Latest news with #Generations
IOL News
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Linda Sokhulu reflects on creativity, social media pressures and grief in a heartfelt chat on 'The Relebogile Mabotja' podcast
Linda Sokhulu. Image: Instagram. In a recent episode of "The Relebogile Mabotja" podcast, respected Mzansi actress Linda Sokhulu opened up about the complex dynamics of the creative industry, the pressures of social media and her journey in navigating grief. Sokhulu tends to be lowkey, so fans were extremely excited to listen to this particular interview. @MokwenaDD wrote in the comments section: "Linda Sokhulu NEVER does any interviews. I wonder how Relebogile pulled this one off. Whatever it is Relebogile did to get Linda to agree to this interview, thank you both for this opportunity to watch Linda talk about her experience in the industry. I can get used to watching her do interviews … "However, the fact that she never does interviews unless she is promoting a show makes this interview all the more great. Thank you, ladies." Delving straight into it, Sokhulu highlighted the relationship between artists and their work, using a metaphor of love to detail the highs and lows that come with creativity. "From one project to another, we are in relationships with our work, and sometimes it is a beautiful lover and sometimes it's an abusive lover," she said. She continued: "When it's a beautiful lover, it feeds you, you feel healthy, you bouncing off walls with joy. If it's a toxic relationship, it's like 'What have I do? Who am I? Why is this not working in my favour?' It can either be a functional relationship or it can be a dysfunctional relationship. "The common factor in all of them is you. If you're in a relationship that is not making sense to you as a person, then you must ask yourself why are you still there, similarly, if you are a creative in an environment that's not feeding you creatively and you feel like it's a famine creativity, ask yourself, 'Why am I still there?' "Go back to self and see what it is that is either making this Ferrari run or breaking it down." The "Generations" actress delved further into the craft of acting, revealing the vulnerability that comes with stepping into diverse roles. She expressed frustration over the growing blurring of boundaries between different professions, particularly between actors and social media influencers. "There are times when I will deliberately look for an actor that I have such great respect for, and then I'll see that they have less followers than a person who is an influencer. "It's not to say that the influencer, based on doing influencing work, should not have the followers that they have, and that's not to say that the actor shouldn't have the followers that they have. For me, it says that they are two completely different jobs. "I think it is unfortunate when a person who cares about a craft, but doesn't have the propensity to outrightly advertise life, is then seen as a lesser artist because they are not willing to do exposés. I think it's sad. "There are people who don't know where to start because their personality, their being, their soul just doesn't resonate ... "When a person has got a higher ranking in influence and marketing, versus a person that's got a skill and a craft, and they are being pitted against each other for what this one actually understands as a lifeblood, and they fall short, I think that's sad." On a more personal note, Sokhulu opened up about the impact of loss in her life, revealing her experience following the passing of her father. "I think the only thing you can do is acknowledge that they mattered and matter. They left an imprint that can't be replaced by any other person. I remember this happening when my mom passed away. I was like, 'I'm actually breathing for the first time without my mother breathing the same air'. "I know it sounds weird, but my existence, my ability to stay alive, I am doing this, and the person that brought me into this world is no longer doing it. "Then I thought about it again with my father. It's never easy to have someone leave, and the number of conversations that you will inevitably go through with them in your head, that you will never have with them. "I don't even know what to say about it. I think I'm just figuring it out, but you get up and there is still something to do and you carry on." Watch the full podcast below.
