Wear Black on SA Women's Day: 9 August

‘Thursdays in Black’ Campaign

This campaign, which was launched in South Africa by the Diakonia Council of Churches during the 16 Days of Activism Campaign at the end of 2008, is an ongoing drive to raise awareness and encourage people to work towards a world without rape and violence against women and children.  The World Health Organisation’s statistics in 2009 indicated that every 15 seconds a woman is raped in South Africa.  We say this is unacceptable.

The response has been positive and many people, both women and men, have committed themselves to wearing black on Thursdays.  This is an outward sign of mourning and of standing in solidarity with women who have died at the hands of their partners and signifies a desire to make a difference in our world.

The buttons have been distributed at various workshops, where gender-based violence is addressed and where the links between HIV infection and gender injustice are stressed.  The members of the Self Help Groups are being empowered to understand the implications of gender-based violence and many of them appreciate the opportunity of wearing black on Thursdays to highlight this debilitating scourge in our rural communities. 

Various churches have distributed the buttons and information leaflets at their Synods and other gatherings of church leaders.  In the past three years approximately 9,000 buttons and flyers have been distributed in both English and isiZulu – some as far afield as Cape Town.  Diakonia Council of Churches’ website promoted the campaign during the 16 Days of Activism Campaign and this additional source of information solicited much interest.

If you would like more information about the Thursdays in Black Campaign or would like someone to address your church or organisation on this topic, please contact the Diakonia Council of Churches office on [+2731] 310-3514.

Heaven is a place in my HeArt!

Black, White & Red are the official colours of Gagasi fm, the station in which I am priviledged to work for and in March this vibrant sound of the city, celebrated its Fifth birthday, with a yummy piano cake! Talk about ebony & ivory sticking together in perfect harmony. I loved every bite of the liquorice (ivory), its very good for my low iron levels, so my good Doctor says. 

Hip-hip hooray to Gagasi fm, the Sound of the City!

It is my second year with the station and I am glad to report that all is going well between mother and baby,  thank you. The mother, being the station, growing with wisdom & influence with a listenership that is currently sittting with1.8million listeners. Do your maths and you will know that we are taking over. World domination here we come! Check out our very new website on: http://www.gagasiradio.fm/.  This is a regional station with purpose, I tell you!

The 2012 line ups has now introduced G-lifestyles, which are weekly talk show hosts ranging from culture, business, HIV/AIDs and contemporary arts & culture, which yours truelly hosts, every Thursday from 7pm-8pm. Art Attack is a jam packed show that features budding and jet setting artists, various art works, experts, opportunities, an arts diary and of course celebrates the rich arts & culture heritage found in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa and even the world.

July 2012 is my 3rd month as a Talk Show host, which is quite an interesting growth of my public, life. My Creative Arts speaking engagements, have been confined to Theatres, workshops, conventions, conferences and the like. It is quite interesting to merge my love of film, dance, poetry, literature, dining (both fine & down town ghetto type of eateries/eating), fashion & general etiquette.

Who knew that street wise intellectual debates and conversations would move from coffee shops & restuarants in Melville & Yeoville Jozi, then to Florida road, Durban and now on air? How times change.

My first show I had a fun filled conversation on the very big, question, that does not really have ONE correct answer and that is: WHAT IS ART? second big question is WHAT IS CULTURE. I guess Art Attack, the name of my show looks at answering these two questions, one show at a time, four too five times a month!

I have hosted some arts experts and some art friends, none of whom are "normal people" and that is right up my alley, coz my artsy-fartsy mates make me feel normal. We are all colourful, weird an always wonderful. Cheers to Arts, Culture & our lifestyles.

Being part of the ever growing stations influence in KZN, I find it an honour and priviledge to unearth new talent in creactive individuals I meet, I find myself growing more and more into my Arts, Culture & Lifestyle style, with as much passion and desire to also unearth my own talents, that are so diverse.

A big thank you to some of my show guests: David Goldie (dancer), Somizi Mhlongo (dancer & choreographer), Sharlene Versfeld (publicist) William Charlton-Perkins (publicist), Mfiliseni Magubane (Maskandi Musician), Loyiso Bala (musician), Derrick Mhlongo (fashionista), Russell Hlongwane (Arts Activist), Tiny Mungwe (film maker) Busiswa Gqulu (poet), Kabamo (musician), Joe Nina (musician), Steve Kekana (musician), Mondli Mzizi (comedia), Zion (poet) Sboh da Poet (musician), Zakes Bantwini (musician), MXO (musician), Micasa (local bands), Zakwe (musician), BIG NUZ (local musicians), Ndaba ka Ngwane (film maker), Futhi (musician), Mbongeni Ngema, Jerry Pooe (playwright), Gcina Mhlophe (Poet & Playwright) Phillipa yaa de Villiers (writer & Poet), Jiggz Thorne (Festival Director for Bushfire Festival) and last but not least Clinton Marius: with whom I had the priviledge of co-writing my first radio drama called Eh-Heh with.

