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Congratulations again and again to our “ Community Builder ” of the month of January 2024. This young man has been selected by a lot of community members. They really believe in him and one send an email saying “our child are in safe hands under this hardworking guy”. Percy Malepe (28) was originally born in Ga Sekororo, Limpopo Province in South Africa and moved to Diepsloot (Gauteng Province) with his parents when he was 11 years old. A born leader is a founder and Chairman of an amazing organisation named Ikemeleng Foundation . “Thank you so much, Ikemeleng Foundation is a non- profit organisation founded in June 2020, we feed thousands of needy people and hold extra classes for learners from local schools. Before devoting myself to Ikemeleng Foundation, I served as a community activist, helping people in different ways. I am one of those who believe that charity begins at home and am always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Today our organisation is feeding more than 500 a day with the help of our donors such as Bags of love , Topbet SA and many other generous individuals from Deinfern and other surrounding communities”, said Percy. We asked him about his feeling after been selected as number one community builder by Rise Africans Newspaper readers, he laughed and said: “I was so elated, it is not easy to be loved by so many people, it is a great feeling when people notice your work. The treatment in my location is amazing, I feel home everywhere I go around my community. I am being called a “Anti - Poverty Champion”. Running an organisation is never easy, one requires sponsorship and funding. Ikemeleng Foundation still faces lots of challenges such as, lack of storage to store the donations, they are currently relying on a one mobile container. Lack of resources to accommodate leaners for after school extra classes, land to implement projects such as gardening and lack of enough sponsorship (currently sponsored by Kwikbuild Cement and TopBet SA). Percy was awarded as Youth Community Developer of the year by Afrika Tikkun and Community Builder of the year by Colleen Mashawana Foundation the same year. He has recently been nominated for the #FOYA2O24 Awards for the social founder of the year under 30 years. “I love helping people and my dream is to see everyone getting an education through accessible libraries. I am looking forward to enrol for psychology course so that I lead by an example. I want to see Ikemeleng foundation in every corner of the 9 provinces particularly in the rural areas having capacity buildings in a form of libraries that contains skills development centers, information centers for schools and communities so that they can improve on their literacy”, he concluded. So far, the organisation is running projects such as food security (soup kitchen), feeding about 400+ community members on daily basis, this includes people living with disabilities, individuals on chronic medication, senior citizens, adults and children. There are also food parcels distributions, vegetables, outreach programmes, pre- loved clothes, food garden and lot. An appeal to any company who want to sponsor the organisation can send an email to donate@ikemeleng-fo.co.za or info@ikemeleng-fo.co.za  | Facebook: ikemeleng foundation diepsloot | Instagram : ikemeleng foundation diepsloot | Contact : 081 378 9868

1st - Percy Kgopotso Malepe ( Ikemeleng Foundation in Diepsloot, Gauteng Province in South Africa) - " Percival Malepe is a young leader who is going extra miles to put smile on the faces of the community of Diepsloot and be that as it that we agree with fellows who believe he must receive his flowers while he is still alive." 2nd - Suzan Mbazima ( Outreaching lives in Mpumalanga, South Africa ) - "She collects used and new clothes for the needy, buys sanitary towels, food parcels, school uniform sometimes she ask for donation. She has been doing this since 2018 and registered her foundation in 2020". 3rd - Smangaliso Edson Nene ( Photographer, Comedian, Presenter And a motivator from Slovoville in Soweto, Gauteng Province - South Africa ) -"He motivates youth give them Job poster to apply, does photography for them for free and publishing it on his page, And also make zion events where we they meet And those who sings or doing poet will recognize one another" Big up guys we are proud of you, PLEASE email your details to phutiktp@gmail.com CONGRATS AGAIN FOR ALL THE JOB YOU ARE DOING FOR OUR COMMUNITY....

