by Queenin Masuabi | Sep 23, 2015 | News
The Salvation Army may be spreading their message at Sexpo this year, again.

SEX EXHIBITION: Salvation Army to spread their message at this year’s Sexpo. Photo : provided
The Salvation Army is set to be at Sexpo for the third year in a row according reports by independent online. This is not to support the event but to highlight the link between sexual entertainment and the human trafficking so rife in the industry.
The public relations secretary for the Salvation Army, Carin Holmes, said: “As has been the case with previous years, we are not at Sexpo to preach in any way whatsoever.”
“Our objective is to help people become aware of the darker side of this industry, a part that leads vulnerable people, often as young as 10, into a murky world of exploitation from which it’s difficult to escape.”
The Salvation Army is said to have a surprise for attendees. Holmes said that they are “taking something that many people experience several times in their lives and turning this into a powerful message about the dangers of human trafficking.”
Sexpo starts on Thursday September 24 and runs till Sunday at the Gallager Convention Centre, Midrand.
by Queenin Masuabi | Sep 4, 2015 | Lifestyle
Mpumi Mlambo is a Wits BA Industrial psychology graduate who has a keen interest in entertaining the masses. She also studied entrepreneurship and development at the Raymond Ackerman Academy. This move was inspired by her business orientated family. With so much confidence, this multi-talented actress has managed to grab the attention of casting directors from an early age. She is part of the vibrant Alcatel One Touch SA team, where she has been a brand ambassador for the last couple of months. This year she won an MTN radio Award for the Best Breakfast show presenter for The Morning Shake Up on Vowfm. She has also been part of a television series on SABC. Recently she starred in a Dove advertisement for DSTV which has made her even more visible in the entertainment industry.

Photo: Provided
When did you realise that you were interested in acting or presenting?
I didn’t have specific interests but I loved entertaining people, so when other kids left school to go home. I stayed behind because we had to practice for a school concert. I was involved in every school concert in primary school. I was always participating in most of the Drama productions as well as mc’ing school events if not dancing at the school concert. Oh and how could I forget pageants? Every girl wanted to be a queen at some point, right and I became one too (laughs).
Who or what has been your inspiration? Why?
My mother and sister. My mother was able to put all of us through University with the little that she had. My sister is a warrior; she showed me that where you come from has little to do with your success. She taught me that with drive and hard work you can be whatever you want to be.
She also taught me that it is important to fail because we learn through failure and become better at whatever it is we do.
When was your first big break?
When I was on Sokhulu & Partners at the age of 16. It was not a big break but it was great to work with people I had never thought I would even meet in my life. I am from a small Township where even making it to matric is a privilege, being on TV seemed highly impossible but it happened.
How does it feel to be a recipient of an MTN Radio Award? How has it changed your presence as a presenter
It feels absolutely amazing to know that as a woman I was able to prove to a lot of people who think that women can’t host a prime time slot like a breakfast show and do great at it.I feel highly blessed to be a part of a great platform like Vowfm, it would have never happened without my bosses constantly critiquing me!I speak with way more purpose than I did before. I keep growing each and every day. I realised that a lot of people listen and I have the power to share empowering information with them instead of meaningless content.
Acting or presenting?
I can’t choose, if I had to choose it would really suck. The reason why I can’t choose is because the two are intertwined. As a radio host, I often have to be in character and prank people on air.I love the two just as much as I love My Mom and Jesus.
How do you juggle everything that you are doing at the moment?
The weirdest thing is I really have no idea. I just make sure that I do what I have to do. Get work done.
What are the struggles that you face in the entertainment industry on a daily?
It is very hard to be taken seriously as a female in the industry. When you are taken seriously, a number of men want to mix business with pleasure.
What can we expect from you in the future?
What do celebrities say again when asked this question, watch the space? I’m joking, I am looking forward to being a part of the biggest events this spring and summer with my Alcatel One Touch SA team as well as winning or rather slaying like the Cool Kids would say every single day.
by Queenin Masuabi | Sep 4, 2015 | Lifestyle
Starring: Kathy Bates, Josh Lucus, Eddie Izzard, Dustin Hoffman, Debra Winger, Garret Wareing and Kevin McHale
Director: Francois Girard
Producers: Judy Cairo, Carol Baum, Jane Golding
Vuvu rating- 6/10
Stet (Garret Wareing) an eleven-year-old boy lives with his single-parent mom who is battling with alcoholism. After she passes away, Stet’s father is forced to take responsibility for him. He is enrolled into an all-boy’s school which specialises in singing and is home to the National Boys’ Choir.
Although Stet has an amazing voice he struggles to adapt to the school at first. The fact that he cannot read music makes life hard for him. In his first block of school he is unable to make it into the touring choir which has the school’s best singers in the National Boys’ choir going to Japan.
While the choir is in Japan, Stet works hard to improve his vocals. This is with the help of his piano teacher Wooly (Kevin McHale), who realises that Stet has an ability to learn quickly and a natural flare for music. He manages to get into the choir just in time for the next tour which sparks jealousy amongst the other boys. A rivalry starts between Devon (Joe West) who is usually the lead singer, and Stet. At the end of the day it is up to the strict choirmaster Carvelle (Dustin Hoffman) to decide who will be good enough to lead the choir in New York where they will be having their biggest concert.

