Latest news with #Mtoba
TimesLIVE
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Kagiso, Mihlali, Ashley Ogle: best and worst dressed at the Durban July
BEST KAGISO MOGOLA View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maboys (@ Wearing denim head from head to toe is never a literal statement, but when you have a young talent looking to push boundaries, it can go skin deep. That was the thought behind Mogola's alien-esque look that tipped a hat to denim. While fashion designers in the country have embraced the fabric as a sustainable option, Mogola's take, in collaboration with Kenny Avenue, celebrates it as a dominant force in streetwear fashion, whether uptown or downtown in its approach. While the sharp lines of the outfit capture the essence of young urbanites in the country, the cap, straps and laces on the corset transform it into elevated jockey gear with a pleated silk scarf. The look also fuses global influences that have come to tell the story about how young South Africans dress. The photoshoot version of the look goes Avatar style with blue body makeup featuring gold highlights. This is by far one of Mogola's strongest red carpet looks and one to remember for the often overly styled event. LINDA MTOBA View this post on Instagram A post shared by Linda Mtoba (@linda_mtoba) It has become common to see stars jump into any old dress in the hopes of it being eye-catching enough to be deemed the best of the night, but never consider how to make sure it matches their personal style. Rather than bother her designer with an over-designed garment, Mtoba stepped it up in a reed dress. While it would have been expected to come in a bulbous shape that directly pays homage to the woven baskets that are common across many cultures in South Africa and the continent, her approach of a sleek column dress captures her style, making it less of a costume and more of a fashion moment. Since this is the July, she tops the look with a feather-tipped fascinator with enough details to complement the monotone ensemble. ANELE ZONDO Much like Mtoba, Zondo celebrates the age-old craft of woven creations with similar ode to reeds and palm leaves. Being a risk taker with hip-hop influences, her look is a lot more youthful, focusing on a silhouette that allows the most important parts to shine. In her case, that is the headdress that resembles a sun crown. A fitting piece, since her aim was a look at a South African goddess. In 50 shades of brown, the dress also celebrates dung and thatched roofs in a refreshing break from the commonly referenced Ndebele print. KHUTSO THELEDI Another refreshing perspective comes from radio maven Theledi. Rather than layering countless beads and feathers on a dress, she has fun with a black and yellow floor-length gown that creates contrasts with Kaizer Chiefs' and Orlando Pirates' insignia. It is fun, glamorous and attentive tailoring that brings the beauty of soccer to life. SARAH LANGA View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sarah Langa (@sarahlanga) For a star who has been criticised for some tone-deaf decisions, Langa was the perfect fit for an outfit inspired by Skhotane culture. She opted for an Italian-inspired look featuring a dramatic fedora with sharp lines that accentuate the fitted two-piece shirt that elongates her shape thanks to a wide-leg printed trouser and layered leather belts. While the restrained choice is a lot more minimal compared to the pattern and colour blocking Skhotanes love, it is great to see how one can find inspiration in the unexpected without doing too much. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mihlali Ndamase (@mihlalii_n) MIHLALI NDAMASE Ndamase was going for gold in a Masango original that looks best suited for a 1990s kid's sci-fi show. The dramatic hips of the dress are a brilliant highlight that showcase one of our greatest exports in gold, with a clever wink at Ndebele print, which the designer was clever to not reimagine with obvious shapes. WORST ASHLEY OGLE View this post on Instagram A post shared by ASH-LEY BRYLNN OGLE🇿🇦 (@ashleyogle98) There are not enough votes, bot accounts or fanfare to save the Big Brother SA star's disappointing gown. Taking to Instagram, she described the look as an ensemble that captured her authentic personal style. With barely enough influence in the local or international fashion world, Ogle is a bit too wet behind the ears to be self-referential, specially in a 2010s matric dance look that does nothing to celebrate local design techniques, fabrics, cultures, histories or icons, making this the most uninspired look of the night. BOITY THULO View this post on Instagram A post shared by Boity Thulo (@boity) Thulo seems to be an underrated Otiz Seflo muse, the perfect canvas for the designer and his eye for a detailed dress that highlights the wearer's body. However, the look is a tad disappointing as it seems more like a pink Tinkerbell fairy dress than a rose in bloom. JESSICA NKOSI View this post on Instagram A post shared by A0206photography (@tshepo_v_photography) Another flower that did not bud was Nkosi's protea. The petals of the flower craft a stunning bust for her nude and pink gown but the cascading train lacks a seamless flow that makes the dress clunky. The washed out colours do not allow the dress to catch the light (unless it is backlit and in a darker room, as per the professional photograph), making it a little cheaper than it probably is. But one thing is for sure, her hair and makeup are a marvel she probably could have celebrated more. KWESTA View this post on Instagram A post shared by KwestaDaKAR (@kwestadakar) Print suits, sequin lapels and the abandonment of neckties made male attendees a standout this year. However, with Kwesta a little more finesse was needed in his final ensemble. The colour is a great option for him but the overall restraint taken with no accessories makes this bland and boring, specially next to his wife, who wowed on the night.
