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Mila Guy in Suidooster: Is her character Aiden’s great love?

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Mila Guy has returned to the world of soapies and recently made her first appearance in Suidooster on kykNET.

The actress plays Liné Ferreira, a single mother to a 12-year-old daughter, Jenna (Judi Hattingh). She quickly caught the eye of Aiden (Theodore Jantjies). And yes – there may be a new romance on the horizon in Ruiterbosch, the fictional Cape neighbourhood where Suidooster takes place.

But, as with any soapie love story, a twist or two is bound to follow.

Mila shares more about her Suidooster experience:

  1. How would you describe your character, Liné?

I would describe her as very gentle. She’s a strong mother – a mama bear in a beautiful way. It’s her and her daughter against the world. Liné is truly a strong woman, though soft-spoken. She doesn’t easily show her vulnerable side. She’s simply a beautiful, lovely person.

  1. How did it feel to step back into a soapie role?

It was incredibly wonderful! I love soapies as an entertainment platform. It’s such a joy – you go to work every day and do what you love; you have passion for it. And you get to tell a great story. I think being on Suidooster was even more special because the people there are amazing. From the moment I arrived on set, I felt like family. Everyone is friendly – it’s just beautiful.

This was truly one of the biggest blessings of my year: being able to put on my soapie shoes again and perform with such lovely people. They make you feel so good on set. I really felt part of the team. They make you feel safe, and we laughed so much together. It feels as if I’ve known them for years.

Judi (Jenna), who plays my daughter – oh, it was such a joy acting with her. And also, with Theodore Jantjies (Aiden). What an amazing team. And it was refreshing to do something a little different again.

  1. What did you enjoy most about filming Suidooster?

It’s wonderful working with such a talented young girl like Judi. She’s so young, yet so inspiring. I think when you work with young people again, you’re reminded of your own love for what you do – and why you do it. It’s not just a job; you’re really living your dream.

It was lovely to dream again, to play again, and simply to be

Suidooster, which celebrates its tenth birthday this year, is broadcast on weekdays at 18:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144) and at 18:30 on kykNET & kie (DStv channel 145). It is also available on DStv Stream and Showmax.

 

Black Friday Retail Records

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Strategic excellence drives record Black November and Black Friday results: TDMC’s pure-play e-commerce clients generate over R144 million in SA digital commerce surge.

As South Africa’s e-commerce landscape reached new heights during Black Friday 2025, TDMC (The Digital Media Collective) has released exclusive performance data and shown collective 18.7% growth from a control group of 46 key e-commerce clients. The data reveals how a sophisticated digital strategy, robust preparation, technical excellence, and customer-centric practises drove exceptional results during the country’s biggest online shopping period.

The agency manages a portfolio of over 130 e-commerce businesses and drew data from direct-to-consumer brands selected specifically for their complete participation in the entire Black Friday period. “Our control group across a variety of categories offers an excellent snapshot of the South African e-commerce consumer’s behaviour over this period,” says TDMC Media Director Caleb Shepard.

Across the control group that featured a selection of retailers (including fashion, sport and leisure, home, pets, kids and babies, footwear, food and nutrition categories), online revenue over the Black Friday weekend (including Cyber Monday) totalled R41,7m, an 18,7% percent growth year-on-year. An additional R6,9 million was generated in just 96 hours compared to the same cohort in 2024. Black November as a whole was a strong performer for the control group. “From 1 November to 1 December 2025, these e-commerce businesses’ total revenue was R144,6 million, indicating a 5,4% growth and R7,4 million more in sales compared to 2024,” says Shepard.

With TDMC’s verified expertise in the exact platforms that power modern e-commerce in South Africa and the world, the agency’s depth of knowledge translated directly into robust performance statistics. Shepard notes “our data across the control group shows an average return on ad spend for the month of November (ROAS – Return on Ad Spend) of 11 while Black Friday Cyber Monday weekend was 19.”

“The R6,9 million increase wasn’t accidental, it is the result of months of preparation, rigorous testing, and a customer-first approach to the entire Black Friday experience. While the market grew significantly, our control group outperformed by focusing on a longer lead strategy over short-term tactics,” says Shepard.

These results come against a backdrop of unprecedented growth in South African digital commerce. Platform Peach Payments reported a 93% increase in rand value processed from Black Friday to Cyber Monday, compared to 2024. Shoprite Checkers’ Sixty60 platform ran early Black Friday promotions from 20-23 November, culminating in its highest-ever daily orders on 22 November, with 7,5 million products picked and delivered during the promotional period.

