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Waking up with an energy is what every human being seek every morning. Sello Machete is here to ensure your day starts with a kick! A 31 year old born from Tzaneen, Relela Village in Limpopo Province – South Africa is what every radio fan needs. Presenting a breakfast show on Gateway FM is not an easy job. “I feel honoured to be on this wonderful platform, I was born in the villages like any kid who have a dream of being someone important to the community. Media is what I love most and if I had to be given an opportunity to be a soccer presenter, I will gel because sport is my passion. I was on social media then saw a post where Gateway FM was looking for new presenters then took my chances. Later on I was given one of the most difficult show in the radio industry – A Morning Breakfast Show”, said Sello. Sebata , as popularly known, enjoys reading books and hiking on his free time. “Media needs someone who is creative and have ability to engage with the listeners. I will forever be grateful to Mr R R Ramoba – my former high school teacher  – who once gave me an opportunity to present at GTFM (Greater Tzaneen FM) in Tzaneen. I learned a lot from him. I wake up early to prepare for my show, check for trending news, celebrities birthdays, weather updates and find topic to discuss with my listeners” he added. Like many careers, radio presenting comes with lots of challenges, days are not same, some days you wake up on a bad side of bed but you got to pretend when you are on air. Listeners must never spot the difference, the worst part is when the network is not well while you are on air. “My dream is to become a presenter on SABC radio station and be a popular MC entertaining people. My message to all aspiring radio presenters is to be themselves. Go out and search for opportunities like this. Do not be afraid to start small, our people do not like to volunteer and this is killing their careers. Lastly, please enroll for short courses that will assist to build your career”, concluded Sebata. Catch Sebata on Gateway FM on Morning Breakfast Show every week by following this link:   https://iono.fm/s/216  | or via social media: Tick tok: @Ronza | Facebook: Sello Machete

Stanley Pieterse’s story about substance abuse, recovery, and hope will inspire you. He transformed his life from the depths of addiction to embrace the positive world of poetry. Stanley told me, “I am an ex-drug addict and alcoholic who grew up on the streets of Eersterust in Pretoria. My parents divorced when I was in primary school, and when I reached high school, I started smoking cigarettes and dagga. I quickly moved to using harder drugs like crack cocaine and crystal meth. I robbed people, broke into factories and cars, and pickpocketed and conned people to fund my drug addiction. I was arrested many times, but was never convicted. “I've tried many times to sort out my life and even got well-paid jobs, but I always messed up and lost them because of my drug addiction. I went to three different rehabilitation centres to get help with my drug problem, but I always went back to using drugs shortly afterwards. It was when I hit rock bottom that my mother told me about the CYPSA restoration program at the KwaSizabantu Mission, and I decided to try that. “When I arrived at the gate of the mission station, I handed in my cigarettes and other illicit items I had with me. Strangely, I felt a change as I entered through the gates. I was prayed for and able to attend the daily services. I confessed my sins, received prayer, and was advised to return to my community, seek forgiveness, and make amends for the wrongs I had been committing while living there. When I offered to repay some community members, they declined the money, saying they were pleased to see how well I was doing and that I should continue the new path I was on; that would be enough payment for them. By giving my life to the Lord, God awakened the gifts He had given me. I have started writing poetry and have even had the chance to recite it live on Radio Khwezi, the community radio station of the Mission. “I am working again now, and the Lord has done wonders in my life. Since I started working at the aQuellé  bottled water factory, I have been promoted five times! I am now working as a technician and a Health and Safety Representative, having completed training for these roles. My family members are very proud of me and always look forward to seeing me when I visit them at home. I thank the Lord for giving me another chance at life and for blessing me so abundantly. I thank all those at CYPSA for being the instruments that saved my life and the lives of thousands of others like me. May our powerful Lord continue to bless the CYPSA organisation so the Lord’s saving work may continue.”   (Read more uplifting stories such as this one in our sister publication, Devoted under Restored Lives. Link: https://www.devotedmag.co.za/ )

