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Many Geographical names here in the Western Cape where I am currently residing; have a direct derived name meaning from the First Nations People ( Khoi) if we see it daily when either on news; newspapers; Television; Radio; Internet and Social media. Here are a few names with meanings ; proving to us that KAWAKAWAS ( restoration) is important. ° Karoo ( desert/arid/dry/hard surface) ° Leeu-Gamka (Gam - direct translation of Lion Ka (Ga) - Spirit) ° Knysna ( derived from NAI - KhoiKhoi for speechless/ flabbergasted - the Knysna forest does that when looking at it) ° Tsitsikamma ( kamma/ ||gamma - water Tsitsi - clear Place of Transparent Water) ° Hessaqua ( Hessa - Trees Qua - People " People of the Trees) ° Goudini ( Gou - orthographic word from "AU" - bitter Dini ( Danib ) - honey Bitter Honey area) So with all this ....how can we not MU#UIS or Acknowledge these information about who built the Wealth of this Land Jeffrey Oarasib Hotagob Hartzenberg ©️

The multiple award-winning water-bottling brand, aQuellé, in Kranskop, KwaZulu-Natal, has partnered with local authorities to conduct sustainable clean-ups in neglected areas of neighbourhoods. They have already completed over 80 clean-ups across all provinces in South Africa, making it the most sustainable clean-up program ever. This rapid growth shows maturity.  The team will continue cleaning the country across regions, as there is a huge demand from local authorities to help them clean up their communities. The vision is a cleaner South Africa that will translate into a healthy country; we already see the positive effects. The brand ensures its clean-up campaign lives beyond individual clean-up days to impact all communities for good. The project coordinator, Gladson Songelwa, emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, "We believe in cleaning up our surroundings before pointing fingers at others. Our first clean-ups at KwaSizabantu Mission, Kranskop, and Mapumulo were initiated in collaboration with our community. We raised awareness about the importance of a clean environment for good health and held talks about the significance of clean environments. Our approach was not just to clean, but to make a meaningful impact. This led us to reach out to other communities with neglected areas, and our clean-up efforts expanded rapidly, thanks to the active participation of our communities”. The clean-ups in collaboration with local authorities are a win-win situation. Sharing resources, knowledge, and experience can take a service delivery project to the next level. Collaborations allow the aQuellé-teams to help identify problem areas. This way, success stories are passed on to different regions. There are several reasons why aQuelle prefers to work with local authorities and allows them to take the lead. Firstly, it helps them to strengthen relationships. They take the excellent advice and assistance they receive from a specific municipality and apply it to benefit other communities. Through these close interactions and collaborations, they can identify gaps and shortages and provide help where needed. For example, the team is currently assisting with additional resources and will offer rubbish bins where there is a shortage. Similarly, some municipalities have helped and taken clean-up efforts to the next level by bringing equipment to improve service delivery to those communities, such as fixing potholes. The  aQuellé brand has received numerous well-deserved awards over the years. It was recently voted South Africa's most-loved bottled water brand. The brand benefits the community by creating a model for collaborating with local authorities to develop sustainable, clean areas. The inspiring impact of these initiatives is a testament to the power of collective action and community involvement. To find out more about the clean-ups and how you can become involved, visit www.aquelle.co.za/KHULA  or www.facebook.com/aQuelleKhula

KHOIKHOI MÎDI DI SAOGUB: KHOIKHOI VOCABULARY: PRONOUNS: ° Tita - I ° Sas (female) - you    Sats (male) - you ° ||îs - she    ||Îb - he ° ||în - they VERBS: ° !gâibahe - like ° #gao  - want ° #hâba  - need ° dî - ask/ request ° Gangans/ Gangaxa - thank INFINITIVE: ° #û  - to eat ° sâi - to cook ° khomai - to read ° xoa - to write ° !hoa - to talk TIME/ TENSES: ° netsē - today ° ||ari - tomorrow ° nesi - now ° ||goas - morning ° !oes - at night

Pic: Spark Wezinto Mandla Xulu  is a talented musician, currently found in Hammarsdale but originally born and bred in eMpangeni. He  finished Grade 12 in 2004,working at a retail store and as a PR Agent of " Gqom music ".The energetic crowd puller believes in hardwork and dedication. Chatting to Rise Africans Newspaper , Sparks Wezinto , as popularly known ,said "I grew up as a dancer for different music genres and decided to start singing because of the love of music. I released my first album in 2006 and went on to release singles since then. One of my best highlights has to be performing at different events, such as elections campaign rallies and course Durban Summer Beach Festival". Sparks fans must expect a single song tittled "s idli mali ka 2 pot " with legendary Msawawa. He said working with Msawawa is a great honour cause the guy puts a lot of effort in every song he make. “As an artist one must be ready for challenges! I faced lot, such as fights with organisers, you agree with certain charges but when its time to pay they come up with stories . This kills artist’s career because you spend much money to attend an event and go home without any penny”, he added. His last message to all aspiring artists is to read more and improve their skills. Music involves lot of things such as production, sound engineering and marketing Sparks’ music is available in all digital stores. His latest song titled “ Tuka  ft Ngozi SA & Bar is doing good and reached number 1 at Gagasi Fm. Bookings can be done via call or Whatsapp: 079 727 1636 | Facebook : @Sparks Wezinto

