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Rise Africans Newspaper has been following this talented young guy’s brilliant work for a long time and finally got a chance to have fun with him. Our Rising Star no: 197 today is originally from Bizana, Eastern Cape Province, Mbongwana Location in South Africa. Lonwabo Dindi grew up in Lamontville, Durban, KwaZulu Natal Province, went to Bantuvukani Primary School then matriculated at Lamontville High School in 2013. “In 2014, I took a gap and tried to start a career in football, but things did not work out, so I enrolled at MUT (Mangosuthu University of Technology) for National Diploma in Marketing. I used to be a very talented player but had to retire at the age of 20 due to injuries. I then decided to combine Digital Marketing and soccer so that I can reach my dream to be in a PSL set up. I started taking pictures with my phone to become a Sports Photographer in 2019”, he said. Lonwabo Shots, as popularly known on social media, added that the aim was not to make money but to give players from rural areas and townships a great exposure through professional pictures. He takes his work serious and arrives at the stadium 2 hours before a kick off for set up. “I only need a chair, water, and camera with 2 lenses. The good spot for taking pictures is around the corner flag. The are so many challenges to access a stadium, equipments are expensive, and photographers are underpaid in amateur level and even worse at professional level. You need an accreditation to access for PSL games and free access for amateur games, but it is not easy to make money”, said Lonwabo. Like any other job, Sport Photographers had to work very hard to make money, sometimes the players are failing to understand that photographer helps them building themselves as brand and stand a chance of getting sponsorship. “I had so many great moments but the best one was when I was given a chance by Dabeka Sporting FC to be their Photographer and Communication Assistant Manager, getting my first accreditation for PSL in the year 2020 / 21 with Uthongathi FC as their Media Officer. My proud moment was getting a job as Media Officer for SA Spear of the Nation, I added value to their brand even though they did not get promotion to NFD, we positioned the team very well”, he said. A simple advice from Lonwabo to upcoming Photographers is to get a camera and affordable lenses and be the best. Anything is possible indeed. Rise Africans Newspaper is humbled to have Lonwabo as our Rising Star, we wish him all the best for reaching 49 + followers on Facebook (by the time of publishing the article). We are proud to see young Africans working hard to achieve their dreams. Bookings can be made: DM Lonwabo Shots or contact me at 0683489292

Rise Africans Newspaper Editor, Mr Phuti Ramaphakela celebrated Women's month with hard working wonderful woman who plays a big role in our society. We give her flowers while she still alive. Q: Welcome to Rise Africans Newspaper, please introduce yourself to our readers A: My name is Gerda Potgieter, Editor of Devoted Magazine and an author. I hold a BA and Hons degree, both with distinction, and also a Masters Degree, along with other certificates such as Executive Leadership. I am proud of my two wonderful and successful sons and their families. They bring me much joy. The writing and outreach programs that I regularly engage in, are to try and make the world a better place. What I like the most is mentoring a younger person who wants to know more about the communication industry. Q: Can you please take us through your career as a writer and who motivated you? A: I started to use my skills in building the Kingdom by seeking inspirational stories about life-changing events and sharing them with the public through Devoted Magazine (online magazine). I also independently write inspiring stories about life-changing events for various publications such as Gateway News, and this awesome new kid on the block, Rise Africans Newspaper. I often put a spotlight on social ills such as human trafficking and unethical journalism. Both are impacting us all and writing about it helps me to create awareness about these problems. What motivates me is the awesome people who play their part in changing the world for the best. Q: What do you think about the current media industry? A: I have noticed over time how negative, and many times, sensationalized the news has become. There are not many positive news outlets to choose from when one wants to read positive stories. Media bias within the mass media, specifically how events and stories are reported and how they are covered, became the focus of my research over the last few years. That is what caught my attention and prompted me to start researching unethical journalism in mainstream media. The purpose of my recently released book in its essence was to expose unethical journalism by using a specific case where the mainstream media has ignored all the red flags of good journalism. I wanted to demonstrate how mainstream media can trick news readers into believing their narrative rather than that of the truth or verified facts. Q: Referring to your recently published book, how can we really avoid “Fake News” A: I believe that the solution to the challenges of fake news lies with the public. The news consumer should hold their media sources accountable for fake news. That is the reason why I dedicated the book to the news consumer in general because they deserve better than what they get from mainstream media. But it is also my wish that news reporters would be inspired to read the book and become ethical in news reporting. I used the case of the KwaSizabantu Mission to demonstrate to the readers that they should be on the lookout for the red flags of unethical journalism. In a nutshell, ethical journalism is all about fairness, checking out the news sources, verifying facts, giving both sides of the story, holding the news outlet accountable and, most importantly, reporting truthfully. The book is available on Amazon and GoodReads. Q: Any message to all women who are making changes to society, more especially in the media industry? Share knowledge and transfer skills. Reach out to the younger generation and to communities that need help. We all can use our talents and resources to help others and we should do that. Q: How can our readers get to enjoy all your motivating stories? A: Devoted is a not-for-profit online news outlet. Your readers can download all the stories from the websites: www.devotedmag.co.za and www.devinepublications.com/ devoted. They can also to follow our Facebook page www.facebook.com/devinepublishers.

