My name is Zinhle Ndyike, and I’m from the Vaal Triangle, specifically in Meyerton/Highbury-Henley on Klip. I want to take a moment to share my story in the hope that it reaches those who have ever felt overlooked, belittled, or underestimated. I understand how isolating those feelings can be, and I hope my experiences can offer some comfort and inspiration to others who might be facing similar challenges.

As a young girl, I never imagined that one day I would find myself in an LSEN school… an institution dedicated to children with special needs. I began my education in a mainstream school, but struggled in a class of 40 students. My grades slipped, and I found it difficult to concentrate. It was a challenging time, and I felt the weight of judgment from peers who did not understand my needs.

Eventually, I moved to Krugerlaan School, a special school that welcomed me with open arms. Initially, I faced criticism from children who came from mainstream schools, including some I had once sat alongside. However, I made the decision to let go of the negativity and allow God to guide me. In smaller classes of 10 to 15 students, my academic performance improved, and I began to thrive. I felt God’s presence in my life, even when I couldn’t see the full picture.

Over time, I earned six diplomas and certificates and served as a Representative Council of Learners (RCL) member for two years. I later pursued a four-year hairdressing course, earning a certificate that led to a career as a professional hairdresser. Despite being labeled by some as “abnormal” because of my learning special needs, I knew that God had a plan for me.

Today, I stand proudly as Miss Sedibeng’s First Princess, having won an International Award representing South Africa in the beauty queen category. My journey has taught me that criticism and judgment are tests meant to strengthen the warrior within us. To achieve greatness, we must rise above discouragement and surround ourselves with those who uplift and inspire us.

I have shared my experiences through an article about my life, hoping to encourage others who feel undermined. My aim is to be an example of hope and demonstrate that judgment does not define our worth… rather, it is the beginning of a new, empowering chapter in our lives.

My journey hasn’t been without challenges but because of all of my hardships, my story has become a testament to the power of perseverance and belief in oneself. Giving up whenever things get hard is not an option. Hold onto your dreams and focus on positivity. We all face all the challenges, but those challenges can build us into stronger individuals. If I could overcome my obstacles, you can too.

To anyone feeling lost or doubtful, remember that you don’t need validation from others. Seek your strength from within and from God, and you can become a future leader. Don’t let criticism deter you from greatness, let it fuel your growth towards successful testimonies.

You are a survivor, a warrior, a game changer. Together, let’s inspire and uplift those who are suffering from judgment and criticism just because they are different. Together we can become the change we want to see in the world.

By: Zinhle Ndyike

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Formula One (F1) is a sport that has captured the attention and excitement of millions of people around the world. From the high-speed races to the technical innovation, F1 offers a unique and thrilling viewing experience that appeals to a wide range of people.

One of the primary reasons why I enjoy watching F1 is the thrill of the races. The high-speed cars, beautiful tracks, and intense competition creates an exciting and captivating experience that really has me at the edge of my seat. I also love watching F1 because of all the technical innovation. F1 is known for being a technical sport, with cars that are incredibly advanced and designed to maximize performance. Every detail of their design is carefully thought out, making F1 a fascinating sport. I find F1 really educational and inspiring as I get to learn about the latest technological advancements in the automotive industry. Strategy is also an integral part of F1. Teams must make strategic decisions throughout the race, such as when to pit, which tires to use, and when to push the car to its limits. This strategy can have a significant impact on the race outcome. F1’s international appeal is another reason why I love watching it. Races take place all over the world, and I get to have a glimpse into different cultures and countries.

The dramatic moments in F1 has to be my favourite part F1. From high-speed crashes to last-minute overtaking maneuvers, these moments are breathtaking to watch and keep me engaged and captivated. I also really enjoy the fact that I have a favourite driver, Lewis Hamilton, and following his story has also become such a compelling reason to watch F1.

I am a formula one girly and I love it!

Do you also watch formula one?

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There are subjects or ideas we cannot talk about here in Egypt, like women’s rights. You will not be able to talk about relationships and politics. Getting your point of view out to the public in Egypt is challenging.

I studied filmmaking, and I am an independent filmmaker. I like to do documentary films, whatever the genre of the film.