Picture: aQuellè, KZN Netball and Department of Sports, Arts & Culture at the media launch The KZN Netball Federation announced a groundbreaking collaboration with aQuellè on October 3rd, 2024, marking a new chapter in the growth and development of netball across the entire province of KwaZulu-Natal. This partnership signifies a turning point for KZN Netball, with exciting times ahead locally and internationally. This milestone collaboration was unveiled at the prestigious Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Thursday afternoon by dignitaries and critical sports stakeholders. Among the distinguished guests were MEC for Sport, Arts, and Culture in KZN Mntomuhle Khawula, President of the Sports Federation Thami Mchunu, KZN Netball Federation President Gugu Ngema, and Marketing Manager for aQuellè Sharon Combrink. aQuellè is no stranger to supporting sporting events, especially on a grassroots level. They understand that sports are an outlet for the expression of growth and that it helps to build confidence and self-esteem. The water bottling company has sponsored numerous events, such as the COSAFA Cup (2022), The Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup (2024), The Midmar Mile (regular sponsor), the ECR Big Walk (2024), and many others. This new collaboration is just another way in which the company actively supports outdoor events across the country. A Shared Vision for Netball Excellence The partnership with aQuellè is expected to accelerate the expansion and professionalism of netball in the region, providing crucial support as the sport continues to thrive. Gugu Ngema expressed the federation’s gratitude, stating, “We are beyond excited to welcome aQuellè as our sponsor officially. This collaboration will help us achieve great strides, from supporting our players to ensuring our umpires are well-equipped.” Mrs Combrink from aQuellè expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration: “Our partnership with KZN Netball is a natural extension of aQuellè’s commitment to promoting healthy living and active lifestyles. Together, we aim to make a lasting impact on netball in KwaZulu-Natal and strive to make a difference.” Excitement Builds for the Grand Finale In conjunction with this announcement, KZN Netball also revealed the highly anticipated Grand Finale, set to showcase the top four teams from Section A in both the Male and Female categories. The following clubs will compete for the coveted title:  Female Section Teams: Ziphozonke BSS Netball Cheetahs Ham SunBeams  Male Section Teams: Ocean Predators Ziphozonke Cheetahs Ocean Dolphins  The semi-final matchups, scheduled for October 12th, promise to deliver thrilling action at Victoria Mxenge Indoor Centre, uMlazi.  Ziphozonke vs  SunBeams BSS Netball vs Cheetahs

Picture: Sibusiso Blessings Mayise .a.k.a L.O.R.D 2.0 Nothing can stop L.O.R.D 2.0 to give his fans the best music! Sibusiso Blessings Mayise (30) is a talented artist from Bonela, Durban, KwaZulu Natal Province in South Africa. After trying other careers such as soccer, Sibusiso realised that something is haunting him, something that is powerful to share messages and express one’s views about the world. “I am honoured to get this wonderful opportunity, my stage name is L. O. R. D  2.0.  , an acronym for ( LIVING OUT REAL DREAMS ). I have been in the music industry for some time now and proudly have 13 songs that have been released officially to the public and available on every online music store. All along I can say my biggest challenge was to find a suitable team to work with. It is really not easy to push your music alone, teamwork with a same vision is needed”, he said. The energetic and humble guy just released a single title “ Durban ” which is inspired by Durban (City) and its people. Its about culture diverse and how we learn from each other as people from different race groups.  (Song link: https://ditto.fm/durban-lord-20 ) “My song Durban is meant to invite people to come over. People from different walks of life. If they cannot come here physically. They can press play on my song and they'll feel the energy Durban has” he added. L.O.R.D 2.0’ s message to aspiring artists is to keep reading because information is a key. Music industry needs a thorough understanding and more focus, one will never know when the opportunity arises so they must be well prepared at all times. His music is available in all digital stores, just search for L.O.R.D 2.0. Bookings can be done by: Call or Whatsapp Mr Phumelela Nzama - +27 78 498 1386 | Email: phumelelanzama@gmail.com .

