Bongiwe Somtseu is an actress well-known for her role as MaDlamini, in the Award-winning telenovela Isitha. Skilfully portraying the character of a humorous church lady on an E-TV channel. She discovered her true passion for performing back in the Eastern Cape, Qheberrha, in her church theatre group where she was born & bred. During an interview with Cosmo City Chronicle, the delighted actress said that, as a self-made brand, consistency is what led her to the television screens nationally. “I’m grateful to have been consistent this far. Inspiring audiences while nursing my craft completes me”, she remarked.

Somtseu (49), the self-reliant actress’ has been featured in numerous South African TV Films screens and telenovelas such as: 

 as Mankonyeni, a bookkeeper for the community funeral services on Showmax.

 as MaDlamini, a gossip monger and a churchgoer, later moved to 

the Enemy with a similar role at 9:30 pm &

The actress revealed that maintaining your fame in the industry is through focus and acknowledging fans. ”Respect everyone irrespective of your fame level and be determined”, she shared. In addition, the thespian urges any dedicated person to follow their passion and lead.

More information on wendysomtseu@gmail.com

Cosmo City’s audacious actress takes film industry by storm

The water crisis in Johannesburg persists despite major water cuts and subsequent outages.


Despite Municipal poor management challenges, factors such as population growth and economic changes including; street Car wash businesses, played a role in water losses. In a meeting held on Saturday, 22 November, Specialist Stakeholder, Tshepo Makhetha of Johannesburg Water said "Adhering to the provided level 1 water restrictions measures may prevent future outages, However, the water department will escalate restrictions to level 3 where tap water drops twice weekly." 

“ If measures are taken for granted, There will be a time when water taps drop in once if not twice a week. "While condemning the incorrect use of water, Makhetha also highlighted that failure to conserve and obey the restrictions is now unlawful.” 

Let&#39;s us all act. It's in everyone&#39;s hands to save water”. However, the specialist Stakeholder admitted that the current situation could have been avoided if municipalities had taken charge. The implemented measures include: Using 1 glass of water when brushing teeth, only using grey water when washing cars, And avoiding cleaning pavement areas using hosepipes. Fix leaking taps and shorten bath times.


The level 1 restriction will remain until March 2025, if safe water use is prioritized. The mandatory underway project in extensions, 2, 4, and 6 is required to recover the excess water losses. The estimated rescheduled for the ongoing project is 18 months.

“If measures are taken for granted, There will be a time when water drops in once if not twice in a week"

Johannesburg water warns residents heavily on the impacts of misusing water

Empowaworx House was alive with purpose last night as over 50 men’s organisations united for a powerful evening of discussion on how to reshape the lives of boys and men. Hosted by Empowamen, the event focused on collaborative efforts to address behaviours linked to toxic masculinity and foster a supportive network of men working to change the narrative and champion true allyship.

This gathering set the stage for the upcoming Empowamen International Men’s Day Summit, taking place on Saturday, 16th November, where diverse men’s groups—each tackling critical issues in men’s lives, from man abuse to holistic education and mentorship—will come together under one roof.

During the event, Empowamen launched its Bring Your 200 initiative, challenging leaders to bring 200 men from their networks to the Summit. The individual who secures the most attendees will win R10,000 to donate to a charity of their choice, along with an additional R5,000 to support their own cause.

With the theme Zero Suicide in Men, the Empowamen Summit has garnered the support of Metro FM, Primedia Outdoor, What About The Boys (a Primestars initiative), and #NoExcuse. Anticipating an audience of 4,000 men, the Summit will present a line-up of speakers dedicated to fostering authenticity and displaying vulnerability as strength. Esteemed actor Dr John Kani will deliver the opening keynote on Man and Identity, followed by a series of discussions exploring topics such as dad rights, mental health, divorce, spirituality, addiction, and the future of masculinity.

Empowamen Co-Founder Simphiwe Masiza remarked, “We are looking forward to hosting men who are committed to change—not only within themselves but in the communities around them. Through collaboration and connection, we can truly make a difference and empower men to be true allies.”

Registration for the Summit is free at www.empowamen.co.za. Join us and take part in what could be one of the most vital conversations of your life.

