Launched last week, Threads has smashed the record for the fastest-growing consumer app, beating the ChapGPT record with over 100 million new users in 5 days.
The new social media platform which is set to be Twitter’s rival from Meta has had a lot of people wanting to jump on the platform due to a few changes Twitter has implemented since Elon Musk took over. you can access Threads from its desktop site at Threads.net or by downloading the app for iOS and Android.
Here’s what you need to know about Threads
1. Like, share, and quote
This option is similar to Twitter. You can like the Thread someone has made, quote and reply to it. The quote and reply option will show on your profile. You can’t see what someone else liked on their profile. The sharing option is interesting because it allows you to share someone’s Thread on Twitter, which is a bit ironic. You are also able to share your Thread on your Instagram feed and story.
2. Threading
To create a thread on Twitter, there is a plus sign to add another tweet under your initial tweet and the following tweets will be considered a thread. However, on Thread you have to click the Return button 3 times to create a Thread (multiple threads under the initial thread).
3. Search Button
What’s trending? This option is different on Threads from Twitter, on Threads, it is used to search for accounts to follow. While on Twitter you can find out what a lot of people are tweeting about in your area or country. To find out what people are threading about, you have to scroll the timeline, which makes the platform a little bit more interactive. It is unclear if the Trending option will be available on Threads any time soon.
4. Import Information
When you join the platform you use your Instagram handle, Threads gives you the option to import all your Instagram information. This means that you can follow the people you follow on Instagram and use the same bio. This makes it easier to find your Instagram community and when they join the platform they can request to follow you.
5. Character limit
On Threads, you can create text-based posts with up to 500 characters as well as share photos and videos up to five minutes long. Twitter Blue subscribers can increase their character limit to 25,000. Users who aren’t subscribed to Twitter Blue have a character limit of 280.
Threads is still a work in progress and there are more changes to be expected as the platform grows. Download the app to be in the know.
On the night of the 15th of June 2023, we saw the second annual Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, brought to you by Standard Bank . Held at the Sandton Convention Centre, the awards celebrated the outstanding achievements of young entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional creativity, resilience, and innovation in building their own brands.
Pamela Mtanga: Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards 2023 host
Voted for from a pool of 64 nominees making a significant impact in their respective industries, the winners of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards have showcased unwavering commitment, while driving positive change through their products and services.
And the winners are…
Accessories – Bona By Wenzy M
Agriculture, sponsored by the IDC – Evergreen Ageing
Apparel – GALXBOY
Beverages, sponsored by CCBSA – Grandeur Premium Gin
Hair & Beauty – Swiitch Beauty
Homeware – Mo’s Crib
Media – Public Health Entertainment
NPO & Charities – ZA Powerhouse
Travel & Tourism – Mogopodi Adventures
Technology, sponsored by Telkom – Reslocate
Services, sponsored by Brand South Africa – Legends Barber
Health & Wellness – Numa Medical Aesthetics
Education, sponsored by Wits Business School – Libertalia Group
Food – The Lazy Makoti
Footwear – Bathu
Personalities & Influencers, sponsored by Lunch Bar – Snikiwe Mhlongo
Additionally, Legends Barber was recognized as the Overall Top Brand, representing the epitome of excellence in the youth-owned brand landscape.
Pat Mahlangu: Founder & CEO (Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards)
“We are thrilled to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of these outstanding youth-owned brands,” said Pat Mahlangu, CEO and founder of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards. “Their accomplishments serve as a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit and ability to create innovative solutions that make a positive difference. We congratulate each and every winner and wish them continued success in their endeavors.”
“These awards are a testament to the dedication and hard work we’ve put into building Legends Barber. It’s an honour to be recognized as the overall top brand, and to be among such exceptional young entrepreneurs. We believe in our mission to provide the best grooming experience while positively impacting our community. This award motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and creating a legacy,” said Sheldon Tatchell, founder of Legends Barber.
Sheldon Tatchell: Founder (Legends Barber)
These extraordinary young entrepreneurs have not only demonstrated exceptional business acumen but have also made a lasting impact on their communities and society at large. Their passion, drive, and dedication serve as an inspiration to aspiring young entrepreneurs.
The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards extends heartfelt congratulations to all the winners, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and ingenuity. “We eagerly anticipate their future accomplishments and the continued positive impact they will make,” concludes Pat.
The much-anticipated 2nd annual Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBAs) brought to you by Standard Bank are scheduled to take place on the 15th of June 2023 at the Sandton Convention Centre. To maintain the credibility of the awards, the Top 16 YOBAs have again partnered with South Africa’s leading emerging, proudly black-owned and managed professional services consulting firm – Khumalo & Mabuya Chartered Accountants (KnM).
The Top 16 YOBAs are a platform that celebrates and recognises youth excellence in 16 categories of the economy. The awards embrace the fact that the youth are active players in the South African economy and that their contribution must be recognised.
KnM advocates for positioning Africa in the forefront and the world after. This is due to the contributions Africa has made to the world over many years in labour, minerals, humanity and so much more. The mission for KnM is to lead in all regions of Africa and alternative markets in advancing transparent governance in audit, advisory and SMEs.
Pat Mahlangu; Founder & CEO (Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards)
“Both Top 16 YOBA and KnM share common values which drive and catalyse youth entrepreneurship and excellence. It is great to have KnM as our auditors again this year as we continue to maintain the credibility and standard of our Awards,” said Pat Mahlangu, CEO & Founder of the TOP 16 YOBAs.
