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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

Isithombe: Nikiwe Ludidi Ekunyamezeleni ukhona umvuzo, umzingisi akanashwa nosind'ezama akanatyala ngemizamo yakhe. "Amaphupho ayafezeka imithandazo iyaphendulwa" ngamazwi ka Nikiwe Ludidi noneminyaka eyi36 yimbokodo ezakhele igama kumculo wesintu kunye nomculo wesiMpondo abawubiza ngokuba yimfene ekwakho ke nakowokholo. Wazalelwa wakhulela kwidolophana yaseLady Frere kuNdonga ongezantsi.  Oluhambo lwatyalwa esikolweni emva kokuba wazibandakanya neqela lomculo wafumanisa ukuba ukuculula yeyonanto ayithandayo. " Ndiye ndafumanisa ukuba ukuculula yeyonanto ngiyiphiweyo nendiyiphathisiweyo emazulwini" utshilo uNikiwe. Wabona ukuba ayikho enye into angayenza ebomini ngaphandle kokucula. Ngenxa yokusebenza nzima nokuzinikela kuye kwachuma apho atyale khona ngokuba sele enamacwecwe amahlanu. Ngoba ke ekunyamezeleni ukhona umvuzo uzibone ephumelela indondo yakhe yokuqala eNorthwest Calltonville. "Ndaphinda futhi ndaphumelela indodo yesibini kulonyaka nge20 kweyeSilimela eLusikisiki" uqhubeke watsho uNikiwe. Ngemisebenzi kaMdali ke uphinde wazibone ephumelela indodo kwakulonyaka ngomhla we7 kweyoMsintsi KZN Namuhla Artists Awards (Best Gospel Artist)  Inyathi ke ibuzwa kwabaphambili nomazi wendlela ngumhambi wayo noNikiwe ubone kufanele ukuba aphose amazwi ambalwa kubantu abafuna ukuqala oluhambo lomculo. "Kufuneka ubenentliziyo enenzondelelo enyamezelayo ngoba ayikho lula lendlela" utshilo umculi. Ngenxa yobude bendlela naye zininzi iingqinamba neengxaki athe wahlangabezana nazo koluhambo kodwa akalahlanga themba. "Kufuneka uthobeke uzihloniphe uhloniphe nabanye abantu impumelelo ikhona kufuneka isibindi sokuzithemba ufunze edabini uthandaze kuMdali uwacenge amanyange akukhanyisele" uqhubeke watsho uNikiwe. Kubantu ke abanomdla wokumqasha bangaqhangamshelana naye kulenombolo 071 841 2980 uyafumaneka nakumakhasi onxibelelwano u Facebook @Aschumise Ludidi | naku Tiktok ikwangu @Aschimise Ludidi | Nakuzozonke digital platforms uyafumaneka.

Phillip Tendamudzimu Nephawe well known as Mutendas  is a musician, song writer and a performer of Venda Traditional music  who was born in 70s in the village called Ha Muraga, and went to  school at Muraga Primary school. He started to love music while he was young with the inspiration of the late David Masondo From Soul Brothers and The Living Legend Dr Thomas Chauke. During a short interview , Mutendas  said: " It was a long journey back in 1997 after releasing my first album titled:  Yesu U a da ( Jesus is coming ) under Gallo Recording Company and that album sold more than 100 000  copies in one month, and that has lighten my career as an artist. The late David Masondo from Soul Brothers  taught me how to sing  in  a professional way  and have learned lot of things  from him as an artist ". He further stated : " In 2001, I worked with Dr Thomas Chauke and His Son Themba Chauke from Shahumba recording Studios and released a hit song  Phoshi Vho Mudadza ( Portia has been surprised). That's were I gained popularity because the song was loved by the  young and older people and the album turned the province upside down”.  In the year 2004 and 2005 he came back with a very strong album called Tshelede Yo Fhela and Foromane ( I'm no longer having money and Foreman ), again the album gained more popularity and it was played regularly in national and local radio stations and also on Digital platforms. Asking about how many albums he have recorded so far, Mutendas added: "I  can't mention them by names because I have more than 30 albums under my name and other albums have been recorded using my other stage name Gearbox.  Our main challenge was to face the issue of Piracy, it is really discouraging bearing in mind the amount of money we spent on recording the music”. Persuing dreams as an artist, he added that " I'm going to perform at Phalaphala FM Royal Heritage Festival Nandoni Royal Garden, one of the biggest festival in Limpopo so this is a dream come true to me since this year Royal Heritage Festival will be celebrating 10 years of existence ,  my music has lot of teachings, guidance and encouragement in people's lives and I sing  without compromising and sometimes I sing things that I have experienced in life, my music plays important role to lots of people". Mutendas concluded by saying: "music is my life, whenever I feel low , happy or otherwise, I grab my guitar and start to play. I encourage youth to firstly go to school because it is not easy this days to survive only by music. to all those who need my music, my music is available online. Ndaa ( thank you ) ".