We visited a beautiful African country named Botswana and met arguably one of the best Dj named Dj Bafana. Born Rapelang Gabaeme (28) in Francistown, is a talented DJ who leaves his fans demanding for more. Dj Bafana is living with disability, very proud, outgoing guy and funny to be around. He never let his disability to distract his dreams. “Thank you so much, I aways knew that someone out there is watching my talent. I started Deejaying around 2007 by just watching tutorials on Youtube. I am motivated by legendary DJ Black Coffee, his disability has never let him down, I told myself that disability does not mean inability and I can also make it”, he said. Dj Bafana is also facing same challenges as other DJs, “ sometimes you are not paid in events, not given enough time slot to perform like others and lack of transportation to perform at gigs ”, added Dj Bafana. The talented DJ had a luck to perform at Botswana Superstar, Vee Mampeezy’s Last Man Standing, Soul Fill-up with Franco and others. His advice to all aspiring Djs is to keep their heads up, not look down on your self, if you want to do something you like it, then do it! He wants to see himself performing internationally and making his fans proud. Rise Africans Newspaper had so much fun with this star and wish him all the best. African child, you can reach far! Bookings can be done: WhatsApp: +267 76785393 or inbox any of his social media pages @ Dj Bafana Entertainment

Our Rising Star no: 210 today is a talented comedian representing Tzaneen, Lephephane, Limpopo Province in South Africa. Rise Africans Newspaper had so much fun chatting to this lad. Cape Pudikabekwa (28) is currently based in Tembisa, Gauteng Province in South Africa due to work. Thipa de comedian , as he is popularly known by his fans, believes that he was born to entertain people with jokes that relieves their stress and forget about their problems. “Thanks again for the wonderful opportunity, I am a born shy guy in nature but whenever I talk people laugh. I thought of posting my jokes on social media then noticed that lot of people love my jokes. I started in 2019 during Covid 19 and never looked back since then. I do not take my jokes personal, so I normally laugh to negative comments to make everyone see that am not offended”, said Thipa. Boosting about 43k followers on Facebook, the funny man mentioned that challenges are everywhere in life. “Sometimes you work hard and write jokes but only to find out that people do not find them funny. It is always not enough but I stand up and look for something to make my fans to crack their ribs”, he added. Thipa once did a stand-up comedy at his village and wish to do more if he can get a chance, currently the focus is posting on social media because of his work. His aim is to see people having fun and take life easy. “Being a comedian is simple nowadays, if you have a cheap android phone and good jokes then you are on. You can achieve much,  get gigs and buy proper phone to upload quality videos in case. My dream is to myself growing and be like “Salesman” – a popular comedian in South Africa and get lots of gigs. I would like to thank my fans and followers for supporting me since day one, I am nothing without them”, he concluded. We are happy to see African child trying to reach to the top, we are proud of Thipa de comedian and wish him all the best… He can be found Call or Whatsapp: 0657398404 | Facebook page is thipa de comedian | personal account: cape thipa pudikabekwa | YouTube: tik tok is thipa de comedian

Our Rising Star no: 209 is another talented young producer who will never stop till his work reaches out to the world. Simango Malesela Jack (23) is a music producer all the way from Ga Makanye, Polokwane, Limpopo Province in South Africa. Dj Annual SA , as popularly known by his fans, was influenced by Dj Tux in 2012, while doing grade 5. He is a hardworking producer who believes that his music will trend all over the globe. We visited his studio, and all  we can do was to tap and nod our heads to his massive hits. “Music is my first love and I can make any beat you like. There are lots of challenges I face in the music industry. Sometimes it is difficult to promote and market my music. Unprofessionalism from artist in terms of collaboration, they keep you waiting and end up being disappointed. So, it’s always best to work with dedicated artists who respect their profession”, he said. Like any other producer, Dj Annual’s dream is to assist aspiring producers and become their role model. “My message to all music producers out there is to keep pushing, never give up on your dreams, anything can happen in seconds if you work hard and respect your hustle. Believe in yourself and be strong”, he added. Rise Africans Newspaper is glad to see an African child fighting harder to reach to the top. We wish Dj Annual SA all the best and hope to see his music making a history in his township. Bookings can be done: Whatsapp (0765523944) / Facebook : Annual Simango RSA