Talents can be used to fight against poverty. We had a nice chat with a dancing group of teenagers called Young Stars dancing group from Rustenburg, North West Province in South Africa. Speaking to a group member, Diketso Andrew Magale  about the group, “Thanks for the opportunity, we started dancing in May, 2023 on the 20 th , almost three years now and we are doing well. Dancing allows us to express ourselves, reduce stress level, convey emotions and stories through movements” A 15 year old from Mosenthal village near Boitekong admitted that there are lots of challenges such dancing with energy and good memory of the styles you have practiced. “Dancing improves physical fitness and offers a platform for artistic expressions so one need to keep up. You cannot have energy all times but you can apply a strategy that suit you best when coming to showcasing your moves” The group has performed in Lerutlwane Primary School - Rustenburg on youth day (16 June) and still needs more gigs to showcase their talents. “We can be glad to perform at Sun City or big event internationally. Our dream is to appear on television, have our own series, travelling out of the country to dance and make music videos with superstars such as Makhadzi, Shandesh or Dj Karri. We want to be all over”, added Diketso. His last message to aspiring young dancers is to have a potential, not be shy and know what you want. A big shout out to Dr Propah and community for supporting and mentoring this teenagers. Bookings can be done: Call or WhatsApp – 072 625 9153

It is natural for young people to undergo a period of social and personal experimentation as they find their place in life. However, unfortunately, during this phase, peer pressure can influence their attitude. It can lead young people to engage in unhealthy and sometimes even dangerous behaviours.  Johnson Pillay experienced this firsthand when he decided to follow his peers and their actions to fit in with the crowd. His story is about how peer pressure led him astray and how God guided him back onto the right path. Today, he lives a vibrant life of renewal, full of hope and new opportunities. He said, “I was born and raised in a disciplined Christian home in Durban, Phoenix. My parents were both dedicated and committed churchgoers, doing everything they could to raise us in the ways of the Lord. While visiting the community shop at the age of 12, I started to notice older children gathering and hanging around street corners, playing music and cards, wearing earrings, hats backwards, torn jeans, and so on. I said to myself, ‘Wow, these guys are so free and relaxed, not like me, just going to school and church and staying at home.’ It wasn’t long before this desire in my heart became a reality. “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. Things just grew worse at school, as I attended school high and drunk, got involved in fights, and was regularly absent until I dropped out of school in grade 10. I got a job at the local supermarket, but was caught stealing several times. I eventually landed up in prison. By then, I was addicted to smoking Mandrax tablets and crack cocaine. “I later married and had a beautiful baby girl, but even this family couldn’t fill the void within me. I eventually left my wife and child after stealing a large amount of jewellery from my wife’s home, which I sold to buy drugs. I returned to live with my parents. I began to steal whatever jewellery was around the house, including my dad’s wedding ring. This insane behaviour destroyed my family, especially my mum. My dad and siblings couldn’t look me in the eye because of my threatening and violent behaviour. “At this time, I worked in different clothing companies as a qualified cutter, earning quite a reasonable wage. But this did not last because I stole from my employers. Eventually, there was nothing left to steal at home anymore. I had no job or income, so I began to rob people on the street.   2. “I once even stole a large quantity of Mandrax tablets from a drug dealer, and gangsters barged into my home with guns and threatened my family, leaving my mum devastated. She eventually passed on due to a heart attack (and I’m sure a broken heart), and later, my dad also passed on. “A few years later, 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. The drug dealer acknowledged the money I had spent at his drug den and offered me a job selling drugs and accommodation in the drug den. I had no choice but to accept the offer. “I smoked Mandrax and cocaine day and night and slept only a few hours a day because it was a 24-hour drug-dealing operation. 