Behind the Name: Buhle Moletsane

Maya Angelou said it best when she said “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing

it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women”.Who better to embody this attribute than actress, radio DJ and PR girl among other things Buhle Moletsane. If you

don’t recognize this name, then honey where were you when Jo-Ann Strauss announced her first online presenter search winner for Glambition with Jo-Ann Strauss back in 2012. Needless to say this was the start of an amazing journey for this ambitiously beautiful young lady. I had the privilege of talking to the young lady who not only reminds us of the power we as young women have to make our dreams come true through hard work and dedication but also shows us that if we try to conform to the normality of the society, we miss the opportunity of showing the world how amazing we truly are.

First and foremost, who is Buhle Moletsane?

Buhle Moletsane is a young lady who is on a never ending journey to self-discovery, - she is just a princess diva who is no prisoner of fear.

Family means everything to you, how would you describe your upbringing?

It wasn't easy - it wasn't tough. I have a mother who has always provided a roof over my head and gave me food to eat. My mother is the type of woman who didn't mind wearing the same pairs of shoes the entire year just so that she can provide for my sister and I. As long as my sister and I were comfortable - that's all that mattered to her. So my upbringing was filled with warmth.

What is the one lesson that you have taken from your family?

One lesson I have taken from my family - my mother to be precise, is selflessness. I have naturally become that woman.

As an Alushi model but more so a young woman would you say you are comfortable in your own skin?

In my adolescent years, I was really not a secure being. It's funny because I never struggled when it came to my body, I've always been skinny - skinny is all I know. It was really because of the colourism thing that people made a big deal of. But as I grew and became a woman, I started taking charge and fell in love with me. I am now truly in love with my melanin self.

One of the many things that are admirable about you has to be your drive, have you always been like that cause nowadays young girls are looking at you thinking you've always had it all together.

LOL!! I do not have it all together - people must just know that. I have just learnt to appreciate life and take it as it comes. I do have bad days, what do I do? I have a good cry, pray about it and move on. No use dwelling on issues for so long. I have to be driven. I come from a family where the word "entertainment" is a foreign language to them; therefore, they do not support it at all. So I work extremely hard to prove to them that I can do this. I cannot waste time on being negative. Already life is tough enough. Negativity is a NO for me and I am learning to distance myself from such human beings - that kind of aura is contagious so I choose to stay away from it as I grow older. And that is how I "keep it together"

Who or what is your driving force?

God. I do not know who/what I would be if I did not have anybody to pray to. I read my Bible as well - that book of life is my manual.

You won the 1st Jo-Ann Strauss online presenter search back in 2012,how was that experience or rather take us back to that moment, what was going through your mind?

I still remember that moment vividly. I was on my way back to Joburg from Durban. It was the day they were to announce the winner - I found out that I had won through my best friend. She beat me to it, because she was just stuck on Jo-Ann's time line waiting for her to announce the winner. So after I found out that I won, I was a total hot mess! I couldn't stop crying plus I'm such a tap so when I cry, it’s real. It was a beautiful feeling and I got to meet amazing people through that.

What did you take from that experience?

Entertainment is not an easy industry to get into - you literally start from the bottom and you really have to be passionate and patient if you want to "make it". I got to cover Fashion Weeks which was fun. But at the end of the day, I just won the presenter search. That's it. It's up to me with regards to what I do with the title.

You also got to be on the cover with your mentor, Carol Bouwer, which must have been exciting and nerve wrecking, did you know what you wanted to gain from that experience and did you gain it?

Most definitely! Carol has taught me the business side of entertainment, which is what I wanted from her. We still communicate. We have phone dates every month where she checks on my progress. So our relationship is still intact.

How important is education among young people especially the young girls that want to be where you are?

