Latest news with #Ngema
IOL News
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
'Blood and Water' star Khosi Ngema announces her engagement: officially off the market
Khosi Ngema is officially off the market as she reveals that she is engaged. Image: Instagram Love is in the air for South African actress and singer Khosi Ngema, who recently revealed her engagement in a heartfelt social media post. Beaming with joy, the Blood & Water star shared the exciting news with her fans, marking a new chapter in both her personal and professional journey. The 25-year-old shared on Instagram how life has been exciting and gave a glimpse of the events that took place in her life, including teasing a new project, heartfelt moments with her loved ones and what her engagement looked like. On the last Instagram carousel, she shared a short clip of the engagement set-up, which had red roses on the ground that led up to a heart which had the words 'Will you marry me?' on it. 'Hellooo, I come baack. Lil bit of life lately… Your girl is ENGAGED! Hello?!! This year has been quite reflective and called me to take a lil hermit break to focus on growing and cooking up some stuff. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'It's been interesting, weird, exciting, at times testing and full of surprises. Some I can't wait to share! Anyway, how's the year been for you? Sending kisses! Love K,' she wrote The 'Mama' singer also showed off her stunning round-shaped engagement ring as she posed alongside her partner. Ngema has made her mark in the acting industry after she debuted her career as Fikile Bhele on Netflix's hit series 'Blood and Water' in 2020. Her career has taken off since her debut, and she has appeared on multiple other shows, including 'Meet The Khumalos', 'Invasive' and 'Killer Body Count.' Ngema is among many celebrities in our country who have shared exciting updates about their lives, including announcing pregnancies, getting married or getting engaged. Just this month alone, we had beauty queen Mia le Roux sharing that she got engaged to her partner, reality star Kayleigh Schwark revealing that she's expecting her first child, media personality Ayanda Thabethe announcing that she tied the knot and actress Amanda Manku sharing that she's expecting her second child. It is without doubt that happiness has been soaring celebville as many of them continue to embrace new chapters of parenthood or taking the next step in their romantic relationships. Congratulating Ngema on her joyful announcement were her fans, fellow industry colleagues, friends and family. Actor Thabang Molaba commented: 'Wow man. Congratulations fam!!! So happy for you!' Actress Nefisa Mkhabela wrote: 'Oh my goodness! Congratulations beautiful, sooo happy for you!'
TimesLIVE
09-07-2025
- Health
- TimesLIVE
21-year-old creates safe space for people living with HIV
Despite the medical advancements that have transformed HIV into a manageable condition, societal stigma and misconceptions persist, often overshadowing the realities of life with HIV. HIV activist and founder of HIV Plus Us campaign, Ibanomonde Ngema, has courageously shared her HIV status with the public while establishing a campaign as a beacon of hope and support for those affected. At the age of seven, Ibanomonde Ngema's life took a turn when her mother and grandmother revealed her HIV diagnosis. Though she was too young to grasp the complexities of the illness, their sombre expressions and her instinctive tears hinted at its gravity. Years later, during life orientation classes in primary school, Ngema began to comprehend the realities of HIV, fortunate to have a supportive family with a medical background to guide her through the journey. 'As a teenager I'm fortunate to have friends who have accepted me for who I am and revoked my history. I generally don't care how people feel or see me because I have fully accepted my status. I understand why you wouldn't be friends with me, I understand why you might not want to touch me, I understand why you are stigmatising me, so when I say, 'I understand', I mean I can no longer be stigmatised,' said Ngema This is where her HIV Plus Us campaign comes in. It aims to bridge the language gap. In an attempt to resonate with youths, the campaign encourages HIV-positive living and demystifies stigma. The campaign targets young people who use social media, taking into consideration that not everyone has access to it, specially in rural areas. 'At the moment we're laying the groundwork, getting the name in people's minds, building a scroll-stopping presence online, and becoming a kind of holy grail for the 4,000 adolescent girls and young women who are newly infected with HIV every week.' The campaign also aims to educate their parents on how to deal with HIV-positive youths. 'Parents need to be helped to reimagine what HIV is and what it is not. It's no longer a death sentence. It's no longer something to hide in silence. If we want young people to live with HIV unapologetically, we need the adults around them to unlearn shame too.' Ngema spoke about the importance of self-love when it comes to dating for people living with HIV and how people need to earn the right to access their vulnerability. 'I always tell young people, specially girls, to be brave, not desperate. If someone walks away after you disclose, that's not a reflection of your worth. It's only information to them. Let's not confuse rejection with truth.'