The South African
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Linda Mtoba: Brand partnerships more lucrative than acting
Former Isibaya actress Linda Mtoba has recently spoken up about how she makes more money from brand partnerships than acting, despite the latter being her passion. The 33-year-old is not only famous for appearing on small screens but is also considered an influencer due to her large online following. She has bagged a number of brand partnerships throughout the years, working on campaigns with major companies. Many will recognise her for working with Vaseline and Huggies since she's a mother to a daughter, whom fans know affectionately as 'Bean'. Mtoba recently celebrated a career highlight in March when she attended the Oscars in the US. Working with Don Julio, she also got the chance to rub shoulders with Hollywood stars Selena Gomez and Miley Cyrus. She also recently bagged another win, becoming Glamour SA magazine's latest cover star for May. 'For me personally, I feel like acting is such a labour of love,' she shared during a Q&A session on her Instagram stories. She went on to describe the sacrifices involved in being a thespian, how they affect spending time with her family, the long hours on set, and how the paycheck at the end of the day does not match the amount she would earn from influencing. 'The money that I get month end, is equivalent to a one-day content shoot,' Mtoba claimed. This was an answer to one of her followers, who curiously asked if she was only doing brand work full-time and if it worked for her financially. Mtoba highlighted that having a career as an actress is more of a passion for her, and it isn't about the money. This rang clear when she hinted that she makes much more from getting brand partnership deals. Mtoba isn't the only actress who has spoken about poor pay in the industry. Just last month, veteran actress Nandi Nyembe also took to social media to share that she was enduring financial struggles and asked for donations on Facebook. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Linda Mtoba encourages embracing natural beauty and flaws
Vaseline Brand Ambassador Linda Mtoba attended the Vaseline Cera-Glow launch in Johannesburg, where she openly spoke about beauty, skin care and embracing the changes bodies go through. Picture: Supplied/MightyFine Image: Supplied/MightyFine In a world where filters, retouches, and beauty standards dominate our screens, choosing to show up as your most authentic self is nothing short of revolutionary. For actress and Vaseline Brand Ambassador Linda Mtoba, the journey of embracing her natural beauty, flaws and all, has become a deeply personal statement of confidence, resilience, and truth. 'I don't always use filters in my stories,' she says. 'And the reason for that is simple: as much as I can put on a filter, it doesn't help me accept myself as I truly am.' Mtoba, speaking at the launch of the Vaseline Cera-Glow range, during a panel discussion led by host, TV and radio presenter Zola Mhlongo. The former 'The River' actress's sentiment resonates with many. The pressure to present a picture-perfect version of ourselves—especially online—can feel overwhelming. But Mtoba's is clear: perfection isn't real, and chasing it only creates distance from who we truly are. 'Everyone has bad days,' she admits. 'Sometimes your skin is breaking out, your hair isn't sitting right—and that's okay. We're not mannequins. We're human. When I take care of my skin, I don't want to feel like I need a shield or a mask every time I step out or go online.' The idea of minimizing filter use isn't about shaming those who choose to use them, but rather about reclaiming authenticity in a world that often hides behind digital polish. 'When you see me, I want you to see me,' she says. 'Online, filters can become a kind of armour, a way to protect ourselves from judgment. But at what cost?' Mtoba reflects on how social media can amplify scrutiny—turning an audience of 500 into 500,000. And yet, the courage to be seen, truly seen, is what breaks through the noise. 'It's so important for us to be authentic, not just for ourselves, but for the people we're sharing our lives and content with.' Her message touches something deeper: the emotional and psychological weight of trying to live up to impossible standards. 'We've started to treat normal as if it's not good enough. Things like stretch marks, skin texture, or a bad hair day—these are the realities of being human. But somehow, they've become the very things we're made to feel ashamed of.' She recalls her own experience with stretch marks after giving birth, how comments and unsolicited judgments tried to diminish something so natural. 'It was painful. But it also made me want to shift the conversation. These marks tell stories. They show growth, life, change.' At the heart of Mtoba reflection is the power to reclaim beauty on your terms. 'Perfection isn't the goal. Presence is, confidence is, and being able to look in the mirror and say, 'This is me, and I'm okay with that.' That's everything.' Mtoba shared also a powerful reminder that we all need to hear more often: 'Our skin carries our stories, our stress, our joy. It binds us to ourselves. Let's treat it, and each other, with kindness.' Guests at the Vaseline Cera Glow launch included Sni Mhlongo, Simphiwe Ngema, Lasizwe Dambuza, Rich Mnisi, Vanessa Mhango, Anele Nzimande, Linda Mtoba and Phupho Gumede. Picture: Supplied/ Mighty Fine Image: Supplied/ Mighty Fine As someone who is followed by two million people on Instagram, and over 700,000 on Instagram, Mtoba is careful about how she represents herself and loves to be honest with her followers. She enjoys sharing her beauty secrets with them, such as the reason behind her glowing skin being the Vaseline Cera-Glow range. The launch event in Johannesburg brought together tastemakers from across the country—including, media personality Lasizwe Dambuza, renowned designer Rich Mnisi, and expert voices such as dermatologist Dr Nomzamo Mkhize, who all celebrated their skin. IOL Entertainment
