Latest news with #AmahleJaxa
Mail & Guardian
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Mail & Guardian
Born Free: Too many commissions, not enough justice – with Amahle-Imvelo 'Jaxa' Jaxx
This week on Born Free : Khumo Kumalo is joined by digital strategist Amahle-Imvelo 'Jaxx' Jaxa for a sharp dive into the crossroads of digital media, democracy, and South African politics. As President Ramaphosa announces a new commission of enquiry, we ask: reform or political smokescreen? We also confront the erasure of liberation history — what does it mean for the 'Born Free' generation to grow up disconnected from the truths of our past? From digital activism to generational memory, this episode challenges the narratives shaping our democracy. #BornFreePodcast #KhumoKumalo #AmahleJaxa #SouthAfricaPolitics #DigitalMedia #Ramaphosa #DemocracyInSA #BornFreeGeneration #YouthVoices #SAHistory #CommissionOfEnquiry #PoliticalAccountability #LiberationStruggle #UnfilteredVoices #SouthAfricaToday Khumo Kumalo is the visionary behind Misunderstood and the dynamic co-host of Born Free . Named one of the Mail & Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans of 2024 , he is a bold voice in the country's evolving political discourse. As the author of Newsletter 94 (formerly Misunderstood), Kumalo delves into South Africa's complex history and shifting political landscape, reflecting on the dreams and realities of a post-apartheid nation. His passion for debate and current affairs was ignited at St John's College , later taking him to Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia , where he continued to sharpen his perspective on leadership and social change. Kumalo isn't just asking questions—he's challenging narratives, sparking conversations, and pushing South Africa's youth to rethink what it truly means to be Born Free . Otsile Nkadimeng is a published author, policy writer, and changemaker , balancing his role as a second-year university student with a deep commitment to youth empowerment. Recognized by News24 for his impact and awarded the Young Nelson Mandela Award in 2023 , he is shaping conversations on democracy, governance, and sustainability. As the Executive Director of SoWeVote , a platform he co-founded, Nkadimeng is making it easier for young South Africans to access critical information about politics and democracy. His advocacy extends beyond borders—he serves as a Youth Advisor to the Embassy of Sweden in Pretoria and is a fellow at the International Youth Think Tank , where he contributes to global youth policy discussions. Passionate about sustainability, he has co-founded and led multiple initiatives aimed at environmental and social progress across South Africa. Whether in civic engagement, international diplomacy, or grassroots activism, Nkadimeng is at the forefront of youth-led change, proving that young voices aren't just part of the conversation—they're leading it. Disclaimer: 'Born Free' is an opinion-based podcast and does not represent the views of M&G Media (PTY) LTD, its owners, affiliates, employees, or partners. The opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not reflect the editorial stance of the Mail & Guardian.
News24
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Joburg meets Lagos in an AfroExchange cultural takeover
The summit brought together creatives from Nigeria and SA to celebrate creativity and cultural exchange. Industry leaders such as Amahle Jaxa, Omashola Oburoh and Ayanda Mhlongo participated in panel discussions. A concert featuring Afrobeats artists BNXN and DJ Maphorisa showcased the growing influence of African music and culture. @citypressza Johnnie Walker brought South Africa and Nigeria together for a cool event called AfroExchange. The two countries united through music, art, food and fashion at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand. #afroexchange #djmaphorisa #southafrica #nigeria ♬ original sound - City Press We may beef on social media and have other issues with each other, but SA and Nigeria will always have the sibling love/hate relationship. This was proven by the launch of the AfroExchange Creative Summit last month held in Rosebank and the AfroExchange event that took place at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit recently Supplied AfroExchange was introduced to celebrate Africa's creative spirit through creating a vibrant platform designed to explore, champion and connect African creativity. As Africa's influential countries, Nigeria and SA are brought together by art, fashion, food and music. The intimate summit, hosted by musician and businessperson Siya 'Slikour' Metane, had a panel discussion led by content creator and businesswoman Amahle Jaxa. Omashola Oburoh, Ayanda 'Aya' Mhlongo and Austin Malema were also part of the dialogue Mhlongo said that she worked for a global brand for a few years and added that the only way Africans could own their stories on the global stage was by participating on the global stage. We can't expect someone sitting in an office in Sweden to tell an authentic African story compared to what an Aya would do. Ayanda Mhlongo 'We should start focusing on the global stage because not only are we better, but we are also honest. African art transcends anything across the globe because what we do is honest and relatable everywhere,' she said. Business owner, model and musician Oburoh said when he was growing up in Nigeria, people did not want to listen to Nigerian music, but preferred American hip-hop. However, times have changed and American artists want to feature African musicians and creatives. 'Those are people we never thought in our lifetime would ever do Afrobeats music. When you talked about African music, no one cared, but now they are more into Afrobeats,' he said. Having lived in Lagos and Johannesburg, Oburoh said both cities had distinct vibes. He added that it made him happy to see people in SA clubs looking forward to hearing Afrobeats during a DJ set. The artists were part of the Johnnie Walker AfroExchange event at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit hosted by Nomuzi 'Moozlie' Mabena. Bringing electrifying energy on stage were artists such as Nigerian singer BNXN, Tito M and Yuppe, Shakes and Les, Professor, Dlala Thukzin, Banquesz and Veno, with DJ Maphorisa headlining the event. Also featured was SA and Nigerian food, bridging the gap between the two countries, arts and merchants such as Galxboy, Xavier Zulu, Dirty Natives and Saga while others enjoyed a fashion show, whisky tasting and pairing. Supplied Ifeoma Agu, the group head of culture, influencer and advocacy at Diageo South, West and Central Africa, said the two countries met on four expressive pillars that shaped culture and how the world sees us – food, music, art and fashion. As a brand deeply embedded in promoting African culture. Johnnie Walker is proud to walk alongside this generation of visionary creatives who are turning Afro creativity into global influence. AfroExchange is more than a platform; it is a celebration of cultural dialogue. Ifeoma Agu The date for the Lagos leg of the event is yet to be announce but Johnnie Walker's commitment to creativity will be amplified.
