Latest news with #Thabo
News24
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News24
‘Wasn't the plan': How Isibaya's Asavela Mqokiyana coped with divorce six months postpartum
Isibaya actor Asavela Mqokiyana opened up about the challenges of going through a divorce just six months after giving birth to her daughter. Mqokiyana credited her and her ex-husband's strong co-parenting dynamic for helping her move forward. Addressing unfounded rumours, Mqokiyana cleared the air about the timeline of her relationship, denying any involvement in her ex-husband's first marriage. Just months after welcoming a new addition to the family, no first-time mom could truly be prepared to face the simultaneous reality of her marriage falling apart. This was the reality of Isibaya actor Asavela Mqokiyana after welcoming her daughter with her former husband, Thabo. Mqokiyana opened up about this in an interview with fellow actor Mapaseka Koetle in the latest episode of her Mommy Diaries podcast. As the actor's daughter turned two on Monday, Mqokiyana admitted that raising the toddler as a single mom was not part of the plan. 'It's hard navigating [parenting] alone because it wasn't the plan. The plan was to have a two-parent household. I didn't have that, so I was trying to build that for myself as well as for my inner child, and now it's stripped away. Like, that for me was just too hard and having to go through my divorce with a six-month-old baby… it was a lot and just having that whole vision broken down,' she told Koetle. The mother of one said that even though she was 'breaking inside' and feeling like she was 'losing' herself, she still had to be responsible for her baby and rebuild her life. 'It was one of the hardest periods of my life, but she's grown now. She's a happy child, and I think I've done more than I can, and she's healed me as well. What has made it a bit easier is that we are fine with her father and co-parenting beautifully. He's always been a great father to his kids, so I never doubted that he could be that for her. In a sense, it does heal me cause I didn't grow up with my dad,' Mqokiyana said. Watch a snippet of the interview here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by MommyDiaries by Pasi Koetle (@mommydiariesbypasi) The actor also addressed the trolls who claimed her marriage fell apart because she had allegedly taken her husband from his wife. The claims swirled online as news of the couple's split at the beginning of 2024 spread, with other allegations that she was friends with his first wife and attended her ex's first wedding. Mqokiyana denied the claims, stating that she was in matric when her husband was married to his first wife, adding that they only met when she was already on-screen on Isibaya. 'I was in matric, and he was living his whole life. We only met when I was on-screen, so where are these timelines that I was invited to weddings and so forth…,' she said. 'I am aware that they did invite the cast of the show, but I was not there.' Elsewhere, she said: 'I was not even friends with her – I only saw this person years back. I don't even know what happened with them.' Despite the flak she received because of the allegedly unfounded claims, Mqokiyana said she was unfazed because she had already had an opportunity to deal with everything with her family and friends behind the scenes. 'I'd already prepped because I knew it was going to come out. Someone would find a way—whether it was someone speaking on a podcast, or another way to put it out there. So, there's nothing I can do as long as we (Mqokiyana and her ex) are set and we are good. We'd spoken about how we're going to take care of our family and that the most important thing is how we'll move on going forward.' Per a February City Press report, the divorce proceedings were quick because they wanted to go their separate ways, and had signed a prenuptial agreement. However, she did not disclose the details of the divorce or what led to the collapse of the union. 'There weren't any fights or anything like that. We just had one sit-down [to say] time is up. Some people do [wake up and decide it's over]. I don't think I'll share the why,' she told the publication. 'We are not people who like fighting. He is chilled, and I am chilled.'
