Trace, the global platform dedicated to afro-urban cultures and youth empowerment, has today announced its new original creation CODE.
Premiering on TRACE Urban and TRACE Africa this Friday, 5 November at 16:00 (CAT), CODE is a 16-minute docuseries hosted by the fabulous Ninka Mbaye. The show will decode afro-urban trends and put the spotlight on talents from different origins to empower the new generation.
“TRACE not only plans to offer great content on our platforms but also to create programs that promote diversity and inclusion for all. We want to put the spotlight on the success stories of artists, creators and entrepreneurs in order to make talents from all over the world shine while inspiring the youth” declares Olivier Laouchez, co-founder and CEO of Trace.
The new flagship empowerment show will introduce new afro-urban trends from all four corners of the world, decrypting the latest news from music, culture, beauty, fashion, dance, art and food trends. It puts a spotlight on inspiring iconic industry players making an impact in urban culture across the globe such as Sean Paul, Shaggy, Youssoupha and Kendji Girac.
Each episode is centred around the industry insider, as they touch on a wide range of topics including their rise to fame, their downfalls, and how they overcame challenges in their intimate conversations with presenter Ninka.
In addition, the audience will have the opportunity to interact online during the show, thanks to the QR code of the logo that they will scan directly on the screen. CODE’s unique feature will grant viewers access to all episodes and additional content. Viewers will simply need to scan the QR code logo on their television screens to access Trace+.
Alternatively, viewers can visit www.trace.tv to sign up from there.
Today, YFM, iconic in its mere existence and fondly referred to as ‘Y’ undergoes an official evolution. The station synonymous with youth culture in South Africa will now also be visually identified as Y.
In keeping with its digitally native young adult audiences – who don’t just play in the space of traditional media but create and develop digital spaces – it became apparent that the iconic YFM logo required an evolutionary step to mirror this dynamic.
As custodians of this inimitable brand that has signified opportunity, aspiration, elevation and connection, intense deliberation and care was taken in sculpting the visual representation of Y.
The Y logo represents the new, the here, the now… but also speaks to the future of where the brand will venture and how the brand CI and its platforms are able to remain relevant in any context.
YFM is a content brand.
In addition to launching a refreshed logo, Y launches its new campaign ‘Y _NOT’ using a bold digital and on-air campaign coupled with a television commercial. ‘Y _NOT’ promotes and heroes individualism and supports young adults embodying their greatness.
Y believes that the most powerful catalyst for progress is when young people have an enabling space to pursue their ambitions and seeks to ensure that its platforms promote creation through collaboration.
“It has been an exhilarating journey to this point, and I am confident that this natural next step will strengthen our connection with our listeners and propel Y to new heights,” says Haseena Cassim, MD of YFM.
“Y is at the pulse of youth culture and as a content brand we create with our audience. The brand’s fluidity is a mirror of their mindset. We tried to capture this in our new CI and campaign, making sure the essence of what Y represents, to young people, continues to resonate with them. It was a task that we didn’t take lightly, understanding that we are responsible for an iconic South African brand. Involving our talent in the TVC was so important as they are the voices and faces of our platforms. We are very proud of what we have produced,” says Natasha Wadvalla, Marketing and Communications Manager at YFM.
In addition to these exciting new developments, the station this month relocated to its new studios in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, where it occupies space along with its sister brands eTV, OpenviewHD and eNCA.
INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOP @ THE CONSTITUTION HILL 12th – 15th October 2021
In celebration of Pride Month 2021, the Thami Dish Foundation alongside various key stakeholders today launched the 2021 LGBTIQ+ Inclusion & Empowerment Workshop set to take at the Constitution Hill this week.
The Inclusion and Empowerment Workshops – a well curated range of workshops, to encourage greater, within all sectors of South African Society, invite various industry leaders, senior governmental representatives and the LGBTQI+ civil sector community in conversation, sensitisation training and network building opportunities.
The programme managed by the Thami Dish Foundation alongside the Global Network Conference together with private and public sector partners, have designed a comprehensive programme to offer overview training to industry specific inclusion and diversity concerns in the areas of Gender, Sexuality and Gender Expression.