News24
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
How Andisiwe Makinana navigates politics, power and industry obstacles
As the country commemorates Women's Month, News24 politics editor Andisiwe Makinana reflects on her journey as a woman in journalism. As the news industry continues to evolve in an era of AI and disinformation, News24 politics editor Andisiwe Makinana believes that the core values and principles of media ethics will remain indispensable. 'I think the basics will always remain,' she shared. Kitted with a rich understanding of journalistic values and a passion for informing the nation, senior journalists like Makinana, play a vital role in maintaining a well balanced and informed society. Growing up, Makinana found her calling in the media space through a character on the beloved South African soap opera, Generations. Now, two to three decades later, the single mom and newsroom leader finds herself taking on her own version of 'Tsego Motene', the detective-like and quick-thinking journalist from the popular TV drama. Doing it all for the past 23 years, Makinana has managed to work her way up to a managerial position, all while raising her now 13-year-old son. 'I am what you call a senior journalist, and I can own it because I've been doing this since 2002,' she shared. But, despite over two decades in the industry, her role at the helm of News24's politics desk, which she stepped into in November 2024, is her first managerial role. The Mthatha-born writer grew up in a household that encouraged her to learn, read, and be inquisitive. 'I grew up in a family where my father bought the Daily Dispatch, so I've always been in the news. I've always read newspapers, even before I knew what a government was, or what it meant. I've always followed the news of CNN and so on – so, I've always had this interest," she explained. I was very privileged because I really loved writing and reading, and that was also a benefit for me as my parents were teachers. Andisiwe Makinana, News24 Politics Editor As for her advice for those looking to carve a space for themselves, she re-emphasises the importance of rooting your work in those core foundational media values. It's obviously important to go to journalism school – don't do the shortcuts. Those three to four years at a tertiary institution show you what you would be exposed to every day and get that practical experience as a journalist. Andisiwe Makinana, News24 Politics Editor But aside from the theory and practical side, journalism is an industry that requires tenacity and an unwavering passion for seeking out the truth. Makinana herself admits that because of her deep love for her craft and the purpose of uncovering the truth behind the political veil, she can't picture herself doing any other job – and she's been offered roles as a political spokesperson, which she's turned down, as it takes her away from that hunger for reporting. Having grown through the industry to get to where she is today and navigated the space as a black South African woman, Makinana has overcome various obstacles – which she keeps in mind when it comes to her own leadership approach and style. As her team has a large number of women, specifically black women, in it, she tries to guide and mentor them from the wisdom and lessons of her own experience in her career. Being a black woman, a young black woman, in the industry and having traversed the same road as them, I sort of understand some of the obstacles of the media landscape in a patriarchal world. Andisiwe Makinana, News24 Politics Editor From dealing with inappropriate sexist and racist comments while out reporting to feeling unsupported by former mentors in her earlier roles, Makinana strives to keep an open-door policy within her own team – so that they feel heard and protected. 'I have an open-door policy, so if people are struggling with anything, they can come to me. I take lessons from my own experiences, I've learnt a lot from them and know how to handle such situations to better protect my team and guide them on how to react to different situations.' To help keep trusted journalists protected and employed to inform the nation, Makinana believes subscribers play a pivotal role in maintaining a well-balanced society. 'Newsrooms need resources for journalists to do good journalism – and that's where subscribers come in,' she said. Without resources, supported, sustainable and trusted news sources and newsrooms, media ethics would be lost and disinformation and fake news would be hard to discern, so subscribers play an important role in helping journalists in covering the stories that matter and uncovering the truths of our world.
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Bahumi Mhlongo faces off with a ‘scandalous mother' in Loved Out
Bahumi Mhlongo faces off with a 'scandalous mother' in Loved Out Bahumi Mhlongo has a scandalous and audacious mother, or at least she does in her latest role as Ruva in the upcoming film Loved Out. The actress and all-around media personality steps into the shoes of a rising socialite who appears to have it all: beauty, confidence, and a thriving restaurant co-owned with her mother. But behind the glamorous image lies a young woman still wrestling with insecurities rooted in a painful past. She said Ruva's mother is larger-than-life, unapologetically bold, and often the centre of drama. One such scandal, years earlier, destroyed Ruva's reputation, forcing her to drop out of school. 'Her mother's personality was already intimidating enough,' said Mhlongo without giving away too much, 'but that scandal made her withdraw.' She said that ever since, Ruva has been on a quiet mission to redeem herself, her image, her reputation, and her outlook on life. Yet, much of that effort is a facade. 'It's an inauthentic approach to loving people… you end up just getting loved out and having no more love to give,' says Mhlongo, as she described the emotional core of the film. Playing Ruva was a personal experience for Mhlongo, who drew from her upbringing in a prominent family. Her mother, actress Palesa Modisakwane, became a household name as Palesa on Generations. Her father, the acclaimed television host Somizi Mhlongo, is one of South Africa's most recognisable entertainers. She is also the granddaughter of the legendary late Mary Twala, whose career left an indelible mark on the nation's stage and screen, and the respected Ndaba Mhlongo, a celebrated actor and choreographer. 