We don’t have the opportunity to screen our films. You will get the chance if you have relatives or a friend who is of higher authority. But, if you don’t, you will never get the opportunity. So you take another track to become known in filmmaking in feature or short movies. As independent filmmakers, we submit our films to festivals and organisations outside Egypt, like The Berlin Film Festival or Sundance.

In my films, I focus on what people are like on the inside. I ignore the outside. I like to focus on their humanity. I want to explore their inner attitude, their feelings and thoughts, and what life means to them. Sometimes I see people are so empty inside, like a machine. I see people with something good inside, yet they are afraid. They fear what their community might think and what people will say.

Living in a country where you cannot speak up makes me feel like I need to emigrate and live anywhere. It’s not about the country. It’s about the people and the government because they are very conservative, and our government does not allow people to think. The government is fearful of what people think. People are afraid. When I communicate with anybody here, I hear them say it’s okay, it’s good. I don’t debate with anybody.

I don’t need to be like them. I need to be someone simple, someone unique, someone different. I need to be good with other people. I need to have humanity inside me and humanity in my attitude, humanity in my mind, my heart, and my soul.

When I sit with my friends, we talk about God, and we talk about relationships. We talk about life, humanity, and all different topics. We question our existence. and sometimes we don’t have any answers. Actually, we never get a result or the answer to this question.  We have flexibility in our discussions, and we do not judge.

In Egypt, women who are genuinely feminists face a lot of problems. Walking in the street, they experience harassment and in the workplace, in transportation. They are trying to survive. It’s not only here in Egypt, but I think it happens everywhere in the world.

We have young women who just need to marry, but we also have young women who need to work, learn, and get a degree, and that’s good, but they face many problems with their families and community. I know some women who travel and emigrate if they are not married. If a woman is single, an adult and her family allow it, she can travel. Sometimes married women can travel if their husband accepts it. If he’s not accepting, she’ll never travel. A husband can have so much influence.

When I was at school, from five to seventeen years old, boys and girls were the same. The boys were my friends, and they were like my brothers. It’s at university, and when one starts to work that things change. I have seen a lot of men taking the upper hand. I understand men are men, but it’s only a different gender; ultimately, we are all human. This life’s so temporary. We can enjoy success in this life, but we must see our humanity. For me, film is such a great way to connect to people. To show a different perspective and act as a trigger for people to question that perhaps there is another way.

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I know it has been a couple weeks since the 2021 Met Gala, but there is something that I have been wanting to share about this year’s Met Gala. Like many, I was so excited to see what was worn by the distinguished celebrities and influencers. And as exciting as it was, I was also aware of the scarcity of black creatives, in this case black designers that are represented on the red carpet.

Like big events such as the Oscars or the Grammys, the Met Gala is a wonderful opportunity for designers and design houses to showcase their work. This allows them to be seen on a global stage dressing some of the most influential people in the world. Consequently, the lack of representation has always been glaring, and has unfortunately been a reality for many black creatives in the fashion industry. This year however, the pain of this reality struck home a little harder as the theme for the Met Gala was: “In America: A lexicon of fashion.” While the theme itself is open to interpretation, the simple mention of the word “America” should have (at least in my humble opinion) included a wide range of African American and indigenous designers. Furthermore, the word “Lexicon” refers to references. Notably, African American designers have shown their imminence through their references and their unquestionable fashion influence, these designers have, throughout time defined decades of fashion trends. Essentially, their work can no longer take a back seat! – their work is worthy of centre stages and influential runways! – their work should be supported and honoured! 

Despite the fact that representation of African American designers was rather low at the Met Gala, there were some highlights that revealed that African American designers are not forgotten, in fact, these highlights were probably a sign that such designers have emerged and will continue to emerge. For instance, the head of fashion for Instagram Eva Chen wore a vibrant Christopher John Rogers dress that had a strong nod to the LGBTQIA community. New York representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wore a custom strapless dress by Brother Vellies with the words “Tax the rich” written on the back. The biggest support of black designers however, came from Formula 1 driver, Lewis Hamilton who bought an entire table at the gala and invited young, up and coming black designers to the event (what a champion!).