Media Accreditation and Interview Opportunities Available

Empowamen invites media representatives to cover this unprecedented gathering of men committed to rethinking masculinity and championing positive transformation. Interview opportunities with speakers, participants, and organisers are available.

For media accreditation or to schedule an interview, please contact:


Email: oupa@empowaworx.co.za
Phone: +27 73 618 4056
Website: www.empowamen.co.za

Empowaworx House was alive with purpose last night as over 50 men’s organisations united for a powerful evening of discussion on how to reshape the lives of boys and men.

Empowaworx Hosts Inspiring Gathering of Men’s  Organisations to Drive Change for the Boy Child and Men

Recently, some messages have been circulating, claiming that any product without a barcode starting with "600" is fake or illegal. This is completely false and can confuse shoppers. Here’s the truth:

Products made or packaged in South Africa have barcodes starting with "600," thanks to GS1 South Africa. However, products from other countries will have different barcode numbers. Just because a barcode doesn’t start with "600" doesn’t mean the product is fake or illegal.

GS1 South Africa is a member organisation of GS1 Global, whose responsibility is to issue country code for barcode. These prefixes start from 1 to 9. GS1 Global has 118 member organisations around the world whose responsibility is to issue barcode for their respective country. South Africa in particular has 600-601

Companies in South Africa using the GS1 barcodes – which are issued by GS1 South Africa - are assigned a prefix based on the country code. For example, South African member companies have prefixes of 600 while for example companies in the UK have prefixes that start with 500 - 509 to confirm which country codes belong to which country visit this link https://www.gs1.org/standards/id-keys/company-prefix

While locally produced products are assigned the 600 prefix barcodes by GS1 South Africa a member organisation of GS1, there are nevertheless other imported products manufactured elsewhere with different barcode prefixes. The fact that a product barcode prefix does not start with 600 doesn’t make it counterfeit or illicit. It is important to note that GS1 is a neutral, global collaboration platform that brings industry leaders, government, regulators, academia, and associations together to develop standards-based solutions to address the challenges of data exchange and consumer safety.

Our scale and reach—local Member Organisations in 118 countries, over two million user companies and 10 billion transactions every day—helps ensure that there is a common language of business across the globe.

While we are deeply concerned about the issue of counterfeit and illicit products, especially in the food and beverage sector, it is incorrect to assume that products without the 600 prefixes are not legitimate.

GS1, a global organisation, works to make sure companies around the world use common barcode standards. This helps businesses everywhere speak the same "barcode language," ensuring safety and trust for consumers.

Each company is given a special number (called a GS1 Prefix) that appears in their barcodes. This number can show where the company is registered, but 

it doesn’t tell where the product was actually made

. For example, a company could be based in China, but their products may be made in South Africa or another country.

To make sure you’re buying genuine products, keep these tips in mind:

Look for complete labels showing the product name, ingredients, manufacturer details, including physical address, and expiration date.

Buy from reliable shops, especially for food items.

Make sure the product has proper trademarks and branding if it’s claiming to be from a specific brand.

If you suspect a product might be fake, avoid buying it and report it to the authorities.

GS1 South Africa t/a CGCSA are working on an app that will help you verify products you buy, whether from big stores, online, or informal markets. This app will help you confirm if a product is genuine. Right now, any consumer can be sure where the barcode was issued by referencing this link https://gs1za.org/solutions/verified/

Furthermore, work with companies to make sure they use GS1-approved barcodes is underway.

, CGCSA is also helping protect the food supply chain, so products get from the manufacturer to your local shops safely. Report illicit or counterfeit product on 0800 014 856.

Recently, some messages have been circulating, claiming that any product without a barcode starting with "600" is fake or illegal. This is completely false and can confuse shoppers. 

GS1 South Africa t/a Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA): Setting the Record Straight on Barcodes

 – 29 October 2024 – In a world that has invested heavily in empowering women, the importance of creating true allies and supportive counterparts in men has often been overlooked. Recognising this critical gap, the Empowamen International Men’s Day Summit 2024 will bring together 4,000 men at the Mosaiek Theatre in Fairlands, Johannesburg, for a powerful day of transformation and candid conversation.