Pic: Comfort "Van Dance" Kgalegi Comfort Kgalegi is a proof that dreams do come true. Multi - talented ballroom and Latin American dancer, Michael Jackson impersonator and music artist recently raised South Africa flag again in USA. Rising from Mogwase  - Rustenburg, North West Province in South Africa, Van Dance  - as popularly known, told us about his 3 months dancing programme in USA. “It is always good to be back and update Risers about my latest projects. I applied for visa summer camp programme and took a direct flight from OR Tambo to Atlanta International Airport on the 18th June 2024. The trip was approximatley 16 hours, 2 hours from Atlanta to Boston Massachusetts and another 2 hours to Portland with bus. I went there as a Performing Arts Instructor at Agassiz Village Poland State ”, he said.  The camp consisted of more than 200 mixed gender of boys and girls which was very challenging for Van Dance. “It was difficult for me at first because it was first time for me working with kids 24/7 - Monday to Saturday.  As a performing instructor, I was given a task to teach kids Afrobeats dancing styles, music and leading sports games on daily basis”, he added. Besides dancing, Van Dance is busy with a single titled “Moratiwa” and “Mystery” ft talented female artist called Miah. There is an Afro Pop album ( which includes the hit award winning song Ompaletse )  consisting of 5 - 10 songs also on the way. “Our people must learn to be patient, the road will never be easy. I got opportunity and went to USA to teach kids dancing,  I made a name in the states and looking forward to own my own studio”, concluded Van Dance.

Picture: Leejoy “ Mr Poopoopoo ” or “ Leejoy” as popularly known, is arguably one of the best MC around Turfloop - Mankweng in Limpopo Province. Johannes “Lethabo” Monyela is an “MC”, “Event Organiser” and “Brand Ambassador” who has proudly won “ Best MC Award and “Best Brand Advertiser ”. Chatting with Rise Africans Newspaper about his journey, Leejoy said: “there were very tough times in the industry. First, one has to be building brand and gaining exposure. It has never easy to gain fans. I had to invest much and ensure I perform best when given a gig”. A tendency of comparing local and upcoming artist must come to an end, they deserve to be respected and booked with reasonable prices. “Many Hosts prefer to pay large amounts of money to so called big artists forgetting that they were once upcoming artists too. Some of big artists do not really do much in terms of performance. Upcoming artists must be taught how to build themselves as brands and stop to follow trends, they must understand that once they are booked, they must work hard to boost their fanbase” There are lots of opportunities in the music industry, such as meeting and networking with relevant people along the way. Leejoy worked with lots of artists in industry but does not consider making music. “Dealing with artists is a big challenge, some think you will spoonfeed them, other lack self motivation and some are in the industry cause of peer pressure.” said Leejoy. Everyone is entitled to enjoy whatever pleases them in the industry. Leejoy find peace and will keep entertaining us without reluctance. He is currently busy with amazing projects and thankful to have been there through thick and thin. Nothing really gonna stop him pushing his wonderful work. Bookings : Whatsapp / Call : + 27 79 129 7027 | Leejoy Lethabo (Facebook)

Pic: Mom Pat in the middle showing off her certificate and award Getting more awards every year is every musician’s dream. Despite being everyone’s favourite, Mom Pat Nkonyeni  no longer needs and introduction to our Rise Africans Newspaper. She has been featured on our newspaper many times because of her wonderful work. Taking us through her journey to attend KZN Namuhla 2024 Artists awards, Mom Pat said: “I left my home, Bizana (Eastern Cape - Province) to Lusikisiki. I had a nice journey and got a warm welcome from my friends, Anele Yongama  and Feziwe Maxhola . We went together to Lusikisiki College Hall around 9’o clock to attend the ceremony which was on the 7th September 2024”. This was not like any another journey to her, she went on to add more awards to her collection by winning “ Best Traditional Gospel Award ”- KZN Namuhla Community newspaper 2024 Artists awards  and  shared her story on KZN TV and ATLOV TV.  “I was so excited, finally I get smile on my face. I have faced lots of things growing up, for many years I have been taking care of orphans as well as abandoned children from orphanages and relatives. It was really hard to see what those kids are going through. Music is a medicine, I would like to thank all the support I get from my fans and people who ensure that my work reach massive audience”, she added. The event ceremony was a success with popular artists such as Chwanele Bhaca and his group, Gaba Foundation Group accompanied by Chief of Tabankulu, Chief Lima Khumalo from Ward 23 - Lambasi, Chief Makwedinin Faku ( under Lusikisiki ) and famous comedian, Mgingqwa  from Umhlobo Wenene. Rise Africans Newspaper have an unfinished business with legendary Mom Pat, we still have lot of stories to share with our readers.