Education is very very important. I have always believed that we are learners for life. In that same breath, as an individual, you must understand that it's what you do with your qualification that matters - because we can all go to varsity and be "encyclopedias" and just cram all the work given to us, get good marks and move up to the next level. So when choosing what you want to study, make sure you go into it knowing exactly why you want to study it - understand it so that one day, you will be able to pay it forward. Don't just choose a course for the sake of just choosing, otherwise, your restless soul will never forgive you.

From PR graduate to Jnr Account Executive of Sihle Bolani Communications and even working on TwentySwimwear with Omuhle Gela, what would you say was the biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge was not being able to trust myself. I did not trust that I had good ideas -nor did I trust the fact that I could put together a strategy and implementation plan, until my mentor, Sihle Bolani said the following words to me: "You need to learn to trust yourself - when you are able to do that, you will do amazing things". And so I slowly started to trust myself and I delivered! I really enjoy being a PR Girl, I love the rush behind putting together a proposal and making decisions.

Not a lot of people know this but Refilwe Mazibuko on Rhythm City was actually written FOR YOU, how did feel to actually have a character written for you and how was the transition given that you initially auditioned for Zinizi Dandala?

The email I received from my agent at the time that said that the directors created a role for me based on my last audition (Zinzi) was totally unexpected! I was very excited that they decided to choose me. There wasn't really that much of a transition - I was just grateful that they saw something in me that could work for them. It's only the beginning :)

You are now on radio, was that always a passion?

I used to be with UNISA Radio back in 2013 - had my own radio show there as well. This year, the bug just hit me again! I just love talking and communicating, so having the mic in front of me for 3 hours has always been exciting. To me it's like, I am chilling with friends and catching up over a glass of juice. It's so much fun!

Not only are you a model, presenter enthusiast, actress and radio DJ but you are also well travelled, how do you find the time? Favourite destination thus far?

LOL! I wouldn't say I am well-travelled as of yet - I still need a few stamps inside my passport.

There's always time to travel, you just need to make the time - there is a whole planet out there and I need to see it. Every year, I always make sure that I'm travelling somewhere. My favourite destination thus far would have to be Bangkok and Phuket, simply because I shopped liked crazy when I was there.

You wrote on your blog a month or so ago, "THIS IS MY NOW" so I have to ask where to from here Buhle Moletsane?

Where to from here....well, can’t really say anything as of yet but suffice it to say that, all the significant actions have been taken and all the resources have been invested into everything that I want to get into. Simple English: I attend all my castings, do my thing and always pray for the best.

To Be Black and Woman and Alive undressed by a guy

Yeah you’re alive, until sheepishly laying there as a pedestal for my semen. You catch me dreaming of a holiday season rubbing hair that does not need relaxing, i.e., your need for affection interrupting me.

 My blood is of the village wise, and heart of a village peacock, I, came to the city match-making so I can be the next big-pimping. Excuse my thinking but I have seen you snorting, tin playing and panty-hose-strip jumping and jiving. And your mother’s no hair-of-yours affording, having you pointing at my bald head ‘cheese-kop lerago la missus’ teasing.

Now you want my shoulder to cry on, when, big homies, the size of daddies, who made me feel small in men’s rooms, split you like peas and made you a recipe. I’m ashamed to have been your fellow, but this is what rejection’s moment of silence had me to learn;

Black man is ungrateful. He would rather face the whip of the master after having deserted your face, frowning upon it, while it whispered, “We can endure, we can make it, we just have to hold on”. Ungrateful, not setting aside pride, poor, and won’t be inclined. His will is to extend a generational curse for big hipped and smooth featured daughters over a warm heart/ sensitive soul/ grounded determination/ passionate breath/ hoarse truth/ beautiful mind...

You will never be as good as them? During romance your mind is at war for cheap attainments. To give shelter to men, guard souls of men, wash sheets for men, feed men, realise men. And you open the door for yourself, sow clothes for yourself, and bring food to the table before anyone else.