REAL VALUE AND WILD CARD WINS

“The ‘Black Friday’ of old – where everything hinged on a single frantic day, is gone. Smart brands now orchestrate a month-long narrative, building anticipation, rewarding early shoppers, and maintaining momentum through Cyber Monday. Our control group embraced this shift and for the brands and e-commerce outfits that leaned into suggested best practises throughout the year, we saw major growth and wins,” says Shepard.

TDMC’s control group focused on genuine value with meaningful discounts, reflecting a fundamental shift from impulsive splurging to strategic shopping. “There is a narrative that Black Friday has been diluted into a meaningless month-long event, but our data proves otherwise – for brands that executed precise, high-impact campaigns, the ‘spike’ was more powerful than ever,” he says.

“On Black Friday alone, we saw retailers in our portfolio generate in excess of R7 million in online revenue in a day – accounting for more than 35% of their total online revenue for the entire month – while others had stand out transactions, one recording over R330,000 in a single transaction,” says Shepard.”

TDMC also saw incredible success with alternative value models. “One of our Home & Living brands grew revenue by 84% year-on-year, not by slashing prices, but by utilising a ‘Value Add’ strategy (a free gift with purchase). This proves that South African consumers still value brand equity over cheap prices.”

“Spray and pray” campaigns were purposefully avoided by the agency. In the Sport & Leisure category for example, early-month campaigns drove R3,4 million in extra revenue before Black Friday itself. In the Home & Living category, advertising spend was limited until the weekend itself, capturing a 23% revenue surge for clients, when customer intent was at its highest.

THE NUMBERS DON’T LIE

Shepard shares some key additional take outs from TDMC’s Black November and Black Friday period, explaining the control group of 46 is an excellent reflection of direct-to-consumer retailers in South Africa with the data revealing just how powerful brand strength and customer loyalty can be.

“While many retailers struggled to hit targets in a tough economy, one of our key clients in the outdoor fashion sector crushed their goal. Through highly efficient ad spend, they achieved 248% of their monthly revenue target, banking nearly R1,7 million online,” says Shepard. To lend authentic authority and trust to the brand, TDMC introduced a dedicated influencer strategy alongside their tactical campaigns. This combination of social proof and performance marketing proved potent, correlating with a 40% year-on-year revenue jump and over R1,6 million in new value.

TDMC proved that digital isn’t just for new brands, increasing revenue for an iconic South African heritage brand by 114% over Black Friday weekend. “R144 million in revenue over one month represents real, owned customer connections that are nurtured long before a peak period – that’s what excites us because there is so much potential and opportunity there for our clients,” says Shepard.

After a tough year in retail, Black November and Black Friday Weekend represent a welcome surge in spend – and a sense of achievement for both discount hungry customers and sales-focused retailers. For an agency like TDMC, solely focused on optimising customer experience and e-commerce results, it is an indicator of opportunities.

“We are seeing a maturation in the local market. It’s no longer just about who has the biggest red sticker. Our data shows that success in 2025 came from strategic brand equity – building mental availability long before the sale begins,” says Shepard. “This isn’t an overnight tactic, it’s a year-round investment. By establishing that trust early, we earned the right to capitalise during peak periods, allowing us to pivot to aggressive performance marketing and convert demand that we had already nurtured.”

How competitive Pricing has Become the Best Way to the Heart of the Consumer

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South Africans are not just scrolling for fun anymore. Now, before signing a new cell phone contract or upgrading a device, they are reading, asking, comparing and waiting. After years of struggle and setbacks, improvising through crisis and stretching every Rand, the country has quietly become one of the sharpest smartphone markets around.

A phone here is no longer just a gadget. It is banking, business, school, side hustle and family group chat in one. When one device has to hold that much of your life, value stops being about hype and starts being about how it actually behaves from Monday to month-end or December to JanuWorry.

Value, not just vibes
For a long time, the smartphone story was simple: big brand, big launch, big bill. There is still a place for that. Some people love having the very latest and they are happy to pay for it.

At the same time, another story has been playing out. It lives on in taxis before sunrise, in startups, the backpacks of students, in homes juggling school fees and fuel costs, and in offices staring down the balance sheet. Right now, a shift in mindset has entered the local chat. Before they upgrade, South Africans are asking a tougher set of questions:

Centre of the image – Wiseman Ncube, Penny Ntuli, Ronwen Williams and Thenba Zwane

Will this battery survive a full day of meetings, traffic or even the dreaded loadshedding?
Will the camera keep up with content, side hustles and family moments?
Will the design survive the sharp contrasts in extreme heat, dust, humidity or that rocky hike that slipped into an ‘eish’?

