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The Citizen
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Beaded tribute: Artist gifts Thabo Mbeki a 77 558-bead portrait for his birthday
The portrait depicts a young Thabo Mbeki and was crafted entirely from beads — 77,558 of them, to be exact, by artist Lindiwe Hlatshwayo. Artist Lindiwe Hlatshwayo took more than 700 hours to create the handcrafted bead portrait of Mbeki. Picture: @Powerfm987/X After working on a Thabo Mbeki portrait for three months, dedicating more than 700 hours of her time, artist Lindiwe Hlatshwayo presented the former president with a handcrafted bead portrait for his birthday. 'We hope this portrait serves as a lasting reminder of the impact you've made,' said artist Hlatshwayo in her brief speech before revealing the portrait to loud cheers on Sunday. The portrait is a photo of a younger Mbeki, which was made solely from beads — 77,558 to be exact. Hlawtwayo said it wasn't just a portrait, but a symbol. 'Each bead represents the countless lives touched, the inspiration given and the legacy created by Mr Thabo Mbeki. This isn't just a picture, it's a symbol,' said Hlawtwayo. 'It's unique, vibrant and unforgettable,' just like Mbeki she said. The portrait was unveiled at the end of the night of Mbeki's 83rd birthday on Sunday evening at the Joburg Theatre, hosted by radio station Power FM. Hlatshwayo is the artist behind Beads by Lindiwe, where she creates customary portraits similar to the one gifted to Mbeki. ALSO READ: Saxophonist Linda Sikhakhane shares special moment with Thabo Mbeki at birthday party Mbeki's love for art Although the theatre was filled with politicians and dignitaries, there was a presence of art—a display of Mbeki's appreciation for it. In 2023, during his 81st birthday celebrations, Mbeki shared an intimate moment with young saxophonist Linda Sikhakhane. After cutting the birthday cake, Mbeki gave the first piece to Sikhakhane. This was after Sikhakhane made mention of how jazz and politics were in tandem in the fight against apartheid during his set, which the former president quoted when he made his speech. 'We've lost sight of the role of the arts in terms of the formation of the nation. That we see music just as entertainment, so you stand up and jive and all of that. As we heard from the saxophonist who was saying that it would be a mistake to separate jazz from the politics of this country,' Mbeki said at the time. 'We have to attend to this matter, of bringing back the arts as part of the making of the nation.' Simphiwe Dana took the song "Malaika" to the next level tonight! Mama Miriam Makeba is definitely smiling. — Zwelinzima Vavi (@Zwelinzima1) June 22, 2025 At the celebrations on Sunday, singer Simphiwe Dana mesmerised guests through song. In his address, Mbeki described the Zandisile singer as a 'revolutionary militant.' Dana was part of a group that travelled with Mbeki to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for his 15th Thabo Mbeki Africa Day Lecture. NOW READ: Trombonist Siyasanga 'Siya' Charles excited to come back home for the National Arts Festival
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Thabo Mbeki calls for a reassessment of South Africa's national interests in a multipolar world
Navigating global power dynamics: Former President Thabo Mbeki's insights on US foreign policy Image: Picture: Armand Hough/Independent Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has called on the nation to critically assess and articulate its national interests in an increasingly multipolar world and the evolving foreign policy of the United States. In an interview with Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi on Power FM on Monday, Mbeki reflected on recent diplomatic tensions, including the controversial meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and former US President Donald Trump—an encounter many observers described as a diplomatic misstep. Mbeki pointed to a February statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which shed light on Washington's post-Cold War worldview. Rubio stated that 'after the Soviet Union's collapse, the global political landscape changed,' a shift Mbeki sees as emblematic of US foreign policy. 'The norm now should be a multipolar world where countries pursue their interests,' Mbeki emphasised. "When Trump spoke of 'Making America Great Again,' he wasn't advocating isolation. He asserted America's right to define and pursue its interests—controlling resources, influencing regions, shaping global institutions—regardless of others' opinions.' Power Politics in a Multipolar World Mbeki highlighted that this focus on self-interest isn't exclusive to Trump's administration. 'Every US government, regardless of party, operates on the principle of pursuing its national interests,' he said. 'They may see strategic value in places like Greenland or Panama and act accordingly.' This, he explained, is a defining feature of contemporary international relations. 'The guiding principle now is what benefits the US, not respect or equality. That's how they see the world.' 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 ✕ Implications for South Africa and Africa Mbeki warned that Africa must understand this global shift to safeguard its interests. 'If we ignore the reality that global powers are driven primarily by self-interest, we risk being manipulated or sidelined,' he cautioned. 'We need to articulate and defend our interests instead of passively accepting external dictates.' He touched on recent diplomatic tensions, notably South Africa's support for Palestine. 'Our stance is rooted in principles of justice and solidarity,' he said. 'But we must also recognise that US interests in the Middle East often conflict with ours.' Dependency and the Role of US Diplomacy Ndlozi criticised Africa's reliance on global powers, pointing to last week's White House incident where Trump accused South Africa of genocide—without evidence. 'That scene—staged videos, prepared images—showed how the US believes it has the right to lecture us,' Ndlozi remarked. 'This is a clear example of structural dependency and diminishing our dignity.' He argued that what is often framed as 'respect' is actually a form of dominance. 'It's not about mutual respect; it's about control,' he said. 'Our relationship with global powers has become asymmetrical—rooted in dependence, not equality.' The Changing Dynamics of US-South Africa Relations Ndlozi observed that US-South Africa relations have worsened under the current administration. 'In the past, even during disagreements—whether with Bush or Obama—there was a certain decorum,' he said. 'Now, the US acts as if it's entitled to dictate to us, regardless of our sovereignty.' He reflected on the diplomatic approach of previous US presidents. 'Visits by Bush or Obama, even amid disagreements, maintained mutual respect. Today's aggressive posture is deeply concerning,' Ndlozi noted. Moving Forward: A Call for Vigilance Mbeki concluded by emphasising that the world is shifting away from unipolar dominance. He urged African nations to be proactive by defining their interests and standing firm. 'Developing the capacity to defend our sovereignty is essential to avoid being passive recipients of Western or US policies. IOL Politics