About 7,000 young people from all corners of KwaZulu-Natal and further afield attended the KwaSizabantu Youth Conference from 7 – 14 December at the mission station.  On Sunday,10 December, the 10,000-seater auditorium was packed with locals who also attended the service. The theme, 'Be strong for the Lord' ( Qinani Kwensi ), is appropriate to the youth's many daily challenges. This was the 49th time the Mission hosted a conference for the youth at its premises. Spearheaded by Lidia Dube, one of the seniors at the Mission, this KwaSizabantu Youth Conference, twice a year, is an effective means to engage young people, giving them a positive sense of self, teaching them self-control and decision-making skills, providing them with pro-social connections, and enriching them with a moral system of belief while sharing the gospel with them. Over the years, the conferences have been a source of great blessings and provided hope to thousands of young people who attended and changed their lives for the better after giving their hearts to the Lord. This time was not different, and many youngsters gave their hearts to the Lord and shared heartwarming testimonies with the audience. The collaboration between various denominations, churches, schools, and other organisations backs the KwaSizabantu Youth Conference. Services are broadcast in isiZulu, English, German, French, Sesotho, and Portuguese. Daily service times are 10:00, 15:00, and 7:00 p.m., excluding Sunday (December 9), when the morning service will start at 11:00 a.m. Those unable to attend the conference could tune into the Mission’s community radio station, Radio Khwezi, or use the streaming platform on the website where all the daily services were broadcast. Radio Khwezi has over 12,000 official listeners.   The daily services saw a variety of preachers and Christian leaders sharing the gospel with the youth. Dr Peter Hammond from Frontline Fellowship regularly speaks at KwaSizabantu’s youth conferences. His message that bitterness can be another stronghold of Satan resonated with many.  He said, “If you have not forgiven someone, then you will likely harbour an unforgiving spirit and a resentment that will deepen into bitterness.  Ask God to reveal to you the people against whom you are holding feelings of bitterness and resentment.  Be aware that you could also harbour bitterness against God.”   Dr Hammond also gave practical advice on how to deal with bitterness. He advised them to “…make a list of the names God reveals to you.  Start at the bottom of the list, with those people who are easier to forgive, and work your way up to the more difficult cases.  Repent of the sin of unforgiveness.  Forgive each person from the heart.  Ask God to take back the ground you have given Satan through unforgiveness.”   Apart from the soul-enriching speakers who use the three services daily to bring the young people closer to the Lord, the Mission also holds a sports day. The sports activities are designed so everyone can participate, even those with no specific sports talent.   The combined fun and faith make the strategy of this conference uniquely positioned to draw young people who have never heard about the Lord before. At the conference, they are introduced to sound Christian teachings in a relevant and impactful way. (Information provided by Devoted magazine. Read inspiring articles from young people who have given their lives for the Lord on the websites: https://www.devotedmag.co.za and www.ksb.org.za . Follow: https://www.facebook.com/DeVinePublishers )

Our Community Builder Lydia Nemafhohoni  shared a nice pics with us regarding PDARD Summit which took place at Bolivia Lodge in Polokwane, Limpopo Province in South Africa PDARD ( Persons with Disabilities in Agriculture and Rural Development ) summit is taking place every year but in different styles because some years the focus is only on PDARD recognition awards where the prices are given in different categories. "We had so much fun with my director of the province of Limpopo, Mr Mashele in the special program from the Department of Agriculture, my colleague who is a district coordinator and PDARD members from all provincial five district ,Vhembe district, Mopani district, Capricorn district, Sekhukhune district and Waterberg district" - she said. The successful event was attended by companies such as ESKOM, LEDA ,FNB,ABSA, Land Bank, UIF ,COIDA from labour ,SARS, and AgriSA. (see pics ) We are proud to see our people making different no matter the circumstances

