Latest news with #Ndebele
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Homecoming hero: Nkosi Ndebele shines at historic PFL Africa debut in Cape Town
Nkosi Ndebele dominated every area of his fight against Egypt's Mahmoud Atef at the Grand Arena in Cape Town last night. Photo: Armand Hough Independent Newspapers Image: Armand Hough Independent Newspapers It was a dream return home for South Africa's world champion Nkosi Ndebele. On Saturday night, at the Grand Arena in Goodwood, Cape Town, the former BRAVE CF Bantamweight champion competed in Mzansi for the first time in seven years — and delivered the ultimate homecoming performance. Ndebele featured on the historic PFL Africa card at GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World, where passionate South African MMA fans were treated to a world-class night of action. Fighting in the inaugural PFL Africa tournament, Ndebele (9-3) wasted no time advancing to the semi-finals of the bantamweight knockout competition. He stopped Egyptian opponent Mahmoud Atef (5-3) via TKO (strikes) with just 10 seconds remaining in the opening round. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'I'm feeling great — what an experience to fight in front of my home crowd, my people, friends and family after all these years,' said Ndebele, who last fought on South African soil at BRAVE CF 19 in 2018 before forging an international career with the Bahrain-based promotion. 'I know a lot of people didn't know who Nkosi is. I'm just glad they got to see a glimpse of it today. This is only the beginning. That crowd reaction was something else. These are the moments I dream of. 'When I was backstage, I told my corner, 'Let me enjoy this moment'. I visualise things like this — a huge crowd, and me being happy, and going crazy. "To experience that and connect with the fans... I just wanted to connect with them more. This is the first time I've ever experienced such a crowd, a packed arena, a sold-out venue.' Nkosi Ndebele says he has never experienced a crowd as passionate as the Cape Town crowd and loved every minute of his time at PFL Africa 1. Photo: Armand Hough Independent Newspapers Image: Armand Hough Independent Newspapers Ndebele looked composed from the first bell, controlling every aspect of the fight inside the PFL SmartCage. Atef lacked the firepower to trouble the South African and became increasingly hesitant as the strikes piled up. Even when the Egyptian attempted to grapple, Ndebele stayed composed, expertly managing the exchanges with calculated movement, breath control, and positional dominance. Eventually, Ndebele dragged Atef to the canvas and unleashed a flurry of strikes to the body and head. The referee was left with no choice but to wave it off with 10 seconds left in the first round, triggering wild celebrations as chants of 'Nkosi' rang out across the arena. 'This is only the beginning. More spectacular victories are coming!' said a jubilant Ndebele. 'I am meant for greatness, and this journey with PFL Africa is the path to that greatness.' The PFL's African tournament will span four events across the continent in 2024. The new PFL Africa franchise forms part of the organisation's global expansion and features 32 fighters from 15 African nations, all competing across four divisions for the inaugural PFL Africa title and a shot at greater opportunities within the PFL system. Saturday's show also included the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai card, featuring some of the world's top MMA talent. Global stars AJ McKee, Corey Anderson, Dakota Ditcheva, Johnny Eblen, Takeshi Izumi, Akhmed Magomedov, and Costello van Steenis all featured under the Grand Arena's bright lights. Following the night's results, the semi-final matchups in the bantamweight division will see Ndebele face Zimbabwe's unbeaten Simbarashe Hokonya (6-0), while Boule Godogo (4-0) takes on Karim Henniene (5-0). Saturday's event also hosted the opening round of the heavyweight bracket. PFL Africa continues on 9 August at Carnival City, Johannesburg, where the featherweight and welterweight divisions will begin their journey to PFL gold.
