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When you go to the public places you normally see people smiling with happy faces but do not know how they feel inside. The world turned us to be fake people because of pride/ afraid of being judged or for the sake of love / kids etc  Our sister Mavis Tom (51)  raised her hand and opted to stand strong against GBV and Mental Wellness. In 2022, she started Khanya Wellness Organisation - a Non Profit Organisation  aimed to assist all people who are suffering from GBV and Mentall Illness. “The  reason behind   Khanya Wellness Organisation is to be a voice to the voiceless in terms of GBV and awareness on Mentall Illness since I have experienced both. I want to be there for the victims, ensure they are healed, advice them and assist them to speak out”’ she said. GBV is a decease, people suffer in silence and use words such as “I love him/her”, “what about the kids” instead of seeking help, they are trapped in the name of love. “My partner use to abuse me, verbally, sexually, financially, spiritually, sometimes assults, pushing or pointing fingers at me. I was brave enough to make a protection order for him at the court yet he did not want to leave me , I had to divorce him”, she added. Symptoms of Mental Illness are, heavy headache, always angry, not punctual, dizziness, want to cry but do not know why, loneliness, irritated, shouting and always protecting yourself. If you see this signs please makes sure you seek help or get someone to talk to. No one is born to be someone’s trash. Mentall Ilness is worse and lead to bullying. Khanya Wellness Organisations visits schools and spread the word. Some learners feel comfortable to share their problems. “I always share my contacts to make them feel free because some are still shy to open up in public. It will be better if we can work together with social workers, psychologists and the government. Advice to all people facing GBV is to speak up, do not fear that what people are going to say”, she concluded. Lets join hands and make the world a better place. Anyone who seek help to overcome GBV and Mental Illness can freely contact Mavis : Call or Whatsapp: 0789117663

It has been one year since Rev Erlo Stegen's passing. He was a significant figure in missionary work among the Zulu people and left behind a legacy of hope, love and kindness. His journey began from humble beginnings over seventy years ago and evolved into a sustainable mission deeply rooted in his commitment to his calling. Rev Erlo was not appreciated enough during his lifetime for his outstanding work, and this month we celebrate his legacy by sharing positive news about his life’s work. Born on March 2, 1935, on the farm Paardefontein in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Erlo Stegen was the grandson of German immigrants who established themselves in rural KZN. He grew up in a Christian household, where he first felt a compelling desire to serve the Zulu community at 17. This calling led him to begin his ministry in Maphumulo during the 1950s. Stegen dedicated his life to spreading the gospel and uplifting the Zulu nation, forging a lasting impact through tireless efforts and obedience to his mission. Young Erlo, filled with a fervent calling to preach among the Zulu people, embarked on a remarkable ministry journey with little more than his faith and determination. In the beginning, he found himself in an old, abandoned cowshed, which he transformed into his makeshift sanctuary for prayer and worship. It was in this humble setting that the divine spark ignited, drawing large crowds who came to seek solace and guidance. As the number of souls yearning for spiritual nourishment soared, the cowshed quickly reached its limits, unable to accommodate the growing worshippers. Many of these attendees travelled great distances, burdening the young preacher and his few devoted co-workers, who struggled to provide basic food and shelter for the influx of followers. Recognising the pressing need for support, Erlo and his team acquired a farm in the Kranskop area and established a mission station called KwaSizabantu, which means “the place where people are helped” in Zulu. They built essential structures with limited resources and initiated agricultural projects to support the crowds seeking spiritual guidance. The mission's focus on feeding and housing those in need has driven its numerous construction and agricultural initiatives. Over the years, Erlo has forged strong ties with community members and partners, evolving the mission into a thriving organisation dedicated to spreading the gospel and improving lives. KwaSizabantu has developed a range of buildings and agricultural ventures, generating revenue supporting the community and the missionaries’ outreach programs. Despite challenges, this enduring work has transformed KwaSizabantu into one of the largest missions in Africa, a testament to Rev Erlo's dedication and the community's resilience. Rev. Erlo pioneered uplifting communities in various areas, particularly in agriculture, economics, education, and humanitarian initiatives. Over the years, he faced significant challenges and encountered numerous obstacles. However, these challenges only temporarily distracted him; he quickly returned to what he viewed as his God-given mission. In the process, he has enhanced the economic well-being of countless poor communities. He also taught business skills to the workers on an ongoing basis and pioneered and provided schooling and affordable tertiary education to remote communities over seven decades. His legacy is growing and still benefits thousands. Read more about the KwaSizabantu Mission on the website, www.ksb.org.za

Like many other countries, South Africa has been affected by the pandemic and numerous incidents and natural disasters over the past few years. The COVID-19 pandemic, social unrest, large-scale looting (by the public and the government) and other disasters have compounded the suffering of the people. Many have lost their lives, livelihoods, businesses, and property, and countless individuals are still unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel, leading to a loss of hope. With the festive season approaching, it is time to reach out and assist those in need. It is not all doom and gloom; we like sharing untold stories with readers. Many individuals and organisations regularly support marginalised and vulnerable communities. We must take a moment to celebrate and thank them for their selfless efforts to make a difference and improve the world. And we must follow their example. One such organisation that significantly impacted communities is the award-winning aQuellė water bottling company. In addition to its sustainable clean-up campaign, which has positively influenced communities across South Africa, this company also aids during disasters and other challenging circumstances. The company partners with organisations such as Emseni Farming and the Doctors for Life International team to relieve how, where, and when it is needed. They, for instance, distribute water and food to affected areas on a large scale. The team consistently supports communities in crisis, fostering a spirit of cooperation and resilience. In inspiring collaboration with others, they also contribute daily to the well-being of the community at large. Various farming initiatives and projects have been established, generating a sustainable income that directly uplifts the lives of community members. These initiatives are vital for the ongoing outreach and empowerment programs and the critical missionary work conducted at the KwaSizanbantu Mission, where these businesses are rooted. The late Rev Erlo Stegen, a visionary founder of the mission and the various enterprises, was celebrated for his steadfast encouragement and unwavering support. His remarkable legacy is steeped in love and compassion, which he consistently demonstrated throughout his impactful ministry. Confronted with widespread job losses and an escalating food security crisis in South Africa, Rev Stegen recognised the urgent need to empower communities. He inspired individuals to cultivate a deeper relationship with the land, highlighting the importance of nurturing the soil. He provided essential training and distributed seeds to turn this vision into reality, enabling families to establish their own gardens and farms. This initiative fostered hope and facilitated a journey toward self-sufficiency during challenging times. Emseni, alongside aQuellė, Doctors for Life International, and the KwaSizabantu Mission, are at the heart of this transformative effort, all deeply embedded in the Kranskop community. This rural area in KwaZulu-Natal, often overlooked by government initiatives, is characterised by limited job prospects and neglect. For many years, the dedicated team and the community have forged powerful partnerships, working hand in hand to uplift lives and create meaningful change. Their collective efforts stand as a testament to the belief that through collaboration and unity, both communities and the nation can thrive.

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.