The popular KwaSizabantu Youth Conference where young people can learn, grow and have uplifting experiences is scheduled to unfold from 7 – 14 December at the Mission Station. This Christian-based conference introduces youngsters to the Word of God and helps them to connect with other like-minded youngsters. The theme for this upcoming conference is 'Be strong for the Lord' (Qinani Kwensi). Past conferences witnessed over 6,000 participants, and many were inspired to become a light in an ever-increasing dark world. Even more youngsters are expected for this conference. Attendance is free, including all meals and accommodation. All details of how to attend and what to bring along are on the official website, www.ksb.org.za   Spearheaded by Lidia Dube, one of the senior managers at the Mission, this annual KwaSizabantu Youth Conference is an effective means to engage young people, giving them a positive sense of self, teaching them self-control and decision-making skills, providing them with pro-social connections, and enriching them with a moral system of belief while sharing the gospel with them. . Over the years the conferences have been a source of great blessings and provided hope to thousands of young people who attended and changed their lives for the better after giving their hearts to the Lord.   The KwaSizabantu Youth Conference is backed by the collaboration between various denominations, churches, schools, and other organisations. Those who are unable to attend the conference can tune into Radio Kwezi or make use of the streaming platform on our website where all the daily services will be broadcast. Services are broadcast in isiZulu, English, German, French, Sesotho, and Portuguese. Daily service times are at 10:00; 15:00; and 7:00 p.m., excluding Sunday (December 9) when the morning service will start at 11:00 a.m. On Sundays, the local young people join the conference in large numbers - and in the past, there have been more than 10,000 who have attended.   The KwaSizabantu Mission is a non-denominational Christian mission station that reaches out to people of all racial and cultural groups. KwaSizabantu brings spiritual guidance, support, and counselling to anyone who needs it. Since the mission began, it has opened its doors to the youth – for them to hear more from the Lord, offer them hope, learn skills, and lift them. We have faced various challenges to help the youth. Christian leaders and preachers from all over the world are invited to preach the gospel to the young people. In the past, and during these conferences, many of the young people who attended, decided to change their lives for the better and accepted the Lord Jesus as their Savior. Many of these inspiring and life-changing stories can be read on the Mission's official website.   (Information provided by Devoted magazine. Read inspiring articles from young people who have given their lives for the Lord on the website: www.devotedmag.co.za . Follow on Facebook: Devine Publishers/Devoted )

Our Rising Star no: 208 today is arguably number one local football fan. We talk about someone who eat, dream and sleep soccer. John Tahlo (38) is originally from Bloemfontein, Free State province in South Africa, but currently based in Montclair, Durban due to work. He attended Commtech Comprehensive school and joined Transnet Engineering School. “My love for soccer started long time ago back at home and all was inspired by Bloemfontein Celtic supporters ( Siwelele sa masele ). I started as a soccer player but could not make it due to injury. In 2012, I attended ABC Motsepe League games and did not miss any game. I left Bloemfontein in 2017 after the company I work for decided to relocate to Durban in KwaZulu Natal Province”, he said. Tahlo Jembe Drum, as popularly known, is famous with his “Djembe drum”, most of his followers are still surprised by the way he sings and play the drum to create mood at the stadium. “Back at home, my friend bought Djembe drum but could not play it, so I jumped and assisted him. I did not go to school to learn how to play it, but I fell in love with it. I noticed that Djembe drum can connect supporters to sing and enjoy at the stadium”, he said laughing. There is a supporters organisation named “ Simunye We Are One Football Supporters ”, catering for different supporters like AmaZulu FC, Golden Arrows FC, Richards Bay FC, Royal AM, Durban Ladies FC and teams from ABC Motsepe. “The aim of the organisation is to motivate people to come to stadium to sing and enjoy themselves, but we lack resources to do roadshows and attend interviews. Fortunately, we have a small committee member who helps us a lot when we travel to each game, but we are still struggling. People see us singing together at the stadium, but they do not know our struggle”, he added. Nothing can really stop you from what you love, Tahlo Djembe Drum’s love for football is unconditional, he attends almost everyday at Durban. He can take a leave to attend a game during a week and free to make people happy at the stadium with him drum on weekends. “I would like to thank the committee of Simunye We Are One Football Supporters for trusting me, Dumakude, Lozolo, Kufa, Matshidiso, Amanda, Macalepipi, I love you guys. Thanks a lot Rise Africans Newspaper, please keep blessing people with wonderful interviews, I feel honoured”, he concluded. Anyone who want to assist the organisation to reach its goals can contact John: +27 63 127 1502 | Facebook : Tahlo Djembe Drum or Simunye we are 1 football supporters | Twitter : Simunye we are 1 football supporters | Instagram : Simunye we are 1 football supporters