The Citizen
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Simz Ngema opens up about recovery after surgery in Turkey
"I wanted to fix what was ruined by pregnancy." Actress and singer Simphiwe 'Simz' Ngema recently opened up about her recovery following a 'mommy makeover' in Turkey. Ngema, who shares two sons with media personality Tino Chinyani, gave birth to their second child in November last year. The couple welcomed their first son in 2020. She took to Instagram to explain her reasons for undergoing the procedure. 'I went for a more natural look. I wanted to fix what was ruined by pregnancy,' she said. Ngema said she now looks like she did before having children. 'Some people prefer to do more. My boobs are still the same size — they're just not sagging anymore — and my tummy is back to what it looked like before I had my children,' she added. ALSO READ: 'Who said sangomas shouldn't look good?': Gogo Manzini recovering after 6 reconstructive surgeries in Turkey, including BBL Opening up about her healing process on day four post-surgery, the former Muvhango star said she was feeling much better. 'Three of my drains have been empty since yesterday. There's only one drain that had to be emptied. Still a little uncomfortable. 'You know when you've slept on your arm for a long time, and it feels numb? That's what my tummy feels like. My boobs are fine — I'm starting to feel a bit of sensation in my nipples.' Simz Ngema's post-surgery update. Pictures: Instagram Stories/Screenshot NOW READ: Lerato Kganyago and husband book American R&B star Tank for Ndlala Mall launch
IOL News
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Simphiwe Ngema's transformation: a 'mommy makeover' journey filled with surprises and recovery updates
Simphiwe Ngema, an actress and singer, has been documenting her 'mommy makeover' recovery on Instagram stories, following her recent trip to Turkey for the procedure. Image: Instagram South African actress, Simphiwe Ngema, affectionately known as Simz Ngema, has joined the list of celebrities who have undergone cosmetic surgery to enhance their features. Ngema, who did her surgery on July 27, shared on her social media accounts that she is doing a 'mommy makeover' in Turkey with Mono Clinic, a popular cosmetic clinic among SA celebrities. According to The Cosmetic Surgery Institute, a 'mommy makeover' is a combination of cosmetic surgeries which is done to address body changes after pregnancy and help achieve a more defined appearance. These surgeries include a tummy tuck for a flatter stomach, breast procedures to improve size or lift and liposuction for stubborn fat. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Ngema has two children, 5-year-old Tiyani and 6-month-old Kaboentle, whom she shares with Tino Chinyani. Taking to her Instagram stories, the former 'Muvhango' actress has been updating her fans on her recovery journey since she underwent the procedure. A screenshot of Simphiwe Ngema's recovery from her surgery wearing compression garments, which help with the post-op healing journey. Image: Instagram stories On Monday, June 30, she shared: 'Day 4 of recovery: I'm feeling so much better. 3 of my drains are empty since yesterday. There's only one drain that had to be emptied. Still a little uncomfortable. 'You know when you've slept on your arm for a long time and it feels numb? That's what my tummy feels like. My boobs are fine. I'm starting to feel a bit of sensation on my nipples." A screenshot of Simphiwe Ngema opening up about her healing process. Image: Instagram stories The mother of two, accompanied by her mother, Ethel Ngema, has also been sharing some of her pictures wearing compression garments, which help the healing process after the procedure. Celebs/ influencers who have done cosmetic procedures: For the past few years, the rise of plastic surgery among local celebrities has been significant, as many have been showing their post-op journey on social media. Khanyi Mbau got a facelift, Shamiso Mosaka and Thuli Phongolo did a BBL, Amanda du Pont had a breast augmentation, Cyan Boujee did a breast lift, BBL and gastric sleeve. While Gogo Skhotheni had a tummy tuck, liposuction and filled her hip dips, Jojo Robinson underwent 11 surgeries, including a facelift, necklift, tummy tuck, four breast augmentations and many more procedures. Where do celebs/ influencers go under the knife? The go-to location for these surgeries is usually Turkey for many influencers and celebrities; only a few have had their procedures locally. According to an article by "Independent Media Lifestyle', the rise of plastic surgeries among influencers or celebrities is because it is deemed a cheaper alternative, and these international clinics also offer discounts. However, a cheaper alternative comes at a cost since some of these celebrities and influencers end up with botched surgeries, which lead to yet another surgery and more money.