This is the perfect movie for those who like happy endings. BoyChoir is the kind of story that will have you teary eyed because it shows how talent, hard-work and perseverance is all that is needed to succeed. It highlights the fact that there is hope for those who come from nothing.
This movie tends to be a bit predictable at times as it follows the kind of “Cinderella story” narrative. I believe it is more suitable for teenagers but is not stimulating enough for the older viewers.
BoyChoir could be more enjoyable for choral music fans as the boys have very good voices. The boys singing in their soprano voices are pleasant on the ear.
What can be learnt from the movie is the idea of living in the moment. After his voice breaks, Stet is confused about why his done all these singing lessons but ends up ‘losing his voice’. His teacher Wooly responds: “The lessons themselves are the point”
by Queenin Masuabi | Aug 23, 2015 | Lifestyle
“Fashion changes, but style endures” – Coco Chanel
Vintage clothing is one of the most popular trends in Braamfontein. This look is bold and is definitely not for the not for the faint-hearted because it involves taking fashion risks.
Mary Scholes

Mary is wearing a classic shirt and high waist black pants. She pairs her look with black court shoes and adds colour to her look with a red leather jacket which she bought in Namibia. She loves the jacket because it is “soft and feels good on the skin”.
She describes her style as “old-fashioned but smart”. This look suits the Wits director of postgraduate studies as it keeps a good balance of power and femininity.
Joshua Heim

Joshua is wearing a white shirt and blue, fitted blazer. He pairs this with skinny jeans which flatter his tall stature. His brown formal shoes and spectacles give him a classic look. This gamer describes his style as “stylish, free and earthy”. This look will definitely be a hit with the ladies this Women’s Month.
by Queenin Masuabi | Aug 21, 2015 | News
This week the Wits EFF caused a stir when they criticised the university for shifting its’ responsibilities to the the SRC and have called for ‘no SRC’.
The Wits Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) stopped the inaugurual debate of the SRC election campaign because student government only existed to “legitimise” university authorities.
“The university does not listen to students so the SRC is a body that is meant to legitimise the university because the statute requires every institution of higher learning to have an SRC,” said Wits EFF secretary Mbe Mbhele.
“We feel like at Wits it is just there so that university can be a legitimate body but it does not necessarily change anything. It is also strategic move on the part of the university because they are always shifting responsibility.”
“We are not going to use the normal and orthodox means of protest”
Mbhele made his comments to Wits Vuvuzela on Tuesday afternoon shortly after Wits EFF stopped the election debate by singing and toyi-toying on the stage. The debate was called off and a fight broke out between members of Project W, Progressive Youth Alliance and the Wits EFF on the Great Hall stage.
Mbhele said Wits EFF would continue to protest the SRC campaign and prevent the elections from taking place.
“We are going to go there and kick the ballot boxes and the IEC is not going to be able to count the votes,” said Mbhele.
“We are not going to use the normal and orthodox means of protest, if it means we are going to shit at the Great Hall or at his office then we are going to do that.”
Mbhele said the university has relied heavily on the SRC to help students through initiatives such as One Million, One Month, a fundraising drive for students who did not receive funding the National Students’ Financial Aid Scheme at the beginning of the year.
Mbhele said that the university should pay for student’s fees and accused it of paying bonuses to “[Vice Chancellor] Adam Habib and his minions.”
Mbhele said the lack of bus services for Wits students to taxi ranks at Bree and Noord were one example of how the SRC was unable to serve students.
“The bus issue has been raised in 2005 and in 2015 students are still complaining about the bus, 10 years later,” Mbhele said.
Mbhele said Wits EFF will use any means possible to force Habib to take their demands seriously.
After all that was said and done, Mbhele concluded the interview with these words “fuck Habib”.
by Queenin Masuabi | Aug 7, 2015 | Lifestyle
by Queenin Masuabi and Litaletu Zidepa
This week we are celebrating women and how they express themselves through their different styles. Women like pop star Rihanna, television personality Bonang Matheba and former ELLE magazine editor Jackie Burger have continued to influence for young women.
“Give a girl shoes and she can conquer the world”- Marilyn Monroe