Time Out
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Get ready for movie nights: Carletonville's cinema is coming back with a bang
West Rand movie lovers, here is some good news: the Kine Cinema Carletonville is reopening. The cinema will officially open on Saturday, August 31st, making it the perfect treat for the end of the month. Locals can look forward to watching films produced and shot in Carletonville. The cinema, which has been inactive for over ten years, will open with the premieres of two films produced by Thabo 'Mahavatar' Ramaine: Game Changers and Hidden Clause. Thabo expressed his excitement about the reopening of the cinema. "It's an amazing cinema, a state-of-the-art. It is a beautiful space with a restaurant, bar, and food court," Thabo tells Time Out Johannesburg. He says that only white people previously used it during apartheid, and it was later not well-maintained, forcing it to close. "It was used before for events, but then it was later closed. Now we are trying to revive it." Speaking about his films, Thabo, who started producing films in 2016, says Game Changers is "about a journey of young people who are creatives, but also who are hustlers." "The film tells a story of young people who are vulnerable, but also have big dreams. They use art to shift the dynamics of their community," says the producer. Thabo says he is also honoured that his films are exposing local talent. "In Game Changers, I feature a lot of local talent," he says proudly. Thabo says viewers can also expect to be entertained by the pantsula dance featured in the film. " It is also a film that revolves around movement, around dance." Speaking about his other film, Thabo says it is all about the pain of betrayal. "It is also about the mental war and battle". He says the film features local talent from Carletonville and new actors. Tickets are R80 and you can purchase popcorn, sweets and soft drinks. See the trailers for the films below: 🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg 🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg 🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg 🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg
Time Out
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Behind the Counter: The guacamole maestro making magic at Ocaso
Step out of the spotlight and into the soul of the city, one counter at a time. Behind The Counter is a Time Out Johannesburg series celebrating the real people who power the city, from artists and baristas to tailors and traders. These are the everyday legends giving Joburg its soul, one story at a time. If you've been to Ocaso in Rosebank and ordered the guacamole and momma's chips, chances are you've met Thabo Ferguson, and if you haven't, you've probably seen him on TikTok. Known for his charismatic table-side guacamole preparation, Thabo has turned a simple appetiser into a full-on performance. As a musical theatre and education graduate from Texas State University, Thabo never imagined he'd find himself in the restaurant industry. 'My career challenges started late last year, and I found myself in the service industry with no experience whatsoever,' he explains 'But a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do,' he adds jokingly. Challenges aside, Thabo believes the skills he's acquired through his education translate perfectly. 'People think musical theatre is just about standing on stage and performing, but performance comes into play in any job. I'm just using what I've learned, entertaining and engaging people, but now it's for my everyday guests.' Talking to Thabo after his guac-prep performance, I'm instantly struck by his lively, passionate presence, the kind of energy that draws in even the shyest guests. He approaches every table with warmth, humour, and a deep knowledge of the menu, which, he says, is the real secret. 'It's about personality, passion, and knowing your stuff. When you know what you're talking about, you're more confident, and guests are more open to interacting with you.' When asked for his menu recommendation, Thabo doesn't hesitate, 'The enchiladas. If you're at a Mexican restaurant, you have to try the Mexican dishes. From the enchiladas to the empanadas and tacos, it's all about the Mexican fiesta, and we do it so well here.' Thabo's first tableside guacamole performance wasn't something he planned or even realised would go viral. 'I didn't even know I was on TikTok until people started coming in saying they wanted to be served by me. I looked up the video, and it blew my mind. At the time, we were all new, the staff, the management, and we were just figuring things out. But I did it anyway, and it took off.' Outside of work, Thabo teaches Latin American ballroom dance classes and continues to share his love of performance. He credits his colleagues for making his work at Ocaso such a joy. 'I owe everything I am in this profession to the people I work with. They've been so supportive and amazing. It takes teamwork to put on a show.' For visitors unfamiliar with Rosebank, Thabo recommends starting with a meal at Ocaso, then exploring the nearby spots: Q Lounge for a winelands experience in Johannesburg or Obscura for high-energy fun. There's also the local park for a stroll, and on weekends, Ocaso itself transforms into a lively party spot with DJs, sunset views, and yes, even free Don Julio tequila shots. Working in the service industry might have been an unexpected detour for Thabo, but it's one that's led him to the perfect stage, one where every bowl of guacamole is an opening act and every table is a new audience. At Ocaso, he's found his spotlight, his people, and his rhythm. So whether you're a local or just passing through Rosebank, start your night with Thabo's tableside guac, because in this show, you don't just watch, you're part of it.