IOL News
14-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
How austerity measures are undermining education rights in South Africa
Breadline Africa says there's no excuse for any child in South Africa to still be using a pit latrine at school. Image: Supplied The rights of pupils in government schools in South Africa are being violated, while the years of austerity measures implemented by the National Treasury have devastatingly affected the quality, accessibility, and equity of education across the country. The National Teachers Union (Natu) stated that 'education is a right, not a budget line'. Natu general secretary Doctor Ngema said the constitutional right to basic education, enshrined in Section 29 of the Constitution, is systematically eroded. Ngema said during the 2023/24 financial year, over 23,000 posts in provincial education departments across the country were cut, with the total number of unfilled but funded vacancies exceeding 46,000. 'This has led to dangerously overcrowded classrooms, where learners are deprived of individual attention and teachers are stretched beyond capacity. Due to years of budget cuts, we now face chronic underfunding and infrastructural decay, resulting in many schools having dilapidated classrooms and a lack of basic amenities such as toilets and electricity,' he said. Earlier this year, more than 2,400 teacher posts were cut in the Western Cape, resulting in legal action against the Department of Education in the province. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Sadtu said the austerity measures and budget cuts have resulted in overcrowded classrooms that hinder effective teaching and learning. The lack of substitute teachers has increased the workload for the remaining educators, negatively impacting their health. In May, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said the provincial education sector baseline over the 2025 MTEF is R1.04 trillion, and R9.5 billion will be added over the medium term to keep teachers in classrooms and hire more staff. Godongwana said an additional R10 billion has been added to the baseline as announced during the March 12 Budget to expand access to early education. The minister said this will increase the ECD subsidy from R17 per child per day to R24. The extra funding will also support increased access to ECD for 700,000 more children, up to the age of five years. Public interest law centre, Section27, said building a nation starts in classrooms, and the Budget marks a significant shift from years of harsh austerity. While not without gaps, this Budget reflects pressure from communities and civil society to put the people of South Africa at the centre of South Africa's budget priorities. For Budget 3.0 to mark a real turning point, its promises must be delivered, especially at the provincial level, where services are meant to reach people. The centre said the education sector has experienced chronic underfunding, with per-learner spending declining in real terms over the past decade. 'This year's allocation to Basic Education rises from R325 billion to R347 billion - a 6.7% nominal increase, translating to a real increase of 2.6% after inflation.' While Section27 welcomed this as the largest basic education increase in years, the centre said it follows a period of sustained underfunding. 'As a result, this allocation alone is not enough to fully address overcrowded classrooms, infrastructure backlogs, and chronic teacher shortages in public schools.' According to the centre, per pupil, government spending will increase nominally from 2024/25's R24,230.58 to R25,669.53 in 2025/26. 'However, once adjusted for inflation, per learner spending will actually decline to R23,755.34 in 2025/26 - highlighting the ongoing erosion of real investment.' Natu stated that the promises to improve infrastructure have not materialised, leaving pupils in unsafe and undignified conditions. Last month, Breadline Africa, a non-profit organisation that has launched a nationwide campaign to eradicate pit toilets in schools, warned that more than 500,000 pupils are estimated to still rely on dangerous and unhygienic pit toilets at their schools in various parts of the country. The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) said progress has been slow in eliminating pit toilets in South African schools. Unfortunately, some pupils have lost their lives because of pit toilets, which continue to put other pupils in danger if not eradicated, it said. 'To push the government for urgent intervention in eradicating pit latrines, Fedusa would like the government and responsible departments to think of the families of the 5-year-old Viwe Jali from the Luna Primary School in Bizana, Eastern Cape Province, who fell into a pit latrine on 12 March 2018 and passed away, Michael Komape who fell into a pit toilet at his school on 20 January 2014, and drowned, and Langalam Viki, a 3-year-old who died after falling into a pit toilet at Mcwangele Primary School in Vaalbank village in the Eastern Cape, 6 March 2023.' While acknowledging the Sanitation Appropriate for Education initiative (SAFE) by the Department of Basic Education, Fedusa believes more can be done to address the issue. Robert Erasmus, managing director of Sanitech, a portable toilet hire company, said that the slow rate of pit latrine eradication in South African schools is attributed to budgetary, logistical, and infrastructural challenges. 