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#miISSUE31 SUMMER miEditorial Note: Marole KH Mathabatha Its been a fun filled 2014 and what better way for us to bring it to you than in style. At MicampusMag we have had our fair share of ups and Downs. Finally we are happy to launch our new website that will ensure that being a student is easier. In these issue we bring you a shining Diamond student Mpho Sebeng on page 22. On Page 26 we bring you places where you can dance like never before coz KE DEZEMBER BOSS. As the epitomy of Intellectual Swag we keep you inspired with Graduates, Entrepreneurs and students that are making it big. We are off to recharge our batteries and miTeam will be back with a BANG in 2014. Don’t anything I wouldn’t do during Festive.
2014/15 DEC-JAN editor in chief Mabogoshi Matlala Webdesign Sibusiso Prosper Sigoda
Contributors
Marketing Brian Mahlangu
Nyiko Cage Nontobeko Lukuleni Kanya Ngxiya
Lesego Mojanaga Sibongiseni Khumalo Sally Ledwaba
miTEAM
Odwa Mjo Pamela Setati
Social Media Manager Hlengiwe Radebe Jasmine Milano
Human Resource Manager Sphelele Mdala
Sithembiso Sithole Photographic Designer Lusani Mufamadi Mabelane Mogale Coordinator Marole Mathabatha
C O N T miInspiration
10 8 18 17 24 2
miEntrepreneurship
miGad
miFestiveTips
miPoetry
miCo
E N T S miTips
12 14 20 8 26 22 miBeauty
dgests
over
miIGraduation
miEvents
miEntrepreneurship
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Rapelang Rabana Repalang Rabana is the co-founder and CEO of Yeigo Communications. She was listed on the Forbs list before 30 years, featured on CNN article ‘Africa’s Marisa Meyers’, mentioned in Oprah’s Power List in 2012 and holds many other accolades. Rabana was always a shining star as she matriculated from Roedean School in Johannesburg in 2001 as a deputy head girl. She is a Sotho girl raised from Gaborone, Bostwana and moved to Johannesburg, then Cape Town where she studied her Bachelor’s degree in Business Science (Computer Science Honours). She started her career very early when she got straight out of University. She partnered with her classmates, Lungisa Matshoba and Andrew Snowden to begin a company called ReKindle Learning. Their company started with just an internet connection and a cheap laptop. In Varsity they had a problem with communicating within a short range and an idea evolved of using the internet to do so instead of ‘Please-call-me’s’. In an interview with Venture Africa, she mentions how they had just the thought as a start-up, but through hard work, perseverance and commitment, were able to make a success out of it. She mentioned how people had different appetites coming out of Varsity and it was important to evaluate each person to whom you’d want to partner with. She enjoys spending time with her partners and considers them the most influential people in her life. She describes how her relationship with them is based on trust and that what makes their partnership really work, is because they all have the same values. ReKindle Learning began in 2006 whereby VoIP was a new and innovative idea globally, they launched the VoIP application in 2007 which was the first in the world. In 2008 they partnered with Telfree Group from which their company became Yeigo Communications. Yeigo Communications is a company that focuses on the mobile phone and also desktop, it develops a software for telecoms-related services that include Voice over Internet Protocol, Instant messaging, SMS Messaging and Push Email Services. They provide a unified suite of communication services that allows you to make calls, send SMS’s, chat and email, all in one application. Their offices are based in Cape Town, but also have offices in Pretoria and partners in China and Germany. Rabana believes that how you spend your time shapes the person you are and who you going to become. She spends her time wisely and is involved in many projects including the Pan African asset management where she serves on the board of Nisela Capital, the United Nations World Summit Awards where she is an Ambassodor and Juror, a Harambe Assossiate and also an Endeavor ‘high-impact’ entrepreneur. She is also the Chairperson of Ubuntu Africa Child Health Care which is an NGO providing a lifesaving health-care for children infected with HIV/AIDS. She is the person to look out for and is passionate about inspiring the youth. She has mentioned as well that there are many opportunities out there, it is however the people with dreams who will be able to use them to their full advantage. During these holidays, you too can be inspired to create your very own technology that the world has need for but has not acknowledged yet. Use Rabana’s advice and pursue your dream, endless of opportunities are waiting to be grabbed. You have to get up and take them, it is not going to happen any other way. Be inspired, many graduates are still waiting to be employed, push for entrepreneurship instead, it is possible. Nontobeko Lekhuleni