The 4 DAY long workshop will take place in the second week of Pride Month from Tuesday, 12th – Friday 15th October 2021) at the Constitution Hill in Johannesburg.
These informative workshops will delve into 3 main themes including:
• Justice & Law • Media & Communication • Diversity & Inclusion in the Private and Public Sector
In addition a half day business clinic will also be run parallel to the workshop to support young LGBTIQ+ entrepreneurs and small business owners during the course of the program.
Powered by the Gauteng Tourism Authority, The Department of Justice, Brand South Africa and Constitution Hill, the workshop welcomes all South Africans to attend.
WORKSHOP Registrations can be done via email or call as per below:
This day focuses on the role of media houses, narrative drivers, content creators and media monitoring groups, public communications personnel, governmental communications representatives and other related communications professionals in the representation of Queer narratives in storytelling, broadcasting, advertising and the communications space.
The workshop is designed to equip industry stakeholders with the understanding of queer representation and risks of playing towards stereotypes in terms of LGBTQI+ content. The workshop is envisioned to host senior decision-makers in these respective fields
Time
Day One
09h45
Welcome: Ditshego Ditshego
10h00 –10h20
1:1 Opening Remarks:Thami Kotlolo; Thami Dish FoundationLerato Legodi; Strategic Relationship Manager, Brand South Africa
10h30-12h00
1:2 The Power of Media in Challenging Heteronormativity & Homophobia A discussion on the Media’s power to empower or harm through narratives and representation of the LGBTIQ+ Community. FACILITATOR : Ditshego DitshegoKeval Harie, Director; Gay & Lesbian Me Mmory in Action Trust (Gala) Thiart Li, (Shenay O’Brien) Drag Artist, MC, Producer, Singer Nomvuyiso Batyi; CEO Film & Publications Board
12h00
Lunch
13h30 – 14h00
1:3 Media Sensitisation Training An intensive workshop into key principles of gender & sexuality diversity and application in media. Trainer:Jay Matlou
14h15 – 16h00
1:4 WORKSHOP: LGBTIQ+ REPRESENTATION IN MEDIA AND BROADCASTING Representatives of different genres of media discuss representation and stereotypes when representing LGBTIQ+ narratives Moderator: Makgano Mamabolo ; Actress, Scriptwriter, Producer & ShowrunnerFanney Tsimong, Creative Director; Doti-ProducxionzAthi Petela; Producer, DirectorGaopie Kabe; Cinematographer
Day 2: Justice and the LGBTQI+ Community
The Access to Justice workshop is designed to consolidate all relevant stakeholders in the access to justice project in serving the LGBTQI+ community. Furthermore it is designed to equip civil society representatives and activists/community organizers with the technical knowhow in accessing legal structures such as the Equality Court in aiding their work in finding justice for victims and third parties facing discrimination based on their gender, sexuality and gender expression.
This workshop seeks to facilitate cohesive and constructive engagement between government structures that impact the access and quality of access to justice available to the LGBTQI+ community
Time
Day Two
09h45
Welcome: Ditshego Ditshego
10h00 – 10h15
Address: Tasneem Motara; MEC Department of Infrastructure DevelopmentPolitical Champion of LGBTIQ+ Rights in Gauteng
10h15-12h30
PANEL DISCUSSIONTHEME: Creating a Victim Centric Justice System in terms of LGBTIQ+ RepresentationThe importance of education & Constitutional Awareness within the LGBTIQ+ Community and representative organisationsFACILITATOR : Advocate Lethlogonolo MokgoraoaneJade Madingane; Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW)Roche Kester : Advocacy Coordinator, Triangle ProjectFasiha Hassan: Member of Provincial LegislatureRepresentatives from the Department of Justice, South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority
Lunch Break
14h00
KEYNOTE ADDRESSMINISTER OF JUSTICE; Mr Ronald Lamola
14h30 – 16h00
WORKSHOP: Justice without a Lawyer Trainer: Moude Maodi-Swartz Paralegal Officer for the Love Not Hate Programme, OUT LGBT Well-Being The session aims to provide insight on the available legal remedies for violations based on SOGIESC, the procedures involved in reporting, and how to document and collect the relevant evidence. The session will also highlight the roles of Chapter 9 institutions and the under used services available at the Equality Court. We encourage community members and allies to join the session to get more information which will be helpful for purposes of reporting or providing support and assistance to victims of Human Rights violations based on SOGIESC.