You will never be as good as them? Because even at struggle, they will look at a made, black, man and say, “Free food”. He can change from a tree that bore him fruit and sheltered him, to a tree that accepts pruning. Your love teaches sons to never look back, until it is too late. You may be blamed for this – reassuring him of his mistakes. In time to come, having to fathom being introduced to ‘Miss Take’. For a son might only know how to tell if he feels love, and not whether the love towards him is real or not.

NB: Nina Simone – Black Is The Colour of My True Love’s Hair

@Katli Jazy San _ it is the on-going struggle African-woman go through as man puts her on, not in, constant shackles, i.e., bondage of(in) her support to crown him; leader of our race’s progression – economically, ecologically and spiritually. She vouches for his existence among the African queens; he knows he is an instrument, he finds freedom in Caucasian music, flooding his own culture, (and) just so he can walk on water.

Behind the name: Luyanda Sithole

The beautiful thing about women in this day and age is the fact that women are now hardly boxed into three categories of womanhood namely being a wife,mother and sister. Women are pushing the boundaries and thriving in whatever they set their eyes on so in the spirit of celebrating young women,we travel Los Angeles (YES!! I did say push boundaries) to talk to the ever so stylish Luyanda Sithole. Pennsylvania born,SA raised young lady who is also the founder and CEO of an online fashion store name Revolt Clothing. With her edgy style and drive for success,she shows the world what young women are made of,one stitch at a time.

1.    Luyanda Sithole is a feisty, independent woman. Her favourite position is CEO. She also cannot wait to be a wife and mother. She is quite complex and there is not enough space to get into all that.

2.    Born in Pennsylvania USA, was the transition back to South Africa difficult or rather natural? I was 2 years old when I moved to South Africa so it was pretty natural. All I needed was soft food and toys.

3.   Young as you are, what would you say is the biggest misconception about you? Mmmm lol well people think I don’t listen. I just hardly give the answer you want once asked what I think.

4.    You went to the National School of the Arts in Johannesburg; would you say that was your pinnacle moment in knowing you wanted to be in the Arts? No, my pinnacle moment was when I was 6 years old and loved to dance so my folk put me into ballet. Didn’t help that my family are in the arts too.

5.    What was the biggest challenge in going to a school that's pretty much filled with creatives in every corner? Oh wow that is a complex question, because there were tons of challenges in different aspects, but I would say finding your competitor and beating them. We were always taught to do that, as well as be supportive to one another. Took some time to figure out but we did it.

6.   You then moved to Los Angeles to study fashion marketing, why the decision to move back to the USA? I get asked this question a lot and I wish I had an inspiring story but basically I am a citizen so why not?

7.   Not a lot of people know that you have actually dabbled in music, how did that come about? My parents own a record label so I have always been around the music industry. So for some time I thought it was my dream too…It wasn’t.

8. Working with Tricky Stewart who's pretty much worked with big names such as Mary J Blige, Mariah Carey, Rihanna and even Beyoncé, how was that experience and what did you take from it? It was a very crazy experience to have such an intense internship while I was in my last year of school. It was a lot of late nights in studio. But I learnt how to conduct myself amongst different levels of people. How to get ish done,  no matter what type of pressure you are in. The greatest was how to strive for excellence at all times.

9. You say fashion has always had your heart, would you say that influenced your decision in pursuing it further? Yes, and I know how to do it pretty well. The ecommerce, business side of fashion at least.

10. With this passion, how did you start your fashion career? I really started pursing my fashion career by becoming a social media and marketing specialist for 2 fashion ecommerce. One being a lifestyle boutique and the other a large fast fashion market place.

11. Would you say those were stepping-stones to building what is now your Revolt Brand? Everything I have done, from putting on my first pair of ballet shoes, to now have been the stepping-stones to build my very first company. Every life experience is an extension of how I conduct my business Revolt Clothing, and any future companies under my name.

