Actress Nokuthula Tutu, popularly known as Natasha Thahane, is pleading with members of the public to stop spreading lies about her.

Thahane’s plea comes after reports in the media that she has moved on. Thahane, who was in a relationship with the father of her child, soccer star Thembinkosi Lorch, was said to have found love in the arms of My Brother’s Keeper actor, Wiseman Mncube.

Using her Instagram stories, the Blood and Water actress refuted the rumours by citing an article that claimed she was in a relationship with Mncube.

In a succinct statement, Thahane revealed the news of her break-up with Lorch in February, claiming that it signifies the start of a new chapter in her life.

Wiseman Mncube

“A brief update: Thembinkosi Lorch and I have mutually decided to part ways romantically,” she wrote at the time. “Despite the change in our relationship, we will remain friends and co-parents. I am looking forward to this new chapter of my life.”

Although Thahane and Lorch never made an official announcement about their relationship, their followers assumed that they were dating based on pictures they shared from a tropical trip in 2021.

During an Instagram livestream with award-winning DJ Maphorisa, Lorch denied being with Thahane; however, the following year, the couple welcomed a child together.

Thahane kept her relationship with the football player a secret for some time before making the shocking announcement that they were splitting up. Despite her insistence that the break-up was mutually agreed upon and amicable, fans believed that Lorch was to blame for the split after seeing a video that she shared on her Instagram stories. —Sunday World

Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter

WARRIORS prospect Leon Chiwome has signed a contract extension with English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers which will run till the summer of 2028. 

The 18-year-old played four times for Wolves last season, including two starts in the Premier League, before picking an injury in training in April that ended his season.

Speaking about Chiwome’s new deal, Wolves’ sporting director Matt Hobbs told the club website that the Zimbabwean prospect stepped up when the team needed him most and showed what he is capable of.

“Leon stepped up last year in a tough time, when we had some injuries, and showed the potential he has. At the moment, the plan is for him to stay with us, develop under Gary (O’Neil, head coach), his staff and James (Collins) with the under-21s, but while the window is open, there are other possibilities,” said Hobbs.

Chiwome, who made his Premier League debut towards the end of last season, joined Wolves’ academy from AFC Wimbledon two years ago.

Chiwome made three Premier League appearances at the end of last season, including two starts. 

He also scored three goals in nine appearances for Wolves under-21s in Premier League Two.

The highly-rated striker’s stay and development in the EPL, widely regarded as the most competitive league in the world, is great news for Zimbabwe, although he is yet to commit his allegiance to the Warriors.

The striker received a Warriors call-up for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and Nigeria in November last year, but could not make the trip.

Zimbabwe  is still hopeful he will wear the Warriors jersey.

He is one of the foreign-based players that the country is keeping its fingers crossed will pledge full allegiance to playing for the Warriors.

The youngster was born in the United Kingdom to an English mother and a Zimbabwean father.

Born in Brighton, the 18-year-old was signed from AFC Wimbledon in July 2022 after being scouted while playing for Alfold FC and the Sussex Schools FA team.

Chiwome spent just over a year at Plough Lane before making the move to Compton Park as a schoolboy  following an intensive period of scouting.

He has already represented the Under-18s and Under-21s in Woves gold, while also pulling on the England Three Lions shirt at Under-17 level, netting a hat-trick against Germany in an international friendly. 

WITH examinations in mind, you need to be totally prepared for all types of questions that might appear in the examinations. Teachers tend to concentrate on the type of questions which always feature in the examinations.
All is fine as long as students get good grades in the examinations. But there are times when they usually do not appear and students are caught off balance.

The best as already indicated is to cover all possible areas for students to be fully prepared. If you look at past examination scripts, you will find that writing letters as the other form of communication in writing has been avoided for a long time. Your guess for the reason for that is as good as mine. I presume letter writing is taken as straightforward and students would have been given easy stuff to write. I do not know.

However, there are some valid points students need to know. There are three main types of letters to be aware of: The layout and style of your letter are ruled by the type of letter you are writing. To help you decide this, you should ask yourself three simple questions: Who is writing the letter? For whom is it intended? Why are you writing it? These could be shortened to: Who? Whom? Why?

Points to remember about letters: Plan all letters before you start writing. State your purpose in the opening sentences, answering questions like: Why? Whom? What? Who? The date is placed below the writer’s address. End off a letter with a “rounding off” statement, for example, I look forward to your reply/visit or many thanks again. These are just examples not compulsory for everyday use.

Whether or not your letter ends with “Yours sincerely” or “Yours faithfully”, “Yours” always begins with a capital letter and “sincerely” and “faithfully” always begin with a small letter. Be consistent — if you have been taught to write indented, half-block or block letters, make sure you stick to the same form all the way through. Half-block form means that no punctuation is used in the address or in the ending of the letter.

The writer’s address is not indented and everything else is written along the left-hand margin, with a line left between each paragraph. Friendly letters: Although the style of a friendly letter is informal, it should still be clearly structured, with each paragraph carrying a main point. In addition, slang and “sloppy” expressions should be avoided. It is better to stick to the suggested endings.

(Yours sincerely, Yours truly) rather than use flowery ones such as “Your loving one”. Avoid over-personal details and try to keep your content relevant to the purpose of your letter. A letter to a pen-friend. Although at first a pen-friend is not known by you, you use the style of a friendly letter. Write about yourself, your family and friends, your school, your home and your hobbies.

Describe your country but do not make it sound like a geography book. Try to include one or two important events in your life, for example, a holiday or birthday party, local festival or celebration.

There are many other kinds of friendly letters, which may include letters of congratulation, invitation, acceptance of an invitation or explanation of failure to arrive at a party. Always remember to write a direct, simple style and friendly tone.

Business letters: Remember that your letter is intended for someone completely unknown to you so: deal strictly with the business in hand. Be clear and direct to the point. Address whoever you are writing to as Dear Sir/Madam. Write the position held by the above at the top of the business address. After you have written Dear Sir/Madam give your letter a title. Always conclude Yours faithfully.

Sign your name but also print it clearly below your signature so that there is no doubt about who you are. If you hold a position, (for example, manager), this should be printed below your name. Letter of complaint: Remember that in order for a company to act on your complaint, they need to know all the important details which might include: the model, make or detailed description of the product; the name and address of the shop where you bought it; date of your purchase; a description of the problem; what action you wish them to take.

Be reasonable, polite but firm in your tone — avoid threatening, angry or insulting letters. Letters to newspapers: These letters fall into a category of their own as your audience is the public. Usually, you are using the newspaper as a way of expressing an opinion, making a protest, reacting to someone else’s letter, offering praise or thanks or asking for information — but they are all matters which are important to the citizens of the country and which you feel need to be shared.

Although letters to the Press often express strong feelings or opinions, always try to express yourself clearly and objectively, giving balance to your arguments. Often, it is sufficient to simply address the editor as “Sir”. Identify the subject of your letter in the opening sentences. For views link with charlesdbe14058@gmail.com or sms to 0772113207.

King Mzilikazi encountered the Mahlangu people at a time when they lived at Ndubazi in present day Mpumalanga province of South Africa. The Mahlangu chieftaincy is established in Nkayi, Matabeleland North.

The Mahlangu people joined Mzilikazi in South Africa. Their group included other clans of the Ndebele of South Africa with surnames such as Mabhena, Sibindi, Sikhosana, Masombuka, Mkhwananzi (Gawu, Makhwentaba), Jubane, Mgutshini, Ndlovu (Mthombeni /Gegana).

Centuries ago, the Ndebele of South Africa had hived off from their Nguni relatives, crossed over the Drakensberg Mountains and settled in the high-veld, among the Sotho/Tswana peoples.

King Mzilikazi and his people attacked these Ndebeles who were under Chiefs Magodonga Mahlangu, Sibindi and Mabhena. Chief Magodonga Mahlangu was reputed for having magical powers, which King Mzilikazi could not match.

Chief Magodonga Mahlangu was able to get himself submerged under water with a flaming firebrand and emerge after a while with the brand still alight. King Mzilikazi tried to match his adversary but failed. It took his senior doctor Mphubane Mzizi to immobilise Chief Magodonga.

Mzizi kept close watch over Chief Magodonga with the intention of locating where he relieved himself. After doing that, Mzizi stealthily went to collect a small piece from the chief’s faecal matter.

That way, Mzizi mixed the faeces with strong impande thus empowering King Mzilikazi and ensuring that Chief Magodonga Mahlangu’s powers vanished.

King Mzilikazi attacked Magodonga and his armies successfully and thereafter ordered his execution. Many of his people were rounded up and incorporated into Mzilikazi’s society. The Ndebele of South Africa existed before the Ndebele of Mzilikazi.

Chief Magodonga’s people were conscripted into a regiment called IZimpangele, therefore, their cultural incorporation began before Mzilikazi came to establish his Ndebele state southwest of the Zimbabwean plateau.

Among the men who belonged to IZimpangele was Mveleleni whose wife, a Mabhena, was expecting. Mabhena gave birth to a son who was aptly named Sivalo, for he was going to be the last child, isivalo. Sivalo never saw his father.