This groundbreaking event provides a unique platform for men to unpack the roots of toxic behaviours, all within a safe space that enables vulnerability and fosters mutual accountability.

Beyond the Usual Men’s Conference – A Dynamic Movement for Change

Unlike any other men’s conference, Empowamen is built on raw, honest dialogue that cuts through surface-level topics and dives into the realities men face today. Topics ranging from mental health and sexual consent to the impact of fatherlessness, addiction, and fathers’ rights are explored with empathy and depth. It’s not simply about talking but about unpacking every nuance of masculinity in a way that encourages men to confront and reshape their beliefs, behaviours, and self-perceptions.

Addressing Crucial Issues: Zero Suicide in Men and ‘Boys Don’t Cry’

One of the most urgent topics to be addressed is suicide, which affects men disproportionately. Research indicates that men are nearly five times more likely to die by suicide than women – a statistic often driven not by greater despair, but by cultural pressures that discourage men from seeking help.

The theme of ‘Zero Suicide in Men’ serves as a rallying cry for Empowamen, challenging harmful beliefs like “boys don’t cry” and exploring how these pressures erode men’s mental health and overall well-being.

“At Empowamen, we understand that societal expectations around masculinity have harmed both men and their relationships, leaving many struggling to find safe spaces for vulnerability. This summit is a place where men are encouraged to unmask their true selves, break down harmful stereotypes, and build a new narrative together,” said Joshua Mtanyelwa, spokesperson for Empowamen.

Empowamen Delivers a Comprehensive and Transformative Experience

Designed to go beyond traditional ideas of what it means to be a man, the Summit will feature in-depth discussions led by experts in men’s health, psychology, and social justice. Through compelling keynotes, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking panels, participants will confront questions like “Does your net worth impact your self-worth?” and “How does fatherlessness affect our sons and our future?” Men will have the opportunity to confront and reframe outdated perceptions of manhood that have hindered emotional expression and stunted genuine relationships.

Creating Lasting Change: A Movement for a Healthier Masculinity

Empowamen is not merely an event; it’s a movement. By gathering 4,000 men from across the country, the Summit is set to inspire a ripple effect, impacting families, communities, and society at large. It is a place where men can embrace their authentic selves, gain insights into the roles they play in their relationships, and build a future grounded in empathy and accountability. This summit isn’t just about talk – it’s a day designed to ignite action, encourage self-reflection, and create genuine, lasting change in the way men perceive themselves and others.

Join us as we reshape the narrative of manhood and create a supportive environment for the next generation of men.

Groundbreaking Empowamen International Men’s Day Summit,  Challenging the Narrative of Modern Masculinity

Leadworks Foundation Community Knowledge Centre hosted two events at multi-purpose in celebration of the International Day of Peace. Milestone Graduation and Essay writing competition of Skill development.

The Milestone Graduation honoured 165 students from its skills development programme . 135 finished Forklift Training,while others achieved IT Cisco Netacademy certificates.

The ceremony began with Centre Manager Miss Br Mokgalaka welcoming attendees, including the parents of the graduates. She highlighted the importance of education in uplifting the community. She gave the floor to Project Manager, Innocent Maripe Ramaboka, who offered words of encouragement, motivating students to keep striving for success in their careers. The events Keynote speaker and programme director, Mpho Zaza,delivered an inspiring speech. Emphasising the role of education in creating opportunities and driving progress. Then event concluded with a heartfelt Thank you from miss Khomotjo Manama, Centre Administration, to everyone involved in making the event a success.

Leadworks Foundation CKC also hosted an engaging Essay Writing competition. Aimed at promoting peace and conflict resolution among the youth, the competition saw 18 learners aged 13 - 16 from Cosmo City, compete with 4 parents in attendance. Competition began with a warm welcome from Project Manager, Innocent Ramaboka, followed by remarks from Centre Manager, Miss Khutso Mokgalaka on the significance of International Day of Peace.