Peterson Khumalo, The Group MD of Khumalo and Mabuya says, “UNICEF acknowledges that young people not only represent the future of any nation but are the main agents of change and progress in a progressive society. At KnM we have internalised that viewpoint to the extent that we have pledged our little contribution in support of YOBA. Our slogan “Confident about the future”, demonstrates our firm belief that YOBA is an important stimulus that seeks to encourage a culture of youth entrepreneurship by recognising and celebrating young entrepreneurs.”
Peterson Khumalo: Group MD (Khumalo & Mabuya Chattered Accountants)
The Top 16 YOBAs will be preceded by the Festival of Youth-Owned Brands which will also be hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre on 14 and 15 June 2023.
The iconic shopping center Menlyn Park, situated in the heart of Tswana launched the ‘Made in Mzansi, by Menlyn’. An empowering initiative aimed at celebrating South African Heritage. The launch was strategically planned in September in correlation with Heritage Day, a significant day in South Africa that recognizes and celebrates the cultural diversity of the country.
Owner and manager of Menlyn Park Shopping Center, Pareto Limited is invested in growing people through properties that shape the South African horizon and having done so for the past 20 years. With their positioning ethos ‘growing places’ Pareto Limited has prioritized collaborating with creative industry experts and key industry players in investing, modifying, reaching new heights and breaking new barriers. The ‘Made in Mzansi’ initiative is a testament to bringing this ethos to life.
“We urge the immediate Menlyn community to make it their mission to visit the Centre this month to come and scope out the Made-in-Mzansi stores. Trust me, you are in for a spoil! My team has been hard at work curating an impressive collection of local Tshwane retailers. As for the rest of South Africa, I urge the same of you – when you’re in the 012 district, head over to Menlyn and pay these stores a visit.
I am not only excited to see this project come to fruition for the sake of my Menlyn shoppers, but I am also incredibly proud to see great local brands pioneering the retail space in our Centre.”
-Nisha Kemraj, General Manager of Menlyn Park Shopping Centre
The following list of local Tshwane stores are currently operating under the “Made in Mzansi, by Menlyn” umbrella:
· BENLUC (fashion retailer)
· Gal X Boy (fashion retailer)
· Konkhe Kuhamba Kahle (fashion retailer)
· INK CASA (tattoos and body-piercing)
These brands have been given a leg-up to level-up by Menlyn, to assist them in paving their way to an even brighter future. The mammoth centre offered these local businesses access to their very own retail incubation program. The program centred around equipping these business owners with a retail mentorship which endeavours to arm them with the necessary skills to conquer the world of retail. Menlyn is bursting with pride to see how the program has empowered these businesses by taking them from either an online platform or from an informal retail setting to brick and mortar stores in the largest shopping centre in Africa.
Menlyn looks forward to the future ahead and cannot wait to welcome you to the shopping center and any of these luxurious local retailers.
Founded by Fezile Dhlamini, Green Scooter is the safest and first electric motor-tricycle for the African market. We chat to to him about his brand that has been in business for 6 years. Green Scooter won the Technology category sponsored by MTN Pulse at the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards.
The Green Scooter Journey
How has the journey been for Green Scooter?
Fezile: Green Scooter has been around for 6 years now. Formally, in the market for 4 or 5 years now and it has been a rollercoaster. The has been a lot of learning and unlearning. There has been a lot of super highs and super lows. You are trying to do something, you are trying to build something; you are creating this entire market in South Africa that is not really familiar.
How do you feel about the nomination?
Fezile: It moves away from how I feel rather how we feel as a company. It reaffirms that we are doing something right. It’s all about building something that people love. It allows young people to dream through you. For the company, it brings excitement, it enhances our vision. I was never a person of awards but getting your award [Top 16 YOBA] changed my perspective.
The Business After The YOBAs
Green Scooter with Award and MTN Pulse Hamper
Are you in talks with MTN Pulse after winning a category they sponsored?
Fezile: The award itself and it being sponsored by MTN Pulse it enabled us to have much higher level conversations with the team of decision makers. There are certain discussions we are having that focus on youth because I am also very youth driven when we talk about entrepreneurship.
Insider dubs you as South Africa’s Tesla, how does that make you feel as a team?
Fezile: Compliments like those are very important as how the market perceives you. I say this in a PR level, because if we said we are building something better than Tesla, it really has no impact. We are the Tesla of three wheels.
2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title winners, Banyana Banyana return to the country and South Africans came out in numbers to celebrate the winners at the OR Tambo Airport. Upon their return, South Africans wore their proudly South African colors to welcome the victorious queens for walking away with their first Women’s AFCON trophy on Saturday.
Image: Banyana Banyana returns with the Women’s AFCON trophy.
Banyana Banyana walking away with their 1st Women’s AFCON trophy
South African women’s soccer team, known as Banyana Banyana were crowned Africa’s new champions on Saturday. The team won after beating their host, Morocco with a score of 2-1. it was a tough battle for the team, as they went through the 1st half without scoring a single goal. However, the team did not give up, they rose to the occasion and in the end triumphed, leading up to their 1st win at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. South Africans were left ecstatic as they celebrated Banyana Banyana’s victory.
Image: Banyana Banyana crowned the Women’s AFCON winners.
Banyana Banyana welcomed back in style
Banyana Banyana returned home today, and South Africans could not let the moment of their arrival pass them by. Their supporters dressed up, sang and were filled with joy as the team made their way back home. With all the things that the country has been going through, Banyana Banyana’s victory came at a the right time. The team brought so much joy and unity amongst South Africans, which is exactly what the country needs at the moment.
