's opening night highlight was the prestigious lifetime achievement award presented to Boikie, who was celebrated by Sebabatso Media and the festival for his contribution to South Africa's film and TV industry. Boikie is known for his roles in productions such as Lesilo Rula, Soul Buddyz, Generations and The Queen. He was lauded for his hard work, dedication and humbleness during his illustrious career. In his acceptance address, he expressed gratitude for the recognition while he is still alive, saying: 'I thank Sebabatso Media and the Khuma Film Festival team for honouring me in this way. I have been keeping away from the public since I entered the afternoon part of my life, but Naomi [Mokhele, founder of Khuma Film Festival] came to find me. For that, I am eternally grateful. 'I also thank my colleagues from the big and small screens and the theatre stage for sharing their talent with me.' Mokhele said she was saddened by the death of Presley Chweneyagae and its impact on the county's film and TV industry. 'The passing of Presley has come as a shock to the Khuma Festival and the South African film industry. No-one expected to hear the news of his passing, especially because he was young, but most importantly, this country and millions of his fans expected him to continue wowing them with iconic TV, film and stage performances,' she said. 'A true icon of this industry, Presley meant so much to many of us. We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, loved ones and his adoring fans.'
NDTV
27-05-2025
- General
- NDTV
What's 'Adulting 101' Crash Course That Assists Gen Z In Basic Life Skills
Generation Z is scurrying to sign up for 'Adulting 101' crash courses to learn basic life skills such as changing a tyre, making rice, and doing laundry - things their parents or even the preceding generation considered a walk in the park. Several Gen Z students admit they wish they had learnt these skills sooner because they feel anxious and overwhelmed while navigating daily life. Aldhen Garcia, a first-year student at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), claimed that he does not own a car and lacks several essential life skills, such as sewing and tyre changing. "I have no idea how to change a tyre. I don't even own a car. I don't know how to sew. Other than cooking, I'm not really good at many things," Mr Garcia said on CBC's 'The Current '. Mr Garcia also has money-related concerns, such as mortgages, interest rates, and rent payments. "I believe that teaching financial literacy to children is important. A lot of stuff involves money," he said. She is not alone. Bella Hudson, a third-year student at the TMU, echoed Mr Garcia, saying education on becoming an adult is lacking in several fields. "I wish that they had classes that educated how to manage yourself and manage your life," Ms Hudson said on 'The Current,' Now, multiple post-secondary educational institutions have introduced additional resources, such as classes and information sessions, to help students acquire basic life skills, The NY Post reported. In 2023, the University of Waterloo created an online course called 'Adulting 101' to teach students everything, from how to avoid setting your kitchen on fire to how to have meaningful relationships. The course also aims to assist students in managing their responsibilities while providing them with knowledge about key life skills such as basic nutrition, household upkeep, and grocery shop navigation. According to experts, Gen Z in particular is losing out on important skills since they were not given enough independence. San Diego State University psychology professor Jean Twenge, author of 'Generations,' claimed that today's young adults were entering adulthood with empty arsenals. According to Ms Twenge, members of the Gen Z demographic - those born between 1997 and 2012 - had fewer opportunities to acquire practical skills growing up. She blamed prolonged adolescence and "helicopter parenting," further exacerbated by the growing number of young adults living with their parents. Although she is in favour of 'Adulting 101' crash courses, Ms Twenge feels the real fix begins sooner because ignorance of basic life skills is expensive.
Business Insider
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
Gen Zers and millennials are bringing plus-ones on work trips and not telling their bosses
Have you ever secretly brought a friend or partner on a work trip, leaving them to sneak around the hotel while dodging your boss? Brian, a millennial who works in the film industry and asked that we only use his first name, told Business Insider that when he traveled to Cannes Film Festival on a business trip in 2017, a friend secretly crashed in his hotel room. He said he didn't tell his boss because he didn't want to seem unprofessional. Even though the trip was mostly work, he and his friend ended up meeting people with whom they still hang out to this day, he said. Taking plus-ones on work trips is part of the growing blended travel trend, also known in the industry as " bleisure," or business and leisure. It's when work travelers also throw some leisure into the mix, either throughout their trip or by tagging on some extra, non-work days on either end. The trend is especially enticing to Gen Z, who have a greater focus on work-life balance than older generations, according to a recent YouGov survey of over 12,000 people commissioned by Crowne Plaza. The survey found 74% of respondents would invite a family member or friend on a work trip, with Gen Z and millennials being the most likely to do so. Nearly one in five respondents said they'd brought a plus-one on a work trip without telling their employer. Jean Twenge, a psychologist and the author of "Generations," a book about how Americans differ by generation, said Gen Z's approach to work-life balance could be part of the reason they're more likely to bring a plus-one on a work trip. "They don't want their work to be their whole life," she told BI. It could also be because they are less likely to have responsibilities like children that would require their partner to stay home, she said. As for why they might feel uncomfortable talking to their boss about bringing a plus-one, Twenge said it could be because they are relatively new to the workforce or their company, and they're just not sure if it would be okay. In some cases, blended travel and bringing a