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Last night (26 October 2023 ) a community of Khopo Village / Lephephane, Tzaneen in Limpopo Province has gathered at local tavern to witness a history when an actor, Benson Molewa make his first appearances on screen. Benson, popularly known as a character of Matsobane on Thobela FM SABC radio drama, made his community proud when he appears on SABC TV popular drama called Skeem Saam. This great initiative was organised by a dedicated community builder Matheus Raganya ( Community Builder Award winner from Rise Africans Newspaper ). “The aim was to celebrate one of our own as a community, one cannot explain the joy in our hearts. Another credit must go to Mr Matlou Monareng, a tavern owner for hosting us at his place not forgetting community councillor, Mr Eric Ralepelle who also gave motivation and support”, he said. A beauty pageant organiser, Gloria Matlala was also there to ensure the plan goes accordingly. “Everything done yesterday was to show love to our brother as a community, we are proud and will always give much support to Benson Molewa. He makes us happy by putting Lephepane Village on the map. We are now known because of him”, said Gloria with a smile. Rise Africans Newspaper is so proud to see African child rising to the top!

Moving on with Rising Star no: 205, this time we went to Limpopo Province and had a nice chat with another youngster who is making it big in the music industry. Nkhumeleni Goodwell Tshibvumo Ndou (28) is from Western Ha-Sinthumule Tshiozwi but am currently staying in Johannesburg, South Africa due to work. VP-TalkingVee, as popularly known , is another hardworking artist Limpopo Province is proud of. “I started making music in 2018 and never looked back since then, I can say music choose me, my mother was a musician and my inspiration. Music is in my blood, I have lots of albums, my first one is Murangi (2019), Amufunaho (2020), Voice Yanga (2021) Type _Yanu (EP – 2022) and am my latest album titled “LutendoEp”. I worked with different talented artists such as “Prifix. MisterWiz, Teeago, Chi-Petro, Mashele, Ladie Tee and Mass Ram from Bolobedu and Tonic on the Beat”, he said. It is not easy for an artist to release an album every year. VP said there are lots of challenges one must face in the music industry. “When you release a music online, the same people claiming to be your fans will ask for it on the app without downloading. The other issue is failure to make payments by the organisers, they will book you but come up with stories after you done with your work”, added VP. His fans can look up to music videos of some of his hot tracks from Lutendo EP. His last message to aspiring artists is to be focused and believe in themselves. Bookings can be done: Facebook Page : Vp-TalkingVee or Tiktok :Vp-TalkingMuimbie or Instagram : @Vp-TalkingVee or call me on 079 261 2685 or Manager : 069 477 1737 or 079 279 8212

Our Rising Star no: 204 this week is a humble and brave young lady who defeated all odds to put a bread on a table. Seemole Christina Mogale (26) is from Titibe, Ga Dikgale, Polokwane, Limpopo Province in South Africa. She went to Malesela Primary School and Moloisi Secondary but did not manage to pass her Grade 12 and currently attending extra classes to complete her Grade 12. “Thanks a lot, to Rise Africans Newspaper , I always knew that one day someone will recognise me, am so emotional. I call myself a hustler, selling sweet, snacks, ice and other stuff at Malesela Primary School and local soccer tournament during weekends. I started selling from home in 2020 then decided to go to sell at school after making a profit. I was very scared for the first time because I went to school there and my mates are at colleges and universities while I am hustling. I then told myself that they are not going to put a bread on my table”, she said. Being raised by a single mother who is rich with love is the only thing that motivates her. She is also a single mother and told us about her abusive relationship. “I was abused because of not working and depending on someone then decide to end that relationship and focus on hustling to feed my son. Many young ladies are suffering in silence because they cannot provide, its time for them to move out and hustle”, added Christina. We could not believe the kind of support she gets during local soccer tournament. She is dedicated, community is in love with her hustle and lots of youth will really going to be inspired by this young lady. “Sometimes life does not go the way we want but we must push more harder to survive. I want to make sure that my family is proud of me, am not going to stop until my business grow so that I can help other youth. My message to youth out there is that we must stop being lazy and blame our government. There are lot of bursaries and funding for youth but most of them want shortcuts. It is time to go out and hustle, never be ashamed because no one will come and put food on your table”, concluded Christina. Rise Africans Newspaper is humble to have such a wonderful lady in our community, hope lot of people will get a motivated by Christina. We wish her all the best!

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 )