ROOTED IN FASHION 

By Sinethemba Mthabela 

HomeGrown Shandis, Ifreecan Time. 

Places inhabited by troubled or desperate people often double as a haven for creativity. Musicians and comedians have documented how their craft was shaped by difficult circumstances that existed earlier in their lives. The art of expression exists in many forms and fashion is one of them. 

Established in 2018 fashion label Homegrown Shandis is growing at a rate their counterparts would only anticipate in a few years. Comprised of a large number of members each individual brings their unique talent to the table and a fashion statement is made.

I had the opportunity of interviewing cofounder Sicelo Mabuza who explained the concept behind Homegrown Shandis.

Sicelo Mabuza, Co founder of HomeGrown Shandis 

"We are not fashion designers but prefer being called creative", he begins. The interview takes place in their booth at a flea market in Newtown occupied by other businesses.

Positioned between 2 entrances Sicelo says the move was done strategically in order to attract customers entering and exiting the market.

His journey as a creative started in high school when he left home as a teenager. it was only natural for his hustle instincts to kick in considering the circumstances.

Ifreecan Time together with Mama Kea designer shoes

Self-taught in graphic design, photography and taking videos it was only a matter of time before their fashion label would be born.

He continues," Homegrown Shandis caters for people's needs. We interact with our customers and get the sense of the kind of products they need." 

Isthali, men's wear available at Newtown Junction Mall 

This can be seen in their choice of material used. An old fabric that might be familiar to township dwellers, known as 'Itshali' or a traditional blanket, is used to make sneakers and scarves. If this doesn't blow your mind maybe their customised wrist watches with the faces of their customers will.

The main inspiration behind these products is to preserve that homely feeling one gets when surrounded by family. "Itshali can be used as a door mat or for warmth, in some instances, but we see it as an African treasure that needs to be cherished," Sicelo explains.

The team has had the chance of being interviewed on various media platforms and being noticed by prominent figures such as radio DJ T-bo Touch.

HomeGrown Shandis together with Mama Kea designer shoes 

Movers and Shakers set the trend

Their sneakers 'Mama Kea' are in demand in England while their other products are causing havoc in China.

Clearly anything is possible when you consider yourself a disruptor of the conventional method of doing things. What's better than disrupting the market with a Shandis that is HomeGrown. Furthermore, let's support Black Businesses and be proudly South African. #MishMash #HomegrownShandis 

A DIRECTOR'S REGAL DREAM

Sinethemba Mthabela 

Regal Dreams Production Team

The mind, arguably, is a theatre that constantly projects mental images cinematic in nature. 

If you're seeking an example just think about the kind of thoughts that occupy your mind on a daily basis. One individual who relates to this sentiment is, Sandile Biyela, the owner of 'Regal Dreams' production company.

Conceived in varsity 'Regal Dreams' is steadily growing and aims to be a force reckoned with. "In varsity I realised that I like storytelling using visuals and the first thing I ever wrote was a play", Sandile explains.

From right, Sandile Biyela founder of Regal Dreams. 

Although he obtained a bachelor's degree in Government and Political Transformation at the University of Free State film would haunt him for the duration of his course.

He adds that a seed was planted at a young age when he would watch the same movies repeatedly as an active viewer. This passion would later evolve into a directorial concept that prompted him to step up to the plate.

Although he never studied film, at an institution, he substitutes this by reading and following up on prominent directors.

The dream behind the production 

When asked about the significance of having a qualification in this field he responds, "The work, ideas and perspective that I have (kind of) weigh more than a qualification because you can have one but still be incompetent." 

A statement that is reminiscent of thousands of graduates who enter the workplace clueless... But that's an argument for another day.

As you would imagine being an independent film maker comes with tons of challenges that include the lack of resources. With social media at their disposal the company interacts with the public by posting their content online.

But all these shortcomings inspire authentic content that reflects the stories told by Regal Dreams. A series of conversations with actors, directors and industry stakeholders posted on the company's YouTube channel are an example of this.

Reverting back to the mind being a theatre Sandile has demonstrated that these ideas can be projected on to a screen with or without a qualification.

We therefore encourage you to dream in colour but most importantly have 'Regal Dreams'.

Please Call Me Inventor in Legal Battle

By Sinethemba Mthabela

An inventor is always admired and held in high regard for their level of genius. But what happens when the inventor, in question, is being refused recognition for the same invention they created.