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. “My older brother often came looking for me, but I refused to see him. I wanted no contact with my family because of the shame and disgrace I had caused them. While in this state of despair, with no hope left, 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, and shortly after arriving, it was suggested that I take an HIV test as my physical appearance looked so bad they suspected that I may be HIV positive. By God’s grace, the test was negative, and it was simply the result of the drugs I was using having consumed my body. I couldn’t stand upright, always walked crouched and hunched over, and I had to pause every few steps to catch my breath. I was in desperate need, both spiritually and physically. I sincerely confessed my sins one by one, and God, in His great love and mercy, saw fit to set me free from every addiction miraculously. Whom the Son sets free is free indeed! (John 8:36) “Since 2012, I’ve reconciled with my family and by God’s amazing grace, I have been living and working at KwaSizabantu for over a decade 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 pursue my studies, and I have now completed a one-year course in Stores and Warehousing Management. “I could have been dead 10 years ago, but because of one man’s obedience, the late Rev. Erlo Stegen, the founder of KwaSizabantu, I have been snatched from the very flames of hell and brought into God’s glorious presence.”   (Read more uplifting stories such as this one in our sister publication, Devoted under Restored Lives. Link: https://www.devotedmag.co.za/

People who hate reading are missing out, study shows that reading reduces stress by lowering your heart rate, easing muscle tension, and providing a mental escape from worries. Beautiful Christine Mwende Njagi  is an author and Poetess from Kenya. A 20 year old is currently a third year literature student. “I am humbled and blessed to get this type of opportunity. I came across RAN last year, 2024 on my Facebook feed. I was drawn by an amazing feature called “Poetry Corner” and glued to it since then. My writing journey started in 2023 back in high school. I had a deep love for poetry more especially the works of William Shakespeare and Maya Angelou. I began writing because I needed an outlet. Growing up, I carried a lot of anger and bitterness so writing became my way of expressing feelings in a poetic language”, she said. Ava Herar , as popularly known, emphasises that many people love Poems but still struggle to interpret poetic language. “I would not say Poets are underrated, but one thing I learned is the importance of finding your niche. Once you do, the right audience will find you, support you and help you to grow”, added Avar. Talented Poetess’s work gained recognition after contributing in South African poetry anthology titled “The Rise of the Unknown African Child” and still believe in growth. Her last message to aspiring writers out there is to start where they are and do not wait to be ready. They must just write, share their work, face criticism and be willing to learn something new everyday. “I receive positive feedback about how my poetry touches and inspires people and that keeps me going. I want to write more, I want to heal more and reach more souls. I am deeply grateful for all the support, I am evolving – not as a Poetess but as a person”, she concluded.

Team Tshabangu alongside Action Maluleka Ndlovu are embarking on a journey to promote Mental Health Awareness on Friday, 22 August 2025.  This talented group of dancers is passionate about promoting mental health awareness through creative expression and community engagement. Chatting with a founder of the team -  Jabulani Tshabangu  said, “I'm a dancer with 11 years of experience in the industry. I started in 2014, had the privilege of honing my craft and now I’m thrilled to lead Team Tshabangu, a company I founded on January 16, 2024. Our mission is to empower young individuals through dance, teaching them valuable life skills and helping them succeed.” Young dancers saw an opportunity to use their dancing skills as a platform to raise Mental Health Awareness. They are driven by the need to address Mental Health Awareness and reduce stigma which is motivated by mental health support groups and helplines such as SADAG. “Mental Health Awareness is crucial in South Africa, people are struggling with depression, anxiety and other issues. We chose Polokong to Durban because the route will allow us to reach broader audience, engage with various groups and promote message of hope and resilience”, added Jabulani. The team is facing lots of challenges such as logistics and funding and pleading for any support from community, individuals or sponsors by joining them either by walking or donating. “Our target is to complete the 460km walk, we know it’s not going to be easy but will achieve this goal with the support from our people”, he concluded. RAN will be giving latest update regarding this journey. Anyone who want to join a walk or support this initiative can find more information - Facebook: @jabulani motsamai tshabangu | Instagram:@TeamTshabangu | WhatsApp: 069 951 8315| 060 287 5846 |email at mailto:teamtshabangu@gmail.com .