Messaging and Push Email Services. They provide a unified suite of communication services that allows you to make calls, send SMS’s, chat and email, all in one application. Their offices are based in Cape Town, but also have offices in Pretoria and partners in China and Germany. Rabana believes that how you spend your time shapes the person you are and who you going to become. She spends her time wisely and is involved in many projects including the Pan African asset management where she serves on the board of Nisela Capital, the United Nations World Summit Awards where she is an Ambassodor and Juror, a Harambe Assossiate and also an Endeavor ‘high-impact’ entrepreneur. She is also the Chairperson of Ubuntu Africa Child Health Care which is an NGO providing a lifesaving health-care for children infected with HIV/AIDS. She is the person to look out for and is passionate about inspiring the youth. She has mentioned as well that there are many opportunities out there, it is however the people with dreams who will be able to use them to their full advantage. During these holidays, you too can be inspired to create your very own technology that the world has need for but has not acknowledged yet. Use Rabana’s advice and pursue your dream, endless of opportunities are waiting to be grabbed. You have to get up and take them, it is not going to happen any other way. Be inspired, many graduates are still waiting to be employed, push for entrepreneurship instead, it is possible. Nontobeko Lekhuleni
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miInspiration
FIVE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S INSPIRATIONAL STARS OF 2014
We take a look at five young students that were the trailblazers this year. These shining stars prove that anything is possible… if only you DARE to live it!
Number 5… Zanele Vimbela University: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Degree: Post-Grad in Sociology You do not have to be a leader in the corporate environment for you to demonstrate leadership qualities nor do you need to be a motivational speaker to inspire people. Vimbela was a both a leader and an inspiration on the netball court as a goal keeper for the Spar Madibaz. The 25 year-old made her first international debut this year when she went to represent South Africa as part of the South African senior netball team at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland in July. She undoubtedly made her country proud as South Africa finished 6th at the Commonwealth games! (Source: netball.nmmu.ac.za) Number 4… Octavio Prince Shabangu University: University of the Witwatersrand Degree: Bachelor of Commerce – Accounting and Taxation John Maxwell once said “A great leader’s courage to fulfil his vision comes from passion, not position”, and Octavio was the epitome of this saying, when is passion for social development and community service earned him the title of “One day Leader” 2014. This shining star was the winner of the SABC1 reality show that is dedicated to uplifting young leaders by providing them with the skillsset and knowledge they need to tackle social, political and economic issues in South Africa through debate and other leadership activities. Shabangu is not only hardworking but he continues to inspire many through his work as an YLED Ambassador, board member of ENKE, JCL member and the FNB Leadership and Entrepreneurial winner. 2014 was a good year for him and we expect nothing less in 2015. Number 3… Tshidiso Ramogale University: University of the Witwatersrand Degree: LLB Ramogale is only 21 but his passion for helping people and social justice has put him on the Mail & Guardian top 200 young South Africans in 2014. He is the founder of Change SA, a combination between entrepreneurship and education that has and continues to help a number of learners to gain access to the country’s best Universities. This young star is motivated, focused and he is determined to make
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a number of learners to gain access to the country’s best Universities. This young star is motivated, focused and he is determined to make South Africa a better country. He is definitely one to lookout for in 2015 and is a shining star for 2014 with great initiatives. Number 2… Rolene Strauss University: University of the Free State Degree: Medicine This gorgeous beauty is the reigning Miss South Africa 2014. Not only has she been shinning with her poise and beauty this year, but she is also a 4th year medical student. She continues to stimulate the idea of breaking stereotypes related to beauty queens. At just 21 years of age, she is often quoted saying she wants to use the platform she has been given “to encourage young woman to believe in their dreams and their power to influence and lead”. In order to lead one has to serve and she has throughout her reign committed her time to encouraging healthy lifestyles among South African women and charity organizations, and she continues to be a beacon of light for young women. Number 1… Rorisang Thandekiso University: University of Pretoria Degree: International Relations 2014 was the year for this young multi-talented star! She was famously known as a Television presenter on a popular kids show on SABC1 YOTV, and this year marked the year she closed that chapter, and opened the door to her career as a lead vocalist of soulful pop band, popularly known as “MUZART”. When she is not doing interviews on TV and radio or performing at concerts, this 25 year-old is giving motivational talks as part of the Open Disclosure Organization. However, this has been a very big step for her and the band, with their hits “Jukebox” and “Party-After” receiving two SAMA nominations. She is definitely a shining star and muse to the youth. Some of her achievements include being chosen to represent South Africa at the Global Young Leaders Summit, held in America, ranking an impressive 3rd out 400 representatives from around the world. Africa has gained a leader in her and we predict that 2015 is going to be an even greater year for her!
