logo
Face of Change – Zanele made it to the Face of Emalahleni finalists.

Face of Change – Zanele made it to the Face of Emalahleni finalists.

The Citizen11-05-2025
Face of Change – Zanele made it to the Face of Emalahleni finalists.
The stage is set, the competition is heating, and the spotlight is shining bright on the Face of Emalahleni 2025 finalists.
One contestant believes she stands out from the rest – Zanele Mokgotho, a 23-year-old youth from Kwa-Guqa, with a passion for healing, empowerment, and transformation.
As a traditional healer, engineering student, writer, and businesswoman, Zanele is a full number to bet with.
Her initiatives, such as Ga-Chaya Initiation African School and Innovated School Lunchbox, are making one of the greatest impacts in her community, and her #MyStoryMatters campaign is giving voice to the voiceless as she has always wanted to.
'I created the #MyStoryMatters campaign to help young people share their journeys – especially those who carry trauma, spiritual callings, or emotional wounds,' Zanele said.
What sets Zanele apart is her vision for a brighter future.
As a finalist for Face of Emalahleni 2025, she plans to use the title to launch her Youth Hub initiative, empowering young people through healing spaces, creative events, and mental health education. She also wants to use the title to grow Innovated School Lunchbox.
By that, Zanele is not only contesting for the crown, but for change.
'This journey is not just about the crown. For me, it's about using every opportunity to build a generation of proud, conscious, and empowered young people,' said Zanele.
Was that enough for Zanele? She is also an upcoming author currently working on several books, including Motupi, Afa Okgothaditšwe, At All Costs, and Dissenter, which reflect her activism, personal experiences, and spiritual vision.
'I am Zanele Mokgotho – a reflection of healing, strength, tradition, and unstoppable purpose,' Zanele emphasised.
For information on how to vote for Zanele Mokgotho, go to the Face of Emalahleni page on Facebook or Zanele Mokgotho's page.
Zanele is urging society to rally behind her as a talented young woman and support her journey to the top.
Who knows what the future holds for Zanele? One thing is certain – it's going to be bright!
For information on how to vote for Zanele Mokgotho, kindly go to the Face of Emalahleni page on Facebook or Zanele Mokgotho's page.
Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok
Chat to us: info@witbanknews.co.za
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Midfield maestro hopes to ply trade in big European league
Midfield maestro hopes to ply trade in big European league

The Citizen

timean hour ago

  • The Citizen

Midfield maestro hopes to ply trade in big European league

Total Football Excellence (TFE) midfielder maestro Reatlegile Manamela said he looks forward to playing in the Safa Hollywoodbets Regional League. Nicknamed 'Maestro', the versatile midfielder who can play as a central defensive midfielder (CDM) or central attacking midfielder (CAM) was inspired by talented Spanish anchor Sergio Busquets. Read more: Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools excited to announce its Midrand branch development From Noordwyk, Manamela (18) said he plays more like Vítor Machado Ferreira, popularly known as Vitinha. 'I play CDM and CAM… I joined TFE through the Engen Knockout Challenge last year, in June,' said Manamela. He added his dream is to play in one of the big leagues overseas. Manamela is a Grade 11 learner at the Crowthorne-based Midland International School, formerly Midland Primary and High School. He said now that they will be playing in the Safa Hollywood Regional League, he would love for his team to finish in the top 3. 'Locally, my favourite player is Relebogile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates because he plays the game with passion and his proof that hard work pays off. And internationally, I would say Vitinha. I just love the way he controls the game.'. Manamela said his nickname came from his friends while they were playing street football and thought he was just too good. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

Nota Baloyi slams DJ Sumbody's celebrity friend over their silence
Nota Baloyi slams DJ Sumbody's celebrity friend over their silence

The South African

time4 hours ago

  • The South African

Nota Baloyi slams DJ Sumbody's celebrity friend over their silence

Controversial music executive Nota Baloyi has slammed DJ Sumbody's friends for remaining silent after a breakthrough in his murder case. On Monday, police arrested four suspects in connection with the murder of the amapiano star and his two bodyguards. DJ Sumbody was gunned down in November 2022 while driving through Woodmead, Johannesburg. Nota Baloyi sparked a heated debate on X after accusing DJ Sumbody's celebrity friends of staying quiet about his tragic death and the latest developments in his murder case. Nota feels there is a lack of loyalty and public support for the late star from his prominent friends. 'The silence of DJ Sumbody's celebrity friends is telling… I cut off all their tongues!' Nota wrote on X. FANS REACT TO NOTA BALOYI'S POST His followers flooded the comments with mixed reactions, questioning why the late star's celebrity friends have remained silent. @Sportsbabe96940, 'They've been quiet, it's sad. These people can pretend, as long as it benefits them.' @guaptatana, 'It's Easy to talk recklessly when you don't have kids. Nobody gon feed your kids when you're 6ft under, just let the law take its course.' @mqhelenqabankos, 'There are no friends in the industry.' @Sydfret79, 'Talking will get you killed, let law enforcement do their job. They are protecting their lives.' @SolXolani, 'Maybe they're concerned about their safety too.' DJ SUMBODY'S MURDER CASE POSTPONED On Tuesday, the four suspects appeared before the Alexandra Magistrate's Court in Johannesburg, and their case was postponed to 29 July 2025. Police believe three of the men acted as hitmen, while the fourth planned and ordered the hit. The state requested the postponement to allow more time for investigation before submitting a formal bail application at the next hearing. All four suspects are facing charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON NOTA'S POST Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.

