Fourth First Lady: Bongi Ngema-Zuma

Being the first lady - Bongi Ngema-Zuma

In an exclusive interview with the Sunday World, fourth first lady Bongi Ngema_zuma opened up about being President Zuma's wife, her battling with her weight and having to restrain her adventurous self since she's become the president's wife.

Ngema-Zuma spoke about Preseident Zuma's struck diet and how he exercises daily. "He manages his diet without going to gym" she said of her husband. She also mentioned how Zuma, during this years state of the nation address, cautioned the people against obesity. "I know I'm a culprit," she admitted, but Ngema-Zuma spoke of how she is trying her best to stay healthy. She spoke of how she has stopped adding sugar and salt to her food in an attempt to stay healthy. "I stopped adding sugar to my tea… to curb my chances of getting diabetes. she said.

According to her, she's already seeing the results. "My feet are swelling less during summer and I have eliminated another serious threat to my health."

One other thing the first has going for her is that she does not consume alcohol. "many of my friends try to get me to drink, but I always joke and say that if I started now, I might go crazy, lifting up my skirt and dancing on the table," she joked. Ngema-Zuma also spoke about how she was an adventurous person but had to contain herself since becoming the first lady. However, the first lady spoke of her desire to still want to try bungee jumping.

On being a mother, Ngema-Zuma spoke of how her work, constantly being on the road robs her off the chance to bond with her nine-year-old son, Sinqumo. "I didn't have time to bond with my son. That is when I decided to find swimming classes we could attend together'' she explained.

The first lady also spoke about some of the difficulties she faces as the president's wife. She explained how being a first lady sometimes prohibits her from living a 'normal' life. "I am a person who likes to try things. If I was not in the position I am, having bodyguards around all the time, I would go bungee jumping" she hinted. The first lady spoke of how she sometimes long for a normal life. For instance, she mentioned how a simple thing like taking her son to the zoo has become a tedious process because certain people need to be notified. "I stopped the bodyguards form notifying the zoo management because having to do the formal greetings with the officials can be tiring and is too plastic" she is quoted in the interview. "Sometimes I just want to have fun with my son," she added.

A First Lady Is Never Complete Without Charity Work

Like may first ladies around the world, Bongi Ngema-Zuma also has her own charity drive. The first lady's focus is on education the public on the country’s prevalent diabetes rates.

According to her, there are 370 million people living with diabetes around the world, half of them don't know they have diabetes. She says the situation is more prevalent in Africa, with a staggering 15 million suffering from diabetes, of those, a scary 12 million is not even aware. "This explains the high rate of mortality from diabetic complications. A lot of people find out only when they're already at high risk or they just end up dead. The fight against diabetes must be intensified" she declared.

LWTF Premier: The Rich, the famous, the sobs and the OMG costumes

Mandela LWTF Cast with Winnie, Kathrada and Graca

Mampho Brescia with her OMG number

The premier of the much anticipated movie, Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom was held during the past week in Rosebank. The movie, produced by legendary South African film maker Anant Singh, saw its premier showing draw the country's rich and famous to the event.

The movie chronicles the life of elder statesman Nelson Mandela from his days of activism, through Rivonia trial, his time inn Robben Island, his release from jail and eventual ascension to the highest office on the land. Starring as tata is British actor Idris Alba alongside fellow Britton Thandie Newton. The pair was also present at the premier. When asked about how he felt about playing the Mandela role Idris Alba responded by saying "South Africans love their Madiba, I had to give it everything I have".

Among the A-listers were billionaire Patrice Motsepe and his wife Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe. Any event would be blessed to have the two present. Although the pair had to duck later on, their presence was certainly felt at the venue. Motsepe and his wife had to appear at the African Fashion Awards, which were held on the same night across the Juskei River in Pretoria. It's reported that Dr. Precious Moloi Motsepe change her outfit two times when she got to the fashion awards, making it a total of three outfits in one night. At least we know she can afford it. Her taking the fashion event that serious is also understandable since she funds the awards.

Also present at the premier was Patrice Motsepe's sister who is married to Justice Minister Jeff Radebe. Minister Radebe sobbed uncontrollably during the showing of the movie. Either Anant Singh is a great film maker or the story line itself was enough to relive the wounds of the past. Maybe it was a combination of both.

Completing the circle of brothers-in-law was another business mogul, ANC deputy president and Jeff Radebe's brother-in-law Cyril Ramaphosa. Ramaphosa was flanked by his wife, who is Jeff Radebe's sister.

Besides the filthy rich and Hollywood stars that graced the premier of the movie, some real Mandela's also pitched. One such was Nelson Mandela's ex wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. She took the opportunity to give Thandie Newton thumbs up for her role as Winnie in the movie.