Eh Heh is a play set up in a salon and has its very own facebook page. Check it out on www.facebook/EhHeh.com. Like the page and come on, be a sport, sponsor local KZN artists, give an artist a job and get our show on the road/on air again. Begging is a tough business. I never realised until I learnt that my blood only pumps out arts and culture. Even tougher is the fact that I was born like this. haha!

I heArt to hear from you soon.

Do Tune in, tweet or facebook. I promise to TRY and respond. If not too busy trying to get a tit that I can milk for my artistic life, I will respond.

oops, about the Picture I uploaded: It was the Gagasi Fm, 5th Birthday Cake, March 2012.  Zookey, me, is the 3rd from the Left, the dreadlock Chicca with the sunglasses...yep! Thats moi :-)

Yours in heArt matters!



Finding my heArt

July is winter holidays in South Africa and I have discovered a new talent and art which includes making wigs, yes, I said wigs! I have recycled every broken piece of jewellery and art as well as re-shaped and designed my stylish evening wear. Yep, this winter I decided to be selfish and not give away my winter outfits, which the tumble dryer had shrunk. haha. It can never be my weight.

My gorgeous daughter, Tendai has joined me on this project and we are still to find a name & perhaps models for this new recycling business of ours, but so far so good. My friendly elderly neighbours have sampled our hats and wigs and have come back with good compliments as well as our feather earring.

I wore my dads ties as a skirt/apron to the Vodacom July and felt like I had celebrated him and my new skills of needlework, coz that's what it really is. My tools of the trade have really included: a pair of sharp scissors, different sized needles, glue, cotton/fish wire and putting bits and pieces together. We have mosaiced ceramic tiles, mirrors, old cd's with scratches, handbags and wow, who knew that story telling & creating new songs while working could be such fun. Those who know me know that singing is not my strength, whatsoever but mother & daughter bonding has never felt this good.

HERE is to ART. The passion to follow your heART!

Tune to Art Attack on www.gagasiradio.fm every Thursday and tell tell a friend to tell a friend, to do the same!  And do follow my food blog: that I write when I am not too busy recycling lol...www.blackolivesandbluecheese.blogspot.com and my travelblog that is also missing one too many updates: www.mankwalidestination.wordpress.com.

With love

The Good Girl, Finding her Artistic Heaven!

So Humbled by A letter...Giving is my Gift but recieving LETTERS is such an honour!

Reservoir Hills Bible Baptist Church

P O Box 65059

Reservoir Hills

4090

(Tel) 031 262 0442

pastorcj@telkomsa.net

Pastor Cedric John

Dear Zookey Mankwali

The church acknowledges your kind gesture with much gratitude. The drum kit is a welcomed addition to our praise and worship experience. Thank you for your kindness and your obedience to the prompting of the Lord.

Our drummer is developing well and just this Sunday we listened to him with pleasure. It has motivated him tremendously and he found a ministry in church that he delights to serve in. Thank you for the wonderful value you added to his life. Beyond the church, his family is appreciative too and indeed the worship team as well.

We hope to meet you sometimes. In the interim, God Bless you richly.

In His service,

Pastor Cedric John

031 262 0442

The Day moi found a G-spot...

1st of March 2011 I broke my on air virginity on the SOUND of the CITY baybee: 99.5fm was the new love of my life and as all new loves go: me and Gagasi kept each other ALIVE and awake at the wee hours of the morning or was that night? 

My spot on Gagasi 99.5fm (yes, thats the G-spot I am talking about) was from 10pm - 1am during the week and 6am-10am on Saturday mornings...how did I manage without going grey ? In between that was a business woman, an employee at the premier University of KwaZulu-Natal, a performing artist, a writer, a mother, a lover, a very supportive & in your face aunt & sister and daughther in law and sister in law *breaths in and out slowly*. Now I can gladly say: I am a survivor!

