Latest news with #Mpumi
The Citizen
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Video: What you missed at the Durban July — Ezokhetho's chicken-feet chic, luxury cars and Mzansi celebs
As the horses thundered down the track at the Hollywoodbets Durban July, it wasn't just the race that had hearts racing; it was the fashion. This year, Johannesburg-based label Ezokhetho, helmed by the visionary Mpumi Dhlamini, reminded the country why local fashion deserves a place on the global stage. Drawing deep inspiration from the golden age of Sophiatown, Ezokhetho's pieces told stories far beyond fabric. With bold prints, structured silhouettes, and the now-iconic chicken feet motif, the label turned heads and sparked conversations. 'You are your billboard,' says Mpumi. 'Your clothing speaks before you do.' Reimagining Sophiatown Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Victoria Yards, Ezokhetho was born from a desire to honour the spirit of Sophiatown, an era where fashion was a form of protest, and style was a stand. Dhlamini's label revives that spirit for a new generation of wearers who see clothes not just as garments but as vessels of meaning. 'The table' is Ezokhetho's philosophy: a place where everyone is invited to be seen, heard, and styled. It's fashion with a cause, authentic, confrontational, and unapologetically South African. This year's theme, 'Marvelling at the Marvels of Mzansi,' dovetails perfectly with Ezokhetho's ethos. Mpumi's tips for race-day dressing or any other fashion-focused event are not just about standing out, but standing firm in your identity: Prints as memory: From classic florals to striking geometrics, Ezokhetho's prints archive lived experiences. Silhouettes with purpose: Think strong tailoring and deliberate shapes that speak of dignity and presence. Symbols that spark dialogue: The chicken feet motif, a uniquely local and nostalgic reference, appears on everything from streetwear to formal wear. Ageless style: 'Style has no expiry date,' says Mpumi. Whether worn by a Gen Z trendsetter or a stylish elder, Ezokhetho pieces radiate a timeless edge. A legacy on the runway More than just a fashion house, Ezokhetho utilises its runway moments to highlight pressing social issues, such as gender-based violence, poverty, and inequality. Garments feature handwritten notes, illustrations, and messages that demand attention. 'We're not just here for applause,' says Dhlamini. 'We want people to reflect.' ALSO READ :Abdul Khoza withdraws from celebrity boxing match The fashion spectacle didn't stop with Ezokhetho. OMODA Fashion Show – a high fashion show by the renowned South African fashion house Khosi Nkosi which will showcase their interpretation of 'Marvels of Mzansi. The OMODA Royalty Marquee emerged as a pinnacle of glamour and innovation. DJ Zinhle electrified the crowd with a powerful return to her KZN roots, while the Marvels of Mzansi theme was brought to life with stunning execution. LootLove. Picture: Supplied A custom-built runway wrapped around the debut of the OMODA C7, which was dressed in a regal Khosi Nkosi wrap. The new OMODA wrapped. Picture: Supplied. The fashion show was a triumph of high fashion and cultural reverence, featuring bold African design with a modern edge. Fashion show. Picture: Supplied Famous faces like Boity, LootLove, Kwesta, and Yolanda Vilakazi turned the marquee into a stylish sanctuary of local excellence, living embodiments of Mzansi's magic. Wear the story For Mpumi Dhlamini, fashion is not just about the fit or the flair; it's about the feeling. 'Dress up, yes. But ask yourself, what story are you telling?' Mpumi asks.
IOL News
30-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Paying tribute to jazz legends Louis and Mpumi Moholo
Louis and Mpumi Moholo, more than just jazz legends, embodied the spirit of South Africa's struggle and hope. Dr Iqbal Survé's tribute reflects on their lasting impact and legacy. Image: Supplied 'NEVER FORGOTTEN' There are some people you meet in life who leave a lasting impression—not because of their fame, but because of the spirit they carry. Louis Moholo and his wife Mpumi were such people. Gentle, principled, and full of life, they were more than musical legends. They were fellow South Africans in exile, friends of the struggle, and vessels of a sound that carried our country's deepest hopes and truths. In January 1989, Amnesty International invited me to deliver one of the keynote addresses at a global conference of Doctors Against Torture, held at UNESCO in Paris. This was in recognition of the work I was doing at the time with detainees and political prisoners in South Africa. As part of the discussions at that conference—and in a particularly meaningful meeting I had with the former First Lady of France, Madame Danielle Mitterrand—we explored how to isolate the then South African Medical Association from the World Medical Association. The purpose was clear: if the association refused to take a public stand against doctors who were either directly or indirectly involved in the torture of political prisoners, they could not be allowed to remain part of the global medical fraternity. The urgency was sharpened by the devastating deaths of many activists in detention at the hands of the apartheid state. Following the conference in Paris, I travelled to London to engage with members of the ANC in exile. It was during this visit that I had the honour of being hosted by Louis and Mpumi in their flat in London. That evening left a deep impression on me. Their home was filled with warmth and generosity, the smell of Mpumi's cooking, and the unmistakable essence of artistry and resistance. Mpumi was working as a nurse at the time, and despite her long hours, she welcomed us with incredible grace. Louis, with his sharp humour and deep musical insight, spoke passionately about jazz, about South Africa, about exile, and about the future. Their love for each other, for our country, was evident in every word and every shared memory. What touched me most was how grounded they remained. They had endured the hardship of exile, but their hearts were still firmly rooted in South Africa. That