Nandipha Patience Mangisana
Nandipha is wearing a black crop top, leggings and a kimono to keep her warm from the nippy Autumn breeze. Her main accessory is her black hat which has been a popular trend for both men and women. To add some colour she is wearing red and black platform shoes.
She explains her style as “sexy with a click of vintage”. When asked about going bra-less, she says that she is “embracing her nipples”

Takalani Mawela
Takalani is sporting a grey woollen dress paired with a black corduroy jacket. Her olive Nike Roshe sneakers compliment her colourful socks perfectly. She accessorises with a light brown scarf and a yellow bag. Although purple braids are in trend, in her case it was simply an honest mistake (she bought the wrong colour).
This second-year BA student describes her style as “street, punky and easy-going.”
by Queenin Masuabi | Aug 4, 2015 | News
The presidency has denied rumours that the first lady has had charges laid against her by the National Prosecuting Auhority (NPA) for poisoning president Jacob Zuma last year.
Zuma’s wife, Nompumelelo Ntuli-Zuma was an alleged co-conspirator in the plot, which was said to be the idea of a Kwa-Zulu Natal businessman and local and foreign nationals according to Timeslive.
Law firm, BDK Attorneys who are representing Ntuli-Zuma, have issued a statement denying several claims that that the first lady was served with court papers.
The statement comes in response to a City Press article published on Monday, stating that she had admitted to poisoning her husband. Her attorney, Ulrich Roux says they have not yet decided which course of action to take against City Press, as they are not sure who exactly was responsible for publishing the story about Ntuli-Zuma.
BDK Attorneys added that City Press did not allow Ntuli-Zuma the right to reply regarding the story and made no attempt to verify the allegations.
The Sunday Times broke the story of how Ntuli -Zuma was banned from Nkandla after Zuma and his aides caught wind of the plot. The president fell ill in June last year and upon a trip to the US, doctors detected poison in his system and this was further confirmed by Russian medics.
by Queenin Masuabi | Jul 24, 2015 | News
Thato Pule is a firm activist for the rights of those in the LGBTI community.
“Our bodies are political … and we can use them to protect ourselves … our bodies are vulnerable and therefore are targets,” says Thato Pule a third year Actuarial Science student from the University of Cape Town (UCT).
Pule is transgender woman and she is proud of who she is. When Wits Vuvuzela spoke to her, she was confident and assertive. She wore a stylish multi-colour dress (yellow, white and brown) paired with a black coat. Her hair was tied up and her make-up was on fleek. She spoke with such a command that one could not help but pay attention.
When Pule is asked about her experiences as a young, black and gifted transgender woman, she responds “I have no say in what happens to my daily experience because it is at the hands of those who benefit from my subjugation.”
So many times, it has been said that the youth of today are lazy and have no mission. However for the likes of Pule, there is a greater mission for young people in this era.
Earlier this year, the #rhodesmustfall movement was started by UCT students. The movement was sparked by students demanding transformation at UCT, particularly the removal of the statue of colonialist Cecil John Rhodes.
Pule said #rhodesmustfall was a starting point for her own thinking and caused her to think about the inclusion on campus of “queer bodies”.
Pule was a member of the UCT SRC, the chairperson of transformation and social responsiveness, at the time. However, she later resigned from her position after controversial comments were made about the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and intersex (LGBTI) community UCT SRC deputy president Zizipho Pae.
“We are institutionalising and normalising sin. God have mercy on us” Pae wrote after gay marriage was legalised in all American states.
These comments led to Pule posting to Facebook a picture that had tongues wagging. It showed the half-naked bodies of Pule and women in solidarity with her, standing in the UCT SRC president’s office. It was captioned “She invaded our personal space as queer bodies and now we are invading hers.”
She also criticises UCT as a whole for their lack of interest when it comes to issues relating to the LGBTI community. “UCT operates on the assumption that someone is either male or female,” she explains. Pule places emphasison residences, because she feels as though there is no consideration for people of all sexual orientations.
She is an activist with the newly formed Black Resolutions Movement which focuses on what she calls “black queerness.” Pule believes that the fact that she is black changes the entire sphere of being transgender.
“Activism is not an option, it’s a way of life” Pule says.
Transgendered people have been in the news, with reality television star Caitlyn Jenner, formerly a man, revealing to the world her identity as a woman. She went through medical treatments to look like a woman before changing her name. While criticised by many, including some who claimed it was a publicity stunt, Jenner was also praised and received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award earlier this month.
Pule praises Jenner’s journey because she believes that it has helped to “introduce transgender people into mainstream homes.” However she still believes that is still much work to be done in Africa for people of all sexual orientations to be understood and accepted.