Critics have given the movie a thumbs up, but it did not help it escape the usual criticism that other movies like itself face. The producers have been criticized for opting to go with international stars instead of South Africans to play their fellow countrymen.

In her defending of the decision, Thandie Newton explained how the movie was targeting an international audience, and to capture that audience "You need international actors, it is like that, it is unfortunate that it's that way, but it is that way," she explained. Asked about her role, Newton said "I was not aware of how much a role Winnie played in the struggle, the movie sure helped me understand that."

Although leading roles have been given to international stars, a few roles were spared for some local actors as well. Real life couple, Tony and S'thandiwe Kgoroge play the roles of Oliver and Adelaide Tambo. The couple was also present at the premier. Also present was comedian Riaad Moosa who plays the role of Nelson Mandela's best friend Ahmed Kathrada.

Local celebrities also grabbed the opportunity to walk the red carpet at the premier.

Isibaya actress Mampho Brescia pitched spotting a daring OMG costume. Her piece looked like swimming ware laced with a see though mesh like material at the bottom. A gutsy attire at the premier of a movie celebrating the life of a great man.

Generations cast strike over

Popular SABC1 soapie, generations, which has been embroiled in a dispute between producers and cast has apparently come to a resolution and shooting has resumed. Cast members had apparently embarked on a strike demanding contract of at least a period of three years, among other griviences. This was obviously met with resistance from the soapie's executive producer Mfundi Vundla who felt the cast members' demands were unreasonable.

To add even more woes to Vunda's problems, it appeared that cast members has the support of the public broadcaster who also threatened to terminate his company, Morula Pictures' contrat if he does not solve the problems with cast members. Cast members who were on strike included the likes of Menzi Ngubane, Sophie Ndaba, and Katlego Danke among others. People from either sides were not willing to shed any light as to what kind of a resolution was made, but it statement was released indicating that all is well and shooting will resume after a break of about five weeks.

Leading star Katlego Danke, who plays the role of Dineo was quoted in the Sunday World saying "she is happy to be back". Knowing how popular the soapie, many followers will happy that their favourite cast members will not be written out as previously threatened by executive producer Mfundi Vundla.

Now that the contractual matters have been solved, a few content issues can also be solved.

Accommodate real live incidents into the content
Generations producers are not known for incorporating real life activities into their scripts, hence most of their episodes resemble nothing close to reality. They hardly celebrate South African holidays nor highlight important issues such as child abuse or cancer awareness, something they can learn from their sister channel SABC's Isidingo.

The writers have turned the soapie into such a sausage factory that they could not even incorporate Nicholas's accident into the script. While the real person was involved in a car accident, he just mysteriously started walking around in crutches in his scenes without any explanation.

Respect your audience's intelligence
Generations scriptwriter also appear to have some kind of disregard for their audience. They just make things as they go along without considering if their content will make any sense. Sometimes it even appears they're insulting their intelligence. For instance, it is amazing how a rural girl like Khethiwe comes to Johannesburg, gets turned into a bad girl by the city life, while trying to find herself, she realizes that she can draw. Then she takes a six month graphic design course and boom, she's now a graphic designer. It doesn't take a curriculum expert to know that designer go through extensive training to hone their skills, thereafter, they're still subjected to internships where their skills tested.

Only in Generations where you can go to design school for six months, and then ends up in briefing sessions and be entrusted with accounts worth billions of rands. Yes it's tv, and the disclaimer states that everything in there is fiction, but a little effort has never hurt anyone.

Why Do generations kids speak different languages to their parents?
Generations land is one of those bizarre places where kids rarely speak the same language as their parents. Dineo Dikobe speaks nothing but Setswana while her mother, Ruby Dikobe speaks Zulu and battles in Tswana.

Also bizarre is the fact that none of the Nomvethes speak isiXhosa. Nicholas' father speaks South Sotho, Nicholas speaks Setswana and his uncle Scott, can only speak English.

One can only hope that while they were going through their contractual disputes, scriptwriters were also encouraged to up their game so the content can resemble that of the number soapie in the country.

Miley Cyrus courted controversy at the EMA's

Entertainment: The Week That Was

Katy Perry and Eminem Shine at 2013 EMA's

Katy Perry walked away with best female singer at this year's MTV EMA's held in Amsterdam. Perry beat current it girl Miley Cyrus and the controversial Lady Gaga. Winning the wards now takes Perry EMA's to a total of three.

