Latest news with #Palesa
IOL News
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
WATCH: 'Marked': A gripping teaser unveils a mother's heartbreaking dilemma
Babalwa (Lerato Mvelase) will go to any length to save her daughter's life in "Marked". Image: Supplied The stage has been set for an emotionally-charged thrill ride with the release of the trailer for its explosive new local series, "Marked". The highly anticipated Netflix drama, which is set to be released in July, showcases how desperation can push ordinary people to cross ethical boundaries, all in the name of love and survival. The 6-part series which is produced by Quizzical Pictures, follows the journey of a mother, Babalwa, played by Lerato Mvelase. She's a dedicated cash-in-transit security guard whose world spirals into chaos after receiving devastating news about her daughter, Palesa played by "Blood and Water" star, Ama Qamata. Ama Qamata as Palesa in a scene from "Marked", a new local series coming to Netflix next month. Image: Supplied 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 The plot thickens when Palesa's life-threatening illness worsens, and Babalwa finds herself battling against time and a system that leaves little room for hope. As a law-abiding citizen and devoted mother, Babalwa's steadfast morals face an intense test. In a moment of desperation, she enlists the help of her trusted colleague, Tebza, played by S'Dumo Mtshali, as well as the reckless newcomer to the criminal underworld, Zweli (Sphamandla Dhludhu). A scene from the local 6-part series, "Marked", set to premiere on Netflix in July. Image: Supplied The ensuing journey sees Babalwa embark on a dangerous path that leads her to question the very principles she has always upheld. Things get extra spicy when Babalwa is betrayed and she becomes worse than any of her newfound enemies. With the stakes rising, Babalwa finds herself confronted with harrowing choices that ultimately blur the lines between right and wrong. The series also stars a host of Mzansi A-listers such as the iconic Jerry Mofokeng, Natasha Thahane of "Blood and Water" fame, Gaisang Noge, veteran actors, Linda Sokhulu, Mduduzi Mabaso, Clementine Mosimane and Desmond Dube, with captivating performer Bonko Khoza rounding of the star-studded cast. Award-winning film writer, actor and director Akin Omotoso directs the series alongside Maja Matshepo and Jono Hall. Natasha Thahane in "Marked". Image: Supplied In the meantime, here are a few other local shows to watch on Netflix. "Kings of Jo'Burg": With two seasons already out and the third premiering on Friday, June 13, the show follows the Masire family, who controls Johannesburg's criminal underworld, facing a supernatural curse and betrayals that threaten to destroy them. The series explores themes of legacy, family structures, and the consequences of power within a treacherous brotherhood. "Tuiskoms": It follows Fleur, a woman grappling with grief and a new life in her hometown after a major loss, alongside her daughter Kelly and mother Abigail. The series explores themes of family, loss, healing, and finding a new sense of purpose. "Unseen": Two seasons in, the series follows Zinzi escape prison, seeking vengeance and freedom. She is forced to team up with detectives and her estranged sister, Naledi, as she navigates a web of corruption and survival. The season explores the depth of corruption and the impact of societal injustice on marginalised individuals, particularly black women. Watch the trailer for "Marked" below.