I commend Eva, Alexandria and Lewis. They blatantly opened up a world of opportunities for black designers. Their actions become a global reminder that no matter how big or small, we can all contribute towards supporting, honoring and elevating black creatives in all spaces. So, even if we cannot necessarily buy a whole tables at events like the Met Gala, we can start by supporting local designers and black owned businesses. 

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For the first time in my reading experience, I read a book on crime investigation. When it comes to television shows, documentaries, or even movies about crime investigation I give my undivided attention throughout. That’s how much I am devoted to it. The sad reality though is that although I am interested in this genre of storytelling. It is very difficult to absorb the information without being affected by the portrayed events. As it can make it challenging to separate the events and scenarios portrayed from real life. 

I see this especially when it comes to the level of consciousness I have when I am alone. Making sure that the doors are locked at all times and being extra vigilant at all times. Hence my reluctance to read the book “The forgotten girl”.

Although the prologue sparked some level of curiosity, The Forgotten Girl was not so much of a wow piece of writing for me. I didn’t instantly feel hooked to the book in the beginning. However, when I continued to read it, as each character was unveiled and got distinguished – the content just flowed and my curiosity for the next page was heightened.

At the beginning of the first chapter, we are introduced to the protagonist, Jason. Whose life has been highly affected by an incident that took place twenty-seven years ago. This exhibit to me subsists one of the key elements that I have been gradually learning over the years: the choices we make today will determine our future outcomes – one way or another.

When it comes to the title of the book. I found that “The forgotten gilr” doesn’t really fit the storyline. That’s because although Jason’s sister, Hayden, went missing for days following a seeming kidnapping incident. She was found alive and healthy by the end of the novel. Yes, the chapters of her disappearance covered about ninety percent of the book. But the person who, I think the title of the book should have revolved around – that’s if the author wanted to talk about The Forgotten “somebody”, it should have been Jason’s friend, Logan. The first reason being that he went missing and was never found until 27 years later when his “body” was discovered. Secondly, almost everything revolved around him. Even the disappearance of Hayden revolved around him. The plot revolved around him. And everyone’s storyline rotated around him.

The forgotten “boy” could have done the novel some justice unless the author chose “girl” as an irony to represent the femininity ideal world. 

Overall, the book was worth a read. It was compelling towards the end. And I just couldn’t stop myself from wanting to know  what happens next.

Among the many lessons from the book, I highlighted these two: ¹⁾It is important to always get both sides of the story before concluding other people’s characters. ²⁾The truth always has a way of coming out -soon or later. In this book, it took twenty-seven years.

EndNote

One of my favorite quotes from the book has little to do with the actual story. But really resonated with me so I thought I would share it. Especially for my ladies out there who think they are falling behind and time seems to be passing them like a millisecond shooting star. “…and I still can’t get used to the people asking me if I have children. Today it was the woman in the bank. I’m forty-two, I’m married, but no, I don’t have children. It’s a choice some people make. Some people put their careers first, right? Is that so hard to understand? Why do people feel like they can ask such things?” – Jason’s wife, Nora (The Forgotten Girl) 

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As someone who has always loved date nights. One thing I found difficult was maintaining that same level of excitement and enthusiasm that came with dressing up every week to have dinner with my husband. And whilst the world continues to face bigger issues. This little tradition of going out was, and continues to be for me a reminder of happier times. A time to forget about the hard stuff and reconnect. Something that feels almost impossible with a toddler, demanding work schedules and deadlines, as well as general fatigue. And whilst France will be opening it s restaurants in the coming month. With a one year old to think about and plan around, I still find that having a good stack at at home date night ideas at the ready is what works best for our little family of three.

Here are some simple fun, and affordable at home date night ideas to try at home.