Essays were judges by an esteemed panel of adjudicators- Ms. Nthabeleng Mokgalaka, Mr. Siyabonga Nkomo, and Ms. Ledile Sharmine Maponyawho evaluated the learners reflections on peace based on creativity and content.

Tumelo Sebela, a 13 year old learner from tirisano Moo Primary School, was awarded first place for his insightful essay on peace and harmony. The competition demonstrated the importance off educating young people about peace and provided a platform to share their perspectives on the global issue.

Looking Forward the LEadeworks Foundation CKC remains committed to empowering the community through education, skills development and peace-building initiatives. Both the graduation and the Essay writing competition highlighted the Foundations dedication to fostering a brighter future for Cosmo City and beyond.

Leadworks Foundation CKC hosts Milestone Graduation and Essay Writing competition of skills development and International Day of Peace

Leadworks CKC hosts 2 events for International Day of Peace

Pkakama Mhlali organised a March & took to the streets to express their grievances with the Word Councillor off Ward 100.

Phakama Mhlali is an NPO. “It was started after the Ward Councillor appeared to bedismissive towards residents and not answering our questions regarding the water meters that were being installed in their homes.” said Tsholofelo Mokgwerane, Interim Vice to the Chairperson.

“We took steps to organise this march and escalate the matter to the Speaker, at the Mayoral office.” said Mokgwerane. The NPO marched to the Multi-purpose centre where they handed over their memorandum to the secretary of the Speakers Office, Nobuhle Mthembu.

We asked the Chairperson, Patrick Faleni, If he though the march was a success?, “Yes it was, it was a peaceful march, there was no violence. No one was injured and we successfully handed over our Memorandum” said Faleni.

Nobuhle Mthembu received the Memorandum and assured the residents that their matter will be looked into. “We will respond within 14 days.”Said Mthembu

Cosmo City Chronicle contacted The Ward 100 councillor for comment, however, we could not reach him for comment.

Phakama Mhlali took to the streets in a peacefull non-violent protest and marched to the Multi-purpose to officially hand in their memorandum. 

Phakama Mhlali take to the streets

Situated at Cosmo Junction in extension 0, Baker’s Dozen is ready to offer its services to the community.

The retailer, which officially opened on 12 December 2020, offers customersa chance to buy frozen products to heat and eat in the convenience of their homes, and the opportunity to buy products and on-sell, to make a profit.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all our pockets,” reads a statement from the Baker’s Dozen management. “ we are all looking for means to stretch our Rands, good food to pack for the kids to take to school, and an opportunity to make money. “

Baker’s Dozen is the answer, through the sales of products for you to prepare when you need them for the kiddies’ lunch, an easy dinner after work, or to be able to make the products from home and sell them in your community-giving you some much needed cash!

“Our aim is to sell you the quantities 

 need- from 6 items to 150, you choose from our pre packed range,” says the management.

“If you have an oven and the ENTREPRENEURIAL spirit of making your own money, you can purchase our products and prepare them at home, just follow our easy instructions on packs. “

Offeredproducts and pastries include pies, croissants, muffin batter, biscuits, doughnuts, rolls and breads. These are sold frozen and can be baked in any good oven for home use or selling.

Baker’s Dozen is also a coffee shop serving light meals for customers looking to sit down and enjoy our free customer Wi-Fi. Open every day, we are the ideal spot for meetings or just a smoothie after gym.

“We deliver platters (for functions and meetings) and bulk purchases to our customers around Cosmo City for free. Place your order online before 12h00 and see stipulated delivery times for different products and areas. “

Baker’s Dozen will be carrying own range products but will also stock some leading products that so far have only been available to caterers due to volume- now they are at your door step.

Baker’s Dozen  officially opens in Cosmo City Giving you a piece of the pie.

Zandspruit, July 28, 2024 – In a significant step towards enhancing local education infrastructure, Ward 114 Councillor David Mangena, in partnership with Human People to People (HPP) and Coca-Cola, has handed over a biogas digester, a borehole, and solar systems to Masakhane Primary School. This initiative promises to ensure a continuous supply of water and electricity, significantly improving the learning environment.