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Thabo Mbeki urges African governments to prioritise history education
Reviving African history: Thabo Mbeki's call for educational reform. Image: Boxer Ngwenya Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has called on African governments to take decisive steps to revive and emphasise the teaching of African history in schools to avoid repeating past mistakes. His appeal comes amid concerns that the continent's youth, lacking historical awareness, risks repeating past mistakes that have hindered development and unity. After delivering the annual Thabo Mbeki Lecture in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Mbeki emphasized the importance of fostering a shared understanding of Africa's struggles, victories, and the lessons learned. In an interview with Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi on Power FM on Monday, he highlighted the critical role that historical education plays in promoting African unity and resilience. Mbeki underscored the need for "African unity and solidity," asserting that acting together is essential to confront the continent's ongoing challenges. 'We must collaborate to find solutions,' he said. 'The foundation of this effort lies in understanding our shared history — the struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs that have shaped us.' He praised the role of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation and initiatives dedicated to the continent's renaissance, noting that these efforts are vital for fostering a sense of pride and identity among young Africans. "The Foundation must be committed to the renaissance of Africa and South Africa,' he added. 'This entails capturing and transmitting our history to future generations.' 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 Mbeki recounted the importance of documenting the history of democracy in South Africa and beyond. 'The actors — those who fought for freedom — must tell their stories directly,' he said. 'We established projects like the South African Democratic Education Transfer to ensure that the history of our struggle is accessible and accurately conveyed.' He also pointed out that this initiative extends beyond South Africa, incorporating the broader anti-apartheid movement and global solidarity efforts involving Cuba, Brazil, India, Russia, and others. 'We've decided to develop textbooks tailored for high school students to make this vast knowledge accessible and engaging for young people,' Mbeki explained. 'It's essential that they understand the history from those who lived it, rather than only through secondary sources.' Mbeki expressed concern that many young Africans, including Tanzanian youth, are unfamiliar with their history. He cited observations from Tanzanian leadership about the forgetting or neglect of key moments in the country's independence and liberation. 'This is problematic,' he said. 'If young people are unaware of their history, they risk repeating past mistakes.' He urged governments and educational institutions to prioritize history education, emphasizing that the issue is not a lack of interest but a failure to provide adequate resources and curricula. 'It's our responsibility to ensure that history is part of public education,' he asserted. 'Young people are not uninterested; they simply need access and engagement.'
IOL News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
'If they were white, they would've been rescued': Mashaba slams government inaction over Lily Mine tragedy
Herman Mashaba, leader of ActionSA, has issued a scathing condemnation of the South African government's handling of the Lily Mine tragedy, asserting that racial bias plays a role in the prolonged delay in retrieving the remains of three miners trapped 90 metres underground since 2016. A Call for Urgency and Justice During a segment on Power FM last night, Mashaba made an emotional appeal to Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe to take urgent action. 'It's heartbreaking to think of the families who have been waiting for their loved ones' remains for almost nine years,' he said. 'If those miners were of the white race, the container holding their bodies would have been removed long ago. The government would have mobilised every resource to rescue them, and the media would have been shouting from rooftops.' Mashaba's words underscore a perception of racial disparity in the government's response, a sentiment that has gained momentum among affected families and the public. 'It's a tragedy that, despite the government's claims of progress and development, they have failed to act on this matter,' he added. 'We have spent over R4 million on legal costs trying to seek justice for these families, yet no meaningful action has been taken as the bodies are still trapped underground.'
The South African
22-04-2025
- The South African
Newzroom Afrika investigating Aldrin Sampear over road rage clip
Newzroom Afrika has placed news anchor Aldrin Sampear on immediate leave amid an internal investigation into a road rage incident last week. The TV and radio presenter has been accused of allegedly assaulting and being 'intimidating and aggressive' towards a 22-year-old woman. In a statement released on Tuesday, 22 April, Newzroom Afrika revealed that Aldrin Sampear had 'taken a break from his broadcast duties with immediate effect, pending an internal review of he matter'. The statement continued: 'Newzroom Afrika takes the allegations very seriously and we will work swiftly to address the concerns raised'. Last week, a video of Aldrin Sampear confronting university student Laricia Augusto went viral, following a 'minor collision' in Randburg, Gauteng. The incident turned into a full-blown road rage altercation. In the clip, Aldrin repeatedly asked why the woman gave him the middle finger, while she questions why he allegedly assaulted him. The woman told the Citizen, 'He was screaming at me. I tried to defend myself, pointing out that what he did was deliberate road rage. I even told him there was more than enough space for him to have driven safely,' According to reports, the woman has filed assault charges against Aldrin Sampear. In 2020, Aldrin Sampear made headlines during his then Power FM show after he admitted to being physically abusive to two ex-girlfriends. The news presenter stated that he witnessed the violent behaviour from his father towards his mother. He also claimed that, like his mother, his exes 'provoked' him into aggressiveness. Shockingly, Aldrin claimed that he 'outgrew' his abusive tendencies as he exercised his father's ability to 'hold back'. Defending his decision to speak out, he posted on X [then Twitter] at the time: 'We have been speaking to victims, rightfully so, to highlight GBV. The GBV rate tells us this is not enough. Do more in addition to this approach. 'One for me is, engage the abuser too, and it WILL anger people. But victim-offender dialogue that happens in prison must now become public'. 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.