It is never too late to change your life, and nothing should hold you back from living a better life. We wanted to bring you another powerful recovery story that will inspire you and make you smile. The people who share their stories with us do so with humility and honesty, and it moves us! They acknowledge they made mistakes, but most importantly, they learned from them and now use their experiences to help others. The story below is the story of Adam Mickleburgh. Now a qualified law expert, he once thought his brain was damaged as a result of drug abuse. The road to discovery brought him to full restoration. Because of an addiction to crack cocaine and heroin, Adam spent two years in prison in a foreign country, was deported to South Africa, and finally ended up living on the streets of Durban. He had harmed his parents to the point that they could no longer cope with having him in their lives. Things had reached the point where he was considering committing suicide, as there was simply nothing left of his life. And humanly speaking, he had no way to escape from the pit he had dug for himself. His life was one of sin and rebellion against God, and he had chosen to live that life! After seeking help at many rehabilitation institutions, things had only ever gotten worse. Then he heard about the CYPSA (Concerned Young People of SA) programme at the KwaSizabantu Mission and went into an internet café to look up directions. Adam arrived in June 2012, two days before a youth conference that was being hosted at the Mission. “I had never heard such preaching before, although I had spent time in many churches. When I heard the sermons at the conference, I knew in my heart that it was the truth being preached. My life was never the same again from that day onwards,” Adam said. Today, more than 10 years after he first entered the gates of KwaSizabantu, he has completed an LLB degree and his first year of articles to be admitted as a practising attorney. He works in the aQuellé water bottling plant based on the Mission grounds and he also assists in the CYPSA program by helping others with their addictions. Adam married a young lady whose life is also dedicated to Christ and His work, and the couple serves the Lord together. They were recently blessed with a beautiful baby girl. ‘For over 10 years now, I have experienced the unceasing kindness, love, selflessness and patience of the co-workers, mentors, and seniors at KwaSizabantu. These people have surrendered their lives completely to help people like me and rescue them,’ Adam concluded. (Read the full story by following the link: https://onlinepubhtml5.com/asxvv/pgfx/)

We had a luck to have a chat with one of the best artist who has been in the music industry for a longest time. Many artists came and go but he is still making a wonderful music. Our Rising Star no: 196 is Ntakaneng Sampie Mamatlaruma (36) from Mamaila, Refilwe, Zone 4 in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Dj Sunco, as popularly known, is one of the humblest character we have ever interviewed on Rising Stars. “Thanks again for this opportunity, I was born in the family of music, my father is a Gospel artist, so music is in my blood. I fell in love with house music after being inspired by the likes of Revolution, the late Bojo Mujo and Mujava. I come a long way with music so far and managed to release 5 Albums and lots of hit singles. Music has changed a lot! Sound has changed and it is a challenge to adapt and fit into new age generation. Sales has dropped drastically, many people are not yet used to download or buy music online”, said Dj Sunco. Most of his fans will remember him with hits such as “Shaker Mochacha”, “Piracy”, “Account yaka”, “Makoti siku landile”, “Pelo yaka”, “Honeymoon”, “ Mmele pelo le moya”, and “Koko Mmatswale” which went 6 million views on Youtube. The multitalented artist has just released a hot “EP” that is surely gonna make his fans to dance tirelessly. This EP consist of 5 massive tracks named, “Maadha a Modimo” ft Queen Jenny, Tumi Bleu & Bicco, “Donkie” ft Emily Mohobs, “Kontraka” ft Queen Jenny , “Pitirosi” and “Lolo” reloaded. “You see, its good to work with other musicians from outside because it assists both artists to reach new fans from different countries and cultures. Upcoming artists must know that nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself, focus, study the industry, be open for guidance, work hard, be patience and pray”, he concluded. Rise Africans Newspaper is proud of hardworking DJ Sunco of Suncovision Entertainment. May he be blessed and keep on making good music. Bookings can be done: : Call – 0793586895 | Email: sveprojects87@gmail.com | Facebook Page: Dj Sunco SA | Youtube: youtu.be/hOW8BkGpZlI