The newly installed biogas digester and borehole will eliminate water shortages, while the solar systems will provide a reliable source of electricity, keeping the school lights on. "This is a lifetime investment and needs to be taken care of by our community," said Councillor Mangena.

On behalf of the Zandspruit community, Councillor Mangena expressed heartfelt gratitude to HPP and Coca-Cola for their generous contributions. He emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating, "Once you invest in the school, you invest in the future."

The community of Ward 114 has been highly supportive of this development. Councillor Mangena also extended an invitation to other organizations and the private sector to invest in the ward, particularly in Zandspruit. "Let's touch lives," he urged, highlighting the potential for positive change through community collaboration and support.

Next week, another significant initiative will be handed over to Zandspruit Primary School, further demonstrating the commitment to enhancing educational facilities and ensuring a brighter future for the youth.

Councillor Mangena concluded with a call to action: "We thank the community of Ward 114 for supporting this development and invite other organizations to join us in making a difference."

Zandspruit, July 28, 2024 – In a significant step towards enhancing local education infrastructure, Ward 114 Councillor David Mangena, in partnership with Human People to People (HPP) and Coca-Cola,

Innovative Infrastructure Boosts Masakhane Primary School

Sin-Gwen Models, which mostly operates in Cosmo City and other townships in Johannesburg's north, has announced their return after a two-year break.

Sin-Gwen will organize their next pageantry competition in September. They last crowned their Mr. and Miss Teens in December 2020.

“We are proud to announce that our Mr and Miss Teen Cosmo City is back,” said the organisation’s co-founder Sindi Dambuza.

"For everyone who thinks they have what it takes to be our King and Queen, we provide thrilling, amazing adventures. We cater for everyone with or without prior experience. Our mission has always been to uplift young people in our community.We focus on Cosmo City youth and even hold Diepsloot events. Our goal is to speak with every young person who aspires to be a model."

Dambuza stated that Sin-Gwen Models ensures that they spend a lot of time educating their models about various topics. She and her team want to give both boys and girls the chance to increase their self-esteem while gaining confidence, she said, by learning how to walk like models and how to respond to interview questions.

Sin-Gwen Models is a company that trains teenage models and prepares them for beauty pageants. They last held a modeling competition on December 11, 2020, at Jerusalem Lounge, when Cosmo City and Diepsloot teen models were crowned.

This year’s auditions end on the 9th of September.

For Auditions contact Busi on 065 8216308

Sin-Gwen Models last crowned their ambassadors in 2020

Sin-Gwen Mr and Miss Cosmo City is back

Fire razed one house in Cosmo City’s extension 8 on 15 August, destroying property and other valuables worth thousands of rands.

The real cause of the fire is still unknown, but it is believed to have started in the morning following load shedding.

It may have been high voltage, according to the Cecilia Ndlovu of Cosmo City Women’s Forum. “It is a sad situation, but further research will determine the exact origin of the fire that destroyed everything.”

Silindile, a fire victim, lives with her two boys, ages seven and eighteen.

When the Cosmo City Women’s forum received the bad news, Ndlovu said they had to rush to the house to see how they could help the victims.

Dimakatso, head of the social development portfolio, asked ladies at the forum to donate any items that would be useful for the family, such as clothes, groceries, mattresses, and refrigerators.

“In order to encourage yet another woman since it is once more women's month, CCWF visited the family on a Sunday afternoon on August 6. We must band together and provide one another with support because this tragedy might happen to anyone.”

Ndlovu said the forum asks anyone who would like to help to donate clothes, groceries, furniture, school supplies, and bags.

“It would also be great if you could make a monetary donation. Let us unite as a nation and strengthen one another,” she said.

People who are willing to assist can contact 0634572219

Extension 8 house fire victims appeal for help

Scores of people turned out at Cosmo Mall to celebrate National Women’s Day on 9 August 2023.

The commemoration of National Women's Day in South Africa pays tribute to the historic women's march of 1956, a turning point in the nation's fight for equality and women's rights.

Businesswomen gathered to showcase their companies to the community at Cosmo Mall during the festivities.

Women's Day should be celebrated, according to Jabulile Ditsi, marketing manager at Cosmo Mall.