IOL News
5 days ago
- IOL News
The new Park Hyatt Johannesburg: Where heritage meets modern luxury
In a city known for its fast pace, Park Hyatt Johannesburg stands out as a refined refuge to pause, reflect and reconnect with the beauty of understated luxury. Tucked within one of Johannesburg's most distinguished heritage precincts, the newly opened Park Hyatt Johannesburg offers an artful fusion of historical architecture and refined modern living. As the third Park Hyatt destination in Africa, this boutique hotel delivers something that many five-star stays often miss, a personal, location-based experience. Originally built in the 1930s as a grand colonial mansion, the property pays homage to the architectural legacy of Sir Herbert Baker. His signature influence is still evident in the stately arches, high ceilings, and expansive verandahs, all of which have been lovingly preserved and thoughtfully restored. The result is a calming sanctuary that feels both intimate and stately, where Johannesburg's heritage architecture is reimagined for today's discerning traveller. At the heart of the hotel lies a serene open-air courtyard anchored by a blooming jacaranda tree, manicured gardens, and a heated outdoor pool. It's the kind of tranquil setting that invites slow mornings and soulful evenings - an unexpected luxury in the bustle of Africa's most cosmopolitan city. Each of the 31 guestrooms and suites has been curated with subtle sophistication. Think king-size beds dressed in crisp cotton linen, marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, and bespoke Ndebele throws that nod to the region's artistic roots. Floor-to-ceiling windows invite the outdoors in, with several suites offering private patios that open onto the gardens. Each floor explores a theme - from Sea Algae to Safari - a quiet celebration of South Africa's natural beauty.
IOL News
15-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Ndebele ready to shine on home soil with PFL Africa debut
Nkosi Ndebele became the first African BRAVE CF champion when he dominated USA's Jose Torres at BRAVE CF 80. He will now look to secure another title when he debuts for the Professional Fighters League. | BRAVE CF Image: Braven CF Newly signed PFL Africa star Nkosi Ndebele has no regrets about his loss to former BRAVE CF Bantamweight champion Nicholas Hwende, and the South African is looking forward to opening new doors with one of the largest MMA promotions in the world. Ndebele (8-3-0) will make his debut in Africa's inaugural Professional Fighters League event, taking place this Saturday, 19 July, at the Grand Arena, GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World. The event will feature the first round of Bantamweight and Heavyweight match-ups, forming part of the PFL Africa elimination tournament that will crown its first champions later this year. This is PFL's third international league, following the launch of PFL MENA and PFL Europe. Speaking exclusively to Independent Media, Ndebele said he had no desire for a rematch after losing his BRAVE CF title to Zimbabwe's Hwende at BRAVE CF 91 in December last year. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'I knew it was time to move on, even before the Jose Torres trilogy fight,' said Ndebele. The Diepsloot-born athlete made history by becoming the first African BRAVE CF champion when he dethroned the world-renowned American Jose Torres (13-4-1) in their rematch at BRAVE CF 80 in 2023. It was a sweet moment for Ndebele, who many felt had won their initial meeting four months earlier, where Torres claimed a narrow split-decision victory. Ndebele settled the score with a dominant unanimous decision win at BRAVE CF 82, before facing a new challenge in the rising Zimbabwean in Mauritius. There, Hwende made history of his own, becoming the first Zimbabwean to win a BRAVE CF title. 'Just before the Torres trilogy, the PFL had already come knocking, but BRAVE CF said 'no',' said Ndebele, referencing the terms tied to a BRAVE CF championship, including the 'championship clause'. 'The BRAVE CF championship clause means you need to have two or three more fights with the organisation. That could take up to two years to complete. That was the most mentally challenging period for me. 'So, when things played out the way they did with Nicholas, I was happy to move on. I didn't even want the Hwende fight, never mind a rematch. 'Sometimes, things don't happen the way we want them to. You might not leave BRAVE CF as a champion, but holding onto the title could mean missing out on a great opportunity – like signing with the PFL. Leaving BRAVE CF that way may have been one step back, but I believe it will lead to 20 steps forward.' MzansiMMA and Independent Media reached out to BRAVE CF, who confirmed the above. 'Nkosi's signed agreement included a championship clause which stated that 'should a fighter become a champion during the contract term, they must remain with BRAVE CF exclusively as long as they hold the title, unless BRAVE CF agrees otherwise,'' said BRAVE CF matchmaker Rizwan Ali. 