It is said that Mveleleni Mahlangu was accused of flirting with the royal wives before King Mzilikazi’s group arrived in the Zimbabwean plateau. Mveleleni and others fled back to South Africa fearing royal retribution for their moral transgressions.

Sivalo grew up to become a prominent man in King Lobengula’s capital. Together with Sihuluhulu Mabhena, they supervised royal matters within isigodlo at the time when Magwegwe Fuyane was induna yezinduna at KoBulawayo.
Sivalo was in the party that accompanied King Lobengula Khumalo in his flight to the north.

It was Sivalo and Sihuluhulu Mabhena who were given gold by the fleeing king to negotiate for peace with the whites. The men given the gold squandered it and were prosecuted for that.

Sivalo is also the one who was dispatched by the king to return and torch KoBulawayo to ashes. Sivalo also took care of the royal wives beyond the Shangani River following the military engagements at Pupu on 4 December 1893. Sivalo was later a strong ally of Queen Lozikeyi.

Sivalo was succeeded by Mleke Mahlangu who was succeeded by Solomon who reigned as chief for a remarkable 74 years until his death at the age of 97 in 2014. In 2016, Solomon was succeeded by Edwin Bhululu, the son of Mleke kaSivalo Mahlangu.

Vuyisile Mlilo, Sunday Life Reporter

IN the heart of Bulawayo, where the rhythm flows through the streets and the music pulses in the air, a celebration like no other is on the horizon.

On 4 August at a location that is yet to be announced, the enchanting Garden of House will open its doors to the public for the eighth edition of an event that has become one of the most electrifying on the city’s arts calendar.

Regarded as the Mecca for house music enthusiasts, Bulawayo has long been a hotbed of talent, nurturing artistes who have made waves both locally and internationally.

The names of DJ Nitefreak, Ryan Synth, DJ Ash T and a myriad of others have become synonymous with the pulsating beats that define the Bulawayo house music scene.

Garden of House 

Organisers of the eighth instalment of Garden of House have kept the line-up a secret, revealing only two acts who are set to grace the stage on 4 August.

This, organisers have said, is a calculated move aimed at keeping the audience on suspense, heightening the excitement leading up to the event.

DJ Ash T, one of the organisers of the event, said the journey from being a small event into one of the most vibrant and well-attended in the city had been an engrossing one.

“The journey; since our first edition, we’ve come a long way and we’re proud to have created an event where people can come together to enjoy their love for house music. From humble beginnings to where we are today, it’s been an incredible journey and we’re grateful for the opportunity to showcase new talent and build a community around this genre,” he said.

Garden of House

As the sun sets and the stars begin to twinkle overhead, the Garden of House will come alive with a symphony of sound, colour and culture.

The event is not just about the music, it also serves as a platform for entrepreneurs in the food and fashion industries to find customers within the demographic of Garden of House attendees.

Small stalls will be available at the event as business, cuisine and house music collide at the dance music extravaganza. The organisers expressed hope that the Garden of House would be a celebration of a movement, a testament to the unity and diversity of the house music community in Bulawayo.

“From the young to the young at heart, all are welcome to join in this jubilant gathering. The Garden of House promises an experience that transcends ordinary music events, offering a journey through the soul of Bulawayo’s house music scene.

Garden of House

“So, mark your calendars, spread the word and prepare to dance, laugh and revel in the electrifying atmosphere of Garden of House. This event is more than a celebration; it is a declaration of the spirit and passion that fuels the growing, buzzing house music movement in Bulawayo. Get ready to feel the beat, embrace the groove and lose yourself in the rhythm of a city that beats to the sound of house music,” said Ash T.

Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter

AFTER toiling to get due recognition for over three decades, Jeys Marabini is a happy man nowadays. Only a few years ago, one could have described Marabini born Majahawodwa Ndlovu as a disgruntled artiste, a man who was tired of seeing all his hard work and toil come to naught.

Anyone who spoke to Marabini in those bad old days could have told you that he was now in danger of being bitten the bug of “discontent.” It is the same bug that has afflicted many promising musicians from Bulawayo. The same insect whose irritation has probably seen Lovemore Majaivana avoid the City of Kings and Queens for the best part of two decades.

Nothing seemed to please Marabini in those days. He was not happy about the shows he was getting booked for, or even worse, the reception he was getting in those shows.

He seemed to be a man at a crossroads and after 30 years in the industry, he could have been forgiven for listening to the little devil in his shoulder telling him to pick up his bags and leave for newer pastures.

However, recently, Marabini has become a happier man. Gigs have come in thick and fast and he believes that he has begun to command the kind of support that his talent demands.

To crown it all, Marabini was recently asked to perform at a banquet in Bulawayo where President Mnangagwa entertained his Kenyan counterpart, President William Ruto. For Marabini, just that one moment was worth 34 years of unrelenting hard work.

“My music is for mature people, who understand and appreciate African music,” he told Sunday Life in an interview.
“That has always been my selling point but I believe that what you’re seeing now is the culmination of all the hard work that I have put in down the years. Such times come but they don’t come on their own.

“You have to work for it and I am happy that finally in my journey as an artiste, my music is being recognised not only in my region but in the entire country. After 34 years of doing music, I can say that I can finally see the fruits of what I have been working hard for. I think it’s also a great lesson for young artistes out there. Things may not seem like they are working out at first, but your time will come,” he said.

Strumming his guitar in front of two Presidents, Marabini said he finally felt like an ambassador for his country.
“I have always been the same Jeys Marabini and I have never changed. I’ve realised that perhaps when you have been living amongst people, they don’t take you seriously until someone with the power and popularity that a President possesses recognises you.

I think when someone like that recognises you as someone unique and talented, it forces everyone else to sit up and take notice. When I was there on stage performing, I wasn’t representing myself or the village that I come from, I was representing my country.

I don’t think the President would call me to come in and perform in front of another Head of State if he felt that I would put up a performance that poorly represented Zimbabwe,” he said.

As he celebrates 34 years in the music industry, Marabini said he has recently had a chance to reflect on the principles that have got him this far in his life and career.

“Patience in life brings a lot of success. Things might take a lot of time to happen but in the end, they do happen as long as one works hard and doesn’t lose focus. All you need to do is keep on making good music and in the end, people will notice you eventually.

“If your work is good and original, people can’t ignore you. For me, anyone who wants to hear Jeys Marabini type of music can only get it from Jeys Marabini and that is an important mark of originality.

“You can’t bring a good thing down and that is what the last few years have proved for me. As long as you are always present and you persevere, no one can take away the glory that is meant for you,” he said.

Marabini said while he had been in the music industry for over three decades, he was still challenging himself to bring his best whenever he went into the studio, as he never wanted to short-change his fans.

“I believe that my music is timeless. The message that is in my songs will always be relevant and that’s why my music has not been a fad. I sell hope in my music. I sell awareness, I sell love in music and I believe that are things that strengthen people. We talk about things that give them strength to go on and give hope for a better tomorrow and I believe that such topics and such music will last forever.

“Everything has to be in sync when I go in to make music. I have to make sure that the musicians are good, I have to ensure that the producers are great and I also have to make sure that the studio is on point. That’s something important that I always like to point out.

We should never take our audience for granted and start thinking because you’re Jeys people will just listen to whatever you put out. That I believe is my strength and the reason I am where I am today. Even if another musician emerges, I am not worried because there’s only one Jeys who’s authentically himself,” he said.

Marabini recently caused a stir on social media when he posted a picture of himself alongside comedienne Mai TT. According to Marabini, while the idea of a collaboration between the two of them seemed outlandish, it was one that he would seriously pursue in the future.

“Mai TT is an artiste just like I am an artiste. She might do art that is different from mine but art will always bring us together. When I posted a picture of us together, we had been brought together by a project that we found ourselves working on. So, as a musician, I can’t rule out people and say I won’t work with so and so. No, you work with everybody as long as they are an artiste that had an impact in society, you can’t look down upon them.

“Mai TT is an artiste who has her sense of style and she has people who follow her just for that. I was amazed by the respect that she gave me and it made me realise that it was all down to the work I have been doing for all these years.

So we are going to do more in the future because this is someone who enjoys my work and my craft. When she expressed that to me it made me feel very good because sometimes as an artiste you work without knowing who you’re touching with your work out there,” he said.

THE Comrades Marathon is one of the world’s most prestigious and challenging ultra-marathons.

My name is Godfrey Marongwe-Nkosi, and I am 50 years old. 

As a novice runner, I participated in the Comrades Marathon in Durban, South Africa, on 9 June 2024 and completed the 86km up-run in 10 hours 34 minutes. My target was to complete the race within 11 hours, and the cut-off time was 12 hours. 

I am a social runner and I run for my wellness. 

The longest distance I had done before this Comrades race was the Two Oceans Ultra 56km Marathon in Cape Town in 2023 and 2024, finishing at 6 hours 18 minutes and 5 hours 57 minutes, respectively.

I decided to participate in this year’s Comrades Marathon to celebrate 50 years of existence and mark this milestone with an extraordinary event. I decided in December 2023, and immediately, I had to start my preparations by following a training programme shared by Comrades coaches.

