Latest news with #Dhlamini
The Citizen
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Video: What you missed at the Durban July — Ezokhetho's chicken-feet chic, luxury cars and Mzansi celebs
As the horses thundered down the track at the Hollywoodbets Durban July, it wasn't just the race that had hearts racing; it was the fashion. This year, Johannesburg-based label Ezokhetho, helmed by the visionary Mpumi Dhlamini, reminded the country why local fashion deserves a place on the global stage. Drawing deep inspiration from the golden age of Sophiatown, Ezokhetho's pieces told stories far beyond fabric. With bold prints, structured silhouettes, and the now-iconic chicken feet motif, the label turned heads and sparked conversations. 'You are your billboard,' says Mpumi. 'Your clothing speaks before you do.' Reimagining Sophiatown Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Victoria Yards, Ezokhetho was born from a desire to honour the spirit of Sophiatown, an era where fashion was a form of protest, and style was a stand. Dhlamini's label revives that spirit for a new generation of wearers who see clothes not just as garments but as vessels of meaning. 'The table' is Ezokhetho's philosophy: a place where everyone is invited to be seen, heard, and styled. It's fashion with a cause, authentic, confrontational, and unapologetically South African. This year's theme, 'Marvelling at the Marvels of Mzansi,' dovetails perfectly with Ezokhetho's ethos. Mpumi's tips for race-day dressing or any other fashion-focused event are not just about standing out, but standing firm in your identity: Prints as memory: From classic florals to striking geometrics, Ezokhetho's prints archive lived experiences. Silhouettes with purpose: Think strong tailoring and deliberate shapes that speak of dignity and presence. Symbols that spark dialogue: The chicken feet motif, a uniquely local and nostalgic reference, appears on everything from streetwear to formal wear. Ageless style: 'Style has no expiry date,' says Mpumi. Whether worn by a Gen Z trendsetter or a stylish elder, Ezokhetho pieces radiate a timeless edge. A legacy on the runway More than just a fashion house, Ezokhetho utilises its runway moments to highlight pressing social issues, such as gender-based violence, poverty, and inequality. Garments feature handwritten notes, illustrations, and messages that demand attention. 'We're not just here for applause,' says Dhlamini. 'We want people to reflect.' ALSO READ :Abdul Khoza withdraws from celebrity boxing match The fashion spectacle didn't stop with Ezokhetho. OMODA Fashion Show – a high fashion show by the renowned South African fashion house Khosi Nkosi which will showcase their interpretation of 'Marvels of Mzansi. The OMODA Royalty Marquee emerged as a pinnacle of glamour and innovation. DJ Zinhle electrified the crowd with a powerful return to her KZN roots, while the Marvels of Mzansi theme was brought to life with stunning execution. LootLove. Picture: Supplied A custom-built runway wrapped around the debut of the OMODA C7, which was dressed in a regal Khosi Nkosi wrap. The new OMODA wrapped. Picture: Supplied. The fashion show was a triumph of high fashion and cultural reverence, featuring bold African design with a modern edge. Fashion show. Picture: Supplied Famous faces like Boity, LootLove, Kwesta, and Yolanda Vilakazi turned the marquee into a stylish sanctuary of local excellence, living embodiments of Mzansi's magic. Wear the story For Mpumi Dhlamini, fashion is not just about the fit or the flair; it's about the feeling. 'Dress up, yes. But ask yourself, what story are you telling?' Mpumi asks.
The Citizen
27-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Bethal handball duo score bronze in international competition
A duo of young handballers from Bethal recently flew the South African flag high in the International Handball Championship in Zimbabwe. The two players from Sukuyende Handball Club, Lusanda Dhlamini (17) and Lusanda Zulu (16) formed part of the South African U18 Handball Team that claimed a bronze medal. The U20 team secured fifth position. Dhlamini and Zulu expressed their gratitude to their coach, Iggy Masuku, and physical trainer, Antswiso Makhubele, for their guidance and support throughout the tournament. Both players emphasised their commitment to balancing their passion for the love of handball with academic achievements. They had to take some time off from school to participate in the tournament. ALSO READ: Talented Mpumalangan handball duo heads for international competition 'I wish majority of our teammates at the club can join us in such tournaments. We did our best but other teams got ahead of us. This is just a start and we believe we will go far with the sport,' said Dhlamini. They said they appreciated the love and support they received from their parents, school and community. 'Everyone was so excited and proud of us. They encouraged us to work hard both at training and in school, which has instilled so much confidence in us to not give up on this sport,' Zulu said. ALSO READ: Walkers unite to fight against child abuse in KaBokweni The duo said they are now preparing to take part in the the upcoming Ehlanzeni Handball Tournament at Mbombela Stadium on July 19. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Eyewitness News
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
IFP suspects shooting of members is related to external political motives
JOHANNESBURG - The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) suspects the shooting of three of its members is related to external political motives. On 31 May 2025, IFP member of Parliament, Petrus Sithole, was shot dead while two other party members were seriously injured. The incident took place at the Buyafuthi hostel in Katlehong, where the party was holding a meeting. On Thursday, two men accused of the killing and attempted murder appeared at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court in Katlehong, east of Johannesburg. Khethakuthula Sithole and Nontando Ximba abandoned their bail applications. ALSO READ: 2 suspects in murder of IFP MP Khethamabala Sithole abandon bail bids In doing so, they relinquish the opportunity to share personal details about themselves and whether they intend to plead not guilty or not. The IFP's Gauteng chairperson, Bonginkosi Dhlamini, says the party is hoping the truth will eventually come out. 'Both us as a party and the family, we are satisfied with the investigation that it's not political, it's not internal within the IFP – it's outside, but we cannot say where because it is still under investigation.' Some IFP members in Gauteng are still wary of holding large gatherings. However, Dhlamini says they won't be scared into hiding. 'It's not politically motivated at all, the investigation tells you it's not. Even at the funeral, the family confirmed with us it's not political, but we are interested why would you choose an IFP meeting to kill an IFP leader… what is your motive?' Dhlamini hopes that when the case returns to court on 29 July 2025, police will have made another breakthrough. Meanwhile, Gauteng police have issued a R60,000 reward for any information that leads to the successful arrest and conviction of Zamani Ngila Ximba, who is suspected to be the mastermind behind the shooting. They added that he should be considered armed and dangerous.