Fans who appreciate and support traditional African music mostly will tell you about the quality of African instruments that symbolise our different cultures. Traditional music will always remain part of our roots while the powerful messages keep shaping our generations to deal with life challenges. Teboho Sputla Pitiri is a legendary  Traditional Sesotho musician  all the way from Mabenyeng, Mangolong,  Eastern Cape Province in South Africa,  currently found in Klipfontein, Gauteng Province. Motho oa Mabenyeng , as popularly known, said his music is inspired by (Faila wa Lekhotla la Mabenya) and (Metjodi ea Mabenyeng)’s music. “Music is my first love, It started in the late 80s until 2021 when I started to assist artists with radio interviews . In July 2023, I recorded my first album titled “ Nna ke Jeleng ” which is available in all music platforms”, he said. The album is well appreciated by his fans and saw him scooping awards such as, Best Maskandi Newcomer  Certificate - KZN Namuhla Artist Awards 2024 and Best Upcoming Artist   - Amaqhawanentaba FM 4th Annual Music Awards 2024. However, lack of proper music equipments and exposure is still a concern for Motho oa Mabenyeng. “The main reason behind traditional music is to expose our culture and roots to our youth so they move out of the streets, stay away from drugs and learn to respect one another. Aspiring artists must believe in their art, have good listening skills and faith. I am proud to work with hardworking and dedicated team by myside”, he added.  Catch  Motho oa Mabenyeng celebrating Heritage in style on Wednesday, 18th September 2024 at Mabenyeng, Mangolong with the community and school kids at Mangolong Hall from 10h00.  Bookings can be done: Sputla Pitiri  - Call / Whatsapp: 072 948 9786| Facebook : Sputla Pitiri  | Motho oa Mabenyeng  on Tik Tok, Google and other digital platforms.

Lingston Zimbuni's story is a testament to the power of hard work and determination. Born into a poor family in the rural Manyamula area of the Mzimba district in Malawi, his early life was marked by hardship and limited opportunities. Yet, he refused to let his circumstances define him, showcasing a resilience that is truly inspiring. "I was born in 1992. Our family has five of us - four brothers and one sister. I am the youngest. I couldn't complete my education because my parents couldn't support me financially. I only finished Standard Five (Grade 7). Sometimes, we couldn't even afford to eat because of poverty," said Lingston. With little formal education, Lingston took a bold step and left Malawi for South Africa in search of a better life. It was a difficult move but one that would ultimately change his trajectory. Despite the naysayers, he remained optimistic, saying, "Many people told me that I could not succeed because I was not well educated, but my focus was to try and see if I would fail." In South Africa, Lingston found work in gardening, a job that requires physical labour and dedication. "From 2014 to 2018, I lost many jobs because of a lack of communication since I couldn't understand English. I remained focused, hoping that one day I would make it, and now I can communicate in English properly," he said. He poured his soul into his work, and slowly but surely, his hard work began to pay off. Today, Lingston is a proud owner of cows, a motorbike, and several houses in both town and his home village in his country. His success is a far cry from his humble beginnings and a testament to the rewards of perseverance. "I am very grateful to God because he blessed me with a wife who always encourages me when falling down, and also three children who are so precious to me. Some people have a lot of wealth but don't have children and proper wives. To me, these are my successors. One thing I can tell the world is that 'disability is not inability.' Failing to speak English should not let us down, but keep on trying until we achieve our heart’s desire," said Lingston, his gratitude shining through his words. "Together with my family today, we are happy, and we are still pushing hard to increase our destiny of changing from poverty to a better life. Today, I can find free manure through my livestock, and farming is very easy. People are hiring my ox cart for their domestic use, and others are renting my houses, and that’s a source of income for me," said Lingston. Lingston’s journey inspires anyone who has ever felt trapped by circumstances. His story shows that anyone can change fate and achieve prosperity with determination and hard work.

Bongani Emmanuel Ndlovu , popularly known as Mexican Candy , is a 33-year-old hip-hop artist from Mpumalanga Province, Bethal Farm. With a passion for music that started at the tender age of 13, Mexican Candy has never looked back. He has been driven by his love for music and his desire to spread messages through his songs. "I choose to do music because its my way of expression. I'm not just writing songs for myself, am making sure that message reaches my audiences," he explained. His motivation stems from a desire to spread meaningful messages through his music. He cites Kwesta, also known as the Dakar, as a major influence on his journey. "The person that motivates me is known as Kwesta, the Dakar," he said. Mexican Candy's story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and believing in oneself. He has released several songs, including the T.B.O.D -1 , which has 14  tracks, and is currently working on T.B.O.D -2. His advice to aspiring musicians is to "dream on, believe in yourself, work hard, and pray." For bookings, you can reach him at emmanuelbongani53@gmail.com or contact Dr. Propah at 0824376500.