South African actor, playwright and theatre director, Mncedisi Shabangu has passed on, at the age of 53. The actor passed on in the early hours of Sunday (24 July). Mncedisi’s bother, Mthokozisi said the actor was sick before he was declared dead at a local clinic.
Image: Mncedisi Shabangu
Roles Mncedisi will be remembered for
He was known for his roles in iNumber Number, The Lab and e.tv soapie, Rhythm City, to name a few. The actor won a SAFTA award for ‘Best Supporting Actor’ for his Rhythm City role as ‘Khulekani Ngobese’. Mncedisi was more than an actor, he dedicated his time to directing for various theatre productions.
Image: Mncedisi Shabangu on Rhythm City.
Renowned actors pay tribute to Mncedisi
The industry has lost a legend. Actors such as Sello Maake KaNcube, Fana Mokoena, Hamilton Dlamini and Atandwa Kani went on to pay tribute to the late Mncedisi Shabangu on social media.
Stimorol Flow Lab held its first workshop this past Saturday, at the luxurious Hotel Sky, in Sandton. Stimorol Flow Lab brought the industry’s greatest to inspire and empower young up and coming artists in the music industry. Musa Keys, Majorsteez and Slikour were among the speakers present. The artists shared their insights on the music industry, how one can grow in the industry as they took the audience through their own journeys in the music industry.
The platform sparked beneficial conversations between musicians, producers and upcoming artists. They spoke about the hard work that goes into becoming successful in the industry and what keeps them going when it gets tough.
What is Stimorol FlowLab?
The Stimorol FlowLab is Stimorol’s new platform aimed at bridging the gap between South Africa’s greatest artists, music producers and upcoming artists and producers. In a country filled with a number of young people who want to make it in the music industry, Stimorol FlowLab felt the need to give upcoming musicians and producers the necessary push in the right direction. It is an opportunity to not only learn from the best musicians and producers in the country, but for the musicians/producers to share their journeys in life, before their prominence.
Image: Stimorol Flow Lab
Guest speakers: Majorsteez, Slikour and Musa Keys
For its first workshop, Stimorol FlowLab sure did show up! They brought the talented South African hip-hop & RnB brother-duo, Majorsteez, award-winning rapper, Slikour and renowned South African music producer and Amapiano star, Musa Keys. To speak on the business side of music, the platform brought music operations manager at TikTok Africa, Yuvir Pillay (affectionately known as Sketchy Bongo) and regional manager for Ditto music in Africa, Wendy Bekker.
The Flow of the workshop
The venue for Stimorol FlowLab’s first workshop (Hotel Sky, Sandton) provided an intimate setting that allowed the speakers and audience to interact with one another. The workshop was centred around four sessions. First session themed ‘repping my city’ was kicked-off by hip-hop & RnB brother-duo, Majorsteez and rapper, Slikour.
Surrounding yourself with people who have your best interests at heart: Majorsteez
Majorsteez featured the likes of Cassper Nyovest, Costa Titch and Uncle Vinny, to name a few. The duo highlighted how their parents influenced their love for music, when they realized that music was their calling and shared a few words of encouragement to the audience. “The moment we knew that we’ve found our calling was when we recorded our song ‘Lies’ featuring Uncle Vinny and Costa Titch. When we recorded the song, we didn’t know what our next move was, but the support we got after the song came out made us realize that we actually doing good”, said one half of the duo, Steez (Sihle). The duo further went on to encourage up and coming artists to surround themselves with people who got their best interests at heart.
Image: Majorsteez at the Stimorol FlowLab
Believing in your craft: Slikour
Slikour who is a veteran in the music industry is not only a rapper, but an advocate for South African musicians/artists through his popular online music platform, Slikour on Life. Slikour left the audience inspired as he touched on his journey as a rapper, from Skwatta Kamp to Slikour on Life. He also emphasised on the importance of being authentic, sticking to your true-self and believing in your craft. “If you do believe in anything firstly, you got to ask yourself, do you have the confidence to convince someone that it’s only you, nobody else and you the greatest. If you don’t have that confidence, you are going to be part of everyone else who’s trying, part of everyone who’s constantly told that they are not good enough”, says Slikour. The music industry is a very competitive industry with so many young talents who want to make it to the top. Unfortunately, sometimes the pie is just not big enough for everyone, hence authenticity, hard work and confidence is encouraged to stand out from the crowd.
Image: Slikour at the Stimorol FlowLab
Releasing music in modern times: Yuvir Pillay & Wendy Bekker
The second session was themed ‘Scene and Heard’ with Yuvir Pillay and Wendy Bekker. TikTok Africa music operations manager, Yuvir Pillay and Ditto Music Africa regional manager, Wendy Bekker gave tips on how upcoming artists can use modern technology to distribute their music. They touched on the technicalities of uploading music on online music distribution platforms, different copyright laws, press releases, record labels, while sharing a few tips on building momentum on music releases.
Opening up the industry: Musa Keys
The third session was themed ‘Breaking the mould’ with Musa Keys. Musa Keys is a South African music producer and amapiano star, known for his hit songs ‘Samarian Boy’, ‘Vula Mlomo’ and ‘Selema Po Po’ to name a few. During the Stimorol workshop, the star spoke about how he started making music from a young age, and how he strives to uplift young, up and coming artists. In his recent hit ‘Kancane Kancane’, he featured new artists. “With the song ‘Kancane’, it was literally two new kids, nobody knew anything about them. Crazy thing, that was their first drop ever, and their first drop happened to be a gold-selling song, going for platinum now”, says Musa. He also touched on his versatility. The star does not want people to box him into a certain genre or style of music. Musa Keys does more than producing music, he also incorporates his vocals in some of his music. Musa Keys wrapped it up by emphasizing on the importance of choosing a team that has your best interests at heart. Especially with management, your manager needs to always have your best interests at heart.