'With a championship clause, upon the end of the original contract term, if the fighter is still champion, the contract automatically extends by either one year or until they complete three more fights, whichever comes first – and these terms are flexible,' added Ali. He further explained that should a fighter wish to leave BRAVE CF after winning a title, they are subject to contractual obligations and restrictions, which often include financial penalties and legal conditions designed to protect the integrity of the championship. Now, Nkosi has the opportunity to 'really connect' with his African fans after BRAVE CF allowed him to compete on four continents in recent years. 'It's a blessing for me because I know this is a big opportunity, signing with the PFL – one of the biggest MMA and sports brands in the world,' he said. 'Not only that, I'm part of the debut show in Africa, and I thank God for this big blessing. 'I'm grateful to BRAVE CF. Starting my international journey with them was good. It was an opportunity to grow and gauge the standard. 'What makes this new journey so special is that the PFL is allowing me to really connect with my African brothers and sisters, especially here in Mzansi. 'When I fought for BRAVE CF, I went out of the reach of African MMA fans, so many of them don't know much about me. The only times I fought in South Africa were in 2018 and 2020,' added Ndebele, reflecting on his time with the Bahrain-based promotion known for its global schedule. The 2025 PFL Africa tournament will include four events across the continent, featuring 32 top fighters from 15 African countries. They will compete across four divisions for the chance to win PFL gold – and open even bigger doors within the PFL's global ecosystem. On 9 August, the Welterweight and Featherweight divisions will be on display at Carnival City in Johannesburg as the tournament continues its march toward crowning the first-ever PFL Africa champions.
The Citizen
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Bhuti tells the untold story of Ndebele nation
Filmmaker and TV director Bhuti Mopai, born in eMalahleni, well known for his many hours of work on shows such as eTV and Mzansi Channel, has now written a personal book, 'What We Lost In The Fire: The Untold Story of the Ndebele Nation.' The book deeply dive into the history, but it's also a story from his heart. Bhuti didn't just tell the untold story of the Ndebele nation, he even told the story behind his inspiration to write the book. Bhuti's journey to writing the book started almost a decade ago. Between 2006 and 2010, Bhuti spent a lot of his time in archives, including those at the University of Pretoria and Wits, looking for information about the history of KwaNdebele. According to Bhuti, that's where he realised that a full story of the Ndebele people hadn't really been told. In 2012, he made a documentary film about the Ndebele nation's history. According to Bhuti, his passion made him speak to important people, like former government officials, to get their stories for his documentary. The film was successful, but Bhuti felt there was more to share than a movie could cover. 'I realised that the story didn't have to end with just a film,' said Bhuti. That feeling led him to start writing his book in 2023. For 'What We Lost In The Fire,' Bhuti didn't just look at old textbooks or timelines that begin in the late 1800s. He went even deeper. He decided to include oral memory, the stories and knowledge passed down through generations by word of mouth. To give the book 'soul', Bhuti specifically focused on his mother's family, the 'BakwaMgidi.' He wrote using stories he heard from his grandmother. Some were tales she told him directly, others were things he saw and experienced growing up. So, he emphasised that his book is not just about historical facts. 'I wasn't just writing history, I was tracing memories,' said Bhuti. The book unpacked how the Ndebele nation has survived through quiet strength, difficult times, and a will to continue. Bhuti inked the untold story of the Ndebele nation. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: [email protected] At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Kagiso, Mihlali, Ashley Ogle: best and worst dressed at the Durban July
BEST KAGISO MOGOLA View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maboys (@ Wearing denim head from head to toe is never a literal statement, but when you have a young talent looking to push boundaries, it can go skin deep. That was the thought behind Mogola's alien-esque look that tipped a hat to denim. While fashion designers in the country have embraced the fabric as a sustainable option, Mogola's take, in collaboration with Kenny Avenue, celebrates it as a dominant force in streetwear fashion, whether uptown or downtown in its approach. While the sharp lines of the outfit capture the essence of young urbanites in the country, the cap, straps and laces on the corset transform it into elevated jockey gear with a pleated silk scarf. The look also