It was a lovely year of CONFESSIONS Monday's and on CHOOSE days we Touched lives. No, not like that silly. It was more appropriate and respectful than any person whose mind is in the gutter would have it be. We'd reach out and (((((hug))))) those who needed to be touched spiritually or those who were feeling down. Zarlings would call in and TOUCH their loved ones who lay in hospital beds or friends who needed encouragement. I always believe that a hug and a handshake is a ONE SIZE FITS ALL phenomena and if you cant shake their hands or hug them, then the Zookey Zone was the place to call, tweet or facebook on a Tuesday night.

Wednesday's we'd fly high and we changed our scope from sight to vision and started looking at things in the eyes of faith and hope. We called the feature: WINGS DAY  and therefore on wings day we'd WISH and share our hopes, dreams, intentions and thoughts and even share testimonies of little victories that make our lives better. Victories such as getting a drivers licence, a promotion, passing a difficult exam, finally breaking up with that abusive lover etc. All grounded on Hebrews 1:1, NOW faith is....

Thursday's saw me being called IQHIKIZA, an elder sister who had the eye and spirit of discernment, knowledge and wisdom when it came to matters of the heart and love. Few lovers got together and yes others had not so exciting n' experience but nonetheless lonely hearts soon became a thing of the past as we shared on what singles could get up to. We shared on various alternative hobbies that could keep singles happy, smiling and not feeling sorry for themselves.

Saturday....aaaah Saturday is when my beauty sleep was cut to an absolute minimum. Since when was I able to hold a conversation without pulling lip at 6am? Oh, Gagasi fm certainly turned me into a morning Saturday baby, a whole new me. My gruff baritone morning voice had no choice but to sing itself  awake or was that spoken word using musical lyrics? #yours truly can't sing to save her life.

Oh well its been a great year, but more than anything, I am an artist at heart. I love culture and inter-cultural relations and all things AFRICAN which means travelling into Africa and around the world promoting our Mzansi culture. I am not sure when that multi-arts & intercultural bug bit me, but I think its blood flows freely in my system and being on STAGE and in theatre houses, on film sets, styling musicians and working out their schedules is worse than dealing with a mother in law, but if you cant run away from the calling, you just dance to it.

With a diary filled with festivals to enjoy: whether as a project manager or artist facilitator, I bid farewell to the Zookey Zone and Sunnyside up Breakfast slots. I love being holistic and if you wanna here about my #celebrate-tea-time-no-chicken-no beef and my #shoot-me-please fashion police moments and other #once-upon-a-timez you better not miss out on the new lifestyle shows coming up on the Sound of the City...woop-woop!

Herewith lay my Gagasi Presenter Profile (does sound like an obituary don't it) :-)

Read my Gagasi blogs on this link: Blogs about the Zookey Zone, Sunnyside up show & all things Zarling

There is NO fire like a Bushfire #wash'umkhukhu!

Oliver Mtukudzi #Zimbawbwe baby

I grew up in Swaziland, Manzini Swaziland, just down the road from the Post Office and I do not miss any opportunity to be posted back to the sugar cane and ever sweet country of absolute regal beauty!

This year’s MTN BUSHFIRE festival, which takes place in Swaziland’s picturesque Malkerns valley from 25 to 27 May 2012, is set to reinforce its reputation as one of Africa’s must-attend arts and music festivals.

A potent Pan-African event with an explosion of live music, theatre, poetry, film, circus acts, dance and visual arts from all over the globe, MTN BUSHFIRE 2012 promises more fire than ever before at the magical House on Fire venue, which is set against a breathtaking rural landscape.

This international celebration of cutting-edge arts and culture is among the premier entertainment events on the kingdom’s calendar, and has blazed a trail on the continent with its progressive and socially responsible mandate.

Nancy G

Arts with a heart
Since its inception in 2007, 6 years ago, MTN BUSHFIRE has become a significant player in boosting and developing Swaziland’s arts and culture scene. In addition to providing employment and generating much-needed revenue for the national economy, through the 16 000 to 20 000 revellers the event routinely attracts, the festival raises awareness and funds for some of the country’s most pressing social needs.

In 2011, MTN BUSHFIRE once again donated all of its profits to the Young Heroes organisation, which provides support for local orphans, and launched the 100% Seriously Swazi showcase for Swazi artists. More than 430 local artists participated in last year’s festival, with over 300 children from schools and youth groups taking part in the inaugural Bushfire Schools’ Festival.

