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Meet our Community Builder for the month of September 2023, Miss Lydia Nemafhohoni (47) from Ha Rambuda Dzimauli Traditional Authority, Pile Village, Vhembe District, Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province in South Africa. She went to Pile Primary school, Tshilidzini Special school then Vandani State School and Todani Secondary School. “Thanks a lot, I am so excited to be selected as a “Community Builder”, it came as a shock indeed. My main purpose is to show the community that living with disability does not mean you have to depend on someone, you can stand on your own and be a boss. I am doing lots of projects and facing challenges, for example, I do not have a transport to deliver chickens to my customers and money to buy feedbags for broilers chickens and high mortality. I also need a generator to use during loadshedding. I do programmes to develop youth all over Vhembe district and this needs a car to promote this Narysec programme (a programme to train youth in the military) to go from one village to the other”, she said smiling. We had a luck to view some of her pictures at the farm, she is really doing it all, from selling chickens, sugar beans and asked her how she manages all the work. “I manage my time very well and make sure that my kids never complain about missing me at home. Education is the golden key of success. I have a certificate in Management , Financial Management and Marketing Management, mother of 3 kids, Deputy Chair of Pdard in Limpopo, Chairperson of Pdard in Vhembe district, Marketing Manager of Fleamarket of Tshishivhe Tshixwadza Mutale and Chairman of the team called Managa Rising Star academy”, she added. Her message to youth out there is, “never let anything stands against your future”, “Learn to stand on your feet”, and her motto is against all odds “nne ndi wa u bvelela”. Rise Africans Newspaper enjoyed chatting to Miss Lydia Nemafhohoni and wish her all the best. She can be contacted via email: makhulu49@gmail.com | contact no: 0768070141

Kwi ngxikela yetheko esikhululweni semikhumbi e Thekwini bekuhlangene Amaciko onke from various Provinces nabamenyiweyo ukuzonikwa kwamaciko ama award ebengenelwe kwi KZN Namuhla Artists Awards khona kwisixeko esikhulu esikwa sisikhululo semikhumbi yamanzi eDurban. Phakathi kwamaciko uye wazibalula umuma Pat Nkonyeni ngokuwina kwi category yakhe as the “Best Solo” yabuya indondo ukuza ekhaya eNyaka eBizana nase Mlazi ku Ward 76 apho abuye abe ngumhlali khona. Lo mcimbi ubusingathwe ngumnikazi wawo usisi Sheila Mhlongo owathatha isigqibo sokukhuphula Amaciko akronyeliswe kumsebenzi wobuciko wawo minyaka yonke. Oku kukhuthaze namaciko avela nakwezinye izifundandazwe angenela ama Awards kwimikhakha ehlukene. uSisi Sheila Mhlongo ukwane phephandaba elibizwa nge KZN Namuhla elibhala indaba zase KZN nezamaciko. Lithetha naye iphephandaba uthi : “uMama Nkonyeni uvuye kakhulu ukuphumelela kulo mncintiswano wamaciko ezimisele kanjalo ukusebenza ngamandla ukuze kufezeke iphupho lakhe. Kungoku nje uMama Pat ulungiselela ama Award awangenele e Carletonville uqokwe kathathu kuma categories ahlukene azimisele ukuwathatha. Amalungu omndeni, abangani nabase KZN bameseka kakhulu bevota ngokunjalo ukuze abuye aphumelele. Uthi uyabonga kwi KZN Namuhla ngethuba elingaka abavulelwe lona”. " UThixo uyawangqinela amazwi akhe ngemisebenzi yakhe", utsho uMama Pat Nkonyeni.