Business Insider
09-08-2025
- Business Insider
How East Africa's thriving honeymoon market shapes cross-border tourism
On the sunlit shores of Diani Beach in Kenya, Francis and Joyce, a newlywed couple from Uganda, stroll barefoot across the warm sands, laughter rising above the soft murmur of waves. For them, this goes beyond a honeymoon. It's a celebration of culture and the ease of moving freely within East Africa. Their romantic getaway was made possible by relaxed border restrictions, regional cooperation, and a shared vision of turning Africa's cultural and natural diversity into a hub for intra-continental honeymoon tourism. Meanwhile, for another couple, Abdirasul Mohammed and Nusyibah Juma, love found its rhythm not only in Zanzibar but also in the gentle waves of Kenya's southern coastline. 'We chose to come to the Kenyan coast for our honeymoon because we were looking for a calm, peaceful place by the ocean. We believe the sea is one of Africa's greatest inheritances,' Abdirasul says thoughtfully. He'd heard whispers about the magic of Diani and Lamu all his life and wanted to witness it firsthand. It didn't disappoint. His bride, Nusyibah, adds with a beaming smile: 'Our journey from Zanzibar to the Kenyan coast was smooth and pleasant. I felt like I was home because of how warmly people welcomed us. The Kenyan coast is a perfect place for a honeymoon,' she says with a smile. Their story is echoed by Naledi and Thabo, a spirited couple from South Africa. After two years of marriage, they still reminisce about their wedding in Diani Beach, which they describe as nothing short of magical. 'We looked beyond borders and found our dream destination,' Naledi recalls. 'The white sandy beaches, the warm weather, it was everything we needed. I wore a light gown, and the coastal breeze made everything feel natural and effortless.' 'Security was very important to us,' adds Thabo. 'Diani gave us peace of mind. Our guests felt safe and pampered. The hotel service was impeccable. It was like stepping into a romantic film.' Their love story unfolded in a place that transcends maps. The soft sands of Kenya's coastline offered not just scenic beauty but also cultural warmth, freedom of movement, and an invitation for pan-African unity. Less restrictive borders across Africa made this dream getaway possible. Couples like Abdirasul and Nusyibah, Naledi and Thabo, embrace the ease of cross-border travel, celebrating their love in neighboring countries with shared histories, languages, and coastlines. In these intimate getaways, a new form of tourism is blooming, one that is African, borderless, and beautifully romantic. In the past two years, tourism numbers between Kenya and Uganda have nearly doubled. According to the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC), over 600,000 tourists visited Kenya from Uganda in 2023, up from 320,000 in 2022. This growth is attributed to the use of national IDs to cross borders, improved infrastructure, and joint tourism campaigns between the two nations. James Mudoma, Acting Operations Manager at Jacaranda Indian Ocean Beach Resort in Diani, explains the strategy: 'We realised that Kenya and Uganda offer complementary tourism experiences. While Uganda boasts gorilla tracking and inland adventure, Kenya provides beach relaxation and luxury. Now, couples can enjoy both.' Behind every statistic are lives transformed. Massage therapist Esther Nyambura Njoroge, who moved to Diani Beach in search of work, says tourism changed her life. 'When more couples started coming, I found stability. I can now support my children's education and live a dignified life,' she says, seated under a makuti shade as waves lap the shore behind her. Esther is one of many women benefiting from the tourism surge, whose services are vital to offering honeymooners wellness, culture, and comfort. Still, they remain largely unrecognized in regional tourism policy discussions. Beach weddings in Kenya increasingly incorporate local traditions, from Swahili henna art and Digo community attire to Maasai blessings where elders share their goodwill. 'We wanted our wedding to be special, to include Africa's rich heritage,' says Joyce, recalling the moment a Maasai elder placed his hand on her head in a symbolic blessing. 'It felt spiritual. Like Africa herself was witnessing our vows.' This blend of cultural traditions enhances the tourist experience while preserving and showcasing indigenous heritage. Local designers, dancers, and chefs also benefit from this growing demand for authentic African nuptials. Lilian Thom, a tour operator in Diani, runs two companies offering honeymoon packages across East Africa. 