I registered for the event without a qualifier for the race, which meant I needed to run a qualifying full marathon (42.,2km) inside 4 hours 50 minutes to complete my Comrades Marathon registration.

Fast-forward: My preparations were not going too well, as I struggled with knees and hamstring injuries. I failed to complete a full marathon in under 5 hours until the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town. 

My attempts in the CBZ and Old Mutual Marathons in Harare were both completed outside the qualifying time for the Comrades. 

Fortunately, I had a good run at the Two Oceans, and I then used the results as a qualifier for the Comrades Marathon. 

As part of my Comrades training, I had to run medium distances, “anything between 21 to 30km,” back-to-back training runs during weekends that is Saturday and Sunday to prepare the body for the gruelling Comrades run. 

For mid-week practice sessions, I had to start as early as 4.30am, running in the dark just to get the mileage before work. 

To run ultra-marathons, you also have to do serious strengthening exercises, and my gym coach, Prince Munangatire at Body Active Gym, was convenient in pushing me to the limits every time we had sessions. 

In all this, I was receiving treatment from my physiotherapists, who advised that I must rest to aid my recovery process. Still, I deliberately ignored that advice because I knew my legs needed mileage to carry me through the Comrades Marathon.

Fast-forward: The race came, and more than 22 000 athletes from all over the world participated in the ultimate human race. 

The race started at 5.30 am with those seeded in Groups A for elite runners, then B, C, and I was in Group F, and behind us was Group H, which was the last group. 

I had a comfortable run until about 36 kilometres, when I started cramping in both hamstrings. 

Nevertheless, I was determined not to quit the race, from there, I had to run and walk depending on how my legs were feeling. 

We were fortunate that we had medical stations along the way, and I would receive massages along the way to loosen the cramping muscles and continue with the run until I crossed the finishing line. 

Below are a few tips based on my personal experience preparing for the Comrades Marathon:

1. Gradual Training: Start training early and gradually increase your mileage to build endurance. Include a mix of long runs, speed work and strength training.

2. Nutrition: Pay attention to your diet to fuel your body properly. Focus on balanced meals with plenty of carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats.

3. Rest and recovery: Listen to your body and incorporate rest days into your training schedule. Adequate sleep is also crucial for recovery.

4. Mental preparedness: Prepare yourself mentally for the challenges ahead. Visualisation techniques and positive thinking can help you stay motivated during tough training sessions. Focus on the target to be achieved as your motivation.

5. Gear and apparel: Invest in good-quality running shoes and comfortable apparel to prevent injuries and enhance performance.

Participation in the Comrades Marathon has benefits, which can be categorised into physical, mental and social aspects:

Physical benefits

1. Improved cardiovascular health: Training for and running the marathon enhances cardiovascular fitness, reducing the risk of heart disease and improving overall heart health.

2. Increased endurance and stamina: The rigorous training builds muscular and aerobic endurance, making participants more physically resilient.

3. Weight management: Intensive training helps burn calories and can lead to effective weight management and loss.

4. Enhanced muscle strength: Strength and conditioning exercises incorporated into training routines build muscle strength and improve overall body composition.

5. Boosted immune system: Regular exercise strengthens the immune system, reducing the frequency of illnesses.

Mental Benefits

1. Mental toughness: Enduring the challenges of a long-distance race builds mental resilience and the ability to cope with stress and discomfort.

2. Sense of achievement: Completing the marathon provides a profound sense of accomplishment and boosts self-confidence.

3. Stress relief: Physical activity, including long-distance running, is proven to reduce stress levels and improve mental well-being.

4. Improved focus and discipline: The training regimen requires discipline and consistency, which can translate into better focus and organisational skills in other areas of life.

5. Enhanced mood: Regular exercise is linked to the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Social benefits

1. Community and camaraderie: Participants become part of a global community of runners, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

2. Networking opportunities: The event attracts participants from various lifestyles, providing opportunities for networking and building new relationships.

3. Inspiration and motivation: Being surrounded by fellow runners who have overcome significant challenges can be highly motivating and inspiring.

4. Support for charitable causes: Many runners use the event to raise funds for various charitable causes, contributing to a greater social good.

5. Cultural exchange: The event’s international nature allows for cultural exchanges and broadening of perspectives.

Additional benefits

1. Travel and exploration: The marathon route offers scenic views and the opportunity to explore different parts of South Africa, contributing to an enriching travel experience.

2. Personal growth: Preparing for and participating in such a demanding event often leads to personal growth, increased confidence, and a greater understanding of one’s capabilities.

3. Goal setting and achievement: The process of setting a challenging goal, working towards it, and ultimately achieving it can have a positive ripple effect on other areas of life, promoting a goal-oriented mindset.

In general, participating in the Comrades Marathon is a transformative experience that affects various facets of life and promotes a holistic sense of well-being and accomplishment.

Comrades training will demand your time in a big way and will definitely change your social life. I struggled to balance the time between family, work, and life in general. My work is very demanding, and most of the time, I was tired from my training. Hence, the issue I mentioned above on REST is very important.

God willing, I aspire to run this race for charity someday, raising money for the less privileged. I know this will require a lot of my time and planning. 

Will I do this again? YES, next year, I am going back for my back-to-back special medal. In 2025, it is going to be a down-run 89km. My target will be sub 10 hours, that is around 9 hours 30 minutes. From now until the end of the year, I will be going easy on myself. Serious training will start in December. Two Oceans will be the first in April 2025, and my target will be 5 hours 30 minutes.

I am eternally grateful to God for making this dream come true; without Him, I would not have crossed the finish line. I also thank my family for accommodating my crazy training, which took me away from them many times; my gym coach, Prince, for the body transformation; my physiotherapists, Trevor Wambe and Takudzwa Madzongo, my workmates and friends for the support and encouragement, and finally, my employer ZB Financial Holdings for all the support in all forms. 

I made it!

Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter

AT some point in his sermon during the burial of Chief Malaba at Nyashongwe Village in Kezi, Matabeleland South Province, Father Innocent Makawule Ndlovu lightened the mood with some jokes.

As the parish priest at St Joseph’s Mission, Father Ndlovu had known the late chief for a long time and was thus tasked with delivering his personal history.

Sometimes even in the house of the Lord, the word is delivered with a comedic touch, and on that windy Saturday (15 June) morning, Father Ndlovu delivered a few comedic gems that gladdened the dejected hearts of the mourners and drove the winter chill away from their shivering bodies.

“In 1956, our parish priest passed away after he drowned going down a well in search of water for our people. That is why you must appreciate your priests because they care greatly about you. However, you must show this appreciation by offering to the church. Show this appreciation by offering to your priest,” he said much to the amusement of the gathering.

Father Innocent Ndlovu

Such was the mood at a gathering that brought together dignitaries that included highest-ranking officers of the country’s courts like the country’s Chief Justice, Luke Malaba, Cabinet Ministers, traditional leaders, and high-ranking civil servants.

Father Ndlovu’s sublime mix of the religious and the comic was fitting for a gathering in which the interaction of traditional cultural burial rites and Catholicism offered a seamless blend, instead of a clash, between the Western and the African.

While he was a traditional leader of note Chief Malaba was also a devout Catholic, with his farewell offering a mixture of the cultural and religious forces that drove him in life.

chief Malaba burial 

The burial of chiefs is not a uniform procedure, as authorities take their cue from the traditional practices in the area. For example, in some clans, chiefs are not buried lying down but laid to rest sitting up, preferably in a cave located on a mountain. The cave is usually sealed with rocks that disguise it from the inquisitive eyes of mere mortals.

“When it comes to the burial of chiefs, it all differs, depending on the tribe that they all come from,” Father Ndlovu, who has written a book on African burial rituals and also comes from a family of headmen in the Malaba area, told Sunday Life.

“The Venda have their traditions and so do the Kalanga and the Ndebele. It all differs but one of the outstanding things is that the Catholic faith is respectful of African culture. In our religion, we say there are great many things to admire about African religion.

chief Malaba burial 

There’s some bad in every culture but if you look at things like respect of chiefs and other traditional leaders, we regard that as something to admire about African traditional religion. This respect is extended to our chiefs even after they have passed on. In this case, I can say that our faith is not so different from African tradition, particularly Kalanga tradition, because there’s a belief in one God.”

For Chief Malaba, everything had to be in sync with his station as a chief and also a Catholic. While the funeral parlour the late chief subscribed to provided a casket, it would be replaced closer to his burial, with one that reflected his status as chief.

The all-black casket in which the chief was eventually buried in had a covering of distinct cowhide, which adequately reflected his royal status even as he prepared to enter the afterlife.

As Father Ndlovu administered the last rites, the chief’s wife, accompanied by four other women, sat in front of his casket, hidden from public view by blankets draped over their heads.

late chief Malaba son

“Before burial, there are prayer services with scripture in the evening, to comfort the bereaved. There’s no difference whether one is a chief or from a higher office. Then there’s the Holy Mass which is also carried out on a select day. It can be done either on the day or after burial.

It’s the full service which is the highest form of prayer in the Christian church because it’s the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that is being done. The priest in the Catholic Church offers sacrifice in the form of bread and wine to the comfort of the living.