“Women play a big role in our lives,” she said. “They face a lot of challenges and responsibilities, that's why it's important for us to celebrate and honour them. Such celebrations give the community the chance to know what they can achieve in their goals and a chance to grow themselves financially to improve their lives.”

With the Women Enterprises program, which was the theme for the celebrations, Ditsi said women could be encouraged to start businesses and create employment to better their communities.

“As for the mall itself, it benefits in terms of foot count and bringing new customers to the centre. We are looking forward to hosting the residents in our upcoming events. We have heritage day coming up on September 24.

“We also have festive season holidays and the sidewalk sales which are done every month end where shoppers get to win great prizes. I would like to encourage our shoppers to look out for the sidewalk sale taking place every month end in the mall.”

Cosmo Mall celebrates Women’s Day with residents

“Our lives have come to a standstill due to powerfailure,” said extension 0 resident Karabo Mokoena, who has had no electricity in his yard since last month.

“This electricity crisis has added more misery to our lives,” he said. “I am working from home, but how could I work without electricity? How could I get paid without working? This totally shows how our lives are affected by power cuts.”

Last month, a transformer exploded in extension 0, affecting a portion of Oregon Crescent and Kansas Crescent. The residents have had no power whatsoever since the transformer exploded.

An electricity crisis has been hurting the community for the past month, with extensions 0, 5, 2, 6 and 4 mainly affected.

“We now know that power goes off every day,” said extension 5 resident Pabalo Mavundla. “It is so frustrating. It is also encouraging criminal activities at night. What is hurting is that some parts of the community are always having electricity.”

Due to the power failures, some residents have since relocated from the affected areas to the non-affected parts of the community.

Overloading is the main cause of load reduction in Cosmo City, according to Eskom.

“Residents of Cosmo City are urged to reduce their electricity usage by switching off non-essential appliances as their transformers are overloading,” reads part of the statement posted on Eskom Facebook Page @Eskom Hld SOC Ltd.

Eskom workers are currently doing an audit in the community in places where some residents had connected to the electricity network illegally.

Power failure: Dozens of Cosmo City homes in the dark for weeks

The Cosmo City Women's Forum dedicated 67 minutes of Mandela Day to feed dozens of community members at the Multipurpose Centre on 18 July 2023.

Members of the forum also gathered unwanted clothes and shoes in good shape from their closets, friends, family, and neighbors to donate to the elderly.

"We came together as a forum with a plan to make a difference," said Cosmo City Women's Forum chairperson Cecilia Ndlovu.

"We decided to bring joy and put a smile in our community," she said. "It was a big turnout as we distributed clothes and shoes as well as bread and soup to community members attending clinic consultations, elderly people, personnel at the center, and even those passing by when they heard the news."

She stated that they were deeply moved when a lady arrived with her children, explaining that they had not had anything to eat since the previous night.

"It was a true celebration because everyone was satisfied and joyful.We (CCWF) are extremely happy because our vision/mission is to help our community and we have a lot of courage.We recently resurrected and re-launched on April 24th!Our team is united in the belief that we can work together to fulfill our responsibility to assist in the community."

Ndlovu said they were able to produce a beautiful scrumptious chicken and vegetables soup thanks to a donation of chicken and mixed vegetables from Roots Butchery Cosmo Mall. The CCWF ladies also contributed bread to go with the soup, she said.

Mandela's birthday was named Mandela Day by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on July 18, 2010.

This day is observed to commemorate the birthday of apartheid hero and late President Nelson Mandela (Nelson Mandela International Day).

The Cosmo City Women's Forum dedicated 67 minutes of Mandela Day to feed dozens of community members at the Multipurpose Centre on 18 July 2023. 

Dozens benefit on Mandela Day

"We had been forced to inhale polluted air emitted from the dumpsites," remarked Phumulani Ngwenya, an extension 6 resident, of Pikitup's recent clean-up initiative in Cosmo City on Mandela Day.

Many homeowners complained about the frequent presence of foul odors and the large amounts of waste that serve as breeding grounds for rats and mice.

According to Ngwenya, the dumpsite began to swell after the Pikitup vehicle failed to collect dustbins in Nigeria Crescent.