night, we spoke about the struggle and the dream of freedom. None of us could have imagined that within a few short years, that dream would become reality. I still have a vinyl record from Louis, inscribed with a personal message. It hangs framed in my office as a constant reminder that art and activism are inseparable. For them, music was never just performance—it was protest, memory, healing. Over the years, we stayed in touch. There were discussions to honour Louis with a special performance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Sadly, due to health reasons, that tribute never came to life. But his influence—his rhythm—never left us. Through Survé Philanthropies, we later had the privilege of awarding both Louis and Mpumi the Imagination Award at a ceremony at the Artscape Theatre. It was a moment to recognise not only musical brilliance but also their courage, their journey, and their contribution to the soul of South Africa. They also received a stipend, an expression of our deep gratitude. Mpumi passed away in 2021. Louis followed in June this year. With their passing, a unique and beautiful chapter in our country's story came to a close. They lived through injustice and exile. But they never let go of their purpose. They loved this country. They gave us their rhythm. And they reminded us that struggle and beauty can coexist. Today, as we mourn the loss of yet another jazz great, Feya Faku, we are reminded just how much we owe to the artists of that era—those who turned pain into melody, and memory into movement. Louis and Mpumi, your rhythm lives on. Your spirit lives on. And you will never be forgotten. * Dr Survé is the executive chairman of Independent Media and Sekunjalo. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Independent Media or IOL.
IOL News
26-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Dr Iqbal Survé Pays Tribute to Jazz Legends Louis and Mpumi Moholo: Icons of Music, Struggle and South African Heritage
Louis and Mpumi Moholo, more than just jazz legends, embodied the spirit of South Africa's struggle and hope. Dr Iqbal Survé's tribute reflects on their lasting impact and legacy. Image: Supplied There are some people you meet in life who leave a lasting impression—not because of their fame, but because of the spirit they carry. Louis Moholo and his wife Mpumi were such people. Gentle, principled, and full of life, they were more than musical legends. They were fellow South Africans in exile, friends of the struggle, and vessels of a sound that carried our country's deepest hopes and truths. In January 1989, Amnesty International invited me to deliver one of the keynote addresses at a global conference of Doctors Against Torture, held at UNESCO in Paris. This was in recognition of the work I was doing at the time with detainees and political prisoners in South Africa. As part of the discussions at that conference—and in a particularly meaningful meeting I had with the former First Lady of France, Madame Danielle Mitterrand—we explored how to isolate the then South African Medical Association from the World Medical Association. The purpose was clear: if the association refused to take a public stand against doctors who were either directly or indirectly involved in the torture of political prisoners, they could not be allowed to remain part of the global medical fraternity. The urgency was sharpened by the devastating deaths of many activists in detention at the hands of the apartheid state. Following the conference in Paris, I travelled to London to engage with members of the ANC in exile. It was during this visit that I had the honour of being hosted by Louis and Mpumi in their flat in London. That evening left a deep impression on me. Their home was filled with warmth and generosity, the smell of Mpumi's cooking, and the unmistakable essence of artistry and resistance. Mpumi was working as a nurse at the time, and despite her long hours, she welcomed us with incredible grace. Louis, with his sharp humour and deep musical insight, spoke passionately about jazz, about South Africa, about exile, and about the future. Their love for each other, for our country, was evident in every word and every shared memory. What touched me most was how grounded they remained. They had endured the hardship of exile, but their hearts were still firmly rooted in South Africa. That night, we spoke about the struggle and the dream of freedom. None of us could have imagined that within a few short years, that dream would become reality. I still have a vinyl record from Louis, inscribed with a personal message. It hangs framed in my office as a constant reminder that art and activism are inseparable. For them, music was never just performance—it was protest, memory, healing. Over the years, we stayed in touch. There were discussions to honour Louis with a special performance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Sadly, due to health reasons, that tribute never came to life. But his influence—his rhythm—never left us. Through Survé Philanthropies, we later had the privilege of awarding both Louis and Mpumi the Imagination Award at a ceremony at the Artscape Theatre. It was a moment to recognise not only musical brilliance but also their courage, their journey, and their contribution to the soul of South Africa. They also received a stipend, an expression of our deep gratitude. Mpumi passed away in 2021. Louis followed in June 2025. With their passing, a unique and beautiful chapter in our country's story came to a close. They lived through injustice and exile. But they never let go of their purpose. They loved this country. They gave us their rhythm. And they reminded us that struggle and beauty can coexist. Today, as we mourn the loss of yet another jazz great, Feya Faku, we are reminded just how much we owe to the artists of that era—those who turned pain into melody, and memory into movement. Louis and Mpumi, your rhythm lives on. Your spirit lives on. And you will never be forgotten. * Dr Iqbal Survé is the executive chairman of Independent Media and Sekunjalo. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Independent Media or IOL.