Will this device still feel relevant when AI and smarter apps quietly become part of normal life?

All of this points to a simple truth: the country has moved from “how flashy is it” to “how long will it stand by me”. Maybe years of struggle have made Mzansi smarter about what is worth the debit order.

The price gap everyone feels
At one end of the shelf, premium flagship phones carry price tags that climb well beyond the
R20 000 mark, with some models pushing towards R40 000 and above. Then at the other end, ultra-basic devices drop key features and durability just to hit the lowest possible number.

Many more South Africans live in the middle of these choices now.

They want something different from both extremes: a phone that feels like a genuine upgrade, but without the shock of a premium price tag. That is where a new tier of competitively priced devices is starting to stand out. This is not because they are ‘cheap’, but because their feature lists look a lot like the ‘must-haves’ that used to sit only in the flagship world. In that space, an interesting anomaly starts to show in the market.

When a device behaves like a flagship, but is priced like a grown-up decision

The HONOR X7d is a good example of what this looks like. On paper, it sits clearly in the highly-competitively priced bracket, at around R3 999 for 128GB, depending on special offers and stores. On experience, it is something else. An anomaly.

It enters the chat with presence, turning heads with a 6 500mAh battery built for long, ‘only in SA days’with AI support that already feels like its opening doors to the future. Then there’s the coveted IP6 rated resistance with Mzansi-ready drop protection ready to face pavements, mountain passes and the ‘oopsies’ and ‘haibos’ that can happen any time. From the Garden Route and city streets to corporate corridors in Jozi, those are the things people actually test, sometimes without meaning to. That is why devices like the HONOR X7d feel like an anomaly. They are priced in the middle, yet they try to behave like something far higher up the shelf where it matters most: staying on, sharp and intact.

Fred Zhou, MD of HONOR South Africa, sees that shift up close. ‘Mzansi is asking smarter questions. People want a phone that works hard in real life and not just on a spec sheet,” he says. ‘Competitive pricing only means something when it comes with performance that remains powered by a dependable battery and intelligent tools and design. When this daily upgrade is tough enough to handle the bumps along the way, life feels a little lighter. Durability that is as tough-skinned as Mzansi is always going to connect in a real way. It matches local conditions and the confidence that a device will keep up for years, not months. That is what South Africans are rightfully demanding now.”

Devices like the HONOR X7d show that a strong price and performance can live in the same pocket, ready to be stress-tested every day, even by the sudden-braking taxi before 7am. As more South Africans choose phones on how they cope with days like that, the real winners will be the brands that treat competitive pricing as a promise to show up, not a reason to hold back. The HONOR X7d sits firmly in that space, earning its place in people’s hands by matching Mzansi’s appetite for fair price and a device that is built to keep up.

Engen Xtreme Drives Nationwide December Activations Across Three Regions

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Engen is gearing up for a high-impact nationwide rollout of Engen Xtreme activations this December, with coordinated in-store events taking place almost simultaneously across KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape and Gauteng. The campaign marks one of Engen’s most extensive in-store visibility drives to date, designed to boost customer engagement, deepen retailer relationships, and drive festive-season demand for the full Engen Xtreme lubricants range.

The campaign marks one of Engen’s most extensive in-store visibility drives to date, designed to boost customer engagement, deepen retailer relationships, and drive festive-season demand for the full Engen Xtreme lubricants range.

Engen Xtreme promoters provide product information, usage guidance and assistance to help customers select the right lubricant

Where and When

Throughout December, Engen Xtreme promoters will be stationed at partner retail stores across all three regions (see the full rollout below):

  • KwaZulu-Natal – Durban and broader KZN network
  • Western Cape – Cape Town Metro and regional partner stores
  • Gauteng/Inland – Johannesburg, Pretoria and wider Gauteng trade points

Customer Giveaways and Incentives

Customers purchasing Engen Xtreme products during the activation period will receive exclusive branded incentives, including Xtreme-branded Switch cans and Durance cleaning and car-care products. These giveaways aim to encourage trial, reward loyal customers and highlight the brand’s refreshed presence on shelf.

