Category: Podcasts/News

Njabulo Shelembe, an aspiring writer and producer recently shared on Facebook his disheartening experiences with untrustworthy talent agencies, often called fly-by-night agencies. His story highlights the challenges many actors face in the entertainment industry when dealing with unreliable agencies. In 2014, Njabulo landed a cameo role in the popular South African opera, Generations Thee Legacy. Despite the role involving only two phone calls, it gained considerable attention when it aired in March. However, instead of enjoying his success, Njabulo was left disappointed when his agent vanished without paying him. Njabulo’s struggle continued. He later landed another role in a TV commercial, but the payment was deposited to Joe Phiri of JP Casting. To this day, Njabulo has not received a cent. He also appeared in a film called “The Gift”, but his payment was once again mismanaged. The casting agency, Mamello Casting, took the entire payment, leaving Njabulo with only a taxi fare. Many people in the comments section expressed their dismay over Njabulo’s experiences. One commenter said, “I swear having a reliable agent is really such a flex because wow”. Another added, “This is terrible. More so because this is a common practice”. According to Backstage, the best way to determine if a casting agency is legit is to visit their website, social media pages, IMDb, or any other links showing evidence of their past work. While confidentiality is sometimes a concern for serious casting directors, they should have no issue providing you with plenty of information to confirm their legitimacy. Scammers will sometimes use the names of real people and real companies. They may even link to the real websites of the people they are pretending to be. But if you check the scammer’s email address, phone number, and project details against the details of the real people, you’ll find they don’t match up. Njabulo, who is also now a writer, producer, and director for major shows like Imbewu, Shaka ILembe, Savage Beauty S1 & 2, and Reyka S1 & 2, offered advice to fellow actors on finding trustworthy agencies.  He recommended visiting www.thepma.co.za to find a list of reliable agencies and www.oscasa.com for background acting opportunities. He emphasized the importance of training, whether formal or informal, and encouraged actors to attend workshops and masterclasses to improve their skills. Njabulo’s story is a warning about the importance of finding trustworthy agents in the entertainment industry and shows that new actors need more support and protection.   Written by Amu Malinga Photo Supplied

Khabazela High School located in Hillcrest, Embo Area has been serving the community for years. However, the once thriving schools now face terrible infrastructure challenges, urgently needing renovation for a better state.  To address these challenges and issues, Voice On The Move Radio visited the school on 6 September to assess the situation and understand the challenges faced by the school. During the visit, VM Radio journalist spoke with the principal, Sihle Mkhize. Mkhize, appointed in August 2024 brings a wealth of experience, having served as a principal at Sizimisele Primary School for the last past four years. Since his appointment, Mkhize has been working to address the challenges at Khabazela High School. Mkhize pointed out several serious issues that the school is currently facing, such as the absence of electricity. The schoolyard is in bad shape and state, making it hard and unsafe for learners during break time. Inside the classrooms, there are holes in the floor and no windows, leaving the learners exposed to coldness, especially in winter. The school’s kitchen is also not in a good state to make food. Additionally, female and male teachers are using one bathroom, and the students are using temporary restrooms. Beyond infrastructure, Khabazela High School faces a range of challenges. There is a high rate of late arrivals, bullying and students not wearing their full uniform. Additionally, a lack of discipline among the learners has become a significant concern, further complicating the learning environment. “We’re trying our best to bring change, implement a code of conduct, and involve parents to help guide learners who show signs of indiscipline”, said Mkhize. The situation at Khabazela High School highlights a bigger problem the lack of support from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education for rural schools. Khabazela High School urgently needs renovations and support from the Department of Education. If action is not taken, the future of the school and the learners are at risk. While Mkhize and parents work hard to make improvements, the community and education leaders need to come together and push for the help the school needs.    

Umkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) members from Embo under Ward 8, had a successful peaceful march which was organized by this political party and community members on Thursday 9 September. This March aimed to submit a Memorandum to Ward Councillor, Cllr Marco Mbambo who is the current councillor in this area coming from the African National Congress (ANC). The convener of MKP Samkelo Sibiya told VM Radio that as MKP at Ward 8, they need answers as soon as possible to Mbambo, and they have given him seven days to respond to questions that are written to the Memorandum.  “Another aim of this march is to get answers regarding service delivery, lack of job opportunities, and community projects that are ongoing in the area. We want to know why our youth is not employed, why there are many water crises in the area, and why is he not calling community meetings to address the community about the ongoing projects in this area such as the building of RDP houses, revamping of Ngwele road which starts at Cotswold Downs to Kwangcolosi.” Sibisi also shared with VM Radio that only certain people from his party are employed which he explained as wrongdoing. Cllr Mbambo accepted the memorandum and promised to answer all questions within seven days as requested. He also mentioned that he was not aware of this meeting but after he was told about it he left everything and came to listen to what members of MKP needed.  The march started at Ethafeni Supermarket to Ebeh Hall where the offices of Cllr Mbambo are located.  “Even though I was not informed about this march I will sign this memorandum because I believe it will show disrespect to you if I don’t accept it because I was not told. Another thing that I want to emphasize, is it is not true that only members of ANC are employed in this ward, I and my committee try by all means to find employment and build RDP houses for all citizens of Ward 8.”