Although Miley Cyrus lost Katy Perry, she still found away of grabbing attention when lit what appeared to be a marijuana joint, probably her way of celebrating being in Amsterdam, a city famous for its tolerance towards the drug.

Rapper Eminem was honored with a Global Icon prize for a life time achievement award, Slim Shaddy also walked away with The Best Hip-Hop Album.


Miley Cyrus offered to direct an adult flick
Controversial pop star Miley Cyrus has bee offered $1 million to direct a porn film. The offer was made by Gamelink, an adult retailer and have reported offered her full creative control as well.

New York Judge leaves DMX open for claims

A New York judge thrown DMD's filing for bankruptcy out of the court, The Journal News reported. The decision my the judge leaves the pit bull loving rapper open for claims from creditors, meaning he could lose his possession.

DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons has a debt of around $1.3 million in child support meant for 10 of his children. His publicists Tracy Hope Davis claimed that DMX was not aware of the court hearing, hence he did not appear before the court.


Orlando Pirates fall at last hurdle
Roger De Sa’s troops, who up until last night have put in sterling performance, fell at the last hurdle to Egyptians giants Al Ahly in Cairo. Pirates looked the better side in the opening stages but Ah Ahly managed to absorb the pressure and stung Orlando Pirates with with two in the second half.

Pirates were hoping to add a second star to their lone one which they won in 1995, the only Southern African team to have do so. Al Ahly's win puts them on the pedestal at the undisputed champions of Africa with an impressive seven stars.


Van Persie remains thorn for Wenger
Manchester United manager David Moyes celebrated his biggest win yet since moving from Toffees to Old Trafford this season. Moyes took three point from high flying Arsenal, after Manchester United were given no chance of winning Sunday afternoon's encounter.

Former Arsenal darling forward, Robbin Van Persie scored the odd goal in the first half after pouncing on a Wayne Rooney corner kick with some poor defending by Arsenal inside the box. Persie rose the highest to beat Vermealan and headed a powerful shot home. United's win saw them closing Arsenal's gap at the top of the table to 5 points, although Arsenal still remain on top.

Lira was among the winners at the Drum Darlings

Drum hosts its first Darling Awards

You magazine's black adopted sister held its own version of the "You Spectacular" awards called Drum Darling Awards. The ceremony was held on Thursday night and was graced by celebrities.

The ceremony was hosted by Highveld Stereo's Anele Mdoda and comedian Celeste Ntuli, the pair had the audience in stitches throughout the night. The event, held at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg was attended by socialist such as Khanyi Mbau, hand in hand with new boyfriend Tebogo Lerole. Also in attendance was former Generations star Nambitha Mpumlwana.

Still on Generations, Ruby Dikoe, the shebeen queen, was also present and gave retro Sophiatown Marabi performance on the night. The awards according to drum are meant to honor legends and celebrities who have shown brilliance in their craft and keep the audience inspired. Recipients of the wards range from musicians, actors to radio personalities.

The awards have three categories which are selected by a panel of judges, these are the Posthumous Awards, the Drum Legend Award and the Lifetime Achievement Awards. The rest of the wards are voted for by Drum magazine readers.

The inaugural event saw the late jazz songstress Mama Afrika, Mariam Makeba take the Posthumous Award. Peter Magubane took home the very first Drum Legend Award. Veteran musician Hugh Masekela was honored with a lifetime achievement award. MC's for the night, Anele Mdoda and Celeste Ntuli used the moment to take a jibe at Pearl Thusi, suggesting that she should have been given the lifetime achievement award instead, seeing that she has done just about everything in the entertainment industry before she's even turned 30, much to the laughter of the audience.

Like many awards ceremonies, celebrities and wannabes often gab them as opportunities to make their presence felt, and Drum Darlings was no different. In attendance was also coll couple Minnie Dlamini and her boyfriend, Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana captain, Itumeleng Khune. The pair looked elegant on the night. Also seen in the audience was Lalla Hirayama and Thembi Seete who looked really beautiful in a white dress.

Another individual who seized the moment was former posters winner Thembisile Ntaka. Ntaka was also on the performers line up for the night. She wowed the audience with her cover of late pop idol Brenda Fassie's 'My Black President'

As much as awards ceremonies in the entertainment industry are about the now people, the it people, 'wannabes' and 'has beens' also see them as opportunities to launch and relaunch themselves. It was therefore not a surpass when former Jam Alley presenter Vinolia "V-Mash" Mashego was also among the audience. Maybe she's on her way back into the entertainment industry.

Overall, it was well planned event and was supported by big name celebrities, also, Drum having its own awards was also a good idea and about time they had their own.