Image: Musa Keys at the Stimorol FlowLab
To close off the workshop, there was a ‘Listening Session’. The session was for upcoming artists to show off their music. Stimorol played songs of those who submitted their songs for the Stimorol FlowLab. This gave the artists the opportunity to interact with the speakers, Majorsteez and Musa Keys. The whole purpose of the workshop is to open up the music industry, and to inspire future musicians and producers in South Africa. The workshop also gave insight on the business side of music. The next Stimorol FlowLab workshop will be held in KwaZulu-Natal. Let’s keep it flowing!
Everyone is always up for a sweet treat. Krispy Kreme has partnered up with Nestle to bring you 3 different doughnuts filled with Nestle chocolates.
Krispy Kreme History
In the late 1930’s Vernon Rudolph, the man responsible for these heavenly delights bought a secret recipe for yeast raised doughnuts off a French chef in New Orleans. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts are made fresh daily. This iconic brand made its way to the African continent, with its first store opening in Rosebank, Johannesburg.
Filled Rings Edition
The Sweeter together combination of these two iconic brands brings 3 different flavours. The limited edition doughnuts have deliciousness, inside and out. The new Filled Rings Edition range is available from all participating mini locations and in-store. The 3 flavours are;
The brightest ring in the Milky Way. The Milky Bar Filled Ring is hand-dipped in white chocolate, filled with a Milky Bar Kreme, drizzled with Milky Bar sauce and topped with Milky Bar shavings.
Image: Milky Bar Filled Ring
The Bar-One Filled Ring is filled with a delicious Bar-One chocolate Kreme and topped with a Bar-One chocolate.
Image: Bar-One Filled Ring
The new kid on the chocolate block, the Tex Filled Ring. This doughnut is filled with Tex chocolate Kreme, hand-dipped in milk chocolate and topped with Tex chocolate.
Head to all participating Krispy Kreme mini locations to get your hands on these limited edition doughnuts. Furthermore, you can get them delivered too.
New online bartering platform, CirculateIt launched on the 4th of July 2022. CirculateIt is a platform created to make life easy and convenient for people to exchange goods and services without using money in the process. The brand name says it all “Circulate it” – encouraging people to ‘circulate’ their pre-owned goods/services for their desired goods/services.
Bartering Explained
Bartering is a cashless exchange system that dates back to 6000 BC – where 2 parties trade goods and/or services directly, without the use of money. Bartering has been practiced for years, even before the existence of money, people used to trade and exchange items. The whole concept of bartering is to save money and avoiding waste by trading what you may no longer want for something you really want.
Image: Supplied
CirculateIt
CirculateIt is the modern bartering platform, because it uses technology to bring 2 parties together with a mutual agreement to exchange/trade items. “CirculateIt aims to unlock the latent potential of bartering to give frugal consumers access to more goods, services and reduce waste” says Frank Ogagba – Chief Executive Officer
Instead of discarding goods you no longer need or want, rather trade them in for goods you really need or want. CirculateIt is currently launching the platform for people residing in the Gauteng province, and as time progresses, they are willing to expand to other provinces. The public is always keen on trying new things, especially new technology – hence CirculateIt sees the idea of bartering as a great fit into the market. The platform is new, it’s fun, it’s convenient and most importantly it’s cost-effective. “Price hikes and the cost of living are trends that make it difficult for most South Africans to make ends meet. Ways to save money are more pertinent than ever. CirculateIt.online gives South Africans a new way to save money, and even better, get what they need without paying. The platform enables people to barter trade products and services for what they need”, adds Frank Ogagba
Image: Circulate It Logo Supplied
Going into the month of July [savings month] the platform educates the public on not only saving money, but saving and preserving the environment. CirculateIt cannot wait to be the go-to bartering platform in South Africa and it cannot wait to switch things up in the market – #letsswitch.
Bringing the heat to Cape Town this Winter, KFC South Africa is opening the doors to it’s limited-edition pop-up store; Kentucky Town.
As the Winter chills roll in, KFC brings a lil’ heat to the Canal Walk KFC restaurant – in the food court – for a limited time only from the 7th to 17th of July. Just 11 days, in honour of their Original 11 Herbs and Spices Secret Recipe.
Limited-Edition Menu
For 11 mouthwatering days KFC will be serving up a hot new limited-edition Menu with some KFC meals that you’ve never seen before – and may never see again.
The special Kentucky Town Cape Town menu will include some of the top favourites from the original pop-up store such as the Doughnut Zinger Burger and Spicy Chips flavoured with Tabasco. However they will be turning up the heat with a stack of new and exciting limited-edition items. In homage to the city and culture of Cape Town, the menu includes the limited-edition KFC Gatsby as well as KFC Chachos (like Nachos), Simba Crunch Zinger Wings, Kentucky Fried Oreos with Soft Serve and a Midnight Mojito to seal the deal.
Image: Kentucky Fried Oreo and Soft Serve
Image: KFC Gatsby
Image: KFC Midnight Mojito
KFC’s Famous Sauces On Sale
KFC’s famous sauces will be on sale again! The ‘Zinger Sauce’ and The ‘Dunked Sauce’ flew off shelves last year. You can get these KFC sauces for R50, however there will be a limit to stock.