“The wife sits next to the corpse as part of our African Kalanga tradition and she is supposed to be in that position until she goes on to the burial site where she can then remove the blanket. She has to be in that state even when she is in the house. For the burial of Chief Malaba, we took the body outside because of the number of people that were there for the burial. The body was outside next to the priest because the service is directed towards the departed,” Father Ndlovu said.

Some visitors were startled when the body viewing ceremony was skipped. But according to Father Ndlovu, this was something forbidden by the late Chief Malaba and thus, not a tradition observed in the area.

“The payment of last respects is only done by the family members in our culture. This is more so in the case of a chief and in this case, Chief Malaba was not in favour of the ritual of body viewing. So, during a lot of the burials that we held here in his area, he was opposed to a deceased’s body being viewed by the public.

That would explain why at the administration of his last rites, there was no body viewing or payment of last respects. Chief Malaba believed that this procedure was only meant for the identification of the body and not something meant for the general public,” he said.

As the June sun rose towards mid-afternoon, only family members were asked to make their way towards the Malaba family graveyard. Here, the cocktail of African tradition and Catholic traditions was even more evident.

As Catholic songs were belted out to the thumping sound of African drums, the chief’s supposed heir stood in front of his lowered casket, with his father’s staff in his hand, completing a silent change of guard amid a unique melting pot of culture and religion.

WE use much and little with uncountable nouns: much time, much luck, little energy, little money. We use many and few with plural nouns: many friends, many people, few cars and few countries.

A lot (of), lots (of) and plenty (of). We use a lot of /lots of/plenty of with uncountable and plural nouns: a lot of luck, lots of time, plenty of money, a lot of people, lots of books, plenty of ideas. Plenty = more than enough: Have some more to eat. “No, thank you. I’ve had plenty; – There’s no need to hurry. We’ve got plenty of time.

We use much and many mainly in negative sentences and questions:-We didn’t spend much money.–Have you got many friends? In positive sentences, it is usually better to use “a lot of”. Much is especially unusual in positive sentences,- We spent a lot of money. (not spent much money). –There has been a lot of rain recently. (not much rain).

But we use “too much” and “so much” in positive sentences. He doesn’t drink this tea as he feels there’s too much sugar in it. Little/a little, few/a few. Little and few (without a) are negative ideas. Hurry up! We’ve got little time. (= not much, not enough time). He’s not popular. He has few friends. (=not many, not enough friends). We also use very little and very few–We’ve got very little time.–He has very few friends.

A little and “a few” are more positive ideas. A little/a few = some, a small amount or a small number. But “only a little” and “only a few” have a negative meaning. Hurry up! We’ve only got a little time. The village was very small. There were only a few houses.

All, every and whole — All, everyone, everybody and everything. We do not normally use all to mean everyone/everybody: Everybody enjoyed the party. (not “All enjoyed . . .”) Robin knows everyone in her street. (not “. . . all in her street”). Sometimes you can use “all” to mean everything, but it is usually better to say everything.

He thinks he knows everything. (not “knows all”). It was an awful holiday. Everything went wrong. (not “all went wrong”) But you can use all in the expression “all about”. They told us all about their holiday. We use all to mean the only thing(s). All I’ve eaten today is a fruit. (= the only thing I’ve eaten).

We use a singular verb after every/everyone/everybody/everything:: Every seat in the hall was taken. Everybody looks tired today. Everything he said was true. But we often use they/them/their after everyone/everybody: Has everyone got their books? (= his or her book? Everybody said they would come. (=he or she would come).

All and whole: We use whole mainly with singular nouns: Have you read the whole book? (= all the book, not just a part of it) He was very quiet. He did not say a word the whole morning. He has spent his whole life in Canada. We say the/my/her etc. before whole. Compare the whole book/all the book; her whole life/all her life. You can also say “a whole . . .”: Jacob ate a whole cake yesterday. (a complete cake). We do not normally use whole with uncountable nouns: all the money (not the whole money).

Every/all/whole with time words: We use “every” to say how often something happens. So, we say every day/every week/ every Monday/ every ten minutes/ every two weeks. We go out every Friday night. The buses run every fifteen minutes. Debra goes to see her mother every three weeks. All day/the whole day =the complete day. We spent all day/the whole day on the beach. Note that we say all day/all week (not all the day/all the week).

Adjectives and adverbs (quick and quickly): Study these examples; Our holiday was too short — the time went too quickly. The driver of the bus was seriously injured in the accident. Quickly and seriously are adverbs. Many adverbs are made from an adjective + ly: adjective — quick, serious, careful, quiet, heavy, bad. Adverb — quickly, seriously, carefully, quietly, heavily and badly.

Not all words ending in –ly are adverbs. Some adjectives end in –ly too. For example: friendly, lively, elderly, lonely, silly and lovely. Adjective or adverb? An adjective tells us more about a noun. We use adjectives before nouns and after a few verbs (especially be).

Ben is a careful driver. Be quiet, please! We did not go out because of the heavy rain. She was disappointed that her results were so bad. An adverb tells us more about a verb. An adverb tells us in what way someone does something or in what way something happens. –Jon drove carefully along a narrow road. (not careful).

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Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter

SOUTH African superstar, Yvonne Chaka Chaka is set to join an ensemble of artistes from around both sides of the Limpopo who will belt out songs from Oliver Mtukudzi’s catalogue at this year’s Joy of Jazz festival, as part of a tribute to the late great Zimbabwean musician.

As it celebrates its silver jubilee, this year’s edition of the Joy of Jazz Festival will bring together 50 musicians from 10 countries, with a segment of the extravaganza dedicated to the celebration of Tuku and his music.

Chaka Chaka will be a part of that cast and alongside Mbeu, Mono Mukundu and Samantha Mtukudzi, she will attempt to bring Mtukudzi back to life, belting out some of Tuku’s greatest hits at the jazz extravaganza that will be staged over two nights on September 27 and 28 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

The line-up for the 25th edition of the festival includes Grammy winner, Chris Botti, English trumpeter Matthew Halsall, Mzansi’s very own Feya Faku, US-based pianist Kenny Banks Jr, Cuban artist Chucho Valdés (seven-time Grammy winner), Japanese keyboardist Keiko Matsui and SA opera musician Sibongile Mngoma.

In an interview on Newsroom Afrika, Chaka Chaka said she felt honoured that the festival had given her a chance to perform two of Tuku’s tracks.

“I am also grateful to the Joy of Jazz for asking me to do two songs from Oliver Mtukudzi because they are also honouring him,” he said.

The decision to honour Tuku at this year’s fest is significant, as Tuku gave one of his last performances before his death at the 2018 edition of the festival. On that occasion, Tuku was hailed as the highlight of the entire extravaganza, with South African publication The Citizen writing that “it was the celebrated Zimbabwean singer, Oliver Dairai Mtukudzi who won the hearts of many at the Mbira venue of the convention centre.”

“We want more!” the crowd reportedly roared at the packed venue after a superb rendition of such songs as Chris Nani, Baba Wongororo and Neria.

Yvonne Chaka Chaka

Chaka Chaka revealed that Tuku was one of the few artistes who had convinced her to make new music over the last few years, with her collaboration with him and Hugh Masekela being one of the few times she had shared the studio with other artists over the last few years.

“I haven’t done any collaborations recently. My last CD was released in 2022 but recorded it in 2017 with Oliver Mtukudzi and Hugh Masekela. It was called Tapera. The original was recorded by Oliver so Uncle Hugh did his part and we all agreed that I would release my version at a later date. I have done collaborations with other artists, but I haven’t done much with younger artists,” she said.

While she might not have collaborated with a lot of young artistes, Chaka Chaka said she was always eager to open up new opportunities for them.

“I think we all have a reason to be here and I think every person here has a story to tell. Given that platform, one has to use it in a very correct manner. That doesn’t make me any better than anyone and I don’t take anything for granted, I always say as much as I had the inspiration to do great things if you don’t work hard and not use your platform correctly then you’re as good as nothing.

“For me, if you’re given a platform, use it correctly and when you succeed, take others with you. This is why when I travel, I always take young people with me because I learn from them and they also keep me young. The challenges that I have, are different from the challenges that young people have. So, it is important that when you’re given a platform, give others a place at the table as well,” she said.

Turning to the genesis of her career, Chaka Chaka said she had initially wanted to become a chartered accountant but became a singer by accident after impressing a music executive during an audition at the SABC.

“To tell you the truth, Mum wanted me to go and study law. I wanted to study accounting. I heard some talk about being a chartered accountant but you come from the township and your mother is a domestic worker. You don’t even know how you’re going to go to university. So, while I was going to Race Relations looking for a scholarship to go to university, I found myself at the SABC and that’s where I was introduced to Phil Hollis.

“They were looking for girls to sing the song I’m in love with a DJ and that’s how I was found. I never intended to be a musician. My mother would have never allowed that…while I took myself to university to study speech and drama at Trinity College in London, I thought there was no longevity in that kind of work. I guess I was afraid of failing and that’s why I pursued education as well because I didn’t think I would be in this industry for this long,” she said.

American superstars Janet Jackson and Jill Scott will headline the 11th annual DStv Delicious International Food & Music Festival in September, celebrating 30 years of creative freedom in Mzansi.