Meet Igor: the shelter dog dubbed ‘cursed Victorian child' on the brink of adoption
Meet Igor: the shelter dog dubbed ‘cursed Victorian child' on the brink of adoption

IOL News

timea day ago

  • IOL News

Meet Igor: the shelter dog dubbed ‘cursed Victorian child' on the brink of adoption

Igor, a shelter dog in Savannah, Georgia, went viral on social media after a local rescue described him as a 'cursed Victorian child. Image: Renegade Paws Rescue/The Washington Post When animal shelters present their dogs for adoption, they generally boost their best traits: sweet, gentle, playful, good with kids. Then came Igor. 'Ever wanted to adopt a sentient middle finger wrapped in a cloud of fur?' reads a Facebook post from Renegade Paws Rescue in Savannah, Georgia. 'Meet Igor. We have reason to believe he's a cursed Victorian child masquerading as a 10lb stuffed animal.' He wasn't born, the post claims - he simply appeared. 'This dog does not want to go to the dog park or to brunch. He wants your ex-boyfriend's head on a platter,' it reads. 'And that mean girl in high school who said you were ugly? He's putting her soul through a meat grinder.' Igor flashing a look Image: Renegade Paws Rescue/The Washington Post The shelter tried to train him, the post says, but Igor made the trainer cry. 'Igor wants you,' the post continues. 'He'll plan evil schemes with a dog sibling or two. But he doesn't want too many friends and he might need an exorcism if you bring that nice golden retriever from down the street over for a playdate.' Simply put, 'Igor is not a good boy,' the post reads. 'Igor is an experience.' Yet, apparently, many potential adopters are eager to experience all that Igor has to offer. Shortly after the rescue shared Igor's adoption post on Facebook on July 7, it went viral with thousands of likes, comments and shares. Dozens of adoption requests poured in. 'I'm pretty sure I just found my soulmate,' one person commented on Facebook. 'I see no red flags here,' wrote another. 'Nobody expected it to get that big,' said Jennifer Taylor, founder and director of Renegade Paws Rescue. 'It just blew up.' Igor is believed to be about 5 years old. Image: Kerry Farinha/The Washington Post The post was written by the rescue's team of social media volunteers, who often lead with humor in describing their adoptable dogs. 'We have to see a lot of sadness every single day,' Taylor said. 'Sometimes, we just need a laugh.' Plus, she said, the strategy has proved effective. 'We make posts like that all the time to make people laugh and draw attention to the dogs that need it,' Taylor said. Igor's fame quickly spread beyond social media, landing him a feature on Savannah's WSAV News 3 and an appearance on NBC's 'Today' show - which involved a trip to New York City. Igor was mostly behaved during his travels, Taylor said, aside from a minor mishap at the airport, when he growled at a Transportation Security Administration agent. Igor giving side-eye. Image: Kerry Farinha He gave 'side-eye and all the sass,' Taylor said. Although the Facebook post may have taken some liberties, Taylor said that it accurately captures Igor's true essence. 'He is a grouchy old man,' Taylor said. 'He doesn't want anybody on his lawn. He wants to do what he wants to do, and he doesn't want you to tell him what to do.' Igor arrived at the rescue May 13 from a rural county in Georgia. He and five other dogs were removed from a 'hoarding situation,' Taylor said, noting that Igor is probably a Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix and is about 5 years old. 'They were all pretty scared when they came in,' Taylor said. But Igor had no fear. In fact, he was the one who scared people. 'If he doesn't know you, he doesn't want you to touch him,' Taylor said. 'He is a sassy boy.' A few days after Igor arrived at the rescue - which operates its own shelter - Kerry Farinha signed up to be his foster. Right away, Farinha saw his fiery streak and devilish nature. 'I knew from the beginning he had a lot of personality,' Farinha said. 'He gives major side-eye, major attitude and lots of growling, lots of barking.' Igor with Farinha's dogs, Gary and Jenny Image: Kerry Farinha/The Washington Post 'He'll make it known if he's not happy,' Farinha said. While Igor warmed up to Farinha, 'he did not like my husband. He still does not like my husband,' she said. 'Any new stranger that comes into our life, he is not a big fan.' Farinha said the adoption post is 'pretty accurate.' Still, she described Igor as a complex character. While he isn't shy about throwing shade, he's also generous with affection - but only if he likes you. 'When he's with the right person, he's a little sweetheart,' Farinha said. 'He'll kiss me, he'll snuggle with me. He follows me everywhere.' Igor also has a silly side: He often buries himself under blankets and jumps out, seemingly trying to spook people. He enjoys rolling around in the grass on his back. 'He looks like a little gremlin,' said Farinha, who has two other dogs, Gary and Jenny. 'He is very funny.' Farinha contemplated adopting Igor but decided he wasn't the right long-term fit given his deep disdain for her husband. She believes Igor would be best suited to a single owner with one or two other dogs. Or, as the shelter put it, 'his adoption requirements include at least one human who finds small, emotionally stunted men 'intriguing.'' Thankfully, Farinha said, there is no shortage of people who want Igor, or at least want to meet him. Comments continue to pour in on the Facebook post: 'I've never wanted a handsome little man more.' 'I would sell my soul to Igor.' 'Brb, driving across the country to meet this legend.' When he finally is adopted, letting him go is 'going to break my heart,' Farinha said. Renegade Paws Rescue encourages fosters to help choose the adopters of the dogs they take in, as they usually come to know the pups well. Farinha has narrowed down the long list of applications to four and hopes that Igor will settle into his new home in the coming weeks. 'He deserves the best home,' Farinha said. 'I know the person who ends up with him will be in love with him as well.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store