Moving on with Rising Stars feature! Today we roll with our Rising Star no: 195 all the way from Eldorado Park, Johannesburg South, Gauteng Province in South Africa. Raeez Kuhn (27) was born in Sophiatown, Johannesburg West and attended Arthur Blaxall School for the blind in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal Province in South Africa. “My love for music started after loosing my eyesight and my father through an accident. Being someone who has disability (blind), I used to have few radios and started to listen to lot of mixes from radio shows. Dj Kent and Dj Take inspired me a lot. Since the age of 10, I dreamed of being DJ but was discouraged because of my disability. I never gave up and did lot of research and figured out how to DJ”, said Eezo. In 2012, DJ Eezo The Blind DJ, learned some DJ basics using Virtual DJ on PC by using a screen reader called NVDA. In 2013, he made his first mix and 2014 he learned how to play on CDj’s professionally on his own. When asking him about how he types on his phone, he said: “I type with an app called talk back known as “android accessibility suite”, I do everything on my phone, from sending messages, posting, and replying to comments”. Dj Eezo has performed in many places such as Welkom, Free State Province, Newlands at a bar called “Boithabisong” where the crowd blindfolded him after not believing his amazing mixes. He also played in Limpopo Province and The Rage Festival in 2020. “One of biggest challenge I face as a blind DJ is lack of proper DJ equipments and transport. I do not get much from the gigs and struggle much to put my work together. Without a laptop and a mike and cdj's I cannot pursue my career to the fullest”, added Dj Eezo. The talented Dj was once featured on SABC 2 show and mention it as his unforgettable lifetime memory. His dream is to play international stage and have a business that facilitates blind people. “All I can say is that people with disability must not limit themselves and remember anything is possible, nothing comes easy but it’s worth waiting, and perseverance is a key. Practicing your craft is very important, you can become anything you want regardless of you situation”, concluded Dj Eezo. Rise Africans Newspaper is very proud of Dj Eezo The Blind DJ and wishes him best of luck. Bookings can be done: Eezotheblinddj@gmail.com | Facebook page Dj eezo the blind dj |Instagram @eezo_the_blind_dj | Whatsapp me on 0678208855 | WEBSITE http://www.linktr.ee/eezotheblindd

Our Rising Star no: 194 today is a funny man named Mohlatlego Donald Mthata (40) from Botlokwa, Limpopo Province in South Africa. “Black Italian” as popularly known has attended his school at Mamotshana Primary, Motlalaohle High School and obtained Diploma in Occupational Therapy from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). “I started doing comedy longtime ago but gained limelight after posting my clips on social media during lockdown in 2020. I love making people laugh because it is the best medicine that we need in this life. My videos are special because I ensure that I send a message to my fans and followers. I joke with my eye (skew eye) and many people think I am disabled but I am not. My fans must not get offended”, he said. Besides comedy, Black Italian is also a motivational speaker and MC. His videos are trending in all social media platforms. His fans must be on the lookout of a short movie called “Sugar Daddy” which will be on the screen sooner. “My advice is that if you want to be a successful comedian, you must go to school and have a Degree or Diploma to boost your career. I would also like to say thanks to all my fans and followers for their support, Black Italian brand is really nothing without you, keep supporting me”, he concluded. Rise Africans Newspaper is glad to have Black Italian as our Rising Star, we are really honoured and wish him all the best. Bookings can be done: Whatsapp or Call – 076 817 6335 | Black Italian on Facebook, Tik Tok and Instagram. Some of the links for his funny clips: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackitalian0/video/6948311773258845442?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7263406056989345285

There is a saying that when you have a soil then you have food. Rise Africans Newspaper had a luck to get in touch with another hardworking farmer from rural area of Dokodweni, Gingindlovu, KwaZulu Natal in South Africa. Mandla Ngema (45) is a small-scale farmer who fell in love with farming since the age of 9. He told us about his memories of owning a small garden in the backyard, planting tomatoes, onions and other vegetables. “Firstly, let me say congrats to Rise Africans Newspaper for a wonderful content. I attended my school at Xabiweni Primary (recently known as Thekelimfundo Primary), completed my standard 5 (grade 7) and my matric at Amatigulu High School. My love for farming led me to study farming and achieved my certificate under programme from Provincial Government”, he said. Mndayi as popularly known, have more than 100 banana trees, specialises with sweet potatoes and other vegetables. Since vegetables are seasonal crops, he is currently busy with sweet potatoes and couple of trees of casava plants. “There are lot of challenges we face, more especially livestock damaging and eating our crops, changing of weather and droughts since we do not have irrigations. We rely on rain, lack of funding and sponsor to improve our businesses is also a nightmare. This business is my only source of income and unfortunately, I do not have enough resources to market my business. I normally rely on social media, words of mouth and write note boards to advertise my business”, he added. Farming career does not need a lazy people, one need to have love and passion and mostly not be afraid of DIRT! It’s not a quick way of getting rich, lots of patience is needed. We are proud to see an African Child trying hard for survival. Mndayi’s vegetables can be ordered by: Facebook account: Mandla Mndayi Ngema | 0722077341 (calls) |0661811408 (Whatsapp)