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi said former University Of South Africa (UNISA) student Smiso Nkwanyana played an active role in addressing the struggles faced by the young students during his Nkwanyana’s 2nd Memorial Lecturer heLd at the Durban ICC. MEC Buthelezi said Nkwanyana represented new hope for modern day South Africa . Nkwanyana was one of the founding members of the first Unisa Students’ Representative Council (SRC), which was established in 1996. He was a popular student leader with a strong and loyal following. Unisa has named its KwaZulu- Natal region after Nkwanyana. Durban also has a street named after Nkwanyana in Morningside. Representing KZN Premier, Buthelezi said “Smiso Nkwanyana was not only a former UNISA student leader, but also the KZN provincial secretary of the South African Communist Party. His impressive list of accolades as one of the KZN rising stars. He understood that student’s struggles were deeply intertwined with broader working class and societal challenges. He championed the freedom of access to education as a means of emancipation, and as a tool emancipating old people from class oppression and exploitation”. MEC Buthelezi said Nkwanyana followed in the footsteps of the late former statesman Nelson Mandela and the late IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi who both realised that education was key in transforming and liberating Black students. He reminded the guests UNISA has played a crucial role in shaping the future leaders and young South Africans, leaving an indelible mark in the country. “Smiso’s tools and analysis would have come in handy to enhance the value of each of our contributions to this new political epoc. Buthelezi said the attendance of senior leaders at Nkwanyana’s funeral such as former KZN Premier Sbu Ndebele underscores the profound impact that Nkwanyana had on the SACP. “Smiso’s journey in student politics was marked by an unwavering dedication to the betterment of others. His leadership in various student organisations demonstrated an acute awareness of the systemic challenges facing our society, and the status quo taking bold steps and never shying away from difficult conversations”. Additionally, Buthelezi said Nkwanyana’s resilience and courage insperes everyone to strive for a low equitable country. He said Nkwanyana’s advocacy for free education stems from the belief that financial barriers should not limit one’s access to knowledge and opportunities. He tirelessly worked to uplift the marginalised and he ensured that their voices were heard. He urged UNISA leadership to consider opening a satellite campus for the benefit of the young people residing in Obuka in Zululand where Nkwanyana was born in his memory. Buthelezi told the students who attended the lecturer to “let Nkwanyana’s life be a source of inspiration. Remember that you have the power to make the difference. Your voices matter. Your actions matter, and your commitment to justice can shape the future, ” said Buthelezi.

From eMolweni to parading pageants, Likhona (16) and Ongama (13) Ndaba from Tholulwazi High School are the finalists for the upcoming Mr & Miss EThekwini Role Model 2024. They are no strangers to waving, tiaras, and sashes. EThekwini Municipality organizes the event. On October 12, the Ndaba girls representing EMolweni will strut their stuff at the Pavilion Hotel, KE Masinga Road. Apart from the beauty, spotlight, and pageants, both girls aim to encourage their peers to have confidence in everything they do.  In an exclusive interview with VM Radio, Ongama said that being on stage gives her the freedom to express herself and not be apologetic about it. She believes that “you can be anything you want to be if you work hard”.The beautiful young ladies both hold prestigious titles in their names. Likhona’s titles include Miss eMolweni 1st place princess, Miss Inkanyezi Queen 1st place Princess, and Miss Barbie Photogenic. Whilst Ongama currently holds Miss Perfection 1st Place and Miss Barbie Personality. The Ndaba girls are aiming to encourage other young girls from EMolweni that your background does not matter, but the sky is the limit. The girls are aware that they have a long journey ahead of them, but it is a path they want to take because it will lead them to greatness. General tickets cost R250 but Sash holder pay R150. For more information, you may contact Latoya Madlala at 073 477 2509. Written by Ayanda Ngongoma Photo: Supplied