Image: KFC Sauces
Limited-Edition Winter Gear & Gadgets
This is perfect for all collectors. What’s a new Season without a fresh new look? Kentucky Town Cape will offer new Winter Gear Collection for sale.
Capetonian’s most-groomed can prepare their beards and moustaches for the limited release of The Colonel’s Beard Oil inspired by the secret 11 herbs and spices recipe. Moreover, there is limited-edition KFC 11 Herbs and Spices Fire logs, so you can cozy up to our famous KFC aroma all Winter.
The Winter Gear Collection will also include limited-edition items such as the Colonel’s Onesie and KFC PJs. This is all in addition to Zinger sleep shorts, vests, trakkie pants, hoodies, and Winter accessories.
The best part? All proceeds from sales will be donated towards the KFC Add Hope initiative. Add Hope helps provide nutritious meals to underprivileged children in South Africa. So now you can look good this Summer and DO good at the same time! Yaas please!
Durban July live event returns with new headline sponsor – Hollywood Bets
The renowned horse-racing event, Durban July took place on the 2nd of July 2022, and for the 1st time Hollywood Bets is the headline sponsor of the event. Hollywood Bets has taken over the reins of being headline sponsor of the Durban July from Vodacom. This comes after a two-year hiatus of having live events, with the event only taking place virtually – due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event is more than just about horse-racing, it’s a time for high ballers and fashion talents to show up and show off their fashionable outfits. The likes of Thuli Phongolo, Cooper Pabi, Mohale Motaung and the founder and CEO of award-winning Youth-Owned brand, Mbali Sebapu [Hermosa Flor] attended the event. The celebrities, as the youth say: “ate and left no crumbs”.
Outfits that brought the honey
The Durban July theme for this year was “Show Me The Honey” and honey! They sure did show the honey! The outstanding looks that brought the honey and get a PAT from us are looks by Jessica Nkosi, DJ Tira, Khuli Chana, Ayanda Thabethe, Nandi Madida, Thuli Phongolo and Mbali Sebapu.
As per usual, there are those that always follow the theme, and those that simply do not get the memo. These looks that brought the honey get a PAT from us for definitely making a statement! Paying attention to detail, being authentic and most importantly following the theme is what pulls off a ‘killer’ outfit. Durban July showed us that South African fashion designers, and African fashion designers as a whole never disappoint. The beautiful outfits/garments were designed by the likes of Roberto Scholtz, Orapeleng Modutle and Otsile Sefolo, to name a few.
Jessica Nkosi
Jessica serving honey bee in her fashionable garment designed by Namibian fashion designer, Ruberto Scholtz
Thuli Phongolo
Thuli Phongolo’s breath-taking garment designed by South African fashion designer, Orapeleng Modutle
Ayanda Thabethe
Ayanda Thabethe looked stunning in her fashionable dress designed by Laart Neviole Emporium.
DJ Tira
DJ Tira styled by his wife, Gugu Khathi, in dashing outfit designed by House of Ole [Ole Modimo]
Nandi Madida
Nandi Madida’s fashionable honeycomb dress designed by Keys Fashion.
Khuli Chana
Khuli Chana serving honey in his ‘yellow-mellow’ outfit.
Mbali Sebapu
Founder & CEO of award-winning youth-owned brand, Mbali Sebapu looked stunning in her regal dress designed by Otsile Sefolo.
It had been a long time since the horse-racing event, Durban July took place, for some it was their first time attending the renowned event and for some it’s a tradition. Celebrities made sure that they showed up and made up for the last two years they couldn’t experience the event live.
What’s your favourite look from the Durban July 2022, and tell us why?
Youth-Owned Brands are driving the economy with ways of combating youth unemployment in South Africa. After recognising these brands owned and run by the youth, Pat on Brands has noted that we shouldn’t only recognise them in celebration but also in hard times. Not new to the Pat on Brads platform, MTN Pulse has came forward with a donation to MDU Cleaning Services.
Image: Instagram
MDU Cleaning Services
MDU CLEANING SERVICE is a convenient cleaning service company founded by Mduduzi Mnisi. The company initially started in 2015 in Soweto, Orlando as ‘Sayenza Lento Tekkie Wash’ meaning “We doing this”, translated to English and later changed the name to MDU CLEANING SERVICES. The company provides cleaning services for shoes, bags, cars and carpets.
According to a statement by MDU CLEANING SERVICES; “Our main facility which we use not only for our cleaning services but also for storage caught fire as a result of a short cause by a resurgence of electricity after the third phase of load shedding Stage 4.” The business not only used its premises for cleaning services, but for storage use as well – which was a great contributor to the premises catching fire. Cleaning products are highly flammable, causing the fire to spread and not only burn the premises, but also burn the possessions of the customers”.
Image: Instagram
MTN Pulse Donation
Following in the steps of helping youth-owned brands MTN has brought forward a donation of R50 000 and a year of connection to MDU Cleaning Services. MTN Pulse is no stranger to the Pat on Brands platform, as they were the sponsors of the Technology category at the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards. Almost at the end of Youth month and stepping to Mandela Month it is important to celebrate the youth for the amazing things they do, and help them when needed.
“It is MTN Pulse’s mission to empower young people through all seasons and not just in the good times and with this in mind we could not turn a blind eye to a youth-owned brand in need, most especially not during Youth Month We wish Mdu a speedy recovery of business and we look forward to seeing his business flourish once more”, says Mirriam Mathebula, Youth Manager for MTN Pulse.