YOUNG, BLACK AND TRANSGENDER: UCT student Thato Pule stands up for the LGBTI community. Photo: Provided
by Queenin Masuabi | Jul 24, 2015 | Featured 1, News
Wits students have information at their fingertips following the launch of the new mobile application for IOS, Android and Mobi site users.
Wits University in conjunction with Google Cloud launched their new mobile App called “WitsM” on Monday.
The application is available for all people, however it is specifically geared towards students of the university who will need to access it for administration purposes.
The app showcases maps of the university (shown on Google maps), allowing students to be able to search for buildings by name and get directions to the building. It also will feature a RSS feed of the latest new. Bus timetables will be accessible, as well as a meal booking system for those living in residences. A short messaging system has been built into the app so that students can be informed about events on campus.
“The scope of the application will grow in terms of services and a staff component will be added… staff will be able to see leave approvals online.” said Wits University CNS Director, Xolani Hadebe
Services such as Sakai and I-Wits will also be implemented at a later stage.

IN THE LOOP: A Wits student downloading the new mobile application WitsM. Photo: Sam Camara
However Witsies will be disappointed to know that there will be no games included as part of the application.
So far there has been a good response to the application on GooglePlay “Wish I had this back when I was at Wits” said former Witsie, Stevan Boskovic.
by Queenin Masuabi | May 15, 2015 | Lifestyle
One of the biggest problems students have is not being able to stretch their money for the entire month. Many are stuck with the dilemma of cutting back every time they receive their allowance, whether it is from their bursaries or parents. Meanwhile other students have what we nowadays call a “side hustle”. This is a way to get money by doing a part-time job that pays just enough to cover costs. By doing this, they do not have to worry about cutting back or, better yet, nagging their parents for extra money.
There are many ways in which students can help themselves get rid of their financial woes at Wits. The Career Councilling and Development Unit (CCDU) has for many years assisted students in acquiring jobs on and off campus. Wits Vuvuzela spoke to Raj Naran, a career development educator and team leader at the CCDU, about the jobs they can offer for students.
“Some campaigns really make it worth it, some really aren’t but it beats being broke,”
“Students can register to be on the CCDU’s database, so that they can be contacted if there are any available jobs,” Naran said. They can go to their offices on West Campus to register. Unfortunately it is not always guaranteed the job they get will be related to what they are studying. Naran said students can negotiate their pay when offered a job.
Fun off-campus jobs