It is never too late to change your life; nothing should hold you back from living a better life. The story below is the story of Adam Mickleburgh. Now a qualified law expert, he once thought his brain was damaged by drug abuse. The road to discovery brought him to complete restoration. Sometimes, you must hit rock bottom before changing your life for the better. It is only at the bottom that one realises how far off course you are and that you must make different life choices. This is precisely what happened to Adam, who had to confront his dysfunctional behaviours before he could invite positive change into his life. Because of an addiction to drugs, 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. Humanly speaking, he had no way to escape from the pit he had dug for himself. After seeking help at many rehabilitation institutions, his situation only worsened. Then he heard about the CYPSA (Concerned Young People of SA) program at the KwaSizabantu Mission in Kranskop 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. At the conference, he heard Rev Erlo Stegen preach on Romans 7:24-25, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!”   Adam said, “I had never heard such preaching before, although I had spent time in many churches. When I heard that sermon, I knew in my heart that it was the truth being preached. My life was never the same again from that day onwards”. (Read the full and other inspiring stories in our sister magazine, Devoted, by following the link: https://www.devotedmag.co.za/ )

Litha Ndikolo , professionally known as Queeng , is a versatile artist from the township of Lwandle in Cape Town. The 19-year-old rising star believes his singing career began when a friend forced him to sing at church for the first time at age four in 2010. Since then, Queeng claims to have never stopped singing. Fueled by his drive and passion for music, he formed a duo with a friend named Vuyo Maliza and performed at various events, such as weddings and church concerts. Their group, Marvellous Voices,  gave birth to an original song titled "Stars of Africa" and went on to win the Talent Express Competition . "I was discovered by a local artist, Ruben Davids, who exposed me to the public. I thought we were going somewhere, but nothing happened after I performed at his show," said Queeng. This highlights the complications of the lack of opportunities experienced by artists living in the township. Unfortunately, due to inability to juggle his musical career with his academics effectively, his family decided that it was time for him to focus primarily on his academics. After taking a break from music, Queeng made a strong comeback by recording an EP titled "EBhayi" and performing at local Hip Hop events for a few months. His efforts were recognized when he was awarded Best Newcomer and Best Male Vocalist at the Look At God Music Awards (LAGMAs) in 2022. "I think my debut live concert, 'Queeyonce,' must be the most memorable moment of my music career because it has taught me much about myself, more than I can imagine. With this concert, I challenged myself to work hard and leave my comfort zone. It is the best thing I have ever done for myself. I am grateful to myself for trusting myself with this huge initiative and having the courage," said Queeng, referring to his first-ever live concert at the Migrant Labour Museum on June 29, 2024. As the saying goes, "You reap what you sow," Queeng has been awarded the Best Male Vocalist and Best Performer at LAGMAs 2024. In addition, he now has experience planning and executing a live concert despite its associated challenges. Let's continue celebrating and supporting this youthful rising star as he represents the University of Cape Town in Africa's Campus Battle Season 6 talent competition. Let this be a reminder never to doubt the power you have, no matter your circumstances. Rise, Africans! References: Africa's Campus Battle Season 6 Queeng performance accessible at :  https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-pOx17IVGc/?igsh=MWlnM3JncG53eHo0Zg== Queeng acceptance to Semi Finals Africa's Campus Battle accessible at :  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/8atqPbodE6yyC8Ce/?mibextid=oFDknk

Meet Chantel Ndul i, a 17-year-old model and Grade 11 learner at Esther Maleka Comprehensive High School from a small town called Marble Hall, Limpopo Province in South Africa. She redefines the meaning of beauty with her stunning looks, charming personality and has already made a name for herself in the modelling world. What sets her apart is her passion for using her platform to raise awareness about substance abuse and inspire positive change in her community. As a finalist for International Teen Supermodel South Africa , Chantel has gained a significant following and is determined to use her influence to make a difference. "I started modelling in 2022 at a Provincial pageant titled Miss Capricorn and standing in front of a huge crowd for the very first time was absolutely amazing. My mom is my motivation, she is always there for me to ensure everything goes well, I am where I am because of her support”, she said. Chantel's passion for substance abuse awareness and prevention is rooted in her desire to protect her community from the devastating effects of addiction “I want to help people understand the risks, substance abuse is a serious issue that affects us all, and it's time we take action," she shared. With a strong sense of conviction, she is dedicated to using her platform to raise awareness and inspire positive change. There are lots of challenges that comes along with being a model, most importantly the issue of support in terms of donations. “ As a model, you need to be financially stable. There are a lot of things that are required and they need money. So, sometimes when you go out asking for donations from people, shops, business owners or anywhere, you can encounter people that are negative and non-supportive or supportive”, added Chantel. She continues on her journey to make a difference through God and hardwork. With her beauty, brains, and determination, Chantel is a true role model for young people everywhere. Her advice to youth out there is to believe in themselves and use education as tool to fight against poverty. “The grand finale for International Teen Supermodel South Africa was supposed to be on the 28th September but postponed to the 18th of December 2024 . Anyone is welcome to buy tickets at ticketpro and you can find information on how to do that on my social media handles.”, she concluded To learn more about Chantel's advocacy work or to get in touch with her, follow her on social media | Instagram I am chantel_nduli | Facebook I am Chantel Nduli| tiktok I am Chantel Kay 9197 or email mailto:chantelnduli@email.com . Join Chantel in her mission to create a safer, healthier community for all.