Pat on Brands recognised a youth-owned brand that needed help and offered a way to help them get back on their feet. MTN Pulse is also urging big brands and corporate to lend a help and offer their resources to this small business.
Just two weeks after Pat on Brands celebrated the efforts that the youth of South Africa have made, and continue to make, towards the shared economic future of South Africa at the inaugural Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBA). YOBA is an initiative by Pat on Brands, aimed at recognizing brands that are owned and run by the youth in South Africa. We as Pat on Brands, are devastated by the unexpected loss experienced by a youth-owned business in Soweto (MDU CLEANING SERVICES) as their premises caught fire due to loadshedding.
According to a statement by MDU CLEANING SERVICES yesterday: “Our main facility which we use not only for our cleaning services but also for storage caught fire as a result of a short cause by a resurgence of electricity after the third phase of loadshedding stage 4.” The business not only used its premises for cleaning services, but for storage use as well – which was a great contributor to the premises catching fire. Cleaning products are highly flammable, causing the fire to spread and not only burn the premises, but also burn the possessions of the customers”.
MDU Cleaning Service
MDU CLEANING SERVICE is a convenient cleaning service company founded by Mduduzi Mnisi. The company initially started in 2015 in Soweto, Orlando as ‘Sayenza Lento Tekkie Wash’ meaning “We doing this”, translated to English and later changed the name to MDU CLEANING SERVICES. The company provides cleaning services for shoes, bags, cars and carpets.
Image: Supplied
Pat on Brands Offers Help
For a brand that is on the pulse with the youth such as Pat on Brands, we took it upon ourselves to offer a helping hand to MDU CLEANING SERVICES by donating a sum of R 5 000 to help them bring their business back to life again. The Pat on Brands initiative, YOBA does not only exist to celebrate and recognise youth-owned brands, but it exists to also empower and uplift the youth of South Africa.
“Just over a week ago, we were celebrating youth-owned brands at the Top 16 Youth Owned Brands Awards. As a youth owned business ourselves, we see it fit to lend a helping hand to fellow youth-owned business – Mdu Cleaning Services. We believe that what we can offer them can make a huge difference and help their business rise from the ashes”, says Pat Mahlangu – Founder and CEO of Pat on Brands / Lerato Agency
South African youth have a long history of challenging the status quo. On 16 June 1976 – the date we now know as Youth Day. Till this day, the youth are the drivers of economic growth and job creation in South Africa.
Small businesses play a key role in growing our economy and creates jobs for over 60% of the country’s population. This means that the more support this small business receives, the more people they can employ, the more successful and stronger our country becomes.
It will be wonderful to see other businesses, brands, and companies that have the capacity to offer a helping and grow our economy.
On the 15th of June 2022, the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBA), an initiative by Pat on Brands took place at The Capital: On the Park in Sandton. The purpose of the initiative is to celebrate and recognise brands owned and run by the youth. Only one brand had the honor of walking away with the bragging rights in each of the 16 categories. ‘Beverage’ was one out of the categories and Siwela Wines got to walk away as the Top Beverage Brand, sponsored by Black Crown.
Siwela Wines
Siwela Wines is an award-winning female-owned wine company, founded by Siwela Sweetness Masoga. The founder, Siwela was born in Soweto, Gauteng and raised in Marulaneng Ga-Mphahlele, Limpopo. She studied Biotechnology in Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Microbiology and fermentation as her majors sparked curiosity and interest in wine making. Siwela’s interest in winemaking paid off as her brand, Siwela Wines is now an award-winning beverage brand. She could not be present to accept the award, but her team accepted the award on her behalf.
Image: Siwela Wines Team Member Accepting Award
Black Crown as Beverages Category Sponsor
Black Crown, a gin & tonic brand by South African Breweries (SAB) sponsored the Beverage category. The drink has clean, crisp flavors of lemon and lime, crafted with eight proudly African botanicals. Black Crown is all about being unapologetically African and “owning your crown”. “We want to remind Africans that their dreams are theirs for the taking. Encourage them to have full confidence in their capabilities and belief in their destiny. We are honored to sponsor the beverage category and shine a spotlight on young African creatives that deserve to be crowned. So let every sip of Black Crown remind you to #OwnYourCrown”, says Claudia Schmid, General Manager of Black Crown.
Image: Black Crown Set Up At Top 16 YOBA
On the night of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, the Black Crown team setup next to the YOBA registration table to offer guests their welcome drinks after completing their registration process. Black Crown got the opportunity to showcase their new addition to the royal Black Crown family – being the new Black Crown gin & dry lemon with marula. The new Black Crown drink is infused with African Marula fruit, available in a 440ml can and has been made available at all retailers.
Siwela Wines owned their crown as the brand was celebrated and recognized as the top ‘Beverage’ brand for the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards – proudly sponsored by Black Crown.
Nando’s celebrates launch of two new PERi-PERi Bag & Bake flavours with #PERiTricks pop-up in the heart of Braam! Synonymous with creativity, Nandos showcases this with the launch of two new variants of the Bag and Bake product. The new variants, namely Paprika Citrino and Smokey Churrasco will be launched at the new pop-up located in Braamfontein between 24 June and 10 July 2022.