TimesLIVE
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
DJ Tira sets the tone for this year's Durban July with Mzansi's sought-after A-listers
The countdown to the Hollywoodbets Durban July has begun and DJ Tira's Afrotainment team is gearing up for another spectacular year at the Afrotainment Marquee. On July 5, the team will bring their unique blend of style and entertainment to the event, themed 'Marvels of Mzansi'. Recently, the Palesa hit maker and the Afrotainment crew gathered at Avianto Hotel in Muldersdrift for a stunning photo shoot to kick-start their journey to the much-anticipated opulent event. DJ Tira's wife Gugu Khathi, singers Zee Nxumalo, Mawhoo, DJ Maphorisa, Ashley Ogle and Sweet Guluva, donned bright-coloured garments, setting the tone for an unforgettable event. For Gugu, the Durban July has become a cherished tradition. 'It went from an idea. From the smallest photo shoot to what we do now. It's been years, and each year, this day is the most important,' she said, highlighting the significance of the event. This year marks 14 years of DJ Tira having his Afro marquee at the Durban July and he's built a reputation for doing it bigger and better. He says this year he is taking things up a notch. 'The love and passion for what I do [is what keeps me going]. I love entertainment, I love looking good. I love being a leader. I love showing the way. And now I am showing the way for Durban July, how to dress and how to look,' Tira said. 'We always work with who's hot. When it comes to the Afrotainment shoot, we always work with whose currently trending.' Mawhoo, who will be attending the event for the first time because she usually attends the after-parties, plans to dazzle with elegance. She advises first-time attendees to put their best foot forward too. 'Look good, look nice. It's not a competition, just wear something that's going to make you feel confident and that you'll be proud of.' Ashley Ogle, also a first-timer, is excited about her appearance. 'I think of it (the event) as glam and Zodwa Wabantu. Now it's going to be Ashley Wabantu. I'm looking forward to seeing all the looks.'
The Citizen
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Miss Teen Legacy South Africa
Riverside High School in Vereeniging's Palesa Pahle represented Gauteng at the Miss Inspirational Teen South Africa at the Protea Hotel OR Tambo. Palesa was crowned Miss Teen Legacy South Africa 2025. Other titles she won include: Best in Social Media, Overall Public Choice Winner. She will also have the opportunity to represent South Africa internationally very soon. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
eNCA
08-05-2025
- eNCA
'It's been hell' - Mum relays painful fight for justice after child's rape
File: A sign left as a protest against gender violence at the scene of a rape and murder. GettyImages/RapidEye Editor's note: Pseudonyms have been used to protect the identity of a minor JOHANNESBURG - A Gauteng mother is torn between fighting for her daughter and walking away from a justice system she believes has let her family down. For the past three years, Maria Ngcobo* and her husband, Ben Ngcobo*, have been seeking justice after their nine-year-old daughter, Palesa*, who was raped, allegedly by her school principal. The incident reportedly happened in 2022, months after the family relocated from Pretoria to Johannesburg. Palesa was six years old at the time. Maria says the principal, who also managed the school transport, dropped Palesa off at home after 6pm – much later than usual. She noticed something was amiss when the child entered the house with the zip of her trousers down. "When I questioned her about it, she began crying. I stopped asking and began assisting her to undress. That's when I noticed her underwear was wet," Maria recalls. She contacted a female teacher from the school, but when the woman could not help, Maria turned to her neighbour, who took them to a nearby clinic. An examination confirmed that Palesa had been raped. Maria says at first Palesa was reluctant to disclose who had violated her. She later told the police, after they made it clear that she was safe with them. "She said it was him who did that and he threatened to kill her and the entire family if she ever told anyone," Maria recalls. The principal was arrested and later found to have been running an unregistered school and using a fraudulent ID. The man was released on bail. Maria and Ben say the case has been plagued by delays, changes in investigators, allegations of evidence tampering, and issues with DNA testing. They also claim to have been followed by suspicious vehicles, leading them to relocate multiple times for safety reasons. "I am frustrated. I was even telling my husband let's just drop this case because one day we will lose our lives. It cannot be that a rape case has been dragging since 2022. We have done everything in our power, but we are sent from pillar to post. The justice system has failed us," Maria says. She has noted a change in her daughter's behaviour since the incident. Maria says the child is not coping well in school, has become very distant and is no longer the bubbly Palesa they used to know. Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed that a rape case had been opened and that the matter was before the Germiston Magistrate's Court. She said the accused was charged with rape and contravention of the Immigration Act. She directed the family to register any questions or complaints with the case prosecutor. The matter resumes on 8 May. BY Zandile Khumalo