Our Rising Star no: 202 is a multitalented youngster from Mogwase, Rustenburg, North West Province in South Africa. Comfort Kgalegi attended Tshwara O Dire Primary School, JM Ntsime High School and Northwest University in Mafikeng Campus. Van Dance, as popularly known, is a ballroom and Latin American dancer, Michael Jackson impersonator and music artist inspired by legendary Michael Jackson. “I started dancing when I was at primary school in grade 2 doing hip hop dance, then my late cousin, Tshepo Motsitsi took me to Latin classes which I did not like. I then expanded to ballroom and Latin dancing. I danced at Mogwase Dance club under coach Frans Mosito, Northwest University Dance Sport and Mmabana Tlhabane Dance Studio. It was not easy to cope till 2010 after winning at Nationals representing Northwest”, he said. An energetic dancer has won many international dance competitions including TV performance for SATMA Awards in 2017, Northwest University Mafikeng campus talent show in 2017 (making a history as a dancer in the campus and was named very own Michael Jackson of the campus), Its Arts Africa International Competition in 2022 – won overall talent in Africa and overall dancer, won 1st place at Rumba in the jungle international competition which was held at Sun City in 2017, SA got talent 2016 and appeared at America’s Got Talent in 2020 but did not go to the second round due to COVID-19. “The most challenge I face is to get gigs as a Latin dancer and lack of sponsors. Upcoming dancers must stay true to themselves, never be afraid to start small, do their best everyday and never get distracted by small things. Discipline and consistency will take you far because obsession beats talent”, added Van Dance. We had a chance to listen to his hot singles: (Van dance feature Blick bass SA - Rusty Dusty ), (Van Dance feature Tshimega ya Poko - Ompaletse) and collaborated with dancers such as Botsie ballerina and multitalented dancer. Song links: https://open.spotify.com/album/4krC2n9XAo9jrmfLu9yrN3 https://youtu.be/TDP8GEiWKVY?si=OIb0HcC35XNicJN2 “I am now a solo dancer and my big dream is to own a Ken Studio in different countries, travel across the world showing my dancing skills and being on top billboards in Hollywood”, he concluded. Rise Africans Newspaper is proud to see African child making it to the top and wish him all the best! Bookings can be made: Facebook: Comfort VanDance Kgalegi | Instagram: @van_dance_ | Call or Whatsapp : 0623064721

Rise Africans Newspaper had a luck to chat with a young professional soccer player all the way from Juba in South Sudan. Surprise Amos Sagos Arkangelo was born and raised in Uganda but now found in Juba because its where his family is based. “Thanks a lot for this wonderful opportunity, my love for soccer started way back when I was a kid in Uganda, I used to watch my uncle playing, people were entertained and praised him a lot saying he is the best. I felt that soccer is something that brings happiness and love to everyone. My breakthrough came one time after getting a chance to play in a tournament and got registered”, he said. At the age of 21, Surprise has already seen much, he said the dream of becoming a professional soccer player is never easy, lots of hard work and support from the loved ones is really needed. Asking him about the challenges he is facing as a professional soccer player, he said: “I just need to get connections to see better life and achieve more in my football career. Young professional soccer players must not get overexcited or be big headed, soccer need a humble person because today you can be on a high level and tomorrow you are down, and nobody will care about you”. Surprise ‘s big dream is to play for under 23 national squad, play in one of the biggest clubs in Africa, Europe or Asia. He said all can be done with God and family support. Rise Africans Newspaper is proud of him and wish him best of luck on his new team Al Huriya FC

There is power in sharing inspirational stories with others. It’s a way we can connect as humans and learn from each other. All of us need a motivational force to keep our hopes alive. Storytelling also establishes common ground. Over the years, Devoted has built a repository of stories for its readers to draw from. Devoted now shares those testimonies with our readers in the hope they will tell and retell these stories to give others hope and inspire them. You can also help us build our collection of inspiring stories by sharing your unique life-changing experience. We will publish the submitted stories at our discretion. Stanley Pieterse’s story about substance abuse, recovery and hope it will inspire you. There are many reasons why young people start abusing alcohol and drugs, but peer pressure and social circumstances, including the low cost and easy access to substances in South Africa, play a significant role. Unfortunately, substance abusers often ignore the impact on their internal organs, including the heart, liver, and brain. It can cause permanent physical damage, including the risk of strokes and life-threatening infections. This is the story of Stanley in his own words: “I am an ex-drug addict and alcoholic who grew up on the streets of Eersterust in Pretoria. My parents divorced when I was in primary school, and when I reached high school, I started smoking cigarettes and dagga. I quickly moved to using harder drugs like crack cocaine and crystal meth. I robbed people, broke into factories and cars, and pickpocketed and conned people to fund my drug addiction. I was arrested many times but was never convicted. “Numerous times I tried to fix my life and would even get jobs that paid very well, but I would always mess up and lose the job due to my drug addiction. I went to three different rehabilitation centres to try and get help with my drug problem, but I always returned to using drugs shortly afterwards. It was when I hit rock bottom that my mother told me about CYPSA. I decided to join their Restoration Programme. “When I arrived at the gate, I handed in my cigarettes and other illicit items I had on me and felt a change upon entering the gates. I was not given any detox medication as I was not at a rehabilitation centre, but I was prayed for and could attend the daily services. I confessed my sins, received prayer, and was advised to go back to my community, ask forgiveness, and make amends for the wrong things I had been doing where I lived. When I offered to pay some community members back, they did not want the money and said they were happy to see how well I was doing and that I should continue in the new way I was on, and that would be payment enough for them. By giving my life to the Lord, God awakened the gifts He had given me. I have started to write poetry and have even had an opportunity to recite my poetry live on the radio. “There is a book publisher that is helping me towards having a book of my poems published. I am working again now, and the Lord has done wonders in my life. Since I started working at the aQuellé bottled water factory, I have been promoted five times! I am now working as a technician and a Health and Safety Representative after completing training for the role. My family members are very proud of me and always look forward to seeing me when I visit them at home. I thank the Lord for giving me another chance at life and for blessing me so abundantly. I thank all of those at CYPSA for being instruments used to save my life and the lives of thousands of others like me. May our powerful Lord continue to bless the CYPSA organisation so the Lord’s saving work may continue.” (Read more of these stories on the website: www.devotedmag.co.za)

