Applications for the SAB Foundation Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards 2024 are open

Founded in 2010, the SAB Foundation provides funding for small, medium and micro-sized enterprises in order to contribute to the economic and social empowerment of historically disadvantaged persons through entrepreneurship development. The SAB Foundation’s primary beneficiaries are women, youth, people living with disabilities and people living in rural areas, from low-income backgrounds. More than R563 million to date has been invested in social innovation, disability empowerment and the development of SMMEs.

 Influencer and Rising Star Ggoldie is a force to be reckoned with as a female DJ and producer

This year, she made it onto the Rising Stars of Southern Africa on Spotify and was described as one of Africa’s treasures. The year 2024 promises to be one of exciting, new breakthroughs for Female jock, Ggoldie, real name Ayabonga Zuma.

Inspired by her birthplace of Thembisa, Ggoldie’s single titled Asambe which was released in 2023 saw her career soar in the space of one year. While many call her an ‘Industry Plant’, she stands on business with her talent as ‘not just another female DJ’ but a force to be reckoned with. Ggoldie’s music career soared in 2021, making her intricate and well-thought-out sets stand out among the rest. 

Q&A with Ggoldie

Where does the name Ggoldie come from?

Growing up, I used to have brown, almost sun-kissed hair and my friend at school used to call me Goldy Locks from the children's book. That became my nickname and later when I grew up, I cut it short to Goldy and the spelling was just to add some spice to it.

When did you start making music?

 I have always loved music. But I never saw myself as a DJ. I have always been a social media influencer and I was tired of just doing campaigns and marketing brands only. I wanted to do something different, looking for a new challenge. A friend suggested that I take up DJing as a hobby. I was initially playing for fun – almost like how people do with sports. The fun then turned into a passion. I went to Mapentane Music Academy in Pretoria and I was there for a few months before I got confident enough to play in front of a crowd. Now, not only do I DJ but I co-produce my own music. There aren’t many female producers and I wanted to jump on that ship.

What is your sound?

 I play Amapiano but the type of music I play is determined by my audience. Like a true DJ, I plan sets, but when I arrive, it could change based on the audience. I look at the age group and the environment. So, I mix my sound and I choose not to categorise my style. 

Choosing music over farming

I am studying my final year in Business, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management in Pretoria where I am based. I initially wanted to do Farming and I applied at a farming school but changed my mind as the school was far away and it would restrict me from my music and my bookings. I loved farming because my dad is from Limpopo and he loved farming, so I learned a lot from him. He always wanted to be a farmer and I thought I could live his dream I didn’t do business studies and school and I chose the course at the moment, but I believe that it can still be beneficial in my career as an artist and DJ. 

Social media:
https://www.instagram.com/_ggoldie/
Instagram: 542 k

Two & A Half Husbands, a platform pioneering the call for celebrating husbands who are striving to be better, is thrilled to announce the launch of a tradition-shifting campaign, "Orange is the new Red: Celebrating Husbands this Valentine's Month."

Following a two-year hiatus, AusTebza, the acclaimed South African songstress and bass guitarist, is set to captivate audiences once again with the release of her latest single, "Mmangwane." The mid-tempo Afro Soul track promises to be a soul-stirring journey, inviting listeners to delve into the realm of AusTebza's musical prowess. 

"Mmangwane" is a melodic expression of yearning, drawing inspiration from the rich cultural tapestry of South Africa. AusTebza's sweet-toned voice effortlessly glides over the production, creating a seamless fusion of contemporary sounds and traditional influences. The song is a testament to her commitment to preserving the essence of African music and storytelling. 

The inspiration for "Mmangwane" emanates from melodies and sounds that are deeply rooted in AusTebza's cultural heritage. The distinct tones of the marimba and the lyrical content find their roots in a Setswana telltale that resonated throughout her upbringing. AusTebza's ability to weave these cultural elements into her music adds a layer of authenticity and nostalgia that is sure to resonate with a diverse audience.

One notable feature of "Mmangwane" is the traditional 6/8 pattern that permeates the entire song. This generic African rhythm pattern serves as a universal bridge, effortlessly transporting listeners to different landscapes and connecting them to the heartbeat of African music. 

The message of the song was inspired by an expression of longing, as "Mmangwane" loosely translates a situation where one is burdened and is forced to beg for help from people who are meant to be there naturally. AusTebza's poignant lyrics capture the emotional weight of such a predicament, inviting listeners to empathize with the universal themes of struggle and resilience. 

AusTebza played a pivotal role in the production and composition of "Mmangwane," showcasing not only her vocal prowess but also her instrumental skills as a bass guitarist. Her involvement in every phase of the creative process underscores her dedication to crafting a musical experience that is both genuine and enchanting. 

As AusTebza makes her return to the music scene, "Mmangwane" promises to be a breath of fresh air, a testament to the enduring power of African music to evoke emotion and tell stories. Fans and music enthusiasts alike are invited to join AusTebza on this sonic journey as she shares a piece of her soul through the enchanting sounds of "Mmangwane."

Pre - order: https://cca.ffm.to/ustebza_mmangwane

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Apple Music
• Spotify

 Showmax is giving Valentine’s Day a distinctly local flavour this year with three brand-new South African love stories. 

Money is a common cause of stress in many relationships, and if it is left unaddressed, it can negatively impact more than just wallets. It is important for couples to work towards financial transparency to minimise financial disagreements.

South Africans have different financial priorities that vary from taking care of elderly parents, paying off student debt, saving for a dream holiday, or contributing towards a younger sibling’s education.

Whatever an individual’s goals are, it is important for couples to be open about each other’s goals and compromise to develop a financial plan that accommodates their needs.

“A good place to start is establishing your financial values as a couple so that you develop alignment for  needs and wants, as well as spending priorities in your household”, says James Williams, Head of Marketing at short-term lender Wonga.

“Each couple is different, and there is no one size fits all approach, but creating a good budget that can cater for bills, savings, a personal allowance, rainy days, and an emergency fund can help avoid money fights,” says Williams.

If you have not yet started syncing your financial goals with your partner, Williams shares steps on how you can get started.

Talk about it

Be honest about where you stand financially, and discuss your attitude towards money and your financial habits. This conversation is important to allow both parties to be aware of what they are getting into.

Set short and long term priorities

In the spirit of a new start, do a financial vision board with your couple goals for the year. This will make saving easier too because you both will know what you are saving for, whether buying your first home, funding your dream vacation, or starting a side hustle together.

Know your worth

Discuss your income and review your financial statements for your savings and current accounts, debt, bond repayments, or other assets you own. Subtract your debt from the value of your assets and investments to determine your individual net worth; this will indicate  your financial health.

Try joint budgeting

Draft a simple joint budget that you can refine and work on together. Start by adding up the income the two of you can expect each month after deductions. Make a separate column with all your expenses and other spending money you will both need for daily activities. Subtract your monthly expenses from your monthly income, then see how much you are left with. If you need help creating and managing a monthly budget, use the Wonga Money Academy - it has a step by step guide on how you can create a realistic budget.

Be accountable

Decide who will be responsible for bookkeeping so that all bills get paid on time. Make sure that the non-bookkeeping partner is kept informed about what is going on and that they have a voice to flag anything they might feel is not aligned with your master plan.

During this process avoid being judgmental as you gather the facts, and remember that you are a team, you each have your strengths and weaknesses.

“It is a new year, and if your focus is building a better financial profile for you and your partner, these steps might help you get to your end goal by the end of the year. Start now, invest in understanding financial literacy better together, and reward yourselves when you reach certain milestones,” Williams concludes. 

Image source: www.wonga.co.za