In response to the situation, Pikitup joined forces with other stakeholders alongside community members to clean up the community.

"We are very excited that Pikitup and other stakeholders came together to help remove the dumpsites," said another resident, Priscilla Khumalo.

When the dumpsite piles up, Khumalo said, residents are exposed to health risks.

"The situation tends to be dangerous for residents," she stated. "Bugs and mosquitoes are now attracted to the dumpsite. We hope they fix it soon because we reported the problem to the counselor. We were able to move the dust bins to one location, making it easier for Pikitup to collect them."

We will always respond to the situation, said a Pikitup member who preferred to be anonymous.

“The community must not dump the waste everywhere,” she said. “We must all live in a clean environment. Refuse collection is done every Tuesday in both Itsoseng and Cosmo City. Community members are encouraged to apply for additional bins by calling Pikitup call centre or apply at Cosmo City Multipurpose Centre customer service. Office is open from Monday to Friday from 7 am 

Pikitup cleans the community on Mandela Day

AfterSkool Is Lit organized a Music Arts Festival in Cosmo City Shopping Centre, which attracted a large number of young and local entertainers on the 22nd and 23rd of July .

Individuals and groups fought for awards throughout the day, and local artists entertained the audience.The first award in the dance competition went to Khathaza Dance Crew, second prize went to UNBT Dance Crew, and third prize went to Black Ke Color Yamanyora.

The purpose of the event was to commemorate Mandela Day and entertain the community, according to the event organizer Sifisokuhle Mkhwananzi.

Mkhwanazi, who is better known as Scima, said he was happy that the event was a success.

"I want to thank the community for supporting our event," he said. "I also appreciate the parents for allowing their kids to participate in the competition. The goal is to educate and entertain young people and help them with issues that young people encounter today."

Scima stated that through providing these activities, he hopes to gather funds to assist people with the basics they require, such as netball equipment, transportation, and uniforms.

Their next event will take place in September, he said, and added, “We also thank RENICO Real Etate for allowing us to use their facilities. The youth of Cosmo City turned out in force to support the 67-minute initiative. We would want to express our gratitude to Pick'n Pay Quali Save, Rebel's Pizza, Engen Garage, Fish and Chips Basket, Geti's Fashion, Caps Store, Mmino More Entertainment and Clicks. Their support was really appreciated."

AfterSkool Is Lit hosts Music Arts Festival

Sizanani Charity donated food parcels to six families in Cosmo City on 7 August 2023 in extension 6 and extension 2.

The food parcels distributions, which were delivered door to door, aimed at helping the needy families in the community, according to the project coordinator Asamkele Menzeleli.

“We saw it necessary ti give back to the community especially to those that are in need,” she said. “Community members and my mother, who works at a local clinic, helped to identify the most vulnerable and needy families in the community.”

Sizanani Charity is an NPO, which deals with hunger alleviation. Giving away food parcels to the needy usually brings hope to them, Menzeleli said.

With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the communities, Menzeleli said it is important to bring hope to the devastated families. “We are happy to continue reaching out to touch other people’s lives. It was also good to see them happy and thankful after receiving the food parcels. They should expect more of these from us. I am also working on introducing training programs that will uplift the youth and community at large.”

Sizanani Charity gives back to the community

Pregnant women in Kyasands informal settlement face health challenges on many fronts due to miserable poverty, poor transportation and a dreadful shortage of medical staff.

It is not very hard to find a case of a woman dying from childbirth in informal settlement.At Phronesis Students Development Trust (PSDT), an NPO operating in the heart of Kyasands informal settlement, a beneficiary tells how her 25-year-old cousin began bleeding after birth of her first child, went into a coma and died weeks later.

“She did not get a chance to frequently see a doctor,” said a woman who preferred to remain anonymous. “The main challenge is that we are lacking medical staff in our community. The clinic that we rely on is in Krugersdorp, which is very far from us. We need to wake up very early so as to beat the long queue. Sometimes we go there and get back without being attended to, and this has affected a lot of pregnant women.”