Through her albums Control and Rhythm Nation 1814, Jackson certified her global pop icon status in the late 1980s with songs such as What Have You Done for Me Lately, Nasty, Control and When I Think Of You.

Three-time Grammy winner, Scott will perform at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit on Sunday, September 22; while Jackson will be the headliner on Saturday, September 21.
This can bee seen as some reunion of some sort as Jackson and Scott have starred in Tyler Perry’s 2007 film, Why Did I Get Married? and its 2010 sequel Why Did I Get Married Too?.

Before Jackson takes to the stage, Saturday will feature The 30 Years of Creative Freedom Show. Confirmed on that line-up so far are Boom Shaka, Cassper Nyovest, Focalistic, Khuli Chana, Maggz, Morafe, Okmalumkoolkat, Reason, Robot Boii and Touchline.

Thandiswa Mazwai, Oskido, G-Force, Mzwakhe Mbuli, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Jesse Clegg and Zolani Mahola are also on the Saturday line-up.

On Sunday, Scott will be supported by Soweto Gospel Choir, Sjava, The Maestro (aka Greg Maloka) and Oskido.
“We are thrilled to be returning with a very special commemorative festival to celebrate 30 years of creative freedom in South Africa,” festival co-founders, Tom Pearson-Adams and Lloyd Cornwall said in a joined statement.

“Something that sets our rainbow nation apart is our exceptional creative and cultural talent, which has been a cornerstone of the DStv Delicious International Food & Music Festival since we started out in 2013. We are excited to be building on that to include a special spotlight on our country’s cutting-edge artists and fashion designers at this year’s event.” —Sunday World

Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter

BEFORE his death, the man regarded as the godfather of theatre in Bulawayo, Cont Mhlanga, had a plea for the city’s thespians.

Mhlanga, who in Stitsha made one of the most memorable productions to come out of Amakhosi, felt that theatre had strayed too far from the people.

The community halls and street corners, where the legend of Cont was born, were no longer the rightful home for innovative art. Instead, theatre found itself in places that were once considered a preserve for the white members of society when the country was segregated along racial lines during the colonial era.

Community halls, which once echoed with the voices of young thespians, now found themselves host to the booming voices of Men of God as churches took residence at centres that used to be home of art excellence.

Theatre, Mhlanga reasoned, needed to go back to the people. Two years after his death, nothing much seems to have changed.

In an interview with Sunday Life, fellow playwright, Raisedon Baya said that theatre in the city had lost the spark that had seen Bulawayo dubbed as the cultural heartbeat of the country.

“It’s a sad topic and I think that the realisation for me is that in the past, theatre was vibrant. You would go to schools, you would go into colleges, you would go into community theatre halls and there would be performances left, right and centre. There were so many groups, especially in Bulawayo and Harare. There were a lot of theatre associations, including the white theatre association, which was called the National Theatre Organisation (NTO) and things were happening,” he said.

“Baya said while in the heydays of theatre, people used to clamour for formal training, there had been a reversal since then, as the country’s education system and academics had embraced the craft but now, the masses shunned it. If you go back to that time, you’ll realise that there was little recognition in terms of theatre training.

“You wouldn’t find it at schools and you wouldn’t find it in colleges. There was a bit of it at the University of Zimbabwe but that would be a class or two at most. During that time, a lot of people were crying for proper formal training. Upon reflection, you would realise that the arts are now even taught at primary school level. We even have people with PhDs in theatre and the arts. To me, that would translate to a more vibrant theatre space but it’s the opposite and that’s the sad part,” he said.

According to Baya, Zimbabwean theatre lost its mojo when art practitioners started catering to the taste of donors at the dawn of the 21st century.

“I believe that one of the reasons why we lost audiences and a lot of passionate theatre makers is that at some time, our theatre was hijacked by the donor mentality or the donor community. It was now about making theatre when you have already been paid and the money is there, so you’re just making it to fulfil a contract. So, therefore within that process, you know that when you’re performing whether the people are there or not, it doesn’t matter, whether the people are happy or not, it doesn’t matter.

“The most important person becomes the one that is paying you, which is the donor. Once his or her issues are in your play, you tick the boxes that they want then they’re good. We started pushing away theatre lovers and by that, I mean those that were there and were enjoying the art side of it. We became too issue-based because we were trying to chase the donor and playing according to the donor’s wish and that somehow killed theatre,” he said.

Renowned choreographer, Richard Ndlovu said when arts practitioners took theatre away from community halls, it triggered a chain reaction that in the end resulted in the slow and painful death of the local arts scene.

“To be honest, theatre in Bulawayo has died a natural death and I think many factors contributed towards that. When we were growing up, there were a lot of youth centres that would have drama competitions, for example, Lobengula Youth Centre would compete with Mpande of Njube and they would vie for the national trophy. Then in schools, there would be theatre productions showcased, so it was easy to capture the imagination of the next generation.

“Taking theatre from communities meant that we killed the audiences as well because a child who would watch a theatre production in school would be the same that would go on to pay and watch when they were grown up. I think people have given up on theatre and I think people now watch TV programmes that do not speak to our reality as Zimbabweans,” he said.

With dance groups becoming a trusted source of entertainment during functions held in the city, more artistes were driven to join dance ensembles instead of theatre productions, Ndlovu observed.

“Now, when you find theatre in secondary school, it is probably the performance of a set book. Children are not just watching theatre to enjoy themselves. In addition, in Bulawayo, a lot of groups are now just dance ensembles doing commercial work. You have the likes of Bambelela, Umkhathi and Iyasa sometimes, but you have to think hard to recall any groups in theatre,” he said.

Veteran thespian and director, Memory Kumbota said artistes in the city had lost touch with local communities, who did not often feel the need to support their productions because they no longer identified with them.

“There has been very little effort put into the strategic approach to maintaining and growing our audience for the theatre. There are various elements we mostly overlook. Community engagement for example. Building a relationship with our community through various engagements other than just advertising for performance.

“A few theatre companies are pursuing that though. I remember talking to Cont about the huge audiences at Stanley Hall and he spoke to me about open rehearsal on the square, the community saw the preparations and felt included in the process. Of course that was then, but we can craft new strategies now,” he said.
Kumbota also observed that theatre practitioners seemed intent on taking their audiences by surprise, giving them little time to prepare and plan for their productions.

Kumbota also expressed his displeasure at the fact that theatre now seemed to be a young man’s game.
“We should look at programming. Our programming is currently haphazard. Today, our regular audience cannot even pre-plan attendance to shows because we just spring a show on them and after a single performance the show disappears and in some cases forever. I call it disrespecting our audience and we should not cry when we don’t see them again, it is our fault.

“We have not improved the overall experience of the theatre. I am not happy about the average age of the theatre actor right now. We constantly see 20 to 30 years or even younger actors in their teens playing roles of mature characters. This on a professional stage is unacceptable because it becomes nothing but role play. There is a lack of mature actors and our theatre will remain in its infancy. People recognise that and it is a put-off,” he said.

Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter

ON the day of his divorce from Zimbabwean songbird, Berita Khumalo, controversial South African music executive, Nota Baloyi combed his hair and wore a suit. Both these things, for those familiar with Baloyi, were very significant.

Baloyi parades himself as a staunch Pan-Africanist on his social media platform. His hair, which always seems to be threatening to rebel from the rest of his head, is a significant part of his character. It signals his disdain, for what some might term Western standards of what defines unkempt African hair.

The same goes for suits, which Baloyi has never been particularly fond of, even when he was making his way in the high-profile boardrooms, hammering multi-million deals for the likes of Kwesta.

On the day of his divorce, however, things were different. Nota, brought his hair to order and wore a suit, made for him by his ex-wife, just for the occasion. It was over two years since he had last seen his wife.

“I had not seen her even before I left for overseas,” revealed Nota on the Hustlers Corner podcast.
“Even when I left, I hadn’t seen her in almost a year. So, me being gone for that time as well, which is maybe two years, I tried my best to look good. I dressed in a suit that she had made, I combed my hair and I made sure that I put on my cologne and that I was smelling fresh. I was leaving a great last impression. That was it.”

The man who calls himself the authority was speaking this past week after the official ending of a marriage that has hogged headlines on both sides of Limpopo for the past two years.

The first suggestion that there was trouble in paradise came in 2022 when Berita took to her X timeline to pen an apology to YouTuber Mihlali Ndamase after Nota had made unsavoury comments about her.

Berita revealed that she had left her marital home in January 2022 and suggested that Nota’s alleged mental health issues had taken a toll on their union.

Nota revealed that while in divorce court in the final moments of their marriage, he did not even get a chance to have a word with his ex-wife. The outspoken music executive said he went to watch a movie, Bad Boys 4, starring Will Smith because the Fresh Prince of Bel-air had his fair share of marital problems over the years.

“That wasn’t going to be possible. I guess whether I was hurt or not is a good question. That always depends on what your expectation of the other person’s response is always going to be. So, I can say I was satisfied. It is what it is. I walked out, I hugged her and I wished her the best and my dad left. I then went to watch Bad Boys 4.