'Finding your voice in that space can be difficult. It showed me what's necessary to grow, not the growth people see, but the growth you owe yourself.' In Loved Out, Ruva's relationships reveal her inner conflicts. She still loves her high school sweetheart, David, but feels drained by his lack of emotional reciprocity. Her old rival, Lyndon, continues to mock her over her mother's scandal, while David's mother becomes yet another source of tension. 'Every person seems to play at her insecurities,' said Mhlongo. She said the script's sharp writing and layered characters drew her to the project. The production was largely woman-led, but Mhlongo's takeaway was not about gender dominance; it was about collaboration. 'There wasn't a superiority complex or a desire to prove oneself; it was just a really good working environment.' While she supports empowering women in film, she believes opportunity should be based on ability and vision, not just gender. 'If a young woman sees another woman doing what she's always wanted to do, it inspires her. But we have to be careful to focus on competence over category.' The message she hopes audiences will carry away is that, 'Deal with your insecurities before they swallow you. Ask yourself, why am I doing this? Why do I love this person? If your why is rooted in proving yourself to others, you risk burning out.' Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
News24
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
‘The Lord will make it happen': Bridget Masinga stuns with gorgeous maternity photos
Bridget Masinga has shared baby news with a beautiful pregnancy photo shoot. Fans are expressing heartfelt congratulations and celebrating her perseverance following two miscarriages in 2018. Masinga previously shared her struggles with faith during tough times, encouraging other women to remain hopeful amid trials. South African actor Bridget Masinga shared stunning photos from her pregnancy shoot on Instagram, in which she showed off her baby bump in a black ensemble. The 44-year-old former Generations star tagged the pictures with the hashtag #postpartum, sparking curiosity about whether she has already welcomed the baby. However, no official confirmation has been made regarding the birth. The first-time mom captioned the post, '…and when the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen. #postpartum' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bridget Masinga (@bridgetmasinga) Fans, who are undoubtedly excited about the news, flocked to the comment section, where they shared heartwarming congratulatory messages with the South African star. 'Never been so happy for a stranger! Congratulations, B! This is truly a prayer answered for you,' one fan wrote while another chimed in: 'Amen and Amen, congratulations. You look absolutely stunning. You claimed it, and faith prevailed. I'm so happy for you!' The radio presenter's news is remarkably joyful for many who heard her story of suffering through two miscarriages in the space of 10 months back in 2018. During a radio interview with media personality Skhumba, Masinga shared the devastating news. At the time, Masinga similarly announced the pregnancy news with a photo online and reflected on how looking at the photo brought her hope during dark moments. 'What I do know is that having lost another pregnancy, I often refer back to this picture in my dark moments and remind myself that, for whatever reason, God has made my biggest dream my most devastating test. And I can only keep praying that one day this test will be a testimony to the power of faith and prayer,' she told Skhumba at the time. Masinga advised other women facing the same 'heartbreaking trial' to continue holding on to faith. She shared, 'I truly believe that one day, I will be blessed with the greatest love of all and one day I will post my very own baby bump. But until then, I will not lose faith in the almighty nor be discouraged to stop believing in miracles and the power of true love.'
IOL News
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Jada McGowan's 'Generations: The Legacy' debut: critics say 'action' but she delivers 'meh'
South African actress, Jada McGowan recently faced backlash after making her TV debut on Mzansi's popular soapie 'Generations: The Legacy'. Image: Instagram 'Generations: The Legacy' actress Jada McGowan has found herself at the centre of controversy after netizens claimed that they found her acting skills to be underwhelming when a short clip of an episode was shared on social media. McGowan recently made her TV debut on SABC1's popular soapie and has faced public backlash for her acting skills. In the video, McGowan appears to be shocked after seeing that her R17 000 camera has suddenly disappeared after she put it on a shelf. The young actress, however, failed to convince netizens with her acting skills, and many have mocked her online. @ wrote: 'Ke acting nthwe? (Is this acting?)' 'Mind you, this is my first impression of Generations this year,' @corry said. While @prettykhanyi_ added: 'Aowa (No) this can't be acting.' McGowan, however, isn't fazed by the online criticism after she shared a video on TikTok as she celebrated her TV debut with her loved ones. She captioned her post: 'From prayer to screen - my debut on 'Generations The Legacy'. All glory to God for opening this door for me. I'm just getting started!' In the comment section, McGowan replied to several online users who asked her multiple questions about what people are saying and how she got the role. One user asked her if she saw the comments on the official TikTok account of the soapie in which the actress replied: 'Yes chomi, I did, but I'm not bothered.' Another user commented that they wish her all the best and that she should not listen to the internet trolls. McGowan replied: 'Thank you so much. I really do appreciate it. I promise I could never fold, I'm way too strong for the trolls.' This is not the first time that 'Generations: The Legacy' faced backlash for its actors, with fans claiming that some of them cannot act.