Our Rising Star no: 192 today is arguably one of the Godfathers of Bolobedu music (popular music from South Africa, originally from Limpopo Province). Most of you will remember him from “Diphala tša Bolobedu – album with Dr Rackzen with hot songs such as “Phindi”, “Diphala tša Bolobedu”, “Mapula” and others. Rise Africans Newspaper, Phuti Ramaphakela had much fun with legendary Mr Lenzo! “Thanks a lot for this wonderful opportunity, my name is Leornard Maluleke Senyolo (36) and was born in Mokwasele Village, Limpopo Province in South Africa. I went to Mokwasele Primary and Modubatse High. My music career started long time ago, I remember one of my cousin was an IT and helped me to get a computer then I started music. My first song was a hit called “Dulane Fase ft Dj Bennito and Dj Sccalo which became popular in the whole Limpopo Province. My talent was exposed after doing an album called “Diphala tša Bolobedu” with Dr Rackzen”, he said. Mr Lenzo, as popularly known added that music industry in no child’s play! It was hard to push their album until they got Sunshine Music Company in 2010 and unfortunately there were no benefits. Music fans think when an artist’s song is popular it means the artists has made it. “After dropping the album, we thought our life will change but nothing! The album was a hit all over South Africa, but we did not get what we wanted. I have managed to make six albums so far and am happy to work with upcoming artists rather than so called “big artists””, added Mr Lenzo. Good news for music fans is that Mr Lenzo is currently cooking an album which will surely going to rock this coming festive. His message to upcoming artist is to work very hard and ask for an advice whenever they need it. Rise Africans Newspaper is so proud of him and wish him all the best of luck. Bookings can be done: Emai: lenzoversionmusic2018@gmail.com Whatsapp: 0698327737 Facebook: Mr Lenzo SA Instagram : Mr Lenzo SA

We are so glad to bring you one of the best soccer player in Africa, as our Rising Star no: 192. This is our second interview with a Ugandan talent, and we are so glad to get the recognition. Kisambira Sharif (26) is a professional soccer born in Uganda but currently in Malawi because of football. He went to Namagabi Primary School, Namagabi Secondary School and Seguya Ahamd Technical Institution where he acquired a Plumbing Qualification. “I started playing soccer in 2016 in a club called Proleane football academy. I moved to Malawi after signed by a club called Bangwe All Stars, a club playing in Malawi Premier Division but was released due to injury. Right now, I am a free agent playing for a small club called The Boys in Malawian second league”, he said. Like many professional soccer players, Sharif is facing a challenge of getting a right club because he does not have an agent, he is does all things on his own and it is not easy as a professional soccer player. “It is not easy; I do all the travelling by myself but fortunately am not that type of player who struggles with homesickness. I decided to play football and love to play in a biggest league in Africa, being in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Morocco, Egypt or outside Africa like, Syria, India, Indonesia, Belarus, Russia and other”, added Sharif. The brave defender has won a promotion with the club called Ngome FC in Zanzibar Premier League, promotion with his village team in Uganda second league and Somali League. Any club interest in this player may INBOX us for more information.

