Latest news with #Ofentse
The South African
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Ofentse Tsipa breaks parenting myths with real talk
Ofentse Tsipa is a shining example that dreams do come true. Her name, meaning 'Christ has conquered,' honours her mother's resilience after several miscarriages before her birth. Today, Ofentse is a transformational coach based in Kenya. She juggles motherhood, marriage, and studies at United States International University-Africa, while helping others manifest love and financial success. With a Dutch husband, two children, and a passion for self-discovery, Ofentse shares her journey openly on her popular podcast and social media. She keeps it real, discussing everything from life hacks to personal struggles. Her story resonates deeply, especially with South Africans familiar with the Tsipa name, according to Showmax Stories. Her brother Lemogang Tsipa is a beloved South African actor who famously portrayed Shaka Zulu on Mzansi Magic's hit show Shaka iLembe. Now, Ofentse steps into the spotlight on Showmax's newest reality series, which follows affluent Nairobi mothers navigating parenting, and high-society drama. Known for her monthly 'Mommies and Mimosas' events, she brings sparkle and connection to the show's cast of moms. On motherhood, Ofentse says her coaching has transformed her approach. 'I'm all about manifesting magic! I've learned to feel my feelings and be present. This helps me walk alongside my kids as equals, real human beings with their thoughts and feelings. Forget the old-school 'children should be seen and not heard' mindset! My kids are both seen and heard.' Ofentse Tsipa adds that her coaching makes her more intentional and analytical about her children's emotions and creativity. Being part of a multicultural family enriches her parenting style. 'We are 100% multicultural! My husband is Dutch with French influence, I'm South African—Tswana with Zulu roots—and we live in Kenya. I like to call myself a global mama raising global citizens. We celebrate Christmas Dutch style but also honour Zulu traditions.' Ofentse employs two nannies and offers advice for other mothers. 'Trust your gut during interviews—chemistry is everything. Hire for character, not skills. Skills can be taught. I've trained my nannies in the Montessori method, focusing on the child's interests and individuality. To keep them happy, we have weekly check-ins. It's all about teamwork and respect. I give them autonomy and don't micromanage.' Asked which mom from the show she'd swap lives with for a day, Ofentse Tsipa says, 'Jackie. She's solo, balancing work and parenting. This is similar to my life, but on a smaller scale. I'd love to experience navigating dating again and rebuilding co-parenting relationships.' If her kids Google her one day, Ofentse hopes they find inspiration and pride. 'I want them to see a legacy of helping people become their best selves, authenticity, and loving life while growing. I want them to feel contentment and say, 'That's my mom.'' Ofentse Tsipa also opened up about postpartum struggles: 'No one prepares you for it. It's like stepping into motherhood and realising, 'Welcome to hell.' We talk about it on the show because it's raw and real. We need to talk about it more.' Her biggest joy? 'Unconditional love—it's unmatched. I love my kids more every day.' And a parenting myth she's debunked? 'You can't control kids. I used to judge moms when their kids threw tantrums—until it happened to me! It's about allowing them to feel and express themselves.' People often mistake her for a snob, but Ofentse Tsipa laughs it off: 'Then they meet me and say, 'Oh my goodness, you're so nice!'' Her favourite reality show? ' The Mommy Club franchise—the SA original and Sugar & Spice editions.' Ofentse Tsipa's story is one of resilience, authenticity, and joy—a global mama with South African roots making waves across Africa. Her journey inspires mums and dreamers alike. 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.
The Citizen
29-04-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Blind SA celebrates 200 years of Braille with renewed commitment to accessibility and literacy
Blind SA celebrates 200 years of Braille with renewed commitment to accessibility and literacy As the world marks the bicentenary of Braille, Blind SA is proudly honouring the legacy and transformative power of this tactile system with a renewed call for inclusivity, literacy, and technological innovation for people with visual impairments across South Africa. Founded in 1946, Blind SA has long championed Braille as more than just a reading and writing tool but advocated for it as a vital instrument for independence, education, and equality. With deep historical roots and a progressive outlook, the organisation remains at the forefront of Braille advocacy, education, and production in the country. The Brialle manager at Blind SA, Ofentse Manyane, said that Braille is not a relic of the past but it's a bridge to the future. 'It empowers individuals to access information, engage with their communities, and live independent, meaningful lives. As we commemorate 200 years of Braille, we at Blind SA remain steadfast in our mission to make this invaluable tool accessible to all,' Ofentse said. Empowering through literacy and innovation Blind SA has long recognised literacy as a fundamental human right. Through its Braille Services department, established in 1953, the organisation produces accessible content in all eleven official South African languages. Their offerings include Braille, large print, audio formats, tactile graphics, and even 3D models. 'From accredited training programmes in Unified Braille Code to foundational tutorials offered to staff and interns, Blind SA's education initiatives aim to foster widespread Braille literacy. In the last financial year alone, the organisation trained more than 85 individuals, including educators, to further embed Braille in learning environments,' Ofentse explained. The organisation is also piloting an innovative project in partnership with the Lego Foundation and the University of Cape Town to bring Lego Braille Bricks into special schools. This playful yet powerful approach aims to ignite love for literacy from a young age, with promising early results and potential for national expansion. Ensuring access and equity Blind SA's production team of 21 dedicated staff members transcribes an array of materials from examination papers to restaurant menus into Braille, subsidising 99% of costs for blind individuals. Its commitment to making Braille affordable and available extends to publishing regular free publications such as Braillorama, The Trumpet, and the Blind SA Newsletter. Recognising the digital shift in information access, Blind SA also maintains one of South Africa's largest online libraries for visually impaired users. The Blind SA Bookshare service offers audiobooks, digital Braille, and large print files to over 700 members, providing an essential gateway to both leisure and academic resources. Preserving the past, embracing the future The Antoinette Botha Braille Museum, housed at Blind SA headquarters in Alrode, pays tribute to the tactile code's legacy through an impressive collection of historical Braille writing machines, modern embossers, tactile maps, and assistive technologies. The museum is a testament to the enduring relevance of Braille and its ongoing evolution in a digital world. As the nation reflects on 200 years since Louis Braille introduced the system that bears his name, Blind SA continues to raise awareness through public engagement, educational outreach, and community collaboration. Plans for online Braille training initiatives in the upcoming financial year promise to expand their reach even further. 'Braille is the heartbeat of Blind SA's mission. Its vitality lies in every touch and our work is dedicated to ensuring that this vital tool remains accessible and alive for generations to come,' Ofentse concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