The other day I was walking in the streets of the City of Oaks ( Stellenbosch) to the MÛXŪN DI OMS or Museum.  What actually caught my eye is is that their is now visible sight of KhoiKhoi Language in SOAS or Space where the Cochoqua People was the owners of the Land. What also makes things so problematic is that KhoiKhoi is perceived as an Extinct Language....but more an Endangered one as we have factors that contribute to that. Globalisation and mass migration where people tend to forget about their Language because we live on an era where Languages have been put under the Prestigious microscope. Which are dominated by Cultural replacements which causes a huge GOWA !AMS ( Linguicide) in a Neo colonial era where cultural heritage and diversity of linguistic programming and progression cause assimilation of Language.  There are also many causes that makes this happen ° civil wars ° genocide ° natural disasters like tsunami ° Culture/ Political/ Economic/ Religious oppression ° Repression by a ruling political party ° Urbanization The last 2 parts before urbanization has actually been at the forefront of why KhoiKhoi People are now so written out of the Southern African diaspora in regards to Heritage Cultural Preservation and Language dignity. REFERENCES ° UNESCO website ° Resource Network for Linguistic Diversity ° Peter Constantine (2010) " Is there hope for Europe's Native Tongues?"

Pic: Linda Mkhize Linda Mkhize is a dynamic ,multi talented lady who hails from Sobantu , a township in Pietermaritzburg .She is a football administrator and a die-hard supporter of Maritzburg United ( now defunct)  " My love for sports began at an early age , when I was still doing my lower grades . I had to make sure that each and every sport code that is being introduced, I partake in , " she said.  Linda who is popularly known as Vuyo  amongst her peers in football has proven that regardless of your gender you can enter in what people call a male dominated environment and settle as a woman .  " My passion for football started at home with my uncles , Coach Styles Mkhize  who is coaching UKZN ( PMB campus ) and Coach Darky Mkhize who was coaching Sobantu Shooting Stars back then . They used to take me along with them every time their clubs were playing , " she added As a young Lady in men's football there are hardships that she comes across as some males still have the backward mentality that women belong in netball or in the kitchen .  " Yes , sometimes I find it hard to deal with males especially the players , but I do manage ," she said. This multi talented Lady , who is also a professional model and a professional actress , might be lost to the football fraternity in future as she does not have any long term plans in football .  She was kind enough to leave a message for a young woman who wishes to be involved in football as an administrator .  " She must seek help in getting more knowledge about football , always be on your toes , respect her position  . She needs to be energetic and know her story , computer knowledge is a must and she must make sure that she keeps to her deadlines and most importantly she must be focused , " she concluded  We can learn something from Linda Mkhize , such as not allowing your gender to restrict you from reaching your dreams  . If you believe in your abilities , you should pursue that dream .

Pic: Keegan Pillay Keegan Pillay is in his forties and has overcome many challenges in life. He used to associate with notorious criminals, was involved in drug smuggling, and engaged in street fights from a young age. He enjoyed the image of being a 'bad boy' and embraced his nickname, 'Lucifer'. He worked hard to uphold this persona and showed no mercy to others. At the age of 14, he was imprisoned for attempted murder. “In 2015, I hit a turning point in my life”, He said. “My health was deteriorating, and I felt like I had lost control. Despite being raised in the Hindu faith, I found myself crying out to the Lord Jesus for help when I hit rock bottom. At that time, I was homeless and continued down a path of self-destruction”. 16 October 2015 will always be an extraordinary day for Keegan. That day, his brother loaded him into his car and took him to the KwaSizabantu Mission in Kranskop, KwaZulu-Natal, to start with its CYPSA restoration programme. The day marks the beginning of his new life, even though he was suffering from the withdrawal symptoms of heroin. At the mission, Keegan was treated with love for the first time. He also found the Lord and has followed Him faithfully ever since. “In my life, I have never experienced anything like this,” Keegan says. “The respect and acceptance I received from strangers were unprecedented for me. These people did not know me but welcomed and accepted me unconditionally. I don’t know of another place in the whole world where an addict is taken in so unconditionally and without any payment for the restoration programme. When I asked how much it would cost, I was told that Jesus had already paid for me on the cross.” His turbulent childhood had prepared him for a lifestyle of crime, but about ten years ago, he chose to leave that life behind. He is now a responsible and skilled farm worker at Emseni Farm, making a valuable contribution to ensuring food security for others. His consistent work brings him joy and enables him to care for his ageing mother. Read more such inspiring stories in our sister publication, Devoted, by following the link, https://wwwdevotedmag.co.za