We had a nice chat with another brave African child who went through a lot but still stands strong. Tovhowani Makondo (31) is from Ndzhelele, Venda, Limpopo Province in South Africa but now residing in Nobody, around Mankweng township. Rise Africans Newspaper, Mr Phuti Ramaphakela was amazed by humble and confident that come out of an entrepreneur and a defender of LGBTiq rights family. “I found out that I am HIV positive in 2014 around month of May at Weskoppies Hospital (public psychiatric hospital in Pretoria, Gauteng) after been diagnosed with depression and dealing with lots of pressure. I stayed there for a period of 8 months and was shocked after 2 months when I was told that I am HIV positive. I was also scared but was surrounded by professional people who supported me and educated me even though it was not easy”, said Tovhowani. Beyonce Makondo, as popularly known, told us about the challenge of facing the public. After been released for the hospital, he saw the best option of posting his status on Facebook as a way out. Surprising people gave him lots of support instead of judging. “I did not really care much about the stigma I received via Facebook comments. I am brave and do not blame anyone for my status. The most important now is my health and being happy. Being HIV does not mean is the end of world. If you take your medicine well and take care of yourself then you will be fine. Do not worry about what people are saying, let them talk till they get tired, lets beat the stigma around our community”, added Beyonce. The most important thing our community can do is support. No one is allowed to judge other person until knowing his or her status. We need more brave and supportive people in our community. People who need support and motivation are free to contact Beyonce on Facebook: Queen Beyonce Makondo or via whatsapp: 071 365 7390

Substance abuse has devastating effects on a person’s life and the lives of those close to them. Sometimes these effects even reach broader environments. Despite the countless negative consequences, the inability to quit impacts everything around the addict. For those who turn away from their old life makes all the difference. It leads to a sustainable outcome, cleanses them from all unrighteousness, and reminds them daily that we stand before God in the grace of Jesus Christ. This was the positive experience Siyanda Cibane had when he gave his life to Jesus. He is no longer a slave to dagga and alcohol. “My life was very difficult when I was a slave to dagga and alcohol,” Siyanda told us. “I started at a very young age when I began to smoke cigarettes when I was only 11 years old.” Later, in high school, he started smoking dagga, which was popular at his school. When he finished school and joined the workforce, he also started drinking alcohol. Not long after this, he was hooked on alcohol and rapidly became a very heavy drinker. Siyanda would party every weekend, with devastating consequences. His drinking habit eventually cost him his job. After he lost his job, Siyanda became very depressed and drank even more until he reached the point where he lost all hope and gave up on life. He needed God to help him because nothing else he had tried could free him from depression and alcohol abuse. And then, in 2016, everything changed when he arrived at KwaSizabantu and started to follow their CYPSA restoration program. “After a while, I started to confess my sins and reached out to others for help. I asked a child of the Lord to pray with me,” Siyanda explained. After receiving prayer and through the confession of his sin, he was set free from the life he had been living! For the very first time in his life, Siyanda is now a happy person. With a huge smile, he declared, “I am now a part of the Lord’s work, and my experience is that God is helping me every day with the challenges of life.” (Read the full story by following the link: https://online.pubhtml5.com/asxvv/zzix/)

Today we celebrate our Rising Star no 200! It was never an easy journey and thanks a lot to everyone who motivates us to keep going. Sikhumbule Ngqokoma is from a small town called Qumbu in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The young author who is living with disability just turned 21 years on the 12th September. “I started writing in 2018 after Mama Winnie Madikizela Mandela died, I was inspired by her struggles and wrote my first poem and never looked back since then. Maya Angelou inspired me a lot. I am living with disability and encourage more people living with disability to see their abilities more than their disabilities. My first book was published in 2019 and the second one in 2021”, he said. Writing a book is no child’s play, Sikhumbule said that it took him almost a year to finish a poetry and two years to write a motivational book! His wish is to see his work shown all over and plea to book promoters, sponsors or anyone to assist him in making sure his book are available on the internet. “My challenge is travelling around and sell my books. People must buy my books to understand what disability is and how to live amongst people with disabilities. A nation that reads, is a nation that grows! People must start reading to empower themselves and nurture their minds. Upcoming authors must allow themselves to start small, be patient, things will work out and they must not stop looking for any opportunities that comes”. He concluded. Rise Africans Newspaper is proud of Sikhumbule, wish lot of people come to assist and read his book to learn more about disability. Orders can be placed by Whatsapp: 078 371 4040