Former Vodacom employee, Nkosana Makate, is in an ongoing legal battle with his former employer for not recognising and compensating him for his invention.

Makate claims to have invented the 'Please Call Me' service that allows Vodacom users to send a free message to a fellow user they would like to call. The invention dates as far back as 2000.

Vodacom has agreed to settle with Makate after the Constitutional Court ruled in his favour in 2016. The mobile network was willing to pay Makate R49 million but the latter refused the offer stating that R70 billion was owed to him.

The case has gained massive media coverage with prominent public figures, such as Gauteng MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi and former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, voicing their support for Makate.

In the midst of this debacle another individual formerly employed by Vodacom's rival network MTN is claiming ownership of the 'Please Call Me' invention.

Ari Kahn claims that MTN was already using this service when Vodacom decided to launch their own. He had allegedly done so a week prior to Makate pitching his idea to Vodacom.

Vodacom's financial benefit from this service was allegedly due to MTN not taking any legal action and enforcing their patent.

Confusion and frustration might describe this predicament which is almost two decades long. 

We'll keep you updated with any new developments. Keep on following Mish Mash and our exclusive stories. #MishMash

Protests over water

By Sinethemba Mthabela

Locals barricaded the street

Kwa Zulu-Natal is popular for its tourist attraction sites adorned by the tranquil Indian Ocean that makes for a beautiful scenery.

This introduction paints a wonderful picture right? But unfortunately not everything is all rosy.

23 years into democracy and the inequalities of this country continue to affect the poor. 2019 started off with protests over poor service delivery as well as a water crisis that has been looming, in Ladysmith, for almost a decade.

The area most affected is Ezakheni township situated on the outskirts of Ladysmith. Residents are fuming over the continuous water cuts, despite heavy rains, and the municipality's incompetence in dealing with the matter.

It is alleged that some officials from the Uthukela Municipality District have concocted a money-making scheme from the people's suffering.

According to residents the water supply is allegedly cut on purpose in order for water tankers to be leased out to affected areas. These tankers are believed to belong to certain officials who then pocket the funds.

A week barely passes without seeing residents lining up in the street with buckets and laundry basins to fill them up with water. 

"Our township is always the target and for what reason I don't know. You won't find this problem in the suburbs because every issue is fixed within minutes", complains Njabulo Radebe.

To express their frustration residents barricaded the main road with stones and burning tyres and vowed not to vote this year. Lucky Xaba says, "I'm not wasting my time and energy by voting for a government that has clearly failed us. For people planning on voting rather vote for other opposition parties". 

In December plain-clothed Hawks agents raided the municipality's offices in connection with an on going investigation and confiscated important documents.

Some senior officials were taken in for questioning but no arrests have been made thus far. The Uthukela Municipality District could not be reached for comment. Look out for more stories on #MishMashReload 

The Unapologetic God. Black. Youth Movement!

By Palesa Mohlamme

I love Soweto because we get to be inspired, ignited and fed infinite wisdom by young people in the township. I was intrigued by God Black Youth Movement, because it's not everyday you get to hear young Black people owning their throne and recognizing their real power. Founded in 2015 by Thando, Oshun and Siphelele, the holy trinity from Central Western Jabavu,  provides teachings and thought provoking knowledge to young people and they also sell Afrocentric books to the locals as well.

Founding members of the movement 

The philosophy behind God. Black. Youth is about knowing oneself and celebrating the God that you are. I really think it's a stepping stone for Black Youth to gain and have the necessary confidence and tools to knowing oneself.

Food for thought.. 

 For a change, this is a movement that doesn't preach agreession towards white people or anything about race for that matter.
Its a platform whereby you celebrate being Black without being apologetic about it, being conscious about your spirituality, state of mind, and surroundings. The movement keeps on moving as they have been joined by more followers and later this month they will be opening their new store at Mofolo, Soweto.

Beautiful crystals also sold at the store! 

Authentic indeed..



They also host Sipher, poetry and MC sessions just to name a few every first Friday of the month. Alternatively, you can expand your schemer by checking out their Afrocentric books and buy some authentic God. Black.Youth T-shirts for R100. Having to interview and knowing more about the movement has been an elightenling and eye opening experience for me. Please check them out on Facebook- God Black Youth. Stay tuned for more exclusive content #MishMashReload

Township Social Hub At Its Best

By Palesa Mohlamme

Born and raised in Soweto Lehlogonolo Mangope is  the founder of Township Soweto Hub,  which focuses on township development and sustaining township economy by investing in young people and small businesses.  It acts as an umbrella to unleash opportunities and platforms for local business. 