'The cross-border movement has made it easier for me to design romantic tours that link Mombasa to Entebbe or Zanzibar to Bwindi. Couples want variety, and East Africa delivers,' she says. Such entrepreneurial stories underline how regional tourism is not just a policy success but a grassroots economic engine, especially for women. Listen to Lilian speak: Emily Mburu Ndoria, Director of Trade in Services and Digital Trade at the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, Ghana, says the African Union is keen on promoting free movement to enhance trade and cultural understanding. 'When people travel easily, they do more than trade goods. They share stories, fall in love, and build bridges that no policy can replicate,' she said in an interview. The Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a flagship project of the African Union's Agenda 2063, is making air travel across Africa smoother and more affordable for romantic getaways. Listen to Emily speak: Sustainability is a key concern for honeymooners. Tanzania leads the continent in eco-friendly safaris, offering scenic lodges that empower local communities. Uganda, dubbed the 'Pearl of Africa', blends lush landscapes with conservation-conscious tourism. Zambia and Zimbabwe are also emerging as top choices for couples seeking responsible travel. Kenya, too, has positioned itself with initiatives that support community-led tourism and wildlife protection, a perfect fit for couples seeking deeper meaning in their journeys. While tourism is growing, questions remain: Are all communities benefiting equally? Are rural areas seeing the same impact as urban resorts? 'The government must ensure that tourism development reaches remote communities,' says Asha Mohamed, a Mauritian cloth vendor who has expanded her market thanks to African free movement policies. 'It's more than money. It's about people sharing, understanding, and growing together.' Swahili Attire Vendor on Diani Beach[/caption] For Francis and Joyce, their honeymoon was a personal testament to what Africa can achieve through integration, not just in trade, but in life and love. 'We'll tell our children that we honeymooned where the ocean met the spirit of Africa,' Francis says. Their story, and others like it, show that when borders open and cultures connect, love thrives. And so does Africa. This content is produced as part of the Move Africa project, commissioned by the African Union Commission and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of GIZ or the African Union.
The Citizen
25-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
St Benedict's learners unite for Mandela Month with school-wide acts of kindness
St Benedict's learners unite for Mandela Month with school-wide acts of kindness True to their motto Veritas in Caritate (truth in charity), the St Benedict's College Junior Prep and Preparatory School community marked Mandela Month with meaningful acts of generosity and service. Each learner took part, proving that even small gestures can make a big difference. Grade 00 and Grade 0 learners prepared and donated 125 sandwiches and 90 pieces of fruit to the Elandsvallei Home for the Aged in Primrose. ALSO READ: Mandela Day sparks generosity across Germiston as groups give back Grades one and two focused their support on the St Francis Care Centre, Rainbow Cottage. 'Grade Ones collected 22 packs of nappies, 10 tins of formula, 54 jars of baby food, 18 baby creams and washes, 19 packs of wet wipes, baby clothes, and 10 bags of toys,' said head of marketing Mpumi Motsabi. Grade Two learners gathered 120 canned goods, 11 bags of rice, 22 cleaning products, as well as tea, sugar, pasta, cooking oil, coffee, soup, maize meal, cereal, spices, stock cubes, and lentils. ALSO READ: Avril Elizabeth Home invites community to Mandela Day Walk-A-Thon fundraiser Grade Threes supported the Khanyisa Trust, a soup kitchen run by the Bedfordview Methodist Church, with a large donation of fresh vegetables. Their contribution included 40 bags of potatoes, 10 bags each of sweet potatoes and butternut, four pumpkins, 15 bags of gem squash, 15 cabbages, 50 bags of carrots, and 40 bags of onions. ALSO READ: Jenny Wu Sports Academy embraces the spirit of Mandela Day everyday Grades four to seven joined forces with Assumpta Catholic Primary School, packing an impressive 2 568 soup packs in just 67 minutes. These will benefit more than 10 000 people, distributed through The Father's Hand, an outreach initiative led by school chaplain Fr Thabo and the Assumpta community in Sharpeville. This large-scale initiative was made possible thanks to the generosity of parents, learners, and retail partner Pick n Pay. 'St Benedict's extends special thanks to Pick n Pay for supporting our Grade Five learners on Mandela Day,' added Motsabi.