fuses global influences that have come to tell the story about how young South Africans dress. The photoshoot version of the look goes Avatar style with blue body makeup featuring gold highlights. This is by far one of Mogola's strongest red carpet looks and one to remember for the often overly styled event. LINDA MTOBA View this post on Instagram A post shared by Linda Mtoba (@linda_mtoba) It has become common to see stars jump into any old dress in the hopes of it being eye-catching enough to be deemed the best of the night, but never consider how to make sure it matches their personal style. Rather than bother her designer with an over-designed garment, Mtoba stepped it up in a reed dress. While it would have been expected to come in a bulbous shape that directly pays homage to the woven baskets that are common across many cultures in South Africa and the continent, her approach of a sleek column dress captures her style, making it less of a costume and more of a fashion moment. Since this is the July, she tops the look with a feather-tipped fascinator with enough details to complement the monotone ensemble. ANELE ZONDO Much like Mtoba, Zondo celebrates the age-old craft of woven creations with similar ode to reeds and palm leaves. Being a risk taker with hip-hop influences, her look is a lot more youthful, focusing on a silhouette that allows the most important parts to shine. In her case, that is the headdress that resembles a sun crown. A fitting piece, since her aim was a look at a South African goddess. In 50 shades of brown, the dress also celebrates dung and thatched roofs in a refreshing break from the commonly referenced Ndebele print. KHUTSO THELEDI Another refreshing perspective comes from radio maven Theledi. Rather than layering countless beads and feathers on a dress, she has fun with a black and yellow floor-length gown that creates contrasts with Kaizer Chiefs' and Orlando Pirates' insignia. It is fun, glamorous and attentive tailoring that brings the beauty of soccer to life. SARAH LANGA View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sarah Langa (@sarahlanga) For a star who has been criticised for some tone-deaf decisions, Langa was the perfect fit for an outfit inspired by Skhotane culture. She opted for an Italian-inspired look featuring a dramatic fedora with sharp lines that accentuate the fitted two-piece shirt that elongates her shape thanks to a wide-leg printed trouser and layered leather belts. While the restrained choice is a lot more minimal compared to the pattern and colour blocking Skhotanes love, it is great to see how one can find inspiration in the unexpected without doing too much. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mihlali Ndamase (@mihlalii_n) MIHLALI NDAMASE Ndamase was going for gold in a Masango original that looks best suited for a 1990s kid's sci-fi show. The dramatic hips of the dress are a brilliant highlight that showcase one of our greatest exports in gold, with a clever wink at Ndebele print, which the designer was clever to not reimagine with obvious shapes. WORST ASHLEY OGLE View this post on Instagram A post shared by ASH-LEY BRYLNN OGLE🇿🇦 (@ashleyogle98) There are not enough votes, bot accounts or fanfare to save the Big Brother SA star's disappointing gown. Taking to Instagram, she described the look as an ensemble that captured her authentic personal style. With barely enough influence in the local or international fashion world, Ogle is a bit too wet behind the ears to be self-referential, specially in a 2010s matric dance look that does nothing to celebrate local design techniques, fabrics, cultures, histories or icons, making this the most uninspired look of the night. BOITY THULO View this post on Instagram A post shared by Boity Thulo (@boity) Thulo seems to be an underrated Otiz Seflo muse, the perfect canvas for the designer and his eye for a detailed dress that highlights the wearer's body. However, the look is a tad disappointing as it seems more like a pink Tinkerbell fairy dress than a rose in bloom. JESSICA NKOSI View this post on Instagram A post shared by A0206photography (@tshepo_v_photography) Another flower that did not bud was Nkosi's protea. The petals of the flower craft a stunning bust for her nude and pink gown but the cascading train lacks a seamless flow that makes the dress clunky. The washed out colours do not allow the dress to catch the light (unless it is backlit and in a darker room, as per the professional photograph), making it a little cheaper than it probably is. But one thing is for sure, her hair and makeup are a marvel she probably could have celebrated more. KWESTA View this post on Instagram A post shared by KwestaDaKAR (@kwestadakar) Print suits, sequin lapels and the abandonment of neckties made male attendees a standout this year. However, with Kwesta a little more finesse was needed in his final ensemble. The colour is a great option for him but the overall restraint taken with no accessories makes this bland and boring, specially next to his wife, who wowed on the night.