12.With South Africa celebrating Women's Month, what does this mean to you as a young woman yourself? Me launching Revolt Clothing in Women’s Month was something I had to do. To show that more women are becoming entrepreneurs, while being a daughter, wife, mother, friend and some even still working their 9-5. We are the strongest beings and it is about time we get recognized for it across the board. Especially in South Africa where there is still a perception that women belong in the kitchen. We pretty much have been ruling the world since the beginning of time; everybody else just needs to realize that. *cues Beyonce*

13. What is your take on the pressures the media puts on women especially in the fashion industry? The one thing that I hate that fashion and media pushes is the definition of real women. From Dove commercials showing curvier women and calling them “Real” yet the Victoria Secret models aren’t because they are thin really makes me mad. Every single person who identifies as a woman is a real woman. Body shaming is such a huge part of fashion and media and it needs to stop. No matter what shape, size, colour, height, occupation we are all woman and need to stand together.

14. Many designers believe in wearing your brand means you believe in it so what’s your take

on this? How important is that especially if you want people to believe in your brand as much as you believe in it? Everyone who is selling a product needs to use their product. Not only because you believe in it, but also because you are a walking billboard. It is free advertising so yes wearing your brand is important on so many different levels besides passion. I am wearing Revolt Clothing right now lol.

15. Describe your collection in 3 words. Unique, Timeless and BADASS

16. Seeing that Revolt is about bringing your experiences in fashion home, are we going to the seeing more than the online boutique? Maybe pop up stores? The sky is the limit; this can go in so many different directions. That is the beauty of starting online. And yes, I totally love pop ups it is a great opportunity to meet all the lovely peeps following the Revolt!

Check out the Revolt on www.revoltclothing.net/

Behind the Name: Hloni "JusHlo_" Mohlala

I do not know about you but of all my proudest moments in life, being a woman tops them all. Now before you scratch out the obvious cause let's face it, we didn't have a choice in the matter and sometimes still feel we needed to. . you know. . .  during that one dreaded week of every month BUT let's face facts: being  woman ROCKS. I mean we have a WHOLE MONTH dedicated to US not for the fun of it but to reminisce and more so celebrate the achievements women have made throughout history. So what better way than to celebrate the very young women who are making that very difference.
I had the privilege of speaking to the woman that knows no bounds to living a fulfilling life and simply makes happiness her mandate.Some of you know her as the niece of Rev Benjamin Dube, some of you know her as the soulful singer for Gospel Alive while some of you know her as Hloni "JustHlo_" Mohlala.

1. Everyone knows you as Hloni, what is your full name and what does it mean?

Malehlogonolo is my full name, it means Luck.I was appropriately named. I’d like to think because my life has been an entire reflection of Blessings & Luck. 

2. You are known as outspoken, vibrant person have you always been like that

Yes. Actually during my nursery days, my parents ALWAYS got feedback from my child minders that I was supposed to be on some sort of stage or on screen.

3. With family being your anchor, what would you say would be the lessons that you have learnt from them particularly your siblings?

That blood is indeed thicker than water. My family is one of a different kind. We have stuck together through everything in life; I mean even with almost losing my dad years back, we remained grounded through all our struggles. I've also learnt to deal with different shades of people because my family has extremely strong & different characters, so that has also fallen properly in the line of work I do. It's assisted me a lot. And lastly to LOVE & RESPECT everyone we meet! It's such a strong value I hold dear to my heart! Everyone who knows me will tell you my favourite line is "YOU DON'T RESPECT ME”

4. As a young woman, are you comfortable in your own skin?

I LOOOOOOVE ME. And ALL OF ME. So yes! 

5.Not a lot of people know this but you started singing at a very young age, how old were you?

A lot of people lie just to give an answer & say 3/4 or even at 10 years old. Lol I don't know honestly, I wasn’t paying attention.. Am I terrible?!! 

6. Do you remember who you were singing to while growing up? 

My nursery school teacher, Felicity. She shun light on my singing ambitions hey, so I think I sang to her.

