Latest news with #Twala
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Industry Talks with Tessa Twala aims to be binge-worthy empowerment of women
Industry Talks with Tessa Twala aims to be binge-worthy empowerment of women Industry Talks with Tessa Twala: Episode One brought together three remarkable actresses to discuss various aspects of the acting industry. Inspired by LA Mag's Actress Roundtable, this new show aims to become a binge-worthy platform that highlights the journeys, struggles, and successes of women in entertainment. Read more: CCBSA Drives Economic Growth and Youth Empowerment Across South Africa Despite setbacks and disappointments in her acting career, Waterfall-based entrepreneur, actress, and model Twala has chosen to focus on other fulfilling areas of her life, using her platform to inspire and uplift others. As Twala continues to navigate the challenges of the entertainment industry, she remains dedicated to her passions and values, committed to telling meaningful stories, supporting emerging talent, and creating safe spaces for women in the industry. The first episode, which premiered on July 7 on the Bro Beans Studio YouTube Channel, features veteran actress Shannon Esra, passionate arts advocate Dippy Padi, and Shonisani Mawisa, who has experience in both theatre and television. Through Industry Talks with Tessa Twala, the creators envision a future where African women in entertainment are recognised, celebrated, and empowered to reach their full potential. By sharing their stories, they aim to foster a supportive community that uplifts and inspires each other. The show airs every second Monday on the YouTube channel. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
13-07-2025
- The Citizen
Maintenance matters: Why more people should turn to the courts
Maintenance matters: Why more people should turn to the courts Local magistrates' courts offer a wide range of services, but the maintenance court is not utilised as often as it should be. This is, according to Ralph Mambiwa Twala, a public prosecutor and maintenance officer at the Springs Magistrate's Court. He believes people are aware of the maintenance services provided by local courts but do not use them. 'It is freely available, and people are generally aware of it because maintenance matters are often discussed informally by word of mouth,' he said. Twala says that despite widespread knowledge of maintenance services, many are reluctant to take action due to misconceptions about the court. 'If it's men, they say the courts favour women, and if it's women, they say the same about the men,' he said. Twala says local communities should educate themselves about the maintenance court by reading available materials. 'Maintenance courts, like other justice matters, fall under the Department of Justice. Pamphlets and booklets with information are available,' he said. Everyone is eligible to utilise the maintenance services provided by the courts, including adults who require support from their children. 'If it is child maintenance, a child has to be maintained by both parents, and parents also have the right to be supported by their children if they lack the financial means to survive. 'Anyone aged 18 or older can bring their own application. A parent may apply on behalf of a child from birth until the child turns 18,' Twala said. When opening a maintenance case, an applicant requires the complainant's ID number, the child's birth certificate, banking details, and proof of residence to prove that the local court has jurisdiction over the case. 'If the parties involved were married and got divorced, a settlement agreement that includes maintenance terms is required. Respondents who do not adhere to a maintenance agreement can be legally charged. 'It is a contravention under Section 31 of the Maintenance Act and may result in arrest, asset seizure, or an emolument attachment.' An emolument attachment is known as garnishment. 'We can garnish the respondent's salary or attach their money from their bank to satisfy the court order,' he said. Twala says men who stay with their children often struggle to come forward. He calls this 'empty pride.' 'Men, you have a right to bring applications for maintenance for the children and your spouse,' he said. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Local changemakers bring big-screen joy to Alexandra
