We (MEDIA) are not evil

This opinion piece was published on The Star national newspaper on 17 August 2015 and The Weekly newspaper which is a provincial newspaper in the Free State, South Africa on 14 August 2015.

Dear celebrities, rappers, actors and fallen media personalities. As the people’s eyes and ears we are not out to kill your 15 minutes of fame. I could list you the main reasons for our existence and waking up in the morning to write about how you got slapped or how your wife cheated on you and all that but like any other professional it’s our duty to report.

I was amazed when reading an interview by a free provincial  newspaper (The Weekly) where the Bonginkosi “Zola” Dlamini went on a rant while being interviewed on how the ‘mighty evil’ tarnished his image with fabricated stories. Eight questions in, including him telling the interviewer that he\she isn’t experienced enough to know that news agencies do write lies on celebrities- he goes on to talk about the past.

From my view Zola hasn’t really moved on with his life which he denies has been tough. As a reader I really wanted to know about how he plans to make his new show a success, the lessons his learned and what to anticipate from him in the future. Not how the media ruined his 15 minutes of fame.

As if the interview wasn’t plentiful to frustrate me but as I browsed into Twitter one of my favourite hip hop rapper’s AKA was on his usual ‘I didn’t do it’ statements after reports surfaced of him allegedly  breaking a champagne bottle a man’s head yet later apologising. “This bottle incident? ... A false, sensationalist, poorly researched story combined with my team not entertaining bullshit.” Tweeted AKA.

This is just two in a million episodes that journalists and the media have to put up with celebrities getting into situations then blaming them for their downfall when all we do is report on what we know and have been told. Though I do not deny that we have a few thorns in garden but we do best in entertaining, educating and informing the public that buys your music, watches your shows and buys your clothing so respect us and we respect you. Remember any publicity is good publicity.

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Mfazi your voice is superior enough.

 This opinion piece was published on The Star national newspaper on May 29, 2015 under the headline "Create your own world woman"

There is a reason that Nelson Mandela is the most celebrated icon amongst all the South African heroes who took part in the emancipation of our nation. There is a reason Mahatma Gandhi, Malcolm X, Julius Malema and Mmusi Maimane are individuals that we look up to for leadership, wisdom and inspiration.

Our country is full of copy cats and people who believe they can only flourish in life if they follow suit in someone’s footsteps. Every teenage girl wants to be a Bonang Matheba and Nomuzi Mabena because that is what they are exposed to forgetting that presenting is their talent. But few desire to be a Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma or Isabel Dos Santos because their environment doesn’t offer that broad sense of thinking.

Youth especially young females in work places tolerate and accept being oppressed and being made to feel like they shouldn’t communicate their opinions and concerns. Because we are naturally emotional beings, for every point raised, we are made to feel like we are out of line where else, as women we cannot argue the same as a male colleague. We cannot gain authority over a conversation because of my “Manly presence” but of course I am going to raise my voice and make sure you get my point if I have to for you to get it.

Dear Mfazi its okay to be opinionated. It is okay to propose and implement change in your workplace, church, and home and where ever you feel you can convey positivity. Your voice is as equal as the man standing next to you and holding a position same as yours. Be that the Malala Yousafzai, Maggie Gyllenhaal, the Thuli Madonsela, Terry Pheto, Angelina Jolie and Hillary Clinton of your surroundings or forever live a life constructed by another equal human being.

See it on Create your own World woman by Mary-Jane Mabula

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When Bloemfotein Celtics beat Mamelodi Sundows 5-0

An apology ended  up with witnessing Bloemfotein Celtics beat Mamelodi Sundowns to the ground at the Lucas Moribe Stadium. While it was obviously cold and half empty, I enjoyed the atmosphere of soccer fanatics and friends I went with.

 

 

 

Although I must confess I was a bit worried about when the game ended and how the Sundows supporters\fans (who were on their feet since kick off) would react to the outcome- surprisingly they(supporters\fans) sang Gospel songs as the team walked over the pitch and got close to say thank you for the support and took photographs with fans.

All in all a lady enjoyed herself.