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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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