On the 10 August 2023, Rise Africans Newspaper had a chance to sit down with youngest coach, Ngcebo Muthwa (26), who is popularly known as, Coach Justice by most of his fans. Phuti Ramaphakela caught up with him to talk about his progress since our last chat. “My brother thank you so much for having me back to Rise African Newspaper it's really a pleasure to once again connect with you. Well a lot has happened indeed, I got an opportunity to be one of the coaches of  KZN ABC Motsepe League Tier, Ethekwini Coastal FC . Ever since I arrived, we have played two games and we won both. I am happy for this achievement because it will give me more experience and exposure. Thanks to KZN Future Stars Academy for grooming me and putting me on the map so that big teams can be able to acknowledge me”, he said. Ethekwini Coastal FC, chairman saw a potential and gave Coach Justice an opportunity to come and join the technical team. This was one of the most important call to him and he could not hesitate to grab such a wonderful opportunity. “This is exactly what I was waiting for, first thing is to assist the club to move away from a relegation zone and if possible, I want to see the club challenging for a league title. I am so glad now that my coaching skills will improve, I will gain much experience because the league is very competitive and there is a lot of exposure”, added coach Justice. This opportunity would not happen if it was not the support from his fans across the continent. He once told us that he will remain humble even if he can be Bafana Bafana coach. We are still humbled to have him, and know he will do his best at Ethekwini Coastal FC . “To all my fans around the world, I would like to thank you for the amazing support, I know there will be good and bad times as my career grows but please don't lose hope on me, keep on supporting me and I will make you proud. Thank you ”, he concluded.

According to the National Center for Justice and The Rule of Law, approximately 38,000 children are currently being prostituted in South Africa. Victims are often recruited from rural areas or informal centres and then transported to urban centres and cities. Boys under the age of 18 are also increasingly lured into sexual exploitation and used for pornography.   When I met Thabisile, it was barely two weeks since she was rescued from the streets. She was clearly still struggling with drug withdrawal symptoms and while we were walking, we sometimes had to stop so she could catch her breath. When she was rescued, she left with only the clothes on her body, which wasn't much. I was eager to help make things a little more bearable for her and asked what she needed. Her answer caught me completely off guard and I had to swallow the tears so she wouldn't see how my heart was breaking for her.   “If you can get me some Vaseline, ma’am, please. I will be grateful. When they chase us, we have to run and then we lose our shoes. My heels are severely cracked as a result of that and it is painful. During the winter I had to walk barefoot as I had lost so many shoes.”   Never before has a young person asked me for something as small as a bottle of Vaseline and received it with such gratitude, instead of expensive gadgets. The moment was almost too much for me.   In July this year, the Doctors for Life International  (DFL) team reached out and took Thabisile off the street. For more than 15 years, her hard-earned money came from working on the street. All these years she was earning money in the most degrading ways just to pay for her drugs. There were no other benefits for her.   Thankfully, she never suffered abuse at home, but unfortunately, she did crave the shiny things in life, and that was the beginning of her downfall. She was drawn into the world of prostitution through a drug smuggler’s promises of mobile phones and other earthly possessions. And although the drug smuggler initially bought her a mobile phone, she had to sell drugs for it. He took it back after she became addicted to drugs, and he also did not keep his promises to give her shiny and material things.   Drugs are the first step to the hell of prostitution. Thabisile’s experience was not much different, she explained, “My street name was Andile and I was already addicted to cocaine at the age of 13. It helped me to forget about home and family and to do what was necessary to survive. My normal feelings came to an end at the age of 13. It wasn't long before the cocaine stopped doing its job, and I had to use stronger drugs. I then moved on to crystal meth, but craved more and more over time.”   I wish I could forget some of the gruesome stories she told me about what she went through as a young child on the streets. I don’t believe it will be helpful to repeat them. But as I struggled in my bed and repeated the stories over and over in my head that night after speaking to Thabisile, I wondered how and if she would ever be able to escape from the memories of street work.   Penny, a rehabilitated drug user and prostitute herself, has been around life’s mills a few times. She is now part of the DFL team, helping them to rescue prostitutes who ask them to help. The team goes out on Friday nights to look for and help girls in the Durban area. According to Penny, they currently have a waiting list of girls who need help. When a girl is tracked down, she will never be forced to go with the DFL team. She has to be ready and willing to say goodbye to the life of street work and drugs.   How can I warn the young Thabisiles of the world that the promises of mobile phones and modelling sessions are just a smoke screen to draw them into the world of prostitution and drugs? All I can hope for is that a real-life story about the life of a prostitute can maybe save or inspire someone else to look at prostitution differently. If it weren’t for organizations like DFL, the desperate and broken in the world would have no hope or chance of survival. Special note: Visit www.doctorsforlife.co.za and www.ksb.org.za  for more information and incredible testimonies like these. Follow the link to read the full story of Thabisile written by Gerda Potgieter:   https://online.pubhtml5.com/asxvv/pgnm/