Image: Supplied
Flavours In The Bag
The Paprika Citrino is paprika and lime-flavoured and with the recipe perfected, the brand needed to come up with a name that only Nando’s could own and besides, just calling it Paprika and Lime would’ve been much too meh. So, after a bit of back-and-forth, Paprika Citrino seemed to be the best choice. Here’s why it makes perfect sense, with those six little syllables the brand is able to do more than just describe a flavour. It gives Nando’s an opportunity to evoke its rich Afro-Portuguese heritage and invite customers to enjoy a vibrant, spicy, uniquely Nando’s experience. The second new variant is a little more complex in its flavour profile. With rich, oaky, savoury notes balanced by a subtle sweetness, the finished product’s smokey taste is evocative of chicken braaied over wood. It was this sense of “that’s-close-but-not-quite-right” that inspired the name Smokey Churrasco.
Image: Supplied
#PERiTrick
These two flavours inspired a whole range of #PERiTrick recipes – that could be cooked any time, anywhere any way – even in your dorm room with an iron or in a tumble dryer – yes, a tumble dryer – if you don’t have access to a kitchen to utilize the more conventional appliances such as a toaster, air fryer or microwave. Once the recipes are prepared, guests will have the option to enjoy their creation/treat in a pod on-site or take it home to indulge and enjoy.
With the pop-up, Nando’s also celebrates the creative skills of young and talented individuals such as award-winning textile and surface designer, Bonolo Chepape. Bonolo together with the help of culinary-minded design agency Studio H came up with original themes for the launch. Food Stylist and Chef Keletso Motau, styled the video shoots and facilitated the recipe videos while Cinematographer, Earl Abrahams captured and packaged all the video. Chepape says she drew inspiration for the patterns and colour palette from Nando’s brand heritage as well as textile weaving techniques and Bauhaus-inspired elements of Mozambican architect, Poncho Guedes. “I wanted the design to be playful and reflect the experimental and experiential purpose of the pop-up.”
Image: Supplied
Nando’s Vanessa Nunes, Marketing Manager for Groceries says, not only did Chepape receive the Best Textile Design award at 100% Design South Africa 2018, she was a finalist in the Nando’s Hot Young Designer Pattern Hunt in the same year and a recipient of the 2019 Design Foundation Future Found Award. “Our collaboration with Bonolo and Keletso is part of our ongoing drive to nurture creative talent in South Africa. As an authentically home-grown brand, we welcome all South Africans to a seat at our table. At our pop-up store, they’ll be able to engage with our brand in an interactive and fun way and gain greater insight into the creativity and innovation that drives our brand,” she says.
Anyone can experience the pop-up between 24 June and 10 July 2022, by booking at https://www.nandos.co.za/popup and walk-ins are always welcome.
South Africa’s first and only young black glassblower, Kgotso Pati designs the 1st Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards trophy. Pat on Brands will be hosting their inaugural Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBA) on the 15th of June 2022. The YOBA awards are the first of its kind in the marketing and communications industry that are run by the youth for the youth. The awards are meant to celebrate and recognize brands that are owned and run by the youth.
About Top 16 YOBA
With over 480 nominations in 16 categories obtained for YOBA, the category winners and the overall youth-owned brand winner will have the honor of walking away with this trophy. The trophy that is a true epitome of youth empowerment and development. The trophy is designed and produced by the only known and established black South African glassblowing artist, Kgotso Pati.
About Kgotso Pati
Kgotso Pati is an award-winning glassblower, born and bred in Ganyesa, a small town in the North West province. He attended school in Genyesa, and later found his love for drawing. After completing his matric, Kgotso decided to study civil engineering, which was influenced by the impression he wanted to make to his parents. “While I was still studying civil engineering, I met a guy in the library, who informed me about the possibility of studying art, and at the time I did not know that one can study fine arts”, Pati says.
Pati realized that he could make a living out of art after doing some research on graphic design, interior design and fine arts. He decided to no longer pursue civil engineering, and rather study fine arts at the Tshwane University of Technology.
Studying fine arts introduced Pati to other dynamics of art, other than drawing – such as painting, sculpturing, ceramics and ultimately, glass. Pati found his true love in art, particularly in the art of glass. Glass [glassblowing] was what really interested him in fine arts, which led up to him opening his own glass business, called ‘PATI glass’.
Image: Kgotso Pati
Meaning Behind The Trophy
The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards’ trophy symbolizes the heightening of the youth of South Africa. The design comprises of a Y-shaped stem, the ‘Y’ being for ‘Youth’. The globe is situated at the top of the ‘Y’, meaning that the youth is carrying/running the world economically. The globe highlights the country of South Africa to signify that the youth of South Africa succeeds beyond its borders, so it is ‘Africa to the world’, and the youth of South Africa to greater heights.
Pat on Brands initiative, Top 16 YOBA aims at recognizing and celebrating local youth-owned brands, and most importantly empowering the youth, which aligns with what Kgotso Pati stands for – a young man who believed in himself, and started his own business to educate and share his skills with the youth. “I am very honored to be part of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, because I think it is an exciting initiative that will inspire the youth to believe in themselves”, Pati says.
Top 16 trophy
Youth Unemployment
In a world with a high rate of unemployment and lack of opportunities , it is imperative for the youth to continuously upskill and possibly open their own businesses to create jobs and generate wealth for generations to come. The youth of South Africa accumulates over 35 percent of the total population of South Africa, with the unemployment rate at almost 60 percent. Statistics prove that more than half of the youth of South Africa is currently unemployed, and if nothing is done about it, the unemployment rate will continue to rise, hence the existence of initiatives such as the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards. The awards will encourage the youth believe in their potential to eradicate unemployment.