Letlhogonolo Mangope founder of Township Social Hub

It was founded in 2017 with the aim to provide avenues and opportunities for entrepreneurs and young up coming artists. "Township Soweto Hub unleashes small business and it equips young people with necessary skills and confidence to partiparte in the local economy", said Lethlogonolo.

Ladies enjoying the vibe

The movement held their first launch on 15 December and it was a successful turnout as Mish Mash got to speak to some of the artists and entrepreneurs at the event. 

Songstress Karabo and T-Lay

The initiative emphasizes on utilizing and having access to services offered by local businesses in the community. Some of the local artists attending the event includes, T-Lay Dj & producer, songstress Karabo who also appeared in Idols last year, rapper King Tony and M.C FishXv. 

Unfortunately, Township Social Hub is not necessarily supported by local stakeholders in Braamfishcher and local businesses. Therefore, Mish Mash would like to advocate supporting local businesses and making each other rich as Black people.

Magents.. 

Lets make each other rich




Lets support Black businesses and make each other rich as a People. Mish Mash woukd like to commend Township Soweto Hub on paving thth e way for young people and unleaching endless possibilities  for local businesses. #MishMashReload

A LOST PEOPLE?

Photo By: Palesa Mohlamme

                       
Finally June 16 vibe has settled down, now I can speak my mind. How did you celebrate June 16? For sure you were drunk as ever ne? Not me though, I was enjoying my family's company and almost forgot it was a public holiday. I have been checking out the June 16 memorial arch at my hood. Funny enough the place is not fully equipped with information about the 1976 protest, the only original thing they have from 1976 is a dustbin lid used by students protecting themselves during the protest.

The documents displayed at the arch are copies and the originals are at the University of Wits. But why the hell don't we have the original copies here? I mean, after all its our history and what's written in those documents is what happened moo Kasi. I read the documents written by the Student Representative Council of Soweto and I quote, "June 16 shall be known as The Student's day. Prayer meeting shall be arranged by students and parents. A moment of silence from early hours in the morning till 9 am. On June 16 parents are requested to pledge solidarity with their children. Workers requested two days off from 16-17 June. Shops and business shall be closed on the 16th and half a day on the 17th. Shebeens must be closed from 13-19th June. Suspension of all sorts entertainment from the 16-19th June. Taxi services to have a moment of silence in the morning and no services rendered by Pucto drivers. And hostel people to align themselves with people of Soweto during the mourning period".

I tell you this because most of you don't know this and therefore the meaning of June 16 has lost it's essence. We commemorate the day by getting drunk and filling parks and pubs. Have we really given up on our "history"or are we just plain oblivious? What happened in June 16 taught me that, the Youth is supposed to be resistance, we are not supposed  to be comfortable with everything going on around us and we should question things.

You know, the only history we know is Black people have always been the victims of history. The only information that is given to us makes us feel less worthy of ourselves and I think that's why Black ladies do weaves, bleach their skin and speak english so well mara mother tongue, Dololo!. Why don't we ever question what happened to the Black history before colonial period? why do we define ourselves through colonial history and apartheid? Is that what we really are vele?  Outcast and victims of history? And what's worse about this is we have to pay for knowledge ya mahala at our so called Hector Peterson museum. This seriously pisses me off. Our schools are not educating us about Black Excellence, Black Pride and Self love.

Instead you have to search and dig up true heritage and origin of African people. And even when you research such info, you come across white authors. I don't understand why does a white person has to write about Black history, My history, after all this proves that what you know as history has been filtered and manipulated.  Lets tell our own stories guys, snap out of it and stop being passive with everything! Queen Elizabeth decided to have a White Wedding and now its supposed to be my culture. what is White Wedding moo Black culture? No wonder you have so many divorce. What is divorce anyway moo Black culture? OOOh Shame re rata dintho wa tseba! Bo Khulani ba bua nnete ha ba re VUKA DARKIE! when I say Vuka Darkie I'm not talking about being an entrepreneur but I'm talking about knowing yourself, Be aware with yourself and Love and Respect yourself. I must confess that I feel lost that I don't know my true heritage, raw history written by a Black person. Are we really a lost people? #MishMash