'Funding allocation at a provincial level often sees delays in execution due to bureaucratic red tape, complex tender processes, and financial mismanagement,' he said. Erasmus said many affected schools are located in remote, rural areas where finding reputable contractors is a challenge. 'Local municipalities also struggle with procurement processes that require locally sourced resources, further delaying progress,' he said. Despite these challenges, Erasmus said innovative sanitation technologies offer hope and provide safer and more hygienic alternatives to traditional pit latrines. He said the Khusela unit features a rotating bowl, a replaceable bladder to prevent waste exposure, and microbiological products that treat waste while eliminating odours. Its elliptical shape optimises space and waste containment, making it ideal for schools. 'This solution also aims to ensure safety and dignity, especially for school environments where tragic incidents have occurred,' he said. Given the government's slow progress, Erasmus said the private sector must step up to bridge the gap. He said in 2022, South African companies allocated R10.9 billion to Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives, with half of these funds directed toward education. 'By channelling a portion of this budget to sanitation infrastructure, corporates can expedite the eradication of pit latrines while enhancing their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings,' said Erasmus. According to Erasmus, CSI initiatives offer the advantage of bypassing bureaucratic hurdles, allowing for faster implementation. Businesses can guarantee successful project implementation by partnering with trusted sanitation companies, he said. For example, the Khusela unit offers a budget-friendly and functional improvement as it is adaptable for use with current Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrines. 'Eradicating pit latrines in South African schools requires a multi-faceted approach. While the government must fulfil its commitment to replacing these facilities by the proposed deadlines, the urgency of the situation calls for immediate action. Corporate South Africa, through CSI initiatives, can play a pivotal role in accelerating progress. By investing in innovative, cost-effective solutions, businesses can ensure that no child has to risk their life or dignity to attend school,' said Erasmus. The South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) stated that Section 34(1) of Chapter 4 of the South African Schools' Act, (Act 84 of 1996) states: 'The State must fund public schools from public revenue on an equitable basis in order to ensure the proper exercise of the rights of learners to education and the redress of the past inequalities in education provision.' In addition, the union said Section 28(2) of the SA Constitution further affirms that a child's best interests are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child. With regard to the controversial Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act (Act No. 32 of 2024), Theresa Michael, a key advocate in the Afrika Tikkun Bambanani initiative, believes that the BELA Bill presents an opportunity to create a stronger and more inclusive early learning system in the country. The BELA Bill, which amends the South African Schools Act of 1996 and the Employment of Educators Act of 1998, aims to improve school governance and management by addressing compulsory schooling, admissions, language policies, and home-schooling regulations. Michael said that by enforcing national standards and ensuring accountability, the Bela Act can drive improvements in the quality of education that young children receive. 'Our work in upskilling practitioners and equipping centres aligns with the need for structured, high-quality early learning environments. If implemented effectively, this act can help bridge the gap between policy and practice, ultimately benefiting the youngest learners,' she said. Similarly, Tessa Forman, who has been at the forefront of empowering practitioners through training and mentorship at the organisation, sees the BELA Act as a catalyst for meaningful change. 'Many ECD centres operate without the necessary oversight, leading to inconsistencies in teaching quality and resource allocation. The act, if supported with the right implementation strategies, could provide much-needed standardisation and support. At Afrika Tikkun Bambanani, we have witnessed the transformative power of structured training and curriculum implementation. If the government aligns its efforts with organisations like ours, we can ensure that every child gets a fair start in life,' she said. The youth of 2025 are facing challenges with dilapidated classrooms, school infrastructure, and a lack of basic amenities such as toilets, electricity, and safe classrooms. Image: File