Day 3: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
The final workshop is designed to evaluate the level of inclusion in the private sector and public sector. In this effort the workshop is designed to study good practices of inclusion and diversity in terms of LGBTQI+ representation and services available
14th Oct
Day Three
09h45
Welcome : Ditshego Ditshego
10h00 –
Address: Parks Tau, Gauteng MEC for Economic DevelopmentThe Role of Small Businesses in building an Inclusive Society
10h30 – 12h00
Topic: Meaningful Representation & Visibility of the LGBTIQ+ Community in the Workplace QQA review of best practice and challenges faced by South African Employers Teveshan Erasmus-Kuni; Head of Credit for Commercial Asset Finance: Standard Bank & Director at SA LGBT+ Management ForumTshepo Jerry Moseki; Senior SHEQ Co-ordinator; Fraser AlexanderLerato Legodi; Strategic Relationship Manager, Brand South AfricaHelouise Burger; EY
12h00
Lunch
13h00
Fikile Mbalula; Minister of TransportMoving Forward Inclusively
14h00
Interesting Projects & Ideas In this session we present a range of speakers on new ideas, interesting ideas and new research in the area of LGBTIQ+ Inclusion in the Workplace Facilitator : Roche Kester ; Political Advocacy Co-ordinator; Triangle Project
“Honesty has Gone With The Wind!” A presentation on the role of integrity and authenticity at all levels in today’s world.” Sylvester Chauke; Founder DNA Brand Architects
Access to Markets : Happy Ngidi ; Chief Officer; Marketing and Communications, Proudly South African
Current Labour Legislation protecting LGBTIQ+ Employees Points Employers should be aware of regarding LGBTIQ+ rights in the workplace Chantelle De Sousa, Attorney
“Why Lobby for Queer Economic Empowerment?”Siya Khumalo, Author What can Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment and associated legislation like Employment Equity and Skills Development do for queer people, in their current form? What changes should be introduced to these laws for them to improve the lives of the queer community?
Parallel Session : Small Business Clinic
Time
Sponsored by Gauteng Tourism Agency
14h00 – 16h00
Small Business Clinic: Workshop for young LGBTIQ+ Entrepreneurs Opening Address: Parks Tau, Gauteng MEC for Economic DevelopmentWorkshop Facilitators: Barba Gaoganediwe, Head Destination Media, Gauteng Tourism Authority Saki Zamxaka, CEO Gauteng Enterprise Propellor Mosa Tshabalala, CEO Gauteng Growth Development Agency Zimkitha Guma (PLUS- Board Member) Francina Ntsimane, Department of Economic Development
Open Market Day: An LGBTIQ+ Market will be open at the Women’s Jail
Day 4: Queerwell Mental Health Workshops
Dr Dulcy Rakumakoe
A Mental health conference to address mental health in order to gain more understanding of mental health issues, awareness and mental wellness holistically
OPENING OF CONFERENCEWelcome with creative way to bless the conferenceArrival and RegistrationTea and networkingWelcome by MC Mr Paddy Sipho Nhlapo and house rules of the conferenceKeynote address by ED of Queerwell Dr Dulcy Rakumakoe and introductions of the secretariat and conference teamQueerwell making mental health accessible in the LGBTIAQ+ community
09h30-09h45
MEC Social Development; MEC Morakane Mosupyoe
Session 29.45am – 11.00am
THEME 1: DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY Dr Lerato Galesitoe address the topic for an hour, followed by a panel discussion led by MC and Moderator Mr Paddy Nhlapo and then the floor is open to a Town Hall debate from the floor with speakers responding to questions – ensuring that youth have a voice. Speakers are encouraged to make use of film and images in presentations]
Session 311.00am – 12.30pm
THEME 2: RIGHTS – SUBSTANCE ABUSE Mr Itumeleng Mamabolo address the topic for an hour, followed by a panel discussion led by our MC and Moderator Mr Paddy Sipho Nhlapo and then the floor is open to a Town Hall debate from the floor with speakers responding to questions – ensuring that youth have a voice. Speakers are encouraged to make use of film and images in presentations]
12.30pm to 1.00pm
LUNCH BREAK
1.00pm –.30pm
THEME 2: RIGHTS – INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE Forum for the Empowerment of Women representative address the topic for an hour, followed by a panel discussion led by our MC and Moderator Mr Paddy Sipho Nhlapo and then the floor is open to a Town Hall debate from the floor with speakers responding to questions – ensuring that youth have a voice. Speakers are encouraged to make use of film and images in presentations]
Workshops Session 12.30pm – 4.00pm
WORKSHOP ON SELF LOVE WORKSHOPS RUNNING FOR 2 HOURS LED BY MISS IYANDA NYONI
Globally recognised & collected, acclaimed South African artist Nelson Makamo this past weekend opened his first independent solo US exhibition, presenting a latest body of work BLUE.