MAKING MONEY: Cihangir “Gigi” Cevikmen at his part-time job at Kitcheners. Photo: Michelle Gumede
Some students have taken it upon themselves to find fun and interesting jobs off campus. One of the most popular jobs, especially among female students, are promotions. This is considered a great job because it only requires you to work during the weekend. This could be in supermarkets or better yet fancy events, parties and clubs. We all know how students like having a good time and imagine being paid to do so, it is quite difficult to resist.
Bontle-Buhle Ngomezulu, a BCom student at Wits has been a promoter for a year now. She says that the pay can be good depending on the kind of campaign.
“Some campaigns really make it worth it, some really aren’t but it beats being broke,” she said. Bartending has also been a favourite among students, with the variety of bars in and around Braamfontein there is no reason to be unemployed. Lesego Chiloane and Cihangir Cevikem are both Witsies and bartenders at Kitcheners. Cevikem said persistence can be the key to getting a part-time job.
“I asked one of the managers for a period of four months and he kept on brushing me off, until he gave me a chance as one of the cleaners for a month or so and then I eventually got into the bar.”
Besides partying on the job, the one perk which was mentioned was the pay. “The money is really good,” Cevikem said.
“The pay is good, for a student,” Chiloane said. He said working at a bar requires a lot of discipline because you have to balance it with school.
by Queenin Masuabi | May 12, 2015 | News
Strikes have hit the newly established University of Mpumalanga’s (UMP) Siyabuswa campus. There have also been threats to start strike action at the Mbombela campus.
After the university failed to pay students their monthly stipends and to hire a campus manager at the Siyabusa campus, students shut down campus, preventing academic staff and construction workers from entering since last week Thursday (May 7), News24 reports. The stipends were meant to be paid out as part of students’ Fundza Lushaka bursaries.
Student representative council chairperson Khulekani Mabuza has accused the University of making empty promises. “We started engaging the management in February but they have been making empty promises to solve the issues,” Mabuza said. He also states that they will not stop striking until their demands are met.
UMP Vice Chancellor Professor Thoko Mayekiso said the university is not aware of any unpaid stipends, according to News24.
“The students need the funds as their pocket money; we have since taken a decision [in the meantime] to pay the money from our funds,” said Mayekiso. The funds would then be replaced once the department of education has allocated money to them.
Mbombela campus threatens to take strike action
Meanwhile, the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) have threatened to strike over pension funds, medical aid benefits, accrued leave and housing allowances.
“Here we have our members who have worked for more than 30 years and there’s already one who has moved out of the system and has no pension.”
The affected workers at the Mbombela campus were transferred from the Lowveld Agricultural College, which was run by the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture was absorbed by the university this year.
Nehawu provincial secretary Sizwe Motha says that there has been no clear process and transparency in the process “there was no good transition when the staff moved from the Lowveld Agricultural College to the University of Mpumalanga”.
Motha also added, “Here we have our members who have worked for more than 30 years and there’s already one who has moved out of the system and has no pension.”
Both the Sol Plaatjie University in Northern Cape and Mpumalanga University opened in 2014 as the first post-apartheid universities.
Currently, the University of Mpumalanga has three hundred and seven students enrolled for qualifications in agriculture, hospitality management, information communication technology and education.
*Sourced from News24
by Queenin Masuabi | May 11, 2015 | Featured 1
Since the rise of popular social networks such as Instagram and Twitter people have been able to portray themselves as more glamorous and free spirited. Many people find these social networks pretentious as they do not display what is truly happening in people’s lives.

EVERYONE WANTS LIKES: There has been a strong desire from social media users for their content to get as many”likes” as possible even if it means portraying themselves in a manner that is contrary to who they truly are. Photo: Provided
When going on Instagram, you come to the realisation that everyone is beautiful, wealthy, gym freaks, and well-dressed. People usually post pictures which enhance their popularity in their social circles. Every Monday people post pictures of their #MCM (Man Crush Monday) and on Wednesday of their #WCW (Woman Crush Wednesday) and these people are usually ‘bae af!’ (very beautifully and attractive). Then there’s the #Foodporn where people post pictures of good food which usually seems classy and healthy. Let’s not forget the “outfit of the day” popularly known as #OOTD. This is when people post pictures of an outfit that they have carefully sought out for that particular day.
There’s little modesty where this is concerned. Designer labels are mentioned to let others know just how expensive their clothing is. All of this in the quest for more ‘followers’ and ‘likes’.
Twitter Sphere
Meanwhile on Twitter everyone is an expert on matters, witty and brave. This can especially be said about ‘twelebs’ (Twitter celebrities). These are ‘tweeps’ (Twitter users) that have a large following because of some or other reason. Usually it is someone who is not afraid to voice their opinions at all costs. This has lead to what is known as “Black Twitter”, the kind of tweets that are a bit too honest. People who engage in such tweeting are usually highly critical.
The tweets have to be short, concise with a funny and sometimes offensive punch line that will keep everyone glued to their phones. People also watch television via twitter through the tweets of others. Everyone can use their expertise to commentate on what is happening in a soapie, movie or sports match.
Why search for information on Google when there is ‘twoogle’. Find information about everything and anything at anytime just by asking their followers.
“There was a point where I posted half naked pictures of myself”
Junior Makena, a final year student at the University of Johannesburg has been labelled a ‘tweleb’ with an impressive eighteen thousand four hundred followers. Makena believes that social media culture is about people being more open and creating a space for people to network. However he does add that people should have limits to what they say and show some sense of morality. Ironically he has not always followed the ‘morality code’ that he deems important. “There was a point where I posted half naked pictures of myself”, this is how he got more females to follow him. It says that there is not much pretending when it comes to his online persona, Makena says that he is the same person online as he is offline. He does however admit that social media is a platform to be pretentious for many. ” I have met people who say they live at a certain place on Twitter, but they were not able to show me” he says.
Social media has been a new age tool that has brought about a different kind of generation. A generation that is focused on a sense of belonging that has endorsed a certain kind of lifestyle. Some might just say that they are ‘faking it till they make it’.
Will we all look back one day and laugh at all this social media madness?