Details of the event
Pat on Brands believes in the power, impact and potential the youth has to change the world. It took Pat on Brands to have trust in the youth and their potential to start the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards initiative. The youth should also trust in themselves, to stand up and create opportunities for themselves, in a world with little to no opportunities. Pat on Brands cannot wait to celebrate youth-owned brands on the 15th of June 2022, happening at The Capital: On the Park, in Sandton. Tickets are now available to purchase here: https://patonbrands.com/eventer/top-16-youth-owned-brand/
With just 2 weeks away from South Africa’s first-ever youth-owned brands awards, it is with great excitement to announce that one of South Africa’s leading black-owned investment companies, Sakhumnotho Group Holdings (Pty) Ltd, is now the headline sponsor of the inaugural Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBA)
What The Sponsorship Comes With
The sponsorship is in monetary terms and value-added benefits which will see the winners of the awards walking away with a 3-months business mentorship from one of Sakhumnotho’s subsidiaries – Global Business School of Entrepreneurship (GBSE). They also acquire the naming rights of the awards, therefore, going forward the Top 16 YOBA awards are brought to you by Sakhumnotho Group.
Image: Supplied
“Pat On Brands sees Sakhumnotho as an ideal partner in helping to reach our ambitious targets of shining the light on the incredible work being accomplished by South Africa’s youth. This collaboration also seeks to contribute towards empowering the nation’s youth and the world’s sustainable development goals.” Says Pat Mahlangu CEO and Founder of Pat On Brands
As an active and concerned media company, Pat On Brands continues to seek out meaningful opportunities to contribute, synergistic partnerships and economic empowerment solutions to enact a lasting change for future generations.
About Sakhumnotho
“Sakhumnotho Group Holdings is a company that believes in investing in the future of our country. Our name bares testimony to this; directly translating to “Building the Economy” or “Creating Wealth”. We strongly believe in the potential young people of this country have, and this is clearly demonstrated in our annual internship programme.”
This made it a no-brainer for us, as an organisation, to partner with an initiative that recognises the amazing entrepreneurship efforts of South Africa’s youth. We were very meticulous in what we put our name on, and this initiative by Pat on Brands makes us proud to be a naming sponsor!”, said Mosa Ntwampe, Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications
Image: Mosa Ntwampe, Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Sakhumnotho
The Top 16 YOBA is all about recognising the economic contribution made by the South African youth. The awards will be held on the 15th of June 2022 at 18:00 in Sandton. Tickets are available here https://patonbrands.com/eventer/top-16-youth-owned-brand/
Queens and Kings, the moment has come to introduce the latest member to the royal Black Crown family… The NEW 440ml Black Crown Gin & Dry Lemon with Marula. A drink made like you. Bold, authentic, and African. A premium locally crafted Gin & Dry Lemon infused with African Marula fruit – an extension to the existing Black Crown Gin & Tonic. The perfectly mixed and easy to drink Gin & Dry Lemon with Marula is crisp and unapologetically refreshing in more ways than one.
Image: Supplied
The New Flavour
The new Black Crown is available in a 440ml can at all major retailers from end of May. It’s best served cold and gives you the premium sipping experience you’ve come to expect from Black Crown. It boasts 5.0% alcohol content and stands out with its stunning green, black, and gold packaging. Black Crown is here to inspire young Africans to proudly embody a Royal State of Mind. So, to the Kings and Queens of Africa. let every sip of Black Crown remind you to keep doing what others don’t and #OwnYourCrown.
Scan the QR code on your Black Crown pack for some more exciting surprises.
Over the course of this past Workers’ Day weekend, Castle Lite managed to raise over half a million rand as part of their Tips on Tap initiative. The initiative focused on extending the enjoyment over Worker’s Day and paying homage to unsung heroes of the alcohol industry, South Africa’s hard-working bar staff.
Tips on Taps
Tips On Tap, saw Castle Lite tipping bar staff R5 for every 500ml Castle Lite draught served at participating outlets across the country between Friday 29th of April and Monday 2nd of May. The initiative called upon South Africa to raise their glasses in support and raise they did to the tune of over half a million rand in additional tips collected across all participating establishments.
“The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on restaurants and bars and these businesses are still recovering from two years of lockdowns and alcohol bans. This campaign was very special to all involved, we are proud to have been able to offer some much needed support to bartenders with the assistance of the public through an initiative that highlighted the hard work they put in day in and day out to keep their customers refreshed. We aim to continue this initiative in years to come, to include more bar staff and rally South Africans to increase that tip amount,” explains Colleen Duvenage, Brand Director at Castle Lite.
Source: Supplied
Impact of COVID-19 on Bartenders
Nkhensani Sono, bartender at one of the participating outlets (Tiger’s Milk Fourways) adds to this stating, “The industry is still in recovery and many bartenders are picking up extra shifts in order to bolster their earnings as much as possible. Initiatives such as the Tips on Tap campaign really assists all bar staff to come by some much-needed extra cash when we need it most, so I am very grateful to Castle Lite for this initiative.”
SAB Corporate Brand Director, Sphe Vundla congratulated Castle Lite on the initiative, “we are proud of the efforts by Castle Lite to support the bar industry which forms a significant part of our value chain. SAB continues to stand behind all efforts to recover the economy as we try to rebuild the workforce that has worked tirelessly to keep the industry afloat”.
For a more detailed look at how the initiative and tip raising efforts performed over the duration of the Workers’ Day long weekend, please visit the Castle Lite website.
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