In plans since 2017, the exhibition has been put together independently, and brought together an all female group of dynamic and progressive Black professionals who helped curate this landmark show. Due to the diversity in the contemporary art landscape in inner city Los Angeles, Nelson and his team ultimately selected this location earlier this year to showcase his first US solo exhibition.
Currently one of the world’s most sought-after visual artists of our generation, this well celebrated 39 year old South African artist has managed to solidify his iconic artistic signature, steadily placed him on a global stage.
Nelson Makamo’s artwork has resonated with a global audience over the past decade, with his work featured in various prestigious public and private exhibitions and collections in countries across the African continent, Europe and recently New York City.
‘Finally my own independent international show here in L.A., it actually feels great. When the team and I initially started the conversation about this show in back in 2017, we didn’t realise the hard work and commitment that would do into it. And what a journey it’s been! Having just successfully opened this past weekend, made it all worth it for us’ stated Nelson Makomo and added ‘With the latest piece of work BLUE, we don’t only want to share our story, but invite people to the exhibition to be a part of the conversation. As much as I live on the African continent, I don’t want my work to only have a frame of where I live in South Africa. I want my work to resonate with people from all walks of life, from different races and backgrounds, the global community at large. It’s about connecting artists on a global platform through this exhibition.And lastly like all my previous work, the underlined theme of this exhibition is about HOPE. When you think about the future, you think ‘HOPE. Looking forward to how the world received BLUE!’
DATES: 8th October – 20th November 2021 (open to public)
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY Nelson Makamo is a South African Contemporary Artist, based in Johannesburg. Born on 5th July 1982, in Modimolle – a small town in the Limpopo Province. Makamo has an astounding artistic aptitude and studied Print Making at Artist Proof Studios in Johannesburg. With no formal Fine Art training, he went on to build his artistic career with a unique ability to explore and ply different mediums in his iconic artwork.
Makamo has exhibited in both group and solo exhibitions worldwide. His first solo exhibition was in 2005, in Johannesburg.
Makamo’s work is strongly influenced by the candid innocence of youth. He is particularly drawn to people of rural South Africa, as he believes they embody the peace and harmony we all strive for in life, where the search for joy lies within our childhood virtues. As he continues to evolve, so too does his medium of expression; namely charcoal, acrylic, oil-paint, water colours, monotypes and lithography. He naturally refrains from planning his pieces, opting instead for the canvas and the days inspiration to lead him. Makamo currently works as a full-time artist from his studio in the heart of Johannesburg, in a space he deems to be the most sacred place in the world.
Makamo’s work speaks to his re-imagining of what it means to be African. He is famously known for his beautiful multimedia portraiture with aspects and / or details that spark conversations with the viewer, including glasses, headphones, & fashion. Moreover, striking, and outstanding about Makamo’s pieces are his ability to depict the emotional energy about his subjects, which resonates deeply and evokes sentiments of nostalgia.
Makamo’s work was recently commissioned for the cover of TIME Magazine’s February 2019 “Optimism” issue, which was guest edited by Ava DuVernay -Hollywood Director.
Global fashion brand Ipanema today announced it’s latest partnership with South African media and lifestyle personality Minnie Dlamini for their upcoming SS21 campaign ‘Summer Belongs to Ipanema’ launching into market this month.