“Will Smith is someone who has also gone through a lot as well, so I guess it was also his big comeback as well. So, I was like, let me go and check out Will Smith and Martin Lawrence and it was a pretty decent movie considering how long it had been since the last one came out,” he recalled.

Baloyi was adamant that he had not intended to give up on his marriage, even though he had spent the best part of the last two years showering Berita with abuse.

The torrent of abuse even continued after the divorce, with Baloyi demanding belongings he had brought for Berita while they were still married while he also seemed to suggest that he had married beneath his financial class.

“I guess closure is a good description of how I am feeling because as a man, the one thing that you obsess the most about is not failing at something. So, it is always hard to take or accept failure at anything like something so critical in one’s life. So, that’s always difficult, but I guess I am excited to have the question about that part of my life over and done with,” he said.

Baloyi said as he waited in divorce court for his own turn, he was shocked by the number of people who were terminating their marriages.

He also said that while he was personally disappointed, he felt the most pity for his father, who had to watch his son get divorced, something that he had never undergone in his marriage.

Berita Khumalo

“I guess the saddest part is that when I went to the divorce court, I was sitting there with my dad. I was thinking this was so foreign to him. So, he was asking if this is how the process went. The funny thing is that there are so many divorces happening. So, you are in a line and the judge is there and he is telling you that I have eight more divorces to deal with in the same courtroom. I watched the other divorces first before mine, so I was in line,” he said.
Baloyi, who looked more downcast than usual, said he had not wanted to give up on his marriage but circumstances forced his hand.

“I guess for me, the one thing that I didn’t want to do was give up. So, I thought whatever went down, at least I didn’t give up. I went down fighting. This is about my character more than anything else. I still need to prove to myself that I am as principled as I want to be and that’s what motivated me to try to save my marriage. You also learn from hardship and every opportunity to go through a certain struggle is an opportunity to get stronger. So, I am glad I had an opportunity to get stronger and overcome. I believe that I have gained a stripe,” he said.

Although he said he still believed in marriage, Baloyi said there was no chance that he would be in another relationship soon, as he wanted to focus on the political issues affecting South Africa with the possible advent of a Government of National Unity.

“I am marrying the plight of my people. That’s my wife right now. That’s what keeps me focused, driven and motivated. That’s who I am bringing home flowers to…I have heard a lot of people say divorce is never easy, but I have also heard a lot of people speak cavalierly about it. When you are chilling with grootmans (older gentleman) they talk of their first and second marriages and so on.

“I still believe in marriage but you must bring up that topic with people who have been through divorce. My people need me more than any relationship could. I tell my brothers, the Oppenheimers have their foot on your necks and I am the only one that can save you, I am sorry,” he said.

Highway To Success with Charles Dube

Understand these terms; imagery. Imagery is exactly what it says. Some examples of imagery: metaphor: a comparison in which one thing becomes another; she is my sunshine. Personification – a type of metaphor in which the subject is made into a person: the lady moon smiles. Simile; a comparison using “like” or “as”: he ran as fast as a cheetah. Symbol- an object represents an idea: the dove of peace. Pathetic fallacy – something emotionless is given feelings: “the wind wept”.

Rhyme – words with similar sounds as their endings: sing/ring/ (may appear within the lines as well at the end). Onomatopoeia –words that sound like the thing they describe: “clatter and clunk”. Assonance and consonance – assonance repeats vowel sounds and consonance repeats consonant sounds. (Boozy juice). Alliteration – the same sound is repeated at the start of words close to each other: swan swims”.

Connotation- the different associations words suggest to the reader, beyond the dictionary definition. Using punctuation: The Semicolon. A semicolon separates sentence elements. It indicates a more definite break than a comma does, but not as abrupt a break as a period. Use a semicolon to separate the items of a series if one or more of these items contains commas. They came from the competition with the first prize of a free trip to Victoria Falls, second prize, a gift certificate; and third prize, a free meal.

Use a semicolon to join the parts of a compound sentence if no co-ordinating conjunction is used. Remember that a semicolon may be used only if the clauses are closely related. 

Admire pumped air into the tire it was flat. Use a semicolon before a conjunctive adverb that joins the clauses in a compound sentence. Note that, in this case, the adverb is followed by a comma. Matabeleland South is a dry province, nevertheless, it does rain occasionally.

Examples of conjunctive Adverbs: therefore, however, otherwise, consequently, besides, nevertheless, moreover.

The hyphen: Use a hyphen between the syllables divided at the end of a line. Every member of his family attended his grad-uation ceremony. Use a hyphen in compound numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine. –thirty-eight candles. Use a hyphen in fractions: one–fifth of the population.

Use a hyphen in certain compound nouns: father-in-law and drive–in. Use a hyphen between the words that make up a compound adjective when the modifier is used before a noun: Six-speed mountain bike.

Word breaks: To determine if a word needs a hyphen, look it up in a dictionary. Use these rules for hyphenating a word at the end of a line: 1. A word may be divided only between syllables. Therefore only words with two or more syllables may be hyphenated. 2. At least two letters of the hyphenated word must fall on each line.

Collective nouns: Choose the most suitable collective noun from the list below to complete the sentences that follow: canteen, band, troupe, library, cluster, squadron, plague, and choir. 1. The – of dancers was more popular than the – of singers. 2. The archives have an extensive – – of books. 3. One great fear the Gweru farmer had was a – – of locusts. 4. During the ceremony, a – — of aircraft flew overhead while a – – – of musicians played. The gifts of a royal couple included a – – – of diamonds in a necklace and a – – – of silver cutlery.

Abstract nouns: Identify abstract nouns in the following sentences: (a) Everyone praised the sailors for their courage. (b) Solomon is admired for his wisdom. (c) Pride comes before a fall. (d) Greed and envy are two qualities which no one likes. (e) My grandfather always reminded me of the importance of courtesy and obedience.

By filling in the missing letters, form abstract nouns from the following words: cruel – cruel – -. Coward – – -e, hungry – – -r, poor – -po – – – – y. Friend – friend – – – -, stupid – stup – – -t -. Deceive – dece- t. vain – van – -y.

Vocabulary practice: Form abstract nouns from the following adjectives and use them in sentences of your own. Example: brave –bravery, success – successful. Opposite, hostile, failed, friendly, human, believable, powerful, cowardly, dangerous and able.

Make the following adjectives opposite in meaning by adding as: un, mis, dis, il and in fortunate, fortune, suitable, capable, legal, edible, loyal, understand, legible, mistakable, complete, agreement, expert, expected, and excusable.

Collective nouns are names given to groups or collections of things of the same kind. For example: a flock of birds, a pack of cards, and a flight of stairs. Her sister gave her a bouquet of flowers and a set of glasses for her birthday.

Choose the collective noun usually used to name the following groups of things; from the list below: canteen, colony, platoon, cast, constellation, troupe, and school. (a) a – of whales; a – of ants; a – of dancers, a – of cutlery, a – of soldiers, a –of stars, a –of lions, a – of actors.

Enjoy the exercises given today. 

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Cultural Heritage with Pathisa Nyath

APPLICATIONS of individual identities as explained earlier abound in the world of African cultural practices. As we come across these in future, we shall not hesitate to indicate them. We do so in order to see the science behind some African cultural practices, which may not seem to embody science. As intimated on several occasions, for Africans, the underlying scientific principles may not be that obvious. They will not bother to excavate them. To them, what works are successful applications.

We re-iterate this so that Africans are acknowledged and appreciated for their advanced notions pertaining to genetics that they will explain, not in words but applied scientific practices in accordance with their cultures and languages. It has to be appreciated that the word genetics is foreign to them. It is latent and applied in numerous cultural practices. When they seek to bewitch someone and it works successfully, well that is it, no further questions, elucidations nor engaging in efforts to distil theories and applicable laws, rituals and principles is totally uncalled for.

Let us go back to history and cite a case where applied genetics was put into a series of action applied by the Ndebele monarch’s traditional healer, one Dr Mphubane Mzizi. King Mzilikazi led his people from Ezinyosini on the Vaal River, uLikhwa, in 1827 and passed through the Tubatse (Endubazi/Steelpoort) where he met Ndebele people under King Magodonga kaMahlangu. Spirituality always plays some role in African military spheres. Even the more recent armed liberation struggles were not spared of spiritual content. 

Apparently, Magodonga could dive into a pool of water holding a burning wooden brand. He would emerge the other side with the brand still burning. King Mzilikazi felt threatened and dwarfed. He tried the same feat but failed. Dr Mphubane thought of a plan. What he needed was some identity of King Magodonga that would be worked upon to diminish his power.

Intelligence officers were appointed to keep an eye on King Magodonga. They knew at some time he was going to defecate his excreta. A bit of the whole was as good as a whole. 

A piece of King Magodonga’s excreta in the bush was all Dr Mphubane Mzizi needed to fix King Magodonga and have him subdued by King Mzilikazi. When that happened, they would collect King Magodonga’s faeces. 

The king had the better of him. King Magodonga is said to have been captured and impaled on a sharpened spit where he met with a painful, miserable and excruciating death. With the image or identity of King Magodonga proceeded to cast a spell on him. When next he tried to outwit King Mzilikazi, he failed dismally.