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miTips Social media is now part of our daily activities and some users use it for personal branding. Personal branding is all about marketing yourself and what you do in terms of your career and skills. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos breaks it down well when he says “A brand is what people say about you when you are not in the room”. It’s no secret that most students in higher education institutions spend a lot of their time on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google Plus. Students spend time online doing research for assignments and to communicate while others use social media because it’s accessible. These platforms are used in different ways for different reasons, but I believe it is high time that students both in universities and colleges use them for personal branding. Times have changed and employers want to be associated with people who have good profiles on social media. I know many graduates who have used different social media platforms to build their profiles in order to attract prospective employers. Some even promote their own work and companies. I remember when I was doing my second year studies in journalism at Tshwane University of Technology; I started a website with my friends. The website was aimed to showcase our work that we did when we were working for TUTfm, RekordNoweto, TUTLife newspaper and TUT TV news. We also indicated which media houses we will be visiting during holidays. We asked editors to offer us internships. I went beyond the call of duty to compile my work in a form of a book. When I was still writing for The Star newspaper, I gave the book to the then editor, Makhudu Sefara. How can I forget how Kevin Ritchie, who has now taken over from Sefara was pleased with my creativity. Sibongiseni Abraham Gentsu who studied IT (Multimedia) at Tshwane University of Technology is one of the graduates who always look for creative ways on social media to promote himself and his company. Gentsu who is a Mindset Learn Xtra presenter on DSTV, has his own company called Gentsu Media Services. The Multimedia Company provides services such as, Social Networking, Graphics Design, Animation Design, Video and Sound Editing. Without a doubt, he always make sure that social media is abuzz with what he is doing. He might not be or not have been in the unemployment list of graduates, but he is a true testimony that when you
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use social media for personal branding, it turns to do well. With that being said, I am reminded of my first job interview at the SABC in the Digital News Unit in 2012. That interview took 10 minutes and before it even started, the person who interviewed me said, “I searched for your name on Google and I am impressed.� Had I not have branded myself online, who knows, I would not have made it as a digital news producer at SABC News Online. This was only the beginning. I got my current job not only because I am good at what I do, but because of my daily activity on social media, particular on Twitter. I have used and still continue to use Twitter to promote my skills and the work of the company that I work for as social media editor. I am affectionately known as Social Media Savvy, simply because I know and understand how to use social media. Since I spend a lot of time in the world of news, I personally believe being abreast with news and what is happening around me is important. I tweet a lot about news and I have trended several times. In my profession that says a lot about who you are and what you are capable of, followers also trust you for delivering news that is accurate and fair. South Africa has so many graduates who are unemployed and we can’t always blame government for this. Graduates can meet government halfway by being active on social media, joining relevant job groups, Like Facebook pages that often advertise jobs. On Twitter there are many companies and users who share job posts. @TwadioShow and @mobijobsjobs are some of the Twitter users who often advertise jobs. In conclusion, I reckon instead of watching porn online or wasting time posting things that are not beneficial to you or your future, learn more about personal branding as a student and start branding yourself. Follow Sthembiso Sithole on Twitter @SITHOLEEXPRESS for all latest news.