plus-one on a work trip is encouraged by employers, said Ginger Taggart, vice president of brand management for global premium brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts, which owns Crowne Plaza. She said IHG has heard from its partners that bringing a plus-one on a work trip is no longer a "dirty little secret." In fact, some employers are actively looking to plan work trips that make blended travel, including with a guest, more enjoyable. "It enables all of their workforce and their employees to benefit from the productivity of their business demands, but at the same time having their life enriched," Taggart told Business Insider, adding that employees say bringing a loved one on a work trip helps reduce their stress. Stephan Meier, a professor and chair of the Management Division at Columbia Business School, told BI that it should be the employer's responsibility to ensure that expectations on business trips are clear. For instance, it could be the case that employees are expected to work 9-to-5 and then have the night to themselves, in which case their boss might not mind if a partner tags along. In other cases, especially in the age of remote work, the employees may be expected to participate in team dinners or other bonding activities in the evenings. Either way is acceptable, Meier said, but it's important that those expectations are clearly set and communicated. "Everybody knows then what the rules are," he said. "There's no hiding in the lobby or pretending we don't know each other to make sure that somebody else doesn't see that I'm together with my significant other." Do you have a story to share about bringing a plus-one on a work trip or business travel in general? Contact this reporter at kvlamis@
News24
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Zikhona Sodlaka celebrates two decades in acting and reflects on motherhood
She first captured hearts with her roles in Tsha Tsha, Soul City, and made a brief appearance on Generations. Actress Zikhona Sodlaka marks 20 years in the entertainment industry with nationwide Masterclass Tour starting in Gqeberha. Two decades ago, South African television was introduced to a young actress whose presence would leave an indelible mark. Since then, she's become a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, transforming from rising star to revered veteran, all while maintaining the same authenticity that made Mzansi fall in love with her. Now, as she prepares to celebrate her 40th birthday, the actress and producer, Zikhona Sodlaka reflects on her journey in the entertainment industry — not with nostalgia, but with purpose and power. The evolution of me has been like any other woman's evolution,' she tells DRUM. 'Coming from being a kid just finishing your teenage years and growing into a woman, starting to find your voice, as a human, and as an artist. I've developed a tone, a voice, and a language I want to run forward with.' From her gripping portrayal of Mandisa on The Wife to her menacing turn as NomaRussia, Zikhona has always chosen roles that are real, gritty, and emotionally charged. Her characters aren't just performances, they are lived experiences. 'I choose my roles according to the story of that woman. If the storyline is overdone, there's no need for me to do it. It needs to grab my full attention.' Whether she's a supporting actress on Blood & Water or performing in a theatre production, Zikhona pours herself into her characters. 'I need to sit up at night and go, 'Mhmm, what could have happened?' Then I can take it and go to town with it.' Turning 40 and clocking 20 years in the industry would be enough reason to celebrate, but Zikhona is doing more than that. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zikhona Sodlaka (@zikhonasodlaka) She's kicking off a nationwide masterclass tour, beginning in her home province, the Eastern Cape, aimed at inspiring and uplifting the next generation of South African creatives. 'The masterclass has become something like, 'Hey guys, we've achieved something. Let's share it.' I thought turning 40 and celebrating 20 years in the business is a nice time to say, 'Okay, cool guys, this is how far we've come.' Then we go back, inherit another 20 years, and come back again.' The Zikhona Sodlaka Masterclass is more than just a celebratory tour, it's a space for reflection, skill-building, and growth. 'This industry has given me so much, and now I want to give back in a way that's honest, vulnerable, and useful,' Zikhona says. 'These sessions are not just about me, they're about building the next generation of fearless creators.' Zikhona is not just an actress anymore, she's a businesswoman and mother too. Her production company, Zikhona Sodlaka Productions, is four years old and growing steadily. 'There's no time to be afraid to run with it. It's a lot of work to establish your own business in this country, but I've been pounding at the rock,' she says. The company aims to tell stories that matter, stories that reflect real people. 'Some of the work I'm creating, I'll star in it too. That's the whole point, creating stories so riveting that you'd want to participate in them yourself. But I'm also creating platforms for others, old and new talent, to leave their hearts on stage.' she says. She's also a proud mother to a four-year-old son, a role that she embraced fully even while filming Blood & Water. 'I became a mom in front of everyone. I was pregnant throughout shooting, gave birth, and returned to work immediately after,' she says. 'There's nothing special I've done. There are many women who are pregnant and working, carrying their kids at work. I've just taken my ride as a working mom and ran with it.' Read more | Tebogo Thobejane pleas for privacy as ex-boyfriend's attempted murder bail hearing postponed As someone who has consistently portrayed powerful Black women on screen, Zikhona believes it's her duty to reflect them as they truly are. 'It's my responsibility to show Black women the way they really are. It's then up to you to decide they are strong,' she explains. She may have come of age on our screens, but today she stands as a mentor, a mother, and a creator who refuses to wait for permission to do meaningful work. And if her past 20 years are anything to go by, her next chapter promises to be even more trailblazing. 'Watch this space,' she says with a smile. 'There's a lot coming.'