Examples of parts of animals and birds were excavated at Old Bulawayo. It was clear that the said parts were the spiritual paraphernalia of the traditional healers who lived at Old Bulawayo. Their spiritual business was to attend to the King and no other person. Evidence for their roles was clear. Bones of vultures were unearthed and the doctors used these in the business of foretelling disasters that were likely to befall the king, his household and the nation at large.

Vultures are perceived to possess powers to see future events. This is some kind of precognition. That quality was exactly what the King required. Misfortunes that lay ahead require timeous detection so that ameliorative measures may be taken. A foreseen problem is one that is partly solved.

Python vertebrae were excavated through some thread which a traditional doctor wore over his shoulders’ the Royal Enclosure. Chances are that these were used by the traditional doctors. Vertebrae were strung through some thread that a traditional doctor wore over his shoulders. A python is regarded as a sacred and spiritual snake. Belief is strong that when dead, a python can resurrect through its spinal cord. There were land and water pythons. The latter in particular were associated with spiritual power. Traditional healers made use of python skins, fat, vertebrae and teeth, even the intestines. These python parts were worn when a traditional doctor attended to the king or was preparing some ritual formulation for the monarch.

Other findings within the Royal Enclosure, Isigodlo, seem to have been for royal use. Regal animals such as parts of a leopard and a lion were used. A leopard commanded a lot of dignity and respect. That was what a king needed to be respected, honoured and, at the same time, feared. 

The beautiful skin was worn above the waist, especially over the shoulders and the chest. A lion was equally regal and dignified. Its skin provided a mat for a king but was never worn by a king. Its teeth, like those of a leopard, were worn around the neck of a King. 

Pangolin bones were also excavated. A pangolin is associated with protection, defence and security. This comes from two of its attributes. Its hard and impregnable scales overlap neatly without leaving vulnerable spaces between. A weapon such as a spear would find it difficult to penetrate the body of a pangolin when it has coiled itself into a nice and firm ball.

Royalty requires that sort of defence and protection. Symbolically a pangolin expresses strength through the nature of its scales and its behaviour when it coils up. Pangolins are thus not to be possessed by ordinary people. Its scales are used for fortification through some symbolically manipulated characteristics. The King is the state and the state is the King. He must be protected and defended all the time. The pangolin.

It is clear, symbolism plays numerous roles in the African spiritual world. 

Recently, someone being interviewed said they killed and fed on young children. Children’s flesh was either cooked or consumed raw. Meat consumption is a story for another day.

For transport, the three women who inherited the art and profession from their ambuya (grandmother)said they used a rusero, ukhomane (winnowing basket), the winnowing basket. They flew to the residences of their team where they knocked for a while. However, if their companion delayed coming out of her hut, she was left behind. 

What was of particular interest to me were two aspects in their reported professional operations. The first related to how a buried child’s corpse rose from the bottom of a grave until it surfaced above the ground for them to have access to it. For movement to take place there has to be present energy in one form or another. Their spiritual endowment could be the source of needed energy to cause movement.

Energy is further needed to open up the grave for the corpse to exit the grave. That parting of the soil translates to there having been some energy. Parting soil has to move and movement will not take place in the absence of energy. 

We could argue further and say the corpse if it is to rise to the top when the grave opens, requires energy. 

The corpse will not move up against the force of gravity where there is no energy such as when it travels at the speed to escape gravity or carries momentum to facilitate its negation of energy.

The three women claimed to using a stirring rod, mugoti/uphini to strike a grave, which then opened up and the corpse rose to the surface, I began thinking hard! 

The second aspect is related to the reversal of the soil during digging. It is the symbolism that is applied in this Principle of Reversal. I began wondering whether the three companions really understood what was happening. Was it not the case of practical execution without much by way of understanding underpinning scientific principles?

Perhaps the three women like others in the Matobo cultural resident landscape who paint the walls of their huts without clarity regarding the meanings of icons and symbols that they so expertly execute. My view is that these people are practitioners and do not operate at the level of theoretical formulation.

With the limited time at our disposal, we shall attempt reversal during grave digging. Once digging commences, the soil at the top is one to be removed and deposited in the beginning pile next to the emerging grave. Just try to visualise what happens with the aim of perceiving the process of reversal. The reversal ultimately will symbolically lead to the movement of a buried corpse. Africa madoda!

In the end, the topsoil ends up at the bottom of the pile. The last soil to get out of the grave will be the one at the top. I hope you see the reversal. What was at the bottom has now ended up at the top. The corpse is laid at the bottom of the grave where the soil that was there is now at the top. It has transitioned from the bottom to the top.

I do appreciate that this may not be very easy to grapple with. Sometimes repetition achieves understanding hence, teachers of children in lower grades will say, “Again!” In the end, the pupils will grasp the concepts.

The topsoil is one that will be removed first. Let us start with what I deduced from their modus operandi. I will call it the Principle of Reversal. I will relate this to the digging of the grave where a baby of tender meat was buried. When this process takes place, we observe some reversal. While the topsoil is the first to be placed

Now, let us turn to the grave opener, the stirring rod. It is assumed we all know how a stirring rod is used during cooking. It is, in essence, a mixer. Stirring up isitshwala/sadza in a cooking pot will get the thick porridge at the bottom and bring it up. 

Simultaneously, the sadza that was at the top ends up at the bottom. Is this not what happens to digging the grave as described above? The person who is involved in the process of stirring provides energy. Reversal is easier to understand. Therefore, when we look at an innocent and simple artifact such as a stirring rod, we should see it beyond the mundane, the obvious and the pedestrian. Africans saw beyond the superficial role of a gadget such as a stirring rod.

For it to play these hidden and incomprehensible roles, certain inputs should be made. Certainly, one of them is the supply of energy or spiritual power that we have acknowledged in the past as two sides of the same coin. 

Would it surprise us that a mere finger was used to open and close the heavy and colossal door to an Egyptian pyramid? It’s ancient African science that works differently from the science as we know it in the west today. 

Youth Focus with Dr Manners Msongelwa

A season is a period of the year characterised by particular conditions of weather, temperature, etc. All seasons of life are meant to teach us something. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 reads, To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Notice the repetition of “every” as well as “time”. 

This means success can happen to anyone despite your situation now or background. God makes it possible at his appointed time.

Seasons come and go. Seasons have their beginnings and endings and are all to be lived out. We should expect this cycle also in our lives.

If you are having a bad time, it cannot last forever. Things are bad, school fees is a challenge, you drop out of school because of school fees or exam fees, you are facing challenges, you don’t have the required uniform, you don’t have the school jersey, you don’t have enough exercise books or a satchel. It’s a season, it won’t remain like this forever. Work hard and remain determined, one day you will testify.

Things are going wrong. Parents have divorced, you are staying with a single parent, your father or mother died and you lost one of your siblings, it’s a bad season but good times are ahead. Be strong, time is the best healer. One day you will be a great person.

You walk 10km to school, repeated your Form Four, your inner garments are torn and you don’t know your parents. It’s a season of hardships, but remember, this won’t define your tomorrow. You can still become a successful person despite such a bad background.

You only have one pair of shoes and a few dresses. For boys, you only have a few casual shirts and two trousers. It’s the season. Your time is coming, continue working hard.

You have never been to Harare or Bulawayo, you have never been to the airport, you have never travelled out of your area, it’s only a season. Tell yourself that you will travel all over the world.

You don’t have a phone or laptop. Don’t worry it’s a season. Work hard now, you will buy the latest phones when your time comes. Embrace the season and work hard.

There’s no problem that remains forever. There’s no permanent problem. It’s a season. Your time is coming!

Dr Manners Msongelwa is an author, teacher and youth coach. He can be contacted on +263 771 019 392

Mashudu Mambo, Sunday Life Reporter

THE Catholic-run Dominican Convent Primary School in Bulawayo on Thursday hosted an award ceremony to honour the winners, among them three of its pupils who excelled at the World Robot Olympiad Zimbabwe competition.

The competition was held at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) last month.

The three pupils, Tambirayi Mandebvu, Felicia Marwa and Tinotenda Tsigo won in the junior category.

In an interview, World Robot Olympiad Zimbabwe National co-ordinator, Ms Victoria Nxumalo expressed excitement over the engagement of young people in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Stem).

“We had an award ceremony in celebration of our winners in the just ended World Robot Olympiad Zimbabwe competitions where these amazing young girls came in first and fourth overall. We are excited to see how they will perform in 2025. In our junior category, we had pupils between 10 and 12 years of age participating in this competition. Dominican Convent Primary School in Bulawayo came first, followed by Masiyephambili Junior School of Bulawayo as well while Helen Mcghie Primary School of Masvingo was third,” said Nxumalo.

Nxumalo expressed hope that they will be able to reach out to different provinces in the country.

The three pupils, Tambirayi Mandebvu, Felicia Marwa, and Tinotenda Tsigo won the juniors category.

“We are excited about the uptake of Stem by girls as well as the young people in Zimbabwe and we are looking forward to 2025. Our hope is that we will have a number of teams and reach out to all the provinces in the country. 