We are celebrating our African Heritage with Rising Star no: 199! Traditional music is here to stay whether our people like it or not. It is the only way to define and express us as Africans. Mr Phuti Ramaphakela spoke to leader of Setswana traditional dance group, Goitsone Dikola who speaks a fluent Setswana (language) one can dance to! Goitsone (29) is from Mahikeng, North West Province in South Africa and currently reside in Mankweng, Turfloop in Limpopo Province. A super active dance told us how the group was formed and the challenges they face. “Dikola Arts and Culture group is formed in 2018 at Rustenburg. I used to run show at Sun City under some people’s companies and were 10 members then. In 2021, I got a job in Polokwane, am Chef by profession. I observed and found that there are not much traditional dancing groups. I went home and arrange my group members to look for greener pastures in Limpopo Province. Many people still do not believe that we walked all the way from Rustenburg around 19h00 and landed in Mankweng the next day in the morning. We were carrying only bags, blankets and drums and it was not easy”, said Goitsone. Their arrival at Mankweng led them adding more members and proudly have more than 50 kids that we teach the traditional dance and all South African cultures. Mother Figure, as he popularly known, added that the reason for choosing traditional music is because he is a spiritual person. “Many groups fail to succeed because once become famous and fully booked, one will claim that the efforts come from him and stuff, but Dikola Arts and Culture is a registered, so no one is bigger than other, we work as a team. My best highlight was when we were invited to perform in Brazil, I danced so much and end up fainting on the stage because of excitement. The crowd went crazy thinking it’s a part of dance”, he said laughing. Besides successful performances in Brazil and Tunisia, Dikola Arts and Culture group face lots of challenges such as accommodation for a group. His messages to all the groups out there is to never give up in life. We are proud Mother Figure and wish lot of youth can push all African traditional music to reach the world. Bookings can be done: Facebook @ dikola arts and culture... TikTok @ Dikola arts and culture or contact @ 0736170569

Umama Pat Nkonyeni wase Nyaka eBizana obegubha i Award lakhe ngomhla ka 5 August 2023 usephinde waqokwa kathathu kwi National Amaciko Ngoma Music Awards ase Carletonville as “Best Video Artist”, “Best African Gospel Artist” and “Best Community Outreach Artist”. Uphinde waqokwa kwakhona e KwaZulu Natal Province as “Best Female Gospel Solo”. Ngomhla ka 24 September 2023, Umama Pat uzakuba edibana namanye Amaciko e Bat Centre eThekwini kwi 2nd Annual KZN Namuhla Artists Awards 2023 apho alwela khona indondo yesine kulo nyaka. Uthi eli lithuba ekade walinqwenela ebomini bakhe uba abe sisibonelo esihle that into xa uyifuna uyayilwela ngayo yonke indlela, awuncami, awunukezeli lula. Ngomhla we 16 Ku September lo uthi azobe edibana amaciko ngoma khona e Carletonville apho kuyobe kukhona nosaziwayo odume kunene u Gudlabatshakazi wo Mhlobo Wenene. Ngomhla ka 16 December uzobe ekhona kwi 2nd Annual Amaciko Ngoma Music Awards khona e Carletonville ukuyolinda imiphumela unethemba elikhulu lokubuya nazo indondo zakhe uThixo engumhlengi wakhe. Simbuza uba uziva njani ngawo wonke lomsebenzi wakhe uthi "Akuqalile uThixo uyakufeza, uThixo akakuniki ilitye endaweni yesonka, inyoka endaweni yentlanzi.” Uthi okona aya ebamdala kokona siya sihlaziyeka nangakumbi isiphiwo sakhe futhi usaqhubeleka phambile kuze aphumele nakwamanye amazwe. Ebulela kakhulu kumphathi wakhe Kidwell Dingiso othe wavula amathuba ebevalekile wavuma ukusetyenziswa ngu Thixo ukuze kuphuhle izakhono zama artist afufusayo nokuwabeka kwelinye izinga ubulela kakhulu. Umama Pat Nkonyeni akagqibelanga apho uqoqe ulutsha walu ngcambazisa kumculo wezenkolo Inkanyezi yezulu ehamba nayo kuma event, exhasa ngazo zonke indlela Kuba babantwanyana abasafundayo wade wabafaka kwi Nama Awards e Carletonville baqokwa as Young Gospel Group okokuqala ebomini babo. Ubuye wahlangana notitshalakazi Fikile Mlomo waku Ndunge SSS nabantwana be dance I Blazing Stars 💥 waba nabo kuma event ebakhuthaza uba baqhubeke nekhono labo nalapho wabafaka kwi National Amaciko Ngoma Music Awards ase Carletonville balwela indondo yabo okokuqala yaye usajonge bavelele nakwezinye indawo bonke aba bantwana. Ama artist kwindawo ngendawo ayakwazi ukumfuna amfumane acele uncedo kuye u Mama Pat batsho bazane bahambe kunye. Imizamo emihle uyenzile ngokungayigushi into anayo kodwa ancedise apho kufuneka uncedo khona. Ulutsha luyasilela ezintweni ngenxa yokudinga abantu abanokuncedisa, luyasilela ngenxa yokudinga into emaluyenze de luzinikele kwizi dakamizwa. Phambili ngamakhono kuluntu lonke enkosi kakhulu Kuba kromelisi bama Awards akhuthaza isizwe sethu.