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli has commended a sterling job by KZN Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the province records 313 firearms and arrest of 11 003 suspects in the month of July during province-wide operations. The operations were carried as the newly appointed seventh administration of provincial national unity vowed to to reduce the level of crime in the province. When he assumed his new role, Premier Ntuli moved the the department of community safety to his office as part of an integrated approach to lead from the front in the fight against crime. Last week the province held a Provincial Social Crime Prevention Summit which was also welcomed by His Majesty Zulu King MisuZulu kaZwelithini as he said crime in the rural areas was on the rise. Amongst the recovered firearms there are 260 pistols, 19 rifles and 18 homemade firearms. Almost 5 000 rounds of ammunition of various calibre of firearms were also recovered. The Premier said the province is in the right direction in pursuit of proliferation of illegal firearms and ammunition from the hands of criminals. “We need to have zero tolerant on criminals who are terrorising our communities, I really commend the work of the police. We must be mindful that as we make inroads in the fight against crime there will be a pushback by those who benefit from criminal elements. We must therefore remain resolute behind our law enforcement agencies, ” said Premier Ntuli 191 murder suspects, 200 attempted murder suspects, 55 suspected house robbers, 45 business robbery suspects and 204 rape suspects were among 3 509 suspects who were arrested for contact crimes. In an effort to reduce with the cases of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, mostly occurring after the consumption of alcohol, 1 740 suspects were arrested while 548 people for illegal dealing in liquor. Additionally, 281 were arrested for burglary at residential premises whilst 47 suspects were nabbed in connection with cases of stock theft. The police visibility on the roads as well as targeted roadblocks and stop and search operations resulted in the arrest of 404 people who were found to be driving under the influence of liquor. An additional 1 618 suspects are behind bars for drug-related crimes. Arrests related to the violation of Domestic Violence Act were 180 while 41 suspects were arrested for kidnapping and 499 knives were among the 567 who were found to be in possession of dangerous weapons which were recovered during disruptive operations.

Vuyokazi Mtungwa (18 Months) was diagnosed with congenital heart disease (CHD) after birth, she also has a genetic condition called Down Syndrome (DS) at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. Doctors told her parents that she had these diseases and she was expected to finish her treatment 15 months after she was diagnosed at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. To receive her medication, she was transferred to the nearest hospital at Ekombe Hospital where she was supposed to collect her treatment but surprisingly when her parents went to Ekombe Hospital to collect her medication, the medication was not enough and when they asked the health Pretensioner, they were told that they do not have enough medication for Vuyokazi and requested her mother to live her cell phone number so that they would call her when the treatment arrive but they did not call. “I was worried sick about my child; I didn’t know what to do when her mother told me that at Ekombe Hospital they refused to give her medication. Almost three months passed my child not receiving the right treatment. As a concerned father, I told my fiancée to take our child to another hospital because at Ekombe Hospital we were not receiving any help instead, we were told that my child’s file was closed. I’ve asked myself why they closed a file. What was the reason behind that? But I did not get an answer,” said Thembinkosi Ntuli, Vuyikazi’s father. Ntuli says after he saw that his daughter was suffering due to not receiving enough medication, and the disease that she has is sensitive, he decided to invite VM Radio to intervene. According to National Library of Medicine (NLM) manuscript, congenital heart disease (CHD) is frequently described in patients with Down syndrome (DS) and is the main cause of death in this population during the first two years of life. The spectrum of CHD patterns in DS varies widely worldwide; this variation could be due to sociodemographic, genetic and geographic factors. NLM says, approximately 50% of newborns with Down syndrome have congenital heart disease. Nevertheless, careful planning for cardiac surgery is required, evaluating for both cardiac and non-cardiac disease, with careful consideration of the risk for pulmonary hypertension. VM Radio spoke with the Spokesperson for the KZN Department of Health Ntokozo Maphisa regarding the issue which was disturbing Ntuli and his fiancée. Maphisa said, that according to information that was handed to them by facility management, the patient has been receiving medication accordingly. He said the misunderstanding was because the medication that was obtained from Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital was in syrup form; whereas at Ekombe Hospital it was in tablet form. Ntuli said that was not communicated to them as the child’s parents as they were expecting the syrup medication as well that the child was receiving at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. “If we were told we would have known. We were not going to even escalate this matter to the media.” NLM says, cardiac surgery and preoperative care of the patient with DS and CHD has progressed significantly in the past 50 years. Future advancements will likely involve improved pulmonary hypertension management, greater understanding of heart transplant in patients with DS, development of better medical and surgical management of single ventricles, and enhanced coordination of care for these complex patients. Maphisa mentioned that the tablets which are now given to a child by Ekombe Hospital are crushed and mixed with water so that they can be consumed by the young patient. There is evidence to the effect that Ekombe Hospital never ran out of this medication. He further explained that upon receiving the media inquiry from Health-e News the CEO of Ekombe Hospital accompanied by another staff member went to the Vilakazi family and explained everything to them that they have nothing to worry about. “I am now relieved since my little girl is going to receive her full medication from Ekombe Hospital,” Ntuli adds. “The hospital will continue to provide the medication and have enough supplies to last for the foreseeable future. We urge all our healthcare users, patients and the next of kin to approach health facility managers in cases where they may be concerned about anything, in line with their Constitutional rights,” concludes Maphisa.