“Zimbabwe is not lagging behind in terms of information and communication technology and programmes such as the Word Robot Olympiads are in line with education 5.0 and Stem policies, which are aimed at encouraging young people to use technology to deal with different challenges faced by the community,” said Nxumalo.

She applauded different partners who have ensured that the competition became a success.

“We would like to thank our partners, the World Robot Olympiad, Irish Aid, United Nations Commission of Africa, National University of Science and Technology (Nust), Econet Wireless, Telco and Educate Private Limited, for walking this journey with us. 

“We appreciate the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for allowing us to work with the schools in the country and we appreciate the support of the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services,” she said.

Sunday Sermon with Apostle Chisale

GREETINGS beloved nation, in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

Many a times, we think that God is only attracted to us when we are in a formal setup like when we are in church. One thing I have discovered in my walk with God is that certain portals are opened as we discuss whenever two or three people meet, there is something that attracts God to people as they begin to discuss about God or the doings of Jehovah. I discovered that during the corona-virus era, a lot of Christians backslid, some lost that zeal for God and some lost their prayer life because the only thing that they were told is that God is only found in a church setup. 

But when we look in the scriptures, we discover that there is a powerful way that attracted God to two or three people as they gather, not only gather, but even as they discuss about the things of God.

When we read in the book of Malachi 3:16-18, we discover that there were some men and the Bible says firstly, they feared the Lord and they spoke often, one to another. 

Firstly, they feared God and they loved the Lord. The Bible says as they were discussing, the Lord hearkened, not only hearkened, the Bible says He heard what they were talking about. 

There are two things that happened here: (i) God hearkened and (ii) He heard them. 

The other version says “The Lord listened and heard.”

When we talk about hearkening, we are talking about God taking notice, he got attracted. Not only that, he had to listen carefully to what these men were talking about because in their discussion there was the name of the Lord. This caused God not only to be attracted, but he also heard and he hearkened. These are two powerful words. Someone who hearkens is someone who listens and hears, meaning that He got the whole conversation.

The Bible says as they were talking, a Book of Remembrance was written before God in Heaven. 

What it means is that there is a book called the Book of Remembrance that God had to write because of what these men were talking about. In the other article where we spoke about the Book of Remembrance, we said it is a book of blessing, a book that God writes and documents such that when that season comes, that book is unfolded and certain promises that are written in that book are released to a certain individual or company because of things they did for God to remember. So, this Book of Remembrance was opened and the bible says it was because the men feared God and thought upon his name.

The Bible tells us not only was the Book of Remembrance opened, but there was a declaration that God spoke concerning these men. He said in verse 17, “He declared and said, these are mine the Lord of hosts”. In other words, God actually made a covenant of their communication. God made a declaration because of their informal discussion, they were not in church. He actually had to declare in the Heavens that the Heavens must hear that these are really God’s people. 

He made a vow, He made a declaration that on that day when I make up my jewels, meaning that when we speak about jewels, we speak about precious stones. In other words, God allows a certain process, these men are being processed and they become jewels in the eyes of the Lord. 

He allows a certain fire to purify them, certain situations so that they become special unto God because of their informal setting where they were talking about God, not murmuring, not mumbling about God, but talking about things that made God attentive. 

We hear God saying again that, “I will spare them”, meaning that when disaster comes, because of what they were discussing, God would declare protection.

The question is, what do we discuss when we come together with friends that will make God begin to make such declarations? 

Ladies and gentlemen, I have discovered that there are certain discussions that attract God that draw God to us and that make God make certain declarations. 

I pray that in our informal settings when we meet one another, when we meet in twos or more, what we discuss may make Heaven recognise us. 

The problem is that when people meet together, there are certain things they discuss that attract curses. One thing I discovered is that God is serious when it comes to our discussions. One time God spoke about the tongue that it has the power of life and death in it. When we look in the book of Genesis the first time God spoke,  it was the time of creation, when words were heard, it was when God was creating the Heavens and the earth. So, when it comes to a tongue, or words,  God is serious about these things. Many a time, as people eat and drink, they say things that do not attract God.

There is something that scared me that is found in the book of Numbers 12:1-2. We hear about Miriam and Aaron. The Bible says they spoke against Moses. These were two and in their corner or tent and they were talking about the servant Moses because of the Ethiopian woman he had married. 

They said in verse 2, Has the Lord spoken only through Moses, hasn’t he also spoken through us? And the Lord heard this. They were talking about Moses and gossiping about him. Moses was not there, this was sister and brother discussing in secret and God heard. So, meaning everything we discuss God hears. Wherever you talk with your friends or relatives over the phone, WhatsApp, or email, God hears. Two things happened here, God heard and He didn’t actually pay attention to what they were saying, God heard with the ear of anger that they were talking against His servant. 

So, when we begin to gossip and say things concerning God’s servants, God hears. When we read further,  we see that there was a curse that came to Miriam. Meaning there are certain curses of leprosy that come to people because of what they have said. 

The Bible tells us that for some days Israel could not move forward because of the curse of leprosy on Miriam. Israel could not leave Miriam alone, they had to wait for her to be healed. 

My encouragement is that wherever we are in our bedrooms, husband and wife, be careful what we speak, it may attract a blessing or a curse.

The reason why many people are not seeing God’s hand and provision in their lives is because of what they say or discuss when they meet. The things they say do not attract God they attract curses. My encouragement is, be very careful what you talk about when you meet with friends or other people, that which you discuss can bring you down or lift you up. God is serious about communication, about words. Do we speak about others or do we speak about God?

May God bless you all.

ν For feedback contact dominionlifechurch01@gmail.com/ Whatsapp number: 0772494647

Innocent Kurira 

FOLLOWING weeks of speculation surrounding his future, Tivonge Rushesha has signed a new contract at English League One side Reading.

He will remain at the club until 2025 after signing a one-year contract extension.

The new deal was announced by the club on Friday.

“Reading Football Club are delighted to announce that 21-year-old midfielder Tivonge Rushesha has signed a new one-year contract, keeping him at RG2 until the summer of 2025.

“Affectionately known within the squad as ‘Tiv’, he was signed from Swansea City last summer and went on to make 11 first-team appearances across all competitions in 2023-24.”

Reading Head of Football Operations, Mark Bowen, said: “We’re very happy to secure the signature of Tiv for the upcoming season. His attitude and application around both the first team and Under-21 sides has been exceptional throughout his first year, and we are all looking forward to seeing him continue his development with us.”

His professional debut was in 2019, at the age of 17 for Swansea City where he featured in a match against Cambridge United whom they beat 6-0. 

He left the club in June this year to join Reading on a one-year contract. 

Proof that Rushesha is good with the ball was when he earned the Under-23 Player of the Season Award for the 2020-21 season.

Rushesha, who plays as a midfielder is also good at defence. 

He was born in Zimbabwe in 2002. His family migrated to the United Kingdom the following year and that is where he grew up.

Like many other Warriors players overseas, Rushesha never lost hope with his roots, that is why he chose to play for the country. 

Such patriotism must be applauded.

The player has previously been part of the Swansea City Academy in the Under-12 team.

Rushesha was part of the Zimbabwe squad for the previous round of World Cup Qualifiers though he could not get game time.

Lovemore Dube

HIGHLANDERS has a poor tracking system for players at its junior development.

With no clear-cut monitoring mechanism, Malvin Mkolo had his dream of joining Highlanders shattered.

Highlanders loaned him out and forgot all about him until he was able to join Bulawayo Chiefs as a free agent.

He had left Victoria Falls as a budding star, whose dream was to play for the most supported football club in the land by turnstile activity measure.

Mkolo dreamt of being the next “big star” and his beloved Highlanders appeared his destination and a ladder beyond the local football skies.

But upon landing in Bulawayo eight years ago as a 17-year-old imposing physique utility player, he saw himself being shipped out to the club’s development side Bosso90 who play in the Zifa Southern Region League.

Thulani Sibanda, Bulawayo Chiefs’ coach who is fond of plucking gems from Division One and Two leagues, was impressed with the talent, age and promise for the future in the youngster.

“I happened to have watched him in action and I was impressed while he was with Bosso90 and we got him on a season’s loan. 

“At the end of the season, his contract with Highlanders expired and we engaged him on a permanent transfer as Bulawayo Chiefs,” said Sibanda of the player who is now with Simba Bhora.

He has been among the league’s most consistent players over the last seven years.

The move perhaps to Simba Bhora and near the capital may help boost his profile.

Mkolo has proven to be a trusted defence player as he is good in the air and ground and reads the game well. 

His interventions are often seemingly well-calculated and had risen to be a key asset for Bulawayo Chiefs with regular appearances and a permanent starting place in the side.

Mkolo was captain at Bulawayo Chiefs.

Highlanders were once among the best in churning out young players. 

Over the years the club has lost many players to other projects because of a poor tracking system where many of their talents wake up in other clubs’ books, having escaped the club’s first team books.

Amahlolanyama have been found wanting in player profiling and subsequent deployment to the Premiership.

The Moyo twins, Elvis and Kelvin, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Teenage Hadebe and Marvellous Nakamba are some of the players Highlanders let go despite showing so much talent and recommendations that they be retained.