Our Rising Star no: 191 today is arguably one of the best coach most of the big clubs must look out for. Rise Africans Newspaper had another fun interview with a soccer coach who is currently residing in Umlazi, Durban, KwaZulu Natal in South Africa. Ngcebo Muthwa (26) proudly grew up in a township called Richmond, KwaZulu Natal. After completing his matric in 2015 at Thandaza High School, he enrolled for Civil Engineering course at TVET Collage and went on to acquire his Coaching Badges (CAF D Licence) under Ethekwini SAFA Region in 2022. “I am currently working with KZN Future Stars Academy as a head coach of u/15 & 19. Coaching is more than just a career to me, its my calling and cannot see myself without it. I was offered a learnership as a Boilermaker but had to resign to focus on my coaching career. I can say coaching chose me”, he said. Coach Justice, as popularly known, mentioned that another reason for choosing the career is that he wants to play big role in minimising the number of youngsters who lost hope and ended up taking a bad route leading to use of drugs and alcohol. He already created a better platform at KZN Future Stars as they have a clubhouse where the number of players are staying together and that helps them to be out of bad environment. “We have a safe environment where the focus is only about School and Sport. We teach our players about the danger of using drugs and alcohol. A complete player should master all technical fundamental skills such as passing, dribbling, shooting, first touch etc, for higher level. Discipline, mental strength and hardworking are also advantage”, added Coach Justice. Big clubs must watch out for hardworking young coach. His dream is to coach one of Dstv Premiership League team as a development coach, either reserve team or unders, depending on the opportunity. He also want to go extra mile to get a higher level of coaching badges such as CAF B license. “Success is no accident, its hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all is to love what you are doing. Keep pushing, keep fighting, hang in there, never give up, you can do it!”, concluded Coach Justice. Rise Africans Newspaper is proud to see young Africans making changes to the community. We are proud of Coach Justice and wish him all the best! He can be contacted at: Whatsapp:063-479-9973 | Facebook:@Coach Justice |TikTok:@Coach_Justice02 |Twitter:Ngcebo Muthwa |Instagram:Coach Justice02

Today we celebrate a women’s day with a wonderful woman who was born writing and never look back since then! Our Rising Star no: 190, oh yes 190, is our favourite lady named Lendy Thobejane (38) who was born and bred in Cape Town but now resides in Limpopo Province, South Africa. We had so much fun chatting about her published book titled: “The Secret Life of Leonard Koza”. “Much appreciation for the opportunity, “The Secret Life of Leonard Koza” is my fourth book and latest to be published. It is a memoir about the late author Leonard Koza and second life / family he had going in between his busy schedule. He has 3 children with a beautiful woman named Cynthia, the book takes the readers down memory lane and shines the light on the hidden part of Mr Koza’s life and beautiful life he had”, said Lendy. The writing of this memoir was very emotional as the late Leonard Koza also happens to be my Lendy's father. It brought up many childhood memories, but it was mostly tears of joy of gratitude because the more she recalled and wrote about it, the more it portrayed the genuine love both her parents had for them as their children and they left giant shoes for them to fill. “This book should be on any parent list; it is written in a manner that guarantees captivation upon the start of it and contains valuable parenting skills. It will also be an asset and good read for kids who longs for the finer things in life”, she added. Like many authors, she also faced lot of rejection from publishers and still believe that “when a publisher says your manuscript is not enough, it means you are almost there, just proofread, make adjustment and knock on another door”. “If you have a passion, dream, and desire to be a published author then continue writing! You must grow a thick skin that won’t allow you to give up on your dreams and adopt a writers hearing ability”, concludes Lendy. Rise Africans Newspaper is proud of this wonderful woman, hope our upcoming authors get motivated and keep pushing. Readers can be on the lookout for more books surfacing the late Leonard Koza’s bloodline in due time. Orders can be made by contacting the author at: +27 849270430 or Facebook page: Lendy Thobejane

Our Rising Star feature had a luck to chat with Rising Star no: 189 all the way from Juba in South Sudan! Poni Beatrice Duku (25) is a talented artist with such an amazing voice! Her music career started after finishing her school in 2019 , motivated by legends such as “P Square” and has never looked back. “I am happy for this opportunity and would like to send my greetings to all my fellow brothers and sisters in the whole African continent and the world. It was not an easy decision to take due to our tradition saying that any girl who become a singer is named as “a spoiled child” but I did not led my talent to go in vain. I loved singing since my childhood and I would imitate all the songs when am free. I got support from my friends and my brother who sponsored my recording and credit must go to them”, she said. Della B, as popularly known, emphasised that the struggle for female artists is always there and said that it’s not easy to find a female artist on top. “Nothing comes easily, there is no free achievement, struggle is the motive, and you enter another stage called – NO PAIN NO GAIN”, added Della B. Della B is proud to have a hot Album consisting of 10 massive tracks and busy cooking other songs. She loves some of her song done in her language, Juba Arabic and others done in English to deliver the message to the whole world. “My advice to upcoming artist, especially female ones, is that they must just be themselves, remain original, work hard and be creative”, she concluded. Rise Africans Newspaper is a newspaper for all Africans, we are happy to see an African child chasing her dreams to make it to the top. We will try our best to push everyone out there. Bookings can be done: Whatsapp or call: +211 924 658 798 | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067591487741&mibextid=ZbWKwL