Focus Products

All Engen Xtreme lubricants – including Standard S8, Premium S10, and Prestige S15 – will be showcased throughout the campaign. Promoters will offer product information, usage guidance and assistance to help customers select the right lubricant for their vehicle needs.

Cool giveaways include Xtreme-branded Switch cans, Durance cleaning and car-care products

Activation Experience

Each activation will feature promoters engaging directly with customers, product education, engine-care guidance, branded giveaways with qualifying purchases, sampling of Engen’s refreshed packaging, and visual demonstrations.

Why the Activations Matter

The December rollout coincides with the busy holiday travel season, when motorists are preparing vehicles for long-distance journeys. It also builds on the successful relaunch of Engen Xtreme earlier this year, which introduced a bold new brand identity, advanced formulations and modern packaging.

“Engen Xtreme has evolved to deliver premium performance for South African motorists, and these December activations help us bring that message directly to customers,” says Melissa Graham-Tsaperas, B2C Sales Marketing Manager of Lubricants at Engen.

“By creating visibility in-store and engaging people where they shop, we’re strengthening trust in a locally manufactured, high-performance product designed specifically for our roads and conditions.”

With South Africa’s average vehicle age hovering around eleven years, Engen Xtreme’s superior protection for high-mileage engines continues to resonate strongly with motorists, mechanics and retailers alike.

About Engen Xtreme

Proudly manufactured in KwaZulu-Natal, the Engen Xtreme range offers advanced additive technology for engine protection, improved efficiency and reduced wear, superior performance in extreme heat, cold and stop-start traffic, new packaging featuring anti-counterfeit design and clearer labelling, and increased sustainability through Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials.

“Using the latest lubricant technology, Engen Xtreme guarantees quality for everything from trusted high-mileage workhorses to modern high-performance vehicles,” says Mario Vester, Product Manager: Automotive. “It’s designed for South Africa by South Africans – and these activations ensure more customers experience its benefits first-hand.”

The feel-good lineup: December’s ultimate skincare guide

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It’s December, and South Africans know this season is all about rest, relaxation, fun and groove. Whether you’re club hopping until the early hours, or moving from one family event to another, December brings a sense of buzz and refreshment that makes it the nation’s favourite month.

Even with all the excitement, it’s important to look after your skin. Festivities shouldn’t come at the expense of a good routine. Here are a few quick skin tips to help you stay nourished, energised and healthy throughout your favourite December activities.

December is all about the outdoors

Whether you’re having a good old-fashioned braai with loved ones, hiking or enjoying a good concert, being active is a big part of the festive season. It helps to be prepared for outdoor conditions so you can stay fresh and confident.

Nivea DermaControl EvenTone 72h RollOn 50ml

Tip: Don’t skip the underarms; they need care too.

There’s nothing worse than perspiration creeping up on you. Deodorant isn’t just about smelling good; it protects your underarms by fighting odour-causing bacteria and reducing excess moisture, keeping the area calm, comfortable and cared for. The NIVEA Derma Control Deodorant offers 72-hour sweat and odour protection and has pure Hyaluron and vitamin C that reduce dark marks and evens skin tone, so whether you are at your favourite RnB artist’s concert or enjoying a good picnic, every part of you is looked after.

As the temperatures rise, your skin needs a little more attention during outdoor days.

When the sun calls, answer by protecting your skin

Beach days are magical, but salty water and heat can dry out your skin.

Tip: Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise.

Salt water can strip your skin’s moisture and leave it feeling tight or irritated. The NIVEA SUN Protect & Dry Touch Refreshing Sun Mist SPF 50 is a great solution for long days in the sun, whether at the beach or out in the highveld. It offers strong UVA and UVB protection with a light, non-greasy feel. It’s sweat- and extra water-resistant, completely transparent and leaves no white marks, which makes it ideal for beach adventures.

Aftercare is important too.

Work is paused, university is out and nights belong to us again, but what happens after nightlife is just as important as what happens during.

NIVEA FACE MICELLAR WATER REGENERATING 400ML

Tip: Wind down after a buzzing evening.

There’s nothing wrong with weekend fun, but it’s important to balance it with downtime and activities that support your well-being. When it comes to self-care, some at-home spa time can do wonders. Light some incense, put on some divine music and sink into a relaxing bath after a night out.

Start with something simple, like a gentle makeup removal ritual. NIVEA Regenerating Micellar Water is perfect for tired, sensitive skin. It hydrates while sweeping away waterproof makeup, impurities and dirt with just a few featherlight swipes.