Puppets Galore: Jerm's cartoon on Steve Hofmeyr

Steve Hofmeyr vs Chester Missing. Who is the better puppet?

You know you have a lot of time on your hands when you time to engaging a puppet on a public space. This is so after self appointed 'deliverer' of the Afrikaaner folk Steve Hofmeyr, and his followers went on a full on attached against ventriloquist Conracd Koch's puppet, Chester Missing.

The feud began after Independent On Line ran story about hoe the AWB his allegedly been killing farmers in order to fuel racial intolerance and violence in South Africa. Naturally, the famous puppet, Chester Missing, jumped in and made his comments. Since Steve Hofmeyr and his 400 plus people had just embarked on the flop that was Red October, Chester Missing's first comment took a jab at him. "Turns our the AWB is killing farmers. March for THAT, Steve," tweeted Chester Missing.

Knowing his nose for controversy and attention, Hofmeyr was the first one to respond. In his response, Steve Hofmeyr tweeted, "Haha. Really. Remember to own up when this crap is disapproved next week. I'll wait". What followed there after was an exchange of tweets from the two with followers from both sides joining in on the discussion about who was more pathetic.

Of course many are aware that the arrogant puppet that is Chester Missing is actually ventriloquist Conrad Koch. However, one can hardly expect a full on debate when Koch speaks, or even tweets for that matter as Chester Missing. But that did not stop Hofmeyr from attempting to state his case. Granted, in the beginning, there was potential for a good debate. Even in a debate, you need not to have spent 27 years in jail to figure out that your activism is being ridiculed, meaning it's time to stop taking part in the debate. That does not necessarily mean that one is conceding defeat, it's surely for sanity purposes. This is something that Steve Hofmeyr should have done once he learnt that Chester Missing was going to be himself about the topic.

Steve Hofmeyr should have exited the debate when one of his statements was met with a response such as "Do u (sic) want a cookie?" from Chester Missing. By virtue of himself not allowing to be ridiculed in that manner would have sent a message to the Missing and Koch, but most importantly, it would have sent a clear message to own followers.

If the ridiculing by Chester Missing that Hofmeyr and his followers endured were not enough to make him stop entertaining it, then the sole reason that Missing is a puppet should have been enough for him to focus his energies on more pressing matters. If you expect the nation to respect you as an activist and actually give you some respect, the last thing you need is to be that fellow who was beaten by a puppet knock-out-style on twitter. Steve Hofmeyr even went as far as announcing on twitter that he had blocked Chester Missing. Isn't that just pathetic.

By allowing himself to be drawn into such a discussion, Hofmeyr opened himself up to more scrutiny, more so by people who question his credibility as an activist. It did not need a brain surgeon to figure out that cartoonist Jeremy Nell, popularly known as Jerm, was going to theme his next cartoon on Hofmeyr. In the cartoon, Chester Missing is telling Steve Hofmeyr how he is "nothing but a puppet for the lunatic fringe," to which Steve, depicted with one had stuck up in his own posterior, responds with "Ja, but at least I am my own puppet".

With that caricature, the obvious conclusion is that the two are both puppets, now we just need to establish which one is the better puppet.

A Bow To The Stronger Sex

A Bow To The Stronger Sex

To the being that carried you for nine months in her womb, the being that's been there for you from day one. To the being that stayed up all night because you felt like throwing mini tantrums, to the being that chased away monsters in your room...

Take a bow, for she deserves it.

This is the being that taught you to utter the words 'mama', patiently showed you how to tie your shoe laces, packed your first ever lunch box to school. She told you to "eat your veggies", taught you how to brush your teeth, polish your shoes.

This is the being that worked extra hard to ensure that you get only the best. She sacrificed her dreams for you, went through humiliation to put food on your table. Took on any job so she could support your dreams. This is the being that was told she's only good with pots and cooking utensils. The being that was relegated to a supporting role by society. The being that was told to "know her place"

Take a bow… it's the least you can do.

To the being that put up with your teenage-hood 'wisdom', the being that listened to your shallow ideas when you thought you were 'cleverer'. To the being that knew it wasn't alright even when you claimed otherwise. This is the being that told you it'll be ok when everything else indicated the opposite.

This is the being that can take on almost any role. She's been your doctor when you were sick. You're teacher when you needed one. She's been a financial adviser, a true friend when you could do with one. She's been your therapist, sometimes a dad when the need arises.

Take a bow… it's her month.

She is a woman, a mother, a sister. She's a comforter, a fighter. She rocks the cot and conquers the corporate world. She cooks gourmet meals and still takes on the world with ease. She's a disciplinarian, a lover. She is, a woman.

Take a bow to the stronger sex.