With summer fast approaching, the 100% recyclable Vegan brand is all about creating the most unforgettable memories with your loved ones. For Ipanema, summer is more than a season, it’s a state of mind that allows you to conquer.
The partnership with Minnie Dlamini is a perfect fit, and allows the chic brand to accompany you, and adapt to any situation and place you find yourself in this summer. Basically, wherever the summer takes you, Ipanema has got you.
Inspired by Brazilian beach culture, Ipanema is fun, chic and colourful with every collection brimming with the happy and exotic spirit of summer. The new Ipanema collection consists of a variety of styles that includes bright colours & attractive styles that are both exotic and bold & are guaranteed to make them the focal part of your beach outfit. Perfectly fitting for the colourful lifestyle that South African culture is well known for!
And with the brands vision to reduce the environmental impact each year and preserving all the Earth’s natural beauty for generations to come, these sandals contain no less than 30% recycled material, & are 100% recyclable, meaning the material can be reused countless times. It is this strong sense of social & environmental responsibility coupled with cutting-edge technologies that create our unique style of Ipanema.
“It’s been a while since Ipanema SA partnered with an ambassador, so we wanted to launch our latest Summer campaign with someone who not only represents the ethos of the brand, but someone who actually lives the brand. Minnie Dlamini was such an obvious choice for us. As a young powerhouse media personality who grew in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Minnie certainly lives the spirit and culture of the Ipanema brand. She is iconic in her own right, and represents everything the brand stands for’ stated Ipanema Brand Manager, Janet Scott ‘We are excited to have partnered with Minnie and look forward to a fruitful partnership – owning Summer 2021’.
“To be the face of a brand that encompasses the summer beach girl that I am truly feels like home. Sustainability and social responsibility has always been very important to me. Working with a brand that is a 100% recyclable Vegan, committed to preserving the beauty of this planet and keeping every woman look fashionable with technology that gives us lasting comfort. What more can one ask for? It’s time to own summer #SummerBelongsToIpamema” added Minnie Dlamini, the brand’s new face.
For more information, please check out and join the conversation on any of our social media platforms:
The 16th edition of the Avon Justine iThemba Walkathon was a resounding success after attracting thousands of participants from across the country and new partners that pledged their allegiance to its noble cause of raising awareness about breast cancer.
The 2021 edition of Avon Justine iThemba Walkathon was hosted virtually for the second year in a row on Sunday, 03 October, in adherence to COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Though the world’s biggest breast cancer walkathon was decentralised and gave participants the opportunity to walk in the safety of their neighbourhoods, the epicentre of the race was in Phalaborwa in Limpopo, where mining company Palabora Mining Company (PMC) supported the event and funded a gala dinner.
The hosting of the event outside of Johannesburg is historic as it marks a break from the event’s traditional hosting venue. This year, Avon Justine iThemba Walkathon also received a much-needed official endorsement and support from the National Department of Health.
“We are pleased with the support that that the public, our partners and the private sector are showing for the Avon Justine iThemba Walkathon. It is because of this ongoing support that the event is growing from strength to strength. We wish to appeal to other potential partners to join forces with us to ramp up support to millions of women and their loved ones who are infected and affected by breast cancer, which is the most common strain of cancer affecting women.
The support we continue to receive strengthens our resolve to step up the fight against breast cancer by supporting ongoing initiatives to raise awareness and drive education about this silent and deadly pandemic,” says Mafahle Mareletse, Managing Director of Avon Justine Turkey, Middle East & Africa.
Once again the iThemba Walkathon attracted an A-list of media personalities and celebrities who registered and pledged support to the fight against breast cancer. These included actors Kay Sibiya and Mbali Maphumulo, Lilian Dube (iThemba Ambassador), comedian Nina Hastie, Mrs Universe South Africa Melody Zondo, media personalities Carissa Cupido and Abigail Visagie to mention a few.
The proceeds generated from the hosting the event, will be donated to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that work with breast cancer survivors, namely the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), Wings of Hope, Journeysys and Look Good… Feel Better (LGFB).
Since its inception, the Avon Justine iThemba Walkathon has donated over R24.5 million to its NGO partners to help them fund their community outreach programmes and breast cancer awareness initiatives.