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miGraduation
Graduation is one of the greatest achievements in life. As a student I know some of the things that we face can be so challenging that you want to give up your dream. Tertiary is not like high school, some students arrive at first year level having achieved distinctions at high school and fail their first year of study, not because they suddenly become dumb but because there are many things that can shift your focus and challenge you so much that you end up giving up. The end of the year has come and some students will be graduating. Micampusmag would like to celebrate with them and show to them respect as it is not just anyone who finishes as strongly as they have started. One of the students will share their story in a one-on-one interview on an aim to inspire others on an account that it is not impossible.
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Name and Surname: Oratile Mangope Qualification: BSc Chemical Engineering Institution: University of the Witwatersrand 1. Please give a brief description of yourself. I LOVE God, I love to smile and laugh and enjoy challenging myself. I’m a bit of an old soul so I’m still working on getting a youthful spirit. 2. Give a description of your background. I was born and breed in Johannesburg. This is my home and I love it. I come from a family of 7 with 3 siblings (all girls) and a nephew. I’ve always been privileged that my mom made education a priority in my life and for all my siblings. I was brought up to never be defined by materialistic things but to always desire to be the best of who you are. I am my biggest competition. 3. What inspires you the most? People that are living out their vision. Whatever it is that they do (even if it sweeping the floor), when they do it with excellence and you can almost see the fire in their eyes it makes me question whether I’ve even started living. 4. What is you dream/vision? My dream is to impact the youth of South Africa. I really believe that the future of the country lies in the hands of the youth and the answers to all our problems, ranging from poverty and lack of education to building of new innovative technology that will solve the energy shortage. I would only like to play a part in helping everyone realise this potential. 5. Can you think of an event that led to this point of graduation? (Please share) Well before I came to varsity I knew I wanted to study chemical engineering but I was so scared that I wouldn’t make it. I was never an A student, actually I only got 1 distinction in matric and that wasn’t even for science or maths so already coming in I was a bit low in confidence. I applied to both Wits, UCT and Tuks. UCT rejected me hands-on, Tuks accepted me but only for and extended degree (6years) and Wits accepted me too. I was so uncertain about myself I was tempted to take the
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offer from Tuks cause I thought I’d need the extra year. But then my chemistry teacher told me that I could conquer Wits and after praying to God that I would like to finish my degree in four years…here I am. It really is only by the grace of God. 6. What are some of the great challenges you faced in your journey? I think for me the greatest challenge came in second year and in my last leg of the race (4th year). The transition between first year and second year was a bit unexpected for me. In first year I hadn’t really struggled much because it still felt a little like high school. I mean we would have to write reflections on why we were failing of passing so it felt a little like Life Orientation. However in second year it’s like they throw you in the deep end and only those that learn to swim quickly survive. That’s the year I questioned whether or not I really wanted to be a Chemical Engineer. With fourth year I don’t think I can really describe how horrible this year was. It wasn’t that the work itself was hard. They just throw all this work at you and you have no choice but to get it done no matter how exhausted you are. My endurance was tested this year. The greatest challenge was having to give up my sleep. 7. How did you overcome them? Prayer helps hey…but honestly it is only by the grace of God. I think so many people found Jesus through this degree. You need to believe in something greater than yourself to overcome those challenges. I remember feeling so defeated and wanting to give up but something in me wouldn’t let me. Having positive friends that encourage you also helps. I think one other thing is really knowing when you need help and asking for it. It doesn’t actually make you stupid, it benefits you at the end. 8. Give us a moment when you felt like giving up. For me it was in second year. Process 2 (my major) was just not budging. I always felt like I understood the work but I failed all the tests and the exam and by the time I got to the final exam I needed 75% to pass with a 50%. I really felt so defeated. Even studying for that exam but I ended up passing (I really don’t know how) 9. What kept you going? I really don’t believe in giving up. I couldn’t stand myself if I did…but at this point I was at the verge of giving up. Like I say its only God that kept me going. Nothing else really.
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10. Why chemical engineering? In highschool some people from UJ came to my school to tell us about the biofuel project they were working on and that just sparked interest in me. I had always been good at maths and science and I really enjoyed them so I knew I would end up doing something like engineering. I then researched the profession and saw that most chemical engineers end up working in banks and other industries which made me realise that the degree enabled you to be open minded and equipped you with problem solving skills that allowed you to work anywhere. I loved that because I really enjoy solving problems.