For a few hours on Friday evening, the township of Alexandra shed its usual shadows of hardship, poverty, and crime, and came alive with community spirit. Just near the intersection of Thoko Ngoma and Far Eastbank streets, children gathered for a movie night hosted by The Eye Pictures 1920, in partnership with the Stepping Tennis Foundation. Read more: The enduring legacy of Kings Cinema The event saw little ones treated to the hilarity of Despicable Me 4, an experience curated with care. 'I played it because it's funny. I have watched the movie, it made me laugh, and I wished to enjoy it with others,' said Siyabonga 'Makwera' Twala, of The Eye Pictures 1920. It was the fourth screening in this initiative by The Eye Pictures 1920, but the first one in collaboration with the Stepping Tennis Foundation. Twala's inspiration traces back to a cherished memory from 2010, when he and his friends would watch cartoons together on a big screen at a park in Eastbank. 'Coming back from school we would go there and watch Cartoon Network. We first saw Phineas and Ferb there.' It was this nostalgia that sparked his mission to recreate those moments, offering the children of Alexandra their own version of that joy. Stepping Tennis member Sibusiso 'Scuba Ray' Shongwe resonated with the vision. 'Siyabonga wanted to give back to the less privileged. It is not everyone who knows this cinema setting. So, my friend wanted to bring it to the township.' Shongwe, who is a long-time supporter of the initiative, added that since he works with children, he also wanted to give them something magical. In a township often overlooked because of its challenges, a projector, and a bit of heart from two local changemakers, turned an ordinary street into a place of unity and laughter. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
08-06-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
EFF protests Israeli participation in Comrades Marathon
The EFF in KwaZulu-Natal protested against the participation of Israelis in the Comrades Marathon on Sunday. Members of the red berets carrying placards reading 'stop the genocide' staged a protest along the route from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. The protest was joined by a group of Muslim community members. KZN EFF chairperson Mongezi Twala said his party rejects and condemns the participation of Israelis in the annual Comrades Marathon. 'As a revolutionary left movement committed to justice, human rights and international solidarity, we cannot in good conscience allow individuals who represent a genocidal apartheid state to participate freely in events on our soil, especially during a time when the Israeli regime is actively committing crimes against humanity in Gaza,' said Twala. The government of South Africa, through the department of international relations & cooperation, took Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people. 'The ICJ has ruled in favour of South Africa's application and found that there is a plausible case of genocide against Israel. This is not a symbolic gesture — it is a legal and moral stand against a regime that is currently slaughtering thousands of innocent civilians, targeting hospitals, refugee camps and schools, and defying all international laws under the leadership of Benjamin Netanyahu,' said Twala.
The South African
05-06-2025
- The South African
New 2025 SASSA verification process starts this WEEK
Here's all you need to know about the agency's new 2025 SASSA verification process. As we covered last month, the agency is being forced to tighten its belt in 2025 by government. The finance minister was going to raise VAT to keep South Africa's social welfare bill in check. However, this was overturned in the High Court. And since then, new measures like the 2025 SASSA verification process have come into being. This is despite a ruling back in January that SASSA cannot legally turn applicants away purely on the grounds of budgetary constraints. To get monthly cash in your wallet, you'll need to pass SASSA's latest verification process. Image: File Judge Twala ruled it unconstitutional that South African Social Security Agency grant applicants living below the poverty line be turned away simply because there was insufficient money to pay them each month. Now, the Department of Social Development (DSD) and National Development Agency are updating the 2025 SASSA verification process like so … According to a post on SASSA's social media channels, starting from Saturday 7 June 2025, all new applicants will have to complete the 2025 SASSA verification process for R370 SRD grants. This involves taking a digital photo of yourself with a smartphone. Handling SASSA grants in-person are slowing becoming a thing of the past. Image: File Furthermore, the release from the agency urges applicants to visit THIS website and have their smart ID card (and smartphone) ready. Unfortunately, applicants with the old 'green mamba' ID booklet will not pass the online verification process. The biometric portion of the 2025 SASSA verification process is to secure digital data of all grant recipients on file for safety reasons. And if there is no digital photo of you, you won't pass. In the past, the agency has said biometric verification makes the grant system safer from fraud, corruption and identity theft. Unfortunately, civil society groups are quite rightly questioning the practicality behind it. How are SASSA SRD applicants living below the poverty line supposed to have access to a smart phone with internet access and a smart ID card? Many argue the 2025 SASSA verification process goes against the findings of Twala's High Court ruling earlier in the year, to which SASSA has taken leave to appeal … Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