Our Rising Star no: 198 today is Kgothatso Mahowa from Tzaneen, Limpopo Province in South Africa. Khutty K Creativity Art, as known from social media platforms, is only 23 years old but his work is so amazing. After passing Grade 12 in 2020 at Masalanabo High School, he never looked back. “Art runs in my veins, I started drawing at an early age, from me it is not just a talent but a gift. I started in 2008 but be more serious in 2012 after following many artists on social media like Facebook. I joined the Art Group on Facebook and was motivated by wonderful works of fellow artists. I did not pressurise myself; I just knew in my heart that I must move in my own pace”, he said. We asked him about use of caricature art (style of drawing a picture in a funny way or exaggeration), he just laughed and said: “caricature art is my marketing strategy, I know that I will engage more people in a funny way, same time grabbing customers. I am used to get text from famous people I drew using caricature pretending to be angry but they ended up laughing” Like any other career, Kgothatso mentioned marketing and buying art materials as a big challenge. He always ensures that he carries his drawings whenever he goes to the nearest town and plans to attend events. “If you want to be successful in art, do not be afraid to take chances, use what you have, take it easy, be yourself, do not listen to negative messages, work hard, be legit and sell your work!”, he concluded. Rise Africans Newspaper is proud of this youngster, the world must watch out for his beautiful artwork! All information about his work and prices: Facebook: Khutty K creativity Art or Khutty k creativity Art Rsa |WHATSAPP:0686817343 |Instagram:Khuttykcreativity |Tiktok:Khutty k creativity 02 |E-mail:khuttykcreativity@gmail.com |Call:0825192393

There is power in sharing inspirational stories with others. It is a way we can connect and learn from each other. And all of us need motivation to keep our hopes alive! Storytelling also establishes common ground. Therefore, we would like to share the inspiring story of Johnson Pillay. After a long battle with peer pressure and drugs, he is now delivered from that and lives a life of restoration. Johnson once chose to follow his peers and what they were doing to be in with the crowd. This is his story in his own words. “In my last year of primary school, I was already standing on corners smoking cigarettes and dagga. By the time I reached high school, I was a hardcore Mandrax smoker. I began to steal money from my siblings and parents to support my drug habit. By then, I was addicted to smoking Mandrax tablets and crack cocaine. “Our family home was sold, and we all were given a share of the proceeds. I squandered my share at a drug den in a few months. When my money was finished, I became a total hobo with no shelter, food, or clothes. I smoked Mandrax and cocaine day and night and slept only a few hours per day. I sold drugs, stole, robbed, cheated, was involved in violent fights, and lived immorally. I was disappearing physically. The police were my greatest enemies, and I was caught in possession of drugs and arrested a few times. “I remembered the KwaSizabantu Mission, as my dad had taken me there once. I arose early one morning and decided it was now or never. I knew if I did not make a drastic decision immediately, I would die in the life I was living. I went to the Mission in 2012. I was in desperate need, both spiritually and physically. “Since 2012, I’ve reconciled with my family and by God’s amazing grace, I have been living and working at KwaSizabantu for 10 years now, completely free from drugs and living a new life in Christ with His children. God has also seen it fit for me to be one of the proud employees at aQuellé, where I am employed as an Invoice Clerk. The company also allowed me to study, and I have now completed a one-year course in Stores and Warehousing Management.” (Read the full story by following the link: https://online.pubhtml5.com/asxvv/zzix/)