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11. What do you plan to do with your qualification? Well before I can become an entrepreneur in the space. I would like to venture into petroleum and work in industry for a couple of years to learn the tricks and the trade of the petroleum field. I would like to end up in renewable energy. 12. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? In five years I would like to have attained by Master’s degree in engineering, worked for at least 3-4 years in the petroleum space and getting ready to start my own company. 13. What advice would you give to junior students in this field? Excellence is key. Always strive to be the best with the work that you do. It resembles who you are. Get involved with other things outside chemical engineering as it gives you a competitive edge. Surround yourself with the best. Never give up even when things get hard. And yes you do need to study hard and give up a bit of your social life but it pays off at the end. 14. Final words: Wits will definitely give you the edge (or maybe even try push you off that edge), but remember it’s that same edge that made some of the most excellent CEO’s in South Africa. The greatest come from Wits. Just keep pushing. There you have it, you can also do it!
Nontobeko Lekhuleni
miFestiveTips Looking after yourselves during Festive. By Sbongiseni Khumalo The silly season is here, and in light of the upcoming festivities, the general public is being asked to be aware of their surroundings at all times - as per usual. For young people like ourselves, it is wise to be in company of three to four persons whenever we going out. Always let your loved ones know about your whereabouts, since most of us tend to disappear for days on what is commonly called ‘weekend aways’ . Yes, it’s the holiday season and the brains are said to be on holiday as well, but never let that deter you from making wise and informed choices in whatever you gonna be doing during the festive season. Also, at this time of the year, criminals are also on their toes with binoculars on their eyes, waiting to prey on your hard earned fruits so always be on the look out. For shopping heads (especially ladies), the downtown area in JHB is usually transformed into a hub of all criminal activities during the festive season. Be alert whenever walking around those areas in town... But I would advise you to do your shopping at a more safe and sophisticated centres like The Zone in Rosebank or Melrose Arch - And I still emphasize on the word SAFE. Just be safe wherever your heart desires to go. Thus in conclusion I would like to say whatever it is that you get up to during this silly season, be safe. Drink and party responsibly. We are young. Let us enjoy life to the fullest.
Happy Holidays and a Prosperous 2015!!!! :)
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mi Gadgets Gadgets, a luxury or liability?
Seen as a luxury by many- some can’t seem to get tages they have. But like any other ‘good thing’, gad tages. One of the disadvantages is that not everyon impossible to catch up with them as they constantly year, next year it will be in the forgotten list by some information or preferential manner of communicatio up a huge consignment in the contemporary era. 20 no secret that companies like Google, Apple and S the next big innovation that changes the way peop made the best impact this year. 1) iPhone 5C: Admittedly this device was a bit l tic backed iPhone 5C makes out list because of wh Previously people only had the option to be a genera from Apple. This was an entirely new track for iPhon 2) Xbox One/PlayStation 4: We know students ments and exams, they want to unwind a little bit an spend all day talking about which next-gen console after gifts from parents but they’ll continue to be a come. 3) Samsung galaxy s5: This phone is not differ a few feature upgrades. Powerful with a fantastic ca wearables and the Galaxy s5 becomes the most c improved and smartly refined, this phone was a supe design. 4) Galaxy Tab S 10.5: Students’ ‘greatest need Assignments and perhaps reading notes, but they a able, but tablets are even better and they can have for these gadgets. The Galaxy Tab S generates brig and deep blacks. Very sleek and slim, this tab can b 5) Toshiba Chromebook 2: Not long ago these m Google’s OS. But Chromebooks are getting better book 2 is proof. Similar to the original, the Toshiba that’s easy to grip. by Kanya
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t the better of their pros and cons and the disadvandgets have got their own advantages and disadvanne can afford these expensive things and to some it’s y change. What was considered to be the latest this e. Gadgets are used as a primary source of pleasure, on and social means of networking; they have taken 013/2014 was a big year for the gadgets industry. It’s Samsung are always looking to expand and develop ple look at technology. Let’s look back at which one
lack-luster when it was released, however, the plashat it means for the future of cell-phones from Apple. ation out-of-date if they couldn’t afford the newest toy ne fans to ride. s, after spending sleepless nights in those Assignnd not all of them go clubbing with friends. We could e is better. Not only these two were the most sought a main staple in the tech industry for many years to