1. Wine tasting: Whilst both my husband and I are both fans of good wine. We often leave the good stuff for when friends and family come over. Which is why it feels special when we open a couple of bottles to enjoy on our own. Getting to taste wines from different regions at from different price points is a fun and easy date night that has led us to discover some incredible wines.
2. Dessert for dinner: What is better than dessert for dinner? Not much in my opinion. Which is why I love the idea of getting together or making some of our favorite desserts for dinner and letting the subsequent sugar rush take over.
3. Pasta making: Personally I will always choose fresh pasta over dried and so will my husband. Which is why making it together is a great way to connect and get to enjoy our spoils afterwards.
4. Order in: With so many restaurants offering home delivery. The take out game has changed for good. With fine dining establishments offering their tasty cuisine in the comfort of your own home. This can be enjoyed in bed whilst watching a movie. Or you could recreate a restaurant vibe by setting a beautiful table at home.
5. Binge watch a show: Way back when my husband and I loved nothing more than sitting back and watching back to back episodes of our favorite show. and nowadays with so many options and different schedules, it can be difficult to get together and plan a binge watching session. Which is why I love having a mini series lined up, complete with all our favorite treats to enjoy as soon as we put our daughter down to sleep.
6. Cocktail making: Nothing hits the spot like a good cocktail. Which is why my husband and I love to alternate creating our own signature cocktails for each other once in a while. Not only is it a fun thing to do. But its also a great way to get your mind off of things and try new combinations.
7. Picnic: If you are lucky enough to have a garden or even a patio then this one is for you. Throw together some of your favorite finger foods and enjoy a few hours of technology less fun.

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As a two time homeowner, I know how expensive it can get to decorate any house or apartment on a budget. Which is why I have come up with a cost effective way to do so over the years. Ways that are not only stylish but also good for the environment and your wallet.

1. Thrift shops: As an avid thrift shopper I cant tell you how many times I have found rare and beautiful pieces at a fraction of the price of something new. Not only that but over the years I have come to realize that I could shop from thrift or charity stores and still come out with something that fit not only my style. But also my budget.
2. Side walks and dumpsters: This may sound a little iffy, but after finding the perfect corner unit thrown away in our apartment buildings rubbish not too long ago, I can say with certainty that one persons trash can be someone else treasure. As someone who lives in France (and I’m sure other countries do this too), I’ve found that people often throw away unwanted furniture in the buildings trash if they are too lazy to sell it. Or don’t have the transportation to do so. I know a few friends who have found beautiful pieces in the trash that look as good as new.
3. Hand me downs: One great thing about living close to friends and family is that you can often get some great hand me downs. From hardly used side boards, to guest bedroom bed frames. And if you are worried about the pieces not being your style, you can always update them with some paint or new material.
4. Auctions: I came to know about auctions and auction houses years back when my boyfriends landlord took us there to help him find some pieces for his cottage. Whilst auctions can be intimidating. They can also be a great way of sourcing rare pieces at a bargain price. Check online to see if there are any auction houses near you and get to bidding.

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The world of influencers can have adverse and toxic behaviors attached to it. Which is why we like to mind who we follow and why we follow them. In part because if you surround yourself with certain images or ideas that are not in line with your values or needs, then it can be easy to fall into the trap of trying to be something you are not. Or worse yet, forming unhealthy ideas of who you are and who you need to be. And whilst these influencers are not for evryone. We hope you can find someone in our list to inspire you to live your best positive and healthy life.

• @HannahBronfman: I don’t know many of my friends who don’t follow Hannah. As an adidas ambassador, and one of the OG fitness influencers, Hannah is always willing to try new things. As a new momma, Hannah has also been a great source of inspiration for other women. Especially when it comes to embracing and even accepting your new body and the hurtful effects of snap back culture.
• @SashaExeter: Canadian fitness influencer Sasha may have flown under our radar for some time. But now that we know of her, we love her. Sasha shares cute pictures with her daughter along with lifestyle and fitness posts that always inspire us to move our bodies.
• @ValeriaLipovetsky: Valeria is one of those rare influencers who will make you feel like she is your best friend. As a mom of three boys and bad ass boss lady. Valeria likes to document her life through youtube videos whilst sharing fashion and beauty content. But If theres one thing we think she does better than most is remind us that we are beautiful just as we are as she shares body positive posts.
• @Yoliswa_mqoco: If high fashion is what you are after then look no further than Yoliswa’s instagram. This South African influencer is all about reminding us all to keep good mental health practices and donning the latest threads in fashion whilst enjoying the arts and culture scene in South Africa.