The Citizen
05-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Secunda USKU karatekas win in Durban
SECUNDA – Karatekas from the Universal Shotokan Karate Union (USKU) Club in Secunda competed at the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) of Federations African Karate (UFAK) Region SA tournament at the Tongaat Sports Centre in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, from May 23 to 25. Only three of the seven USKU karatekas selected could compete due to a lack of money. Despite this, the trio performed well and claimed top spots. Sensei Breshnev Dhlamini won the kumite individual men's senior category of 84kg and above, while Lwandle Shabalala took first in the 14-15 cadet men's kumite under 61kg. Lutendo Netshivhazwaulu placed third in the kata individual girls' category. South Africa won the overall event with 56 gold, 43 silver and 56 bronze medals. ALSO CHECK: Evander High beats Curro in netball matches Botswana came second with 12 gold, 12 silver and 18 bronze, while Angola placed third with eight gold, seven silver and four bronze. Head coach for Mpumalanga karate sensei Dhlamini thanked everyone who donated and helped with transportation so the karatekas could compete. Winning this tournament qualifies them for the UFAK Continental Championship in Nigeria from July 25 to 27. Any sponsorship or donations toward expenses are welcome. For more information, call Dhlamini on 083 741 2441. ALSO CHECK: Well-known Standerton resident rebuilds her life after tragedy, loss At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
From Thokoza to Casablanca: How social art movement shared photography skills in Morocco
The workshop was led by Jabulani Dhlamini, alongside Moroccan photographers Marouane Beslem and Abdelhamid Behlamidi. Kids at an orphanage in Morocco participating in a photography workshop. Picture: Supplied Thokoza-based social art movement and education program Of Soul and Joy (OSJ) made its presence felt at a Moroccan orphanage in Casablanca. 'It has been an enriching experience for me as a foreigner, and has opened a window for me to learn about a different culture and perspectives through the students and teachers,' OSJ project manager and mentor Jabulani Dhlamini told The Citizen. The Rubis Mécénat foundation, which founded OSJ, collaborated with Vitogaz Maroc, supporters of the Dar Al Atfal Sidi Bernoussi Orphanage, to put together the workshop to celebrate 25 years of partnership. The workshop began on the 30th of April at the Sidi Bernoussi orphanage and concluded on Sunday, 18 May. 'Rubis Mécénat selected OSJ to include a creative aspect to the celebration through the photography workshop,' said Dhlamini. The workshop was led by Dhlamini, alongside Moroccan photographers Marouane Beslem and Abdelhamid Behlamidi. Since 2012, the OSJ has awarded around fifty scholarships, held over 20 annual exhibitions and community events, and published four books featuring the OSJ students' work. As a commitment to its 12 years of photography training in South Africa, the OSJ has also created work opportunities for more than ten active mentors. ALSO READ: Of Soul and Joy takes photography to communities through Rural Empowerment Project Being in Morocco In its dozen years of existence, OSJ has made a tangible impact in the township located southeast of Johannesburg by empowering youth, often disadvantaged, with photography skills. OSJ has spread its reach in rural KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo through its Rural Empowerment Project. In Morocco, the workshop allowed children aged 12 to explore photography, offering them both the technical skills and creative tools to tell their stories and establish a visual dialogue between South Africa and Morocco. 'There was a challenge regarding the language barrier with the students (Moroccans speak French and Arabic), however, with my co-mentors communicating fluently in English, we were able to address this,' Dhlamini shared. He said they were able to find alternative ways to communicate, as photography is a universal language. 'It was inspiring to view the different lens' in which these students approached their work.' Given that the orphanage is catered for boys only, Dhlamini said 20 boys participated in the workshop- the boys were all 12 years of age. The lack of diversity in gender is one of the differences to the workshops that OSJ holds in South Africa. 'Firstly, we accommodate both genders, and there is usually a vast spread in terms of age, given that we take on both students and unemployed youth,' he shared. 'We also operate in schools, which gives us greater access to young people. There is also a wider variety of options in terms of space and subject matter, which the kids in our rural workshops have access to. Our workshop in Morocco was understandably limited as this was our first time in the country and the kids were only allowed to photograph within the orphanage.' Dhlamini says there was a need to understand the kids when working with them. 'In this case, the best way to teach them was through incorporating play, which meant we had to deliberately break up the workshops for play time to ensure they were able to enjoy and retain what we taught.' NOW READ: Of Soul and Joy takes photography to communities through Rural Empowerment Project