rent from its predecessor, the Galaxy S4, expect for amera and incredible battery life. Factor in the Gear comprehensive smartphone package around. Subtly erior superphone that hit every mark but the sharpest
d’ would be a Laptop, for typing those lengthy pages also use these to watch movies. Yes, laptops are portthe same features as a laptop and most students fell ghter and more dynamic images than LCDs with vivid be put in a pocket while rocking your music on it. machines were little more than cheap netbook running in almost every way and the new Toshiba ChromeChromebook 2 is made of a silvery, textured plastic
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mi Beauty ---By Sally Ledwaba The festive season is upon us and we thought it would be appropriate to bring you beauty essentials which will see you through the party season and see you walking from a day meeting or lunch to an evening event. This season is filled with a lot of events and there is just something about tmiFestive that gets people to unwind a little and become more courageous. Whatever the deal is, we are here to ensure that you do not go out there looking a mess but go through festive looking flawless and ever so gorgeous. First and foremost, always have good moisturizers on hand, one that has a minimum of SPF 15 is recommended. These will keep your face hydrated and protected from the heat at all times. Foundation is always essential. It smoothens your skin and it is important that the foundation you use matches your skin tone at all times. Looking ashy or grey is a huge makeup crime! It is recommended that you must have a long wear eye liner and mascara in your bag at all times. These two items always help to keep you looking awake. Have a good balance of lip colours in your bag, colours that are more natural and others that are more bold and bright. Bright colored lip colors usually add some spunk to an outfit or a look without having to wear full makeup. You are therefore encouraged to step out of your comfort zone and be bold these festive season. Always keep a good lip balm too so that you can hydrate your lips too. For a quick and easy way to shape and define your eyebrows, try the Essence eyebrow kit, which comes with three stencils and a manual to assist you in shaping and filling your eyebrows.
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Not everyone is into wearing eye shadows and we all know that the festive season is usually a glittery affair. Wearing glitter is encouraged for late night parties or dinner dates. It should be avoided at all costs during the day as it can easily leave you looking like a disco ball. If you are to wear eye shadow keep it more natural and go for warm brown tones. The eyes hadow palette pictured below is from Clicks stores and retails for R49,95 To define your cheekbones and keep yourself looking photo ready add some blush and keep the blush minimal. A bronzer is recommended as it is a more natural way of highlighting and countering those cheekbones. Love your Look, Love Festive.
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mi Shining Diamond Student:
Mpho
r e v o C
Sebeng
By Lesego Mojanaga Mpho Sebeng has dedicated three years of his life to his studies at the University of the Witwatersrand as a BA student majoring in Politics and Philosophy, but not only is he a learned academic, this young twenty-two year old star has been in the television industry for close to eleven years and in 2014 he continues to take precedence among people his age with his talent, skill and charm and I am sure the ladies will agree with! We met up with him at Wits on a Saturday afternoon as he rocks up in high spirits and we sat down with him after the photo shoot. He told us about MiBackground… I was born in the Westrand of Johannesburg, Witpoortjie to be exact. I went to school at Westridge High School where I had a lot of good memories. I was too much of a boss in high school (laughs). I was a HipHop dancer and a sports fanatic, a 1ST team rugby player, and I participated in soccer and athletics. I was basically one of the popular dudes in high school. High school was too nice. I also have a younger sister who is in grade 8 now. MiBeginings started the moment I developed love for two things, acting and law. I remember in primary school, there used to be concerts that took place annually, and I would take part in the plays and I loved the feeling of being on stage. At one of the plays my mother’s friend was able to see the passion I had for performing and she recommended that I pursue a career in acting and next thing I knew I landed my first job. “I LOVED THE FEELING OF BEING ON STAGE” My first acting job was playing S’busiso on Zero Tolerance and it brings back the fondest memory that I have about my first audition. The producer just looked at me straight in the eye and said “This is our kid, this is our S’busiso”, she believed in me and that locked in the confidence that I needed for the entertainment industry. Being so long in the industry one has to share some confessions, MiConfessions are that yes, I have googled myself and the only thing I do not like about myself are my pictures! But the actor rating that they put out there, makes up for the pictures (laughs). I have to confess, although acting opened me up to so much, if I was not an actor I would be a Lawyer or a Politician.