Many Kyasands informal settlement residents do not have access to paved roads, and ambulances cannot go beyond a certain point to reach to the patients. Some families do not have access to vehicles so they rely on public transport, and this means it may take hours to reach a health-care facility. Pregnant women with critical conditions usually do not get to the facility in time.

Most births in Kyasands informal settlement occur at home with unskilled attendants, said Nunu Mogotsi, a resident who is also expecting. “Sometimes as informal settlement pregnant women, we feel neglected by the government in terms of health care,” she said. “However, we are thankful to NPOs like Phronesis Students Development Trust for considering pregnant women with maternity donations.”

Operating in Kyasands informal settlement (Pipeline), PSDT aims to reduce and prevent maternal mortality through donating food and clothes to the pregnant women. More than 150 pregnant women benefit from the organisation’s maternity drive in June.

“After every two months we identify pregnant women in the community and see how we can help them,” said the PSDT founder Tsitsi Sekgobela.

Amnesty International’s research found that many women and girls in South Africa do not attend clinics until the later stages of their pregnancy because they are given to believe that the HIV test is compulsory. They fear testing and the stigma of being known to be living with HIV. Nearly a quarter of avoidable deaths have been linked to late or no access to antenatal care.

 Pregnant women in Kyasands informal settlement face health challenges on many fronts due to miserable poverty, poor transportation and a dreadful shortage of medical staff.

The plight of pregnant women in Kyasands informal settlement

Music industry is usually sustained by maters of the heart, and there is always a song for every shade of romantic feeling ranging from blooming love to failed love.

Upcoming artist Sandile Vundla, popularly known as Msanda6, is known for emotional songs about relationships. His music explores many facets of cheating. Most of his songs are dripping with empathy, resulting from intense betrayal in love. Msanda6 recently released his single titled‘All Girls Are The Same.”

The song talks about disloyalty of girls in a relationship.

“I think everyone has had a heart break before,” he said in an interview. “ I have been hurt before. Everything that I sing about is from the heart. I am focusing mainly on emotional songs because I is the only thingthat I can talk about, with a lot of people relating.”

He said that many people, especially youngmen will relate to his song because it is either they have been been hurt by heir girls or they are likely to be.

“ The other reason why I am doing heartbreaking songs is because I want people to quickly let go and heal. In our generation, love comes with a lot of anxiety, which leads to depression. Hence I am striving to help people lessen anxiety in relation ships.”

Msanda 6 believes that once people understand the possibility of failed relationship, they can easily avoid depression.

The late American singer Juice WRLD inspired Msanda6 to tell emotional relationship stories thropugh music, he said.

I listen to a lot of his songs,” he said. “He usedto sing a lot about girls so I got inspired because I related to everything he said on his songs.”

He said he also wants to encourage other upcoming artists not to give up in the music industry. "No matter how hard the situation is,just keep on pushing and stay in your lane till something happens. Do not listen to negative energy. Always remember that people will hate regardless of how good you are. Just keep on promoting your music and do notwait to be signed by a record label. instead,sign yourself"

Music industry is usually sustained by maters of the heart, and there is always a song for every shade of romantic feeling ranging from blooming love to failed love. 

Msanda releases another emotional song

16 teams participated in the Ward 100’s first annual Winter Games tournament held from 1 to 4 June in Itsoseng Informal Settlement.

Cosmo Tigers FC became this year’s winners of the tournament, and D1O of Diepsloot became runners up. The Premium Forum, who sponsored the event, awarded Cosmo Tigers with medals, trophy, a soccer kit, and undisclosed amount of cash. D10 walked away with a trophy, medals, a soccer ball and undisclosed amount of cash. Other runners up walked away with soccer balls cash.

The Premium Forum, which operates in Itsoseng in formal settlement, aims to help empower young people through sports, according to the founder Mbekezeli Dube.

“We as Premium Forum are looking forward to bringing more youth activities within our Community,” he said.

“We would like to express our thanks to Cosmo City Football Associations, Adams Que Pty Ltd and the office of our Ward 100 Councillor Lyborn Ndou. We are proud to have you as our community leader and councillor. Please keep on doing Good for your community they need you more.”

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