7. Not only are you a talented singer but you are also educated, how important is education for you?

Education is as important as oxygen for me. It's a passion I cannot express as much I'd like to, education is the future of a gifted human they need to earn than inherit. Nothing in this world is free. What many entertainers don't know is, that statement actually means not even the fruits of your gifts will be free, getting an education is the work you need to put in to sustain the gift. I could go on forever so that's basically it. 

Need I say more?

8.You first shot to fame when you sang "Awudede" by the late Lebo Mathosa at the Hansa Festival Of Legends back in 2013, how was that experience?

Lol was that my 1st shot to fame am I famous already? I wasn't aware. I still think I'm my mother’s daughter actually, that experience was humbling for me, didn't think it would happen the way it did honestly but Gods ways aren't our ways. I met so many amazing people who are now my family not even just friends! Like the Multi award winning accapella group The Soil, Theo Nhlenghetwa & Junior from Boom Shaka & Many Others. All these people are a phone call away now & I could have only dreamed of such when growing up, but I owe it all to God and my older sister who trusted me in vocal training her for that show so thank you Thembi Seete for such an opportunity.

9. You have performed alongside people like Judith Sephuma, Khaya Mthethwa, Zahara and recently Brenda Mtambo, what have you taken from each of those experiences as a performer?

I have learned character is everything. I've learnt that your character will take you where your gift can't keep you. 

10. I heard via the grapevine that you are finally working on your album, what would you say made you wait this long for such cause you are no stranger to the music industry

Hahahaha, that grapevine is indeed a powerful one. I wasn't waiting actually, I was working. Working on me as a vocalist, as a performer, as an entrepreneur and business lady, for when such a time came. It's always been in my plans to be independent musically but I had to take and sponge off all my experiences to reach such a point.

11. You have a foundation called Yellow Diamonds Foundation, how did that come about?

I cannot lie & say I had it planned all my life. Until I woke up one morning and was ready to break free from the chains that were binding me. I broke my silence about being a gang rape victim (probably the hardest time of my life) and I chose to use my pain to change other women's lives, through that I eventually gained the strength to view other aspects of women that we lack as a society & country, I prayed about it and God revealed it to me that it was my assignment to show the world at large that God never gives you a mess without a message. 

12. What is your dream for YDF?

My dream is for it to be a worldwide engine of strong, independent, driven, educated, morally correct women who become tangible change agents in the globe for woman. An untouchable network of women who will become an everlasting evolution to the change of many lives in the world. Not just in SA. 

13.Of all the trips you have taken as a motivational speaker, which of those moments would you say you cherish the most? 

When I went to a school and I was sharing my story & a young girl broke into tears right in front of me, it was in that moment where she broke free, her mates didn't matter, her status at school became null, it was therein where she was ALONE in a crowd of 2000 students dealing with herself which is the hardest thing to do! 

She wasn't crying because it hurt, but because she finally realized that she will be free finally and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.  

14. What's the one thing you want people to ALWAYS know about you?

That I am JustHlo_ and I love flat tummies! Just Wish I had one .

Ode to the 1st Lady

See I never knew love at 1st sight till I met you. . .

See today I don't want to talk about how you clothed or fed me without asking for anything in return

See today I want to talk about YOU

About how your eyes light up the mere sight of my presence,
Eyes that make me want to believe in myself even when I'm at my lowest.
I want to talk about that smile,
That smile that reminds me that even in my darkest hour
YOU ARE my Northen Star, guiding me through to the end of the tunnel
And those hands,those
Beautifully wrinkled hands,
That stitched back every heartbreak, wiped every tear but most of all
Made me call them HOME
You may think that you are celebrated only once every year but today I TELL YOU
When I look at my eyes,my smile,my hands. .
I see nothing more than a reflection of the phenomenal woman I first laid eyes on, the woman I simply call uMama