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Sive Mafungwa (22) is currently found in Cape Town, South Africa where she is studying for Primary Health Care at Northlink College. A second-year student spoke to us about her organisation named “Ubomi Bomdlali Weqonga Art” “Thank you so much, my organisation was established on the 25th February 2021. I fell in love with art at young age and saw a chance to develop something different to benefit my community, more especially youth. I came up with different strategies aiming to uplift our youth and give them support to achieve their dreams. Our focus is on music, drawing, dancing and drama ”, said Sive. It is always a wonderful thing to see African children trying to do something for the community, but the fact remains that it is not easy without our support. Sive added that the biggest challenge is getting funds. “We are trying to build the talents with what we have and its hard without sponsors, we believe that our youth can rise and prosper. We make a time to study and to focus on our talents, normally we have two days a week for rehearsals and attend events on Saturdays”, she added. Ubomi Bomdlali Weqonga Art has been nominated as “Best Group” on Live Your Dreams SA Awards on the 24th and on the 25th November 2023 they are invited at Newcastle for a competition. Unfortunately, they may not travel to the places due to lack of funds. “Starting an organisation is not a problem, just believe that you can, and you will, they will be obstacles to stop you but always remember the vision and mission behind”, concluded Sive. Rise Africans Newspaper is fully in support of Sive and pleading to all sponsors to assist in achieving her dreams. She can be found: 0787936282 or email: mafungwasive3@gmail.com | Facebook page : Sive Avethandwa Mafungwa

We wrap our last FREE Rising Stars interview with a hardworking beautiful lady who ensures that her artists are on the right platform! Our Rising Star no: 164 is such an amazing character one can talk a lot about. Dipuo Portia Haraba (36) is currently residing at Blue Hills, Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. She attended high school at Dr WF Nkomo then moved to study IT at Tshwane University of Technology but had to drop out due to finance. “Thanks a lot for the opportunity, I am so happy to be a last person doing Rising Stars interview for FREE, big up to the newspaper. Managing artists is not something that I qualified for. I used to host lots of events and noticed so much talent out there, DJ U-Nyz suggested that we should partner and manage artists. Its not an easy job trust me, people are not same, most artists will expect you to do the magic while they do not deliver. It’s an exhausting job, especially if you get to work with unorganized artists who want to be pushed like wheelbarrows. But there are other artists who are dedicated to their work and if you get that type then it is a jackpot trust me!”, she said. Music industry is really big and an artist needs a manager in terms of finding gigs, promotion, ensuring that he/ she is well known and all the dreams are fulfilled. Portia added that to avoid financial conflicts, all the parties must have a contract and agree with the terms and conditions. Family support is another big issue because one needs to travel a lot. “People can make a living out of the career, only if they are dedicated and love what they are doing. One must not be afraid to go out to the streets, approach people and companies. Lots of research is also another key. With punctual artists, hardworking artists and ones who love their work, one can really make a living”, she continued. Working with Ghananian multi -award winning artist, Papirus, Kingzman and one of the best young artist, Torca SA, is such a blessing. These artists are so talented, and the future is bright for them. People must lookout for them. “My message to all upcoming artist managers, I say go out there, meet up with the people, network more. There is much power in networking and that is where the powerful information is found. Do your research and read more, people in the rural areas can get more information on the newspapers, like online newspapers”, she concluded. We are so happy to make a difference to all the 154 Rising Stars we have interview for FREE since last year June and wish Portia “Sista Boss” all the best! She can be contacted at : Whatsapp & calls:076 870 2613 |Facebook: Portia Dipuo |Email: portiaharaba@gmail.com

Our Rising Star no: 203 is another talented youngster from Tzaneen, Relela Village, Limpopo Province in South Africa. Kamogelo Alfo Shiburi (20) is currently studying Law at University of Limpopo and busy producing nice hits for music fans. “Thanks a lot, my passion for music started long time after listening to Bolo House music ( famous music genre in Limpopo Province ). I remember having access to a computer then decided to make my own music. It took me 7 years to start releasing music. I learned all from Youtube and am inspired by legendary Master KG. My first song was titled “ Ungishiya Ngedwa featuring Sgiva Record, Zola and T – Man, people still do not believe it was produced by me”, he said laughing. Kamza SA , as popularly known , said a big credit must go to Sgiva Record for wonderful story on the hit song “Tiyane”. “Every time I think of creating a beat, his voice keeps running in my head. I made a beat and gave him a chance to come up with something. Suddenly the song became an anthem”, he added. Its is not easy to balance music and studies, Kamza ensures that his studies come first especially during examination times. He makes a time to study and take a break by focusing on music and believe in hardwork. “No matter how hard it is or desperate you are, never allow yourself to have a mindset that you need a connection to make it in the industry. Success comes from hardwork and dedication, hardwork beats talent when talent is lazy to work. Upcoming artist must stop relying on features with big artists cause at the end of the day the big artists are the ones who are worshipped. They must work hard and enjoy the results”, said Kamza. Music fans can look up to TIYANE EP which will be coming out before end of November. When asking him about fame, he said: “I always remain calm, the aim is to reach my goal so I try by means to avoid any disturbance, I know people will try to be close as possible, but I know my friends and people who deserve to be close to me”. Rise Africans Newspaper had a luck to chill with Kamza at another event, he is quiet guy and only respond when you ask him something. We are proud of him and wish him all the best! Bookings can be done email: Kamza.music@gmail.com | contact: 0761441830 or 0662331812

Rise Africans Newspaper is glad to see young Africans working hard to uplift their community. We had a chance to speak to another brave lady who sacrifices with what she have, to see that a fellow African child does not sleep with an empty stomach . Khweleleni Rofhiwa Caroline (30) is from Ngudza ibvawola lavho Ramungondo, Limpopo Province, South Africa, she is a chairperson of an organisation known as “Khathu082 NGO”. “My organisation is fully committed in bringing back to the community and fight for men and women who are facing abuse. I was involved in the abussive marriage for 5 years then decided to post videos on tik tok to advice and motivate people to come out and speak up. Fortunately, I manage to end that monster marriage and am happy and free now. I assisted people since my childhood, I use to give them my clothes, uniform and school shoes”, she said. It is not easy to run an organisation without sponsors, Khathu082, as she popularly known , is pleading to everyone to get involved and assist our community. She is currently using her money to help the needy people. The organisation is currently in a process of building a house for another family but facing difficulties because of lack of sponsor. “At the moment, we just managed to provide the family with clothing and food. Someone who want to run an organisation must have a good heart, work very hard, must have love and willing to help people. The more you help, is the more you open doors for your life”, concluded Rofhiwa. Khathu082 is looking forward to host men and women conference on the 23rd December 2023 where the focus will be about abuse, finance, self love, NGO, single parenting and many things. We love you Rofhiwa, keep up the good work and be blessed… Sponsors and donors can contact her: 0797298212 | On ticktock khathu082 | Facebook : Lasly khathu Rofhiwa

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