I had the pleasure of meeting Jean Safari in 2024 in Cape Town. I was instantly captivated by his warm demeanour, kindness and bright smile. He is passionate about sharing the truth and was interested in getting to the story behind the book. His expertise and engaging conversation truly impressed me, making for a delightful and enriching experience.  I then met up with him again at the Ministers’ Conference at KwaSizabantu in March 2025 and got to know him better. I had the privilege of interviewing him about his work and the impact of his YouTube channel, which is experiencing rapid growth. Below is his story, told in his own words. “I have been in the ministry for a long time. It hasn’t been easy to navigate relationships with people and understand where to stand regarding different doctrines. Various churches have different beliefs, and as a new believer, you may have questions about which one is the truth. Everyone has the right to defend their beliefs. Still, we also have the responsibility to read the Bible and seek understanding of what God wants to communicate about any specific topic or doctrine. “My primary motivation has never been money, power, or fame; instead, I simply seek to know the truth so I can share it with others. By God's grace, I have met many people who have helped me advance my ministry. I work with several churches, including Frontline Fellowship, Mountain View Baptist Church, Community Change, and Elohim Ministry, among others. I travel to different places to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God. “I have a YouTube channel called Christ, the Light of the World . Our goal is to share diverse messages from individuals who believe in the Bible and preach to congregations worldwide. We also provide a platform for them to preach on our channel. If we feel a conviction that these individuals are servants of God, we gladly offer them this opportunity. I genuinely believe that having individuals who embrace the truth is vital for sharing accurate information about the Kingdom, particularly when the Holy Spirit guides them. These are the voices Christians should seek out for wisdom and inspiration. Recently, I created a video encouraging Christians to look beyond organisations like the African Union, European Union, or United Nations, as they are more secular. Instead, let’s explore opportunities to support Christian organisations where we can exchange ideas and information within our community. Together, we can foster a vibrant network that uplifts and strengthens our faith! The world is filled with fake news. The Bible says, “Let God be true, and every man a liar.” (Romans 3:4) When we consider the information that comes from the world or people, we cannot expect it to be trustworthy. The Bible also teaches that a bad tree cannot produce good fruit.” Jean’s story is one of resilience, conviction, and unwavering faith. As the world becomes increasingly noisy and confused, Jean equips believers to discern truth, live by Scripture, and boldly share the Gospel. Jean is more than a content creator—he speaks truth in an age that desperately needs it.   Read the full story in our sister publication, Devoted , by following the link: https://www.devotedmag.co.za/

I have spent a decade in the media industry, and my belief remains firm that news reporting should serve the public interest and uphold ethical standards, rather than be swayed by self-serving motives. Unfortunately, it is no longer the case. A recent report, titled "US lawmakers express growing concern about the subversion of press freedom in South Africa by the country’s state security agency," shares a bleak picture of the state of the newsroom. The focus of this report is on the country's largest news outlet, News24.   Among several devastating claims, based on thorough research, it claims “Congressional leaders from both the Republicans and Democrats expressed grave concern about several cases in which whistle-blowers are being targeted by SASSA (SA State Security Agency), working hand in glove with journalists from News24, a digital media platform owned by Naspers and Prosus, listed in Amsterdam. The extent of this collusion was revealed in a landmark ruling this week  when the South African Press Ombudsman found News24 and its editor-in-chief, Adriaan Basson, guilty of publishing disinformation about SAAI, a leading farmers’ organisation… “ ( Read the rest by following the link: https://nationalsecuritynews.com/2025/08/us-lawmakers-have-expressed-growing-concern-about-the-subversion-of-press-freedom-in-south-africa-by-the-countrys-state-security-agency/ )     There's no denying that the newsroom is navigating through some challenging waters. Key issues such as media freedom, financial sustainability, and ethical integrity are currently at the forefront. Concerns such as fake news and a lack of fact-checking have been highlighted in reports numerous times. There is also no denying that Basson is a controversial editor, despite the media awards he won for questionable news reporting. I wrote a book about the lack of ethics in mainstream media, with the focus on News24 ( A Journey to the Truth: The Case of KwaSizabantu Mission).  