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As a mom to a little one, I know full well how difficult it is to keep any space tidy for longer than five minutes. With our 10 month old, things tend to be thrown about the house more often than not. And the demands of being a working mom also plays its bit in ensuring that our home almost always looks like a bomb went off. Whether its dishes I’ve been meaning to get to. Or toys thrown around the house. The idea of keeping a clean house seems almost impossible at times. Which is why over the past ten months I have come up with a few ways to keep our home and space as tidy as possible. Whilst these tips and tricks are in no way fool proof. They do help keep things in check most of the time.

• Have baskets or boxes for toys: One of the first things I bought when I could was a set of baskets to store our daughters toys in. This has been a huge help when tidying up at the end of the day as I often just throw all her toys into one place and it makes the nightly clean up that much easier.
• Have a 20 toy rule: Whilst on the subject of toys. Having a 20 toy rule is a must when you have children. As any parent will tell you, most kids and babies play with anything and everything. Which is why keeping an edited number of toys is important. When loved ones and relatives buy toys, donate some that you little one barely uses to charity. When they are old enough, encourage them to come with you to donate. This will also teach them the importance of charity.
• Tidy up before bed: Whether you have children or not, it is important to tidy up for a few moments every night. Do the basics like putting dishes that are lying around in the sink or dish washer. If you have the time and energy give them a quick wash too. Put pillows back to where they belong and files, papers, and computers away. Get your whole family involved in the process and it will go much faster.
• Put things away as you go along: One way to ensure your nightly clean up goes faster is by putting things back as you go along. This means putting dishes in the washer or washing them. Juice back in the fridge. And any paperwork or office stuff in its rightful place.
• Make your bed in the morning: This may seem like an obvious one. But take it from someone who rarely makes the bed in the morning. When I do finish this little task, I find I can start my day off on a good foot. Not only that but nothing feels better than getting into a tidy put together bed at night.
• Open the windows every morning: This last one is not so much about keeping your space clean. But it is.a good way of ensuring that you breathe some new life into your home every morning. Personally I never did this until I met my husband who insisted on opening windows every morning even in the dead of winter. Getting that fresh burst of air helps to refresh the energy in your home and takes little effort. Just open your windows and doors for 15 minutes and voila. You have clean energy to live with throughout your day.

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As someone who has moved a lot and decorated a few apartments and homes over the years, I’d like to think that I know a thing or two about decorating a space. Mainly because for me, a house is not a home without those few personal touches. It can be as simple as putting some new paint on the walls. Or as complicated as breaking down a wall to allow a better flow. What ever your budget or needs. Knowing when to splurge and when to save is crucial. Here are my tips on knowing when to save and when to splurge in your home.

1. Splurge on plumbers, builders and electricians: I know this game all too well. You move into a place and have dreams of making your new space feel more like you. The only issue is that your budget does not allow. This is when you usually start asking friends and family for their advice and contacts of inexpensive plumbers, builders and electricians. Issue is, that more often than not, when you don’t go through a professional, things can go horribly wrong and there is no one to hold accountable. Which is why when it comes to major construction, electrical and plumbing issues, its always best to call in a professional. If you can’t afford one, hold off and save.
2. Save on paint and painters: I have probably painted more rooms in my life than I care to admit. But if there is one thing I feel you can save on it is paint and a painter. I like to make a party out of it and blast my music loud while I enjoy a glass of wine. I will admit that it is not the most fun job but it can save you hundreds if not thousands. One thing I will say however is that where possible (especially in places like bedrooms and such) try go for good quality non-toxic paints. Whilst they may cost a bit more, you can rest assured that you are not inhaling toxic chemicals.
3. Save on furnishings: As an avid thrifter, I love nothing more than spending my days thrifting for pieces for the home. Whilst trendy new furniture can be appealing. There is no better feeling than finding a unique piece at a steal. Not only that but if you like to switch up your home every few years, you feel better knowing you didn’t spend a fortune on a dining room table that you could have bought second hand.
4. Save on cutlery and glasses: Crockery and cutlery can start to cost a pretty penny if you don’t watch our. Which is why buying second hand or on sale for these is a must. Especially as they are so easy to break. Instead save your money for a few unique pieces you can use on special occasions or when entertaining.

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