Explains festival director Jiggs Thorne: “Swaziland’s MTN BUSHFIRE festival was founded six years ago in a spirit of cultural exploration. Through our ideals and our actions, we continue to explore and redefine the typical festival formula.

“In doing this we ask questions of ourselves, of artists, and of our audiences: How best do we shape the festival we have created, and what do we want to say? What role should the arts play in our society? How do we become practical dreamers? Exploring these questions defines our festival and is the real spirit that people take away.”


Ayo



Creative fireworks
A culturally diverse melting pot of musicians and artists from across the continent and beyond will converge on the majestic House on Fire performance site at the end of May – coinciding with Africa Day – to lay out a feast of incredible family friendly entertainment. Visitors can also browse quality hand-crafted goods at the Hand Craft Market, sample local and international cuisine at the Food Fair, and keep the little ones entertained at the KidZone.

The combination of an inspired rural setting, an amazing line-up of world-class talent across four stages, and a commitment to the needs of local communities will set the tone for an enchanting, vibrant, unmissable family-friendly arts fiesta in the heart of the Swazi countryside.

Full details of the music and entertainment line-up will be released shortly.

Tickets for MTN BUSHFIRE International Festival of the Arts are available from the 24th of February 2012 at http://www.oncrm.co.za/references/emailReply?onRN01=bAlu.U3lZCWUqAgvbnRhmJR3R4Wxg475M4yJqAxvZ0lyOC1Fg4ywgixidXg3R4WEg4msbAlu.0lke4W5 .

Both VIP and standard tickets are available, as are one-day tickets. Children enjoy discounted rates, with free admission for under-fives.

The website includes information on where to stay during the festival, from backpackers and campsites to chalets and hotels. Visit http://www.oncrm.co.za/references/emailReply?onRN01=bAlu.U3lZCWUqAgvbnRhmJR3R4Wxg475M4yJqAxvZ0lyOC1Fg4ywgixidXg3R4WEg4msbAlu.0lke4W5  for more information and

Bholoja

Are you are ZARLING?...well you better be coz you know I love SHARING OUR STORIES and in the Month of May I will be sharing my story with you as we travel to the KINGDOM of the Swazi's and enjoying a BUSHFIRE...whoop-whoop I cant wait already...are you ready? Is your passport up todate?? no? well head on down to the Department of HOME AFFAIRS and get that ready!

Email me at zookey@mankwali.com for further details...#Washa umkhumkhu

The fairest of them all...

I moved back to Durban just after the new millenium to work as the Public Relations Director for the 1st Miss India Worldwide in South Africa. This was a competition including 100 girls of Indian decent from around the world. I reckon, I will never go grey again, after keeping my sanity and all my dark black main during that time of Bombay, Johannesburg, negotiations, pre-Madonna's, breyani, curries and all things bling.

I enjoyed every experience and got to work closely with two very special ladies, the then reigning Miss India South Africa and the Miss India Worldwide.  I was sometimes a driver, other times I looked like the security but most of the times I was the mover and shaker who had to facilitate and make things happen. Such fun!! So much sari and panjabi wearing for one township girl from Ntuzuma.

 Some of my duties included networking, school visits, hospital visits, prison visits and introducing the ladies to business and government leaders alike...*takes a bow*. Every African-American coming to South Africa wants to meet Madiba and so it would only be fair that one of my projects include introducing the ladies to this great man who fought for the liberation of our dear rainbow nation: South Africa.

 Sarika the Miss India Worldwide 2001 got married and became a Public Relations Officer and blossomed into the beauty that she always was. Sorisha became a celebrated individual, writing Sunday Paper articles as a journalist, hosted a radio show and left her hospitality industry career and became a soapie opera actor and then a very successful business woman. Everytime I bumped into her, I was in awe of her gregarious and humble character. She never once did a "so who are you?" or "please remind me where I know you from.?"...oooh I have had plenty of those, until the next time the schlep-britty needed a favour.

It's when I did not recognise her because she had become so fair that I started to wonder what happened to my beauty queen. She was on billboards and magazines as a model of her very own brand of soaps and skin lightning creams. This is a phenomena I have seen a lot as I grew up, the only difference is that my mothers generation used a product called He Man, that left their skin with burn like marks and very sensitive to the sun.

I am thee light and I will keep shining in my dark tanned skin thank you. I fear attracting to much attention, that's all. Either way, in the language of all beauty queens, I believe "beauty comes from within" and for the sake of world peace I just rather not be the fairest of them all.