In this book, I explored and demonstrated with evidence how News24's news reporting lacks ethics. The report mentioned above aligns with my findings.   The fact that the newsroom is in such a dire state is not just the fault of news reporters and their editors. Nor is it just those who keep them going financially. The public is also to blame. There is a market for sensationalism, and as long as this market exists, the malpractice will continue. As long as there are naive, uninformed, and blatantly hypocritical people out there, honest and educational news reporting will remain reserved for the few who stay informed and want to make the world a better place. The problem is, in this country, the uninformed are by far the majority when you look at social commentary. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but when it comes to complex news reporting, opinions are often useless.    That brings us to the good news. News consumers have a choice about who they support. The rule of “Garbage in, garbage out” is very relevant. You can choose your news source more carefully. At   Devoted  magazine and Raise Africans Newspaper , we strive to present our readers with multiple perspectives and a mix of positive and negative views. We promise to continue focusing on ethics (or exposing the lack thereof) in our articles, introducing you to trustworthy podcasts, YouTube videos, and publications, and sharing our usual inspiring stories. Follow the link to read more about the lack of ethics in mainstream media: https://online.pubhtml5.com/asxvv/ovww

Pain of watching your kids excelling well at high school and does not know if you can afford money for them to further their studies at tertiary. A 20 year old student, Nonhlanhla Kimberly Haraba  is such an inspiration for youth out there. This beautiful young lady is from Midrand, Gauteng Province in South Africa but currently residing in Pretoria due to studies at Varsity College. “Coming from poor financially background has taught me to be brave. I am fortunate to be part of a supportive and hardworking family and that taught me to be independent at a young age. The fact is my parents won’t always be there to support me”, she said. Instead of complaining about finance, Nonhlanhla hustles by selling socks, sneakers, Green World's healthcare products and atchar to support herself financially. “Personally, I find that balancing my studies and hustle is manageable because I constantly remind myself of my primary purpose – my education. Although challenges such as assignment deadlines impacting my sales or rescheduled classes affecting my hustle schedule, these obstacles actually motivate me to go the extra mile. When faced with tight deadlines or scheduling conflicts, I put in extra hours to ensure I meet my goals, whether it's completing assignments or making sales”, she added. Challenges are everywhere, Nonhlanhla is blessed to have wonderful family and friends who encourage and motivate her to push harder. “Selling different products, like atchar, has its own set of challenges. For instance, I need to understand my target market and find ways to reach them effectively. But it's also rewarding to see my business grow and know that I'm making a difference in people's lives”, she continued. Education with entrepreneur skills is what most youth needs to survive. Rate of unemployment is increasing every time and one cannot rely on education alone. “Given the current state of our economy and the job market, I always advise my friends to diversify their plans. Some of my peers are judgmental, particularly about selling atchar, they say am young to be selling that kind of stuff however I do not let their negative comments to affect me. Only if they knew that “embarrassing “is actually generating profit for me”, she added. The fact is there are lot of colleges and universities and number of students studying for same fields, which makes it harder to get a job once graduated. Youths are advised to use any good opportunity that can be useful and make a living out it. “My goal is to establish my own atchar manufacturing company and supplying to major retailers. My advice to young people and anyone looking to start a business is to be driven, determined, and hungry for success. Don't be lazy  – entrepreneurship can be challenging, and success is not guaranteed. Some days you'll make sales, while others you won't, but keep pushing. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Rise Africans Newspaper for featuring me in this publication. It's a truly motivating and inspiring experience, and I'm grateful for the opportunity. Being given this platform is a blessing, and I sincerely appreciate your support.” she concluded.