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So is Mpho in a relationship? That’s complicated! You the facebook status “It is complicated”? yeah, it’s complicated. Many aspiring young actors either want to complete their studies or some drop-out to pursue their acting careers, how do you balance both? MiFocus at the moment, is on school and work and I am able to balance them by the grace of God, being selfless and also making a lot of sacrifices. These sacrifices include not going to some of the work related functions and not going out with friends. I understand that I have a degree to complete and that requires me to do well on my assignments, tests and exams. I know what I want and I need to make informed sacrifices to acquire it. However most importantly as the first born child in my family I need to set a good example for my younger sibling, and this is a responsibility that I take to heart. My degree is important because after I complete it I plan to use it to tell our African stories. I feel like the movies in cinema houses tell the stories of the western white man. We as Africans are rich of stories and we just need to tell them, my role is to use my art to change our continent for the better. I am enjoying MiWork very much, playing Nkosi on Saints and Sinners is challenging because I have to disrespect women so openly and it is something that I strongly stand against, I believe women should be loved, cherished and respected. “I WANT TO USE MY ART TO CHANGE OUR CONTINENT FOR THE BETTER” But because I have been given creative freedom, I am able to make Nkosi who he is. What is next for Mpho Sebeng? I love music and I am busy with a music project with D-Squad that’s due to be dropped soon, so be on the lookout for it. I am still going to be presenting on Craze, ShizNiz is my baby. I am involved in a project for a soapie (laughs) but I will not mention any names. MiInspirational Personalities in three The top three people that inspire me would be someone who is no longer with us, Steven Bantu Biko. What inspires me about him would be the legacy he left behind because he knew what the struggle was really about. He has inspired me in a way of me forging my own identity and being conscious and proud of what I am. Denzel Washington inspires me, and what I like about him is that he epitomises how consistency and persistence will bring you success, to this day Denzel still goes to acting classes although he is a brilliant actor. Lastly, Nthati Moshesh, her experience speaks volumes. It seems like she moulds whatever role is given to her like a glove. I admire her discipline and the passion she has for her craft.
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miPoetry
THE BID by Nyiko Cage The instants, the moments The inferiors, the superiors The feeblest, the durables The defeats, the victories The grieves and the bliss We’ve experienced it all We’ve experie The trips travelled with strangers as we all passengers Between our hustles we remain as messengers With an attitude of go-getters and GOD in mind to bless us As we about to bid “20-for-thina” farewell We appreciate the breath which still pant on our temples We appreciate the dreams which still echos on our emotions The spirit which still sting as our passion The voice which whispers words of hope on our actions The sight which sees reality of life on our session We appreciate the strength harbored to conquer on our missions Thus tears, saddness, laughter happiness, hope, courage and self-belief keeps us going Warning the fire flaming towards reaching there is still burning The hard work instilled is still paving Its not about how we started yet is mostly about how we will conclude Kalimambo 2014
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Its been a journey From our levy indeed it has been a journey Along the way we’ve lost so many Yet together we remain so happy, steady and ever ready As a chauffeur of my dreams you drive me so crazy Ouw! Baby with your abilities to mke the difficult seem so easy Leaves many in envy As you spin my world around you reasoning me to be dizzy I wish and hope that we remember as we approach December Let’s easy down the temper and treat each other with tender Under the calm shadows of the tree timber Life is good when you are my life support “Ke December boss” I wish and hope that we remember as we approach december We easy down the temper and treat each other with respect and tender Under the calm shadows and refreshing breeze of timber Keep Safe and enjoy the remaining minute of 2014 Namanje
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miEvents By Sibongiseni Khumalo
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