Late last week, the multi-awarded bottled water brand aQuellé received an award at the KZN Top Business gala event.  aQuellé won the Community Upliftment and Improvement category, which awards businesses and social enterprises that have made a significant contribution to community development and social change. The Business Award is KwaZulu-Natal's leading business recognition platform, initiated by Standard Bank and the Women of Africa group, in association with East Coast Radio. The award, among other benefits, unlocks new opportunities for businesses, and most importantly, it amplifies business growth through meaningful partnerships. It is also a good indication of business growth in the KZN area. aQuellé was voted among the Top 5 brands in KZN, which was determined by public votes. The brand was also a finalist in the category for renewable energy efficiency initiatives, recognising innovation in sustainability, clean energy, and environmentally responsible practices.  aQuellé’s solar project brought them another prestigious award a few weeks ago, the Energy Storage Project of the Year 2025, by Enlit Africa. This was for its impressive solar installation at its bottling facility, which helps reduce CO2 emissions by 131 tons each month.  This is equivalent to planting approximately 3,803 trees. By doing so, the solar system makes a positive contribution to the environment while delivering high-quality water. Some of the other awards the aQuellé brand won over the years for innovation and excellence include the Zenith 17th Global Drinks Award in the ‘Best new brand’ for the aQuellé ViV Sports Drink range (2021); The Institute for Packaging SA (IPSA) Gold Pack Awards (2022); South Africa’s most-loved bottled water (2024); and the recent Energy Storage Project of the Year Award by Enlit Africa (2025). Community upliftment and improvement serve as foundational pillars for any prosperous society. At their core, these concepts focus on enhancing the quality of life, increasing opportunities, and fostering a supportive environment for community members. By prioritising the upliftment and improvement of communities, aQuellé lays the groundwork for social stability, economic growth, and lasting well-being. aQuellé’s commitment to uplifting communities is truly inspiring! In times of crisis—whether from natural disasters or social unrest—they step in with vital assistance, bringing hope through their water and food distribution projects. These humanitarian efforts serve as safety nets, offering immediate relief and helping to alleviate hardship. Their programs not only tackle food insecurity but also promote health and social equity, making a real difference in people’s lives. A shining example of their impact was during the 2022 KZN floods, one of the gravest disasters in recent history. Despite significant challenges, aQuellé demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness, ensuring that aid reached the most vulnerable communities aQuellé is also inspiring change through community clean-ups, partnering with local authorities to bring teams together across the nation. Their efforts are truly remarkable, revitalising neglected areas and enhancing public spaces. aQuelle sponsors a wide range of sporting events nationwide. Through this participation, they promote a fun and wholesome lifestyle. To mark its 25 th  anniversary, aQuellé installed a total of 25 water tanks in 25 needy communities in 2024. Each of the 25 donated water tanks holds 5,000 litres of water and is equipped with a tap, ensuring easy access to drinking water for community members. Awareness serves as the crucial first step toward meaningful change.  aQuellé joined the diabetes campaign last year. Many members of the aQuellé family have seen firsthand the struggles and challenges that diabetes brings to their loved ones. Witnessing these hardships sparked a passion within the team to act. They recognised the importance of not only raising awareness but also contributing tangible support and value to those affected by diabetes. With heartfelt determination, the team dedicated itself to fostering understanding and inspiring a community committed to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals grappling with this condition. Probably the most significant contribution to community upliftment and improvement is aQuellé’s contribution to youth empowerment through its extensive youth development program. One of the projects is the week-long bi-annual youth conference, which is held at the KwaSizabantu Mission in Kranskop. Thousands of young people across South Africa attend this conference. RAN has recently published articles about this conference, which are still available to read on their website and Facebook page. In our next article, we will put the spotlight on the restoration program, which is supported by aQuellé and which has already helped over 20,000 youngsters with addiction issues.   Read about some of the humanitarian and community outreach projects aQuellé initiated over the years in our sister publication, Devoted, on the website: https://www.devotedmag.co.za/