It gives your skin the support it needs to regenerate overnight, allowing you to wake up fresh, glowing and ready for your next adventure.

Surprise yourself

Be spontaneous this month. Treat yourself to little moments of joy such as cute solo dates, favourite restaurant visits or anything that fills your cup after a long year.

Tip: Reflect, introspect and celebrate your wins.

Even the smallest victories deserve recognition. Simple moments like grabbing an unplanned coffee or dressing up for a quick errand can brighten your day.

For an instant glow on the go, use the NIVEA Rose Care Hydrating Face Mist. With the antioxidant benefits of organic rose water, it hydrates without stickiness, refreshes, primes and helps set makeup.

Take time for yourself as the year ends. With all the events and obligations, don’t lose sight of your own needs so you can step into the new year refreshed and ready for whatever is ahead.

 

Capitec Black Friday spending data (2025 vs 2024)

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Capitec, South Africa’s leading digital bank, is pleased to share transaction data for the Black Friday period, specifically covering activity on Black Friday (28 November) and Saturday (29 November) 2025, compared to the corresponding period in 2024.

Key trends and comparisons

Capitec clients demonstrated robust spending activity, with double-digit growth recorded in both transaction volumes and overall value during the Friday and Saturday period.

The scale of Black Friday remains significant for the economy. Data shows a 17% increase in spending compared to a normal month-end, translating to an additional R2.9 billion in spending on Black Friday and R1.85 billion on the Saturday.

  • Transaction volumes: Total transaction volumes increased by 16%, rising to 63.4 million transactions (up from 54.7 million in 2024). In 2025 transactions peaked at 649 every second, with 326 card swipes and taps and 104 digital channel payments processed per second.
  • Transaction value: The total value of transactions processed increased by roughly 14%, reaching R28.82 billion (up from R25.3 billion in 2024).

Shift to digital commerce outpaces in-store growth

While in-store activity remains the dominant contributor to total spend, the shift towards digital channels is accelerating.

Online spending: Online spending saw a strong increase of around 43%, rising to R1.6 billion (up from R1.1 billion in 2024). E-commerce platforms like Shein stood out for their transaction growth; around R35 million was spent in Shein in 2024, and this has grown to R92 million in 2025.

In-store spending: Physical store shopping grew by 11%, reaching nearly R7.7 billion (up from R6.9 billion in 2024). Shoprite remains the clear market leader for in-store Black Friday spending in both years. Superspar moved up to second place in 2025, a spot held by Pick n Pay in 2024, which dropped to fourth in 2025. Checkers also saw more Black Friday foot traffic as it claimed third place in Capitec’s 2025 spending data. This year, Boxer rounds out the top five Black Friday retailers among Capitec’s clients.

Client spending highlights

Analysis of individual client activity on Black Friday reveals some remarkable figures:

  • Largest single transaction: The largest single transaction by a client was R500 000.
  • Highest total spend: The highest total amount spent by a single client across all their transactions on the day was R4.3 million.
  • Highest transaction counts: The highest number of transactions from a single client was 311, predominantly digital payments, that made up over R1.3 million.

Black Friday volume and value summary for 2024 and 2025

Metric Black Friday 2024 Black Friday 2025 Growth
Total volume 54.7 million 63.4 million +16%
Total value R25.3 billion R28.82 billion +13.9%

Notes: The data above reflects client spending specifically for the Friday and Saturday of the Black Friday weekend. Capitec’s client base in 2024 sat at 22.8 million, and its client base in 2025 sits at over 25 million.

 

Smart Gifting in a Tight Economy: How South Africans Are Redefining the Joy of Giving

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It’s meant to be the season of joy but for many South Africans, December has become the month of debt. With the cost of living climbing faster than salaries, families across the country are rethinking what it means to give meaningfully without breaking the bank. This year, the focus isn’t on more, but on meaning.

The Cost of Christmas

The Bureau for Market Research estimates that South African households spend an average of R3,000 to R5,000 on festive gifts and entertainment each December and that figure keeps rising.

Add electricity costs, fuel hikes, and school fees looming in January, and it’s a little wonder that financial stress is stealing the sparkle from the holidays, but the festive spirit hasn’t disappeared. It’s just shifting.

“We’re seeing parents and families looking for gifts that last, spark imagination, and don’t cost the earth,” says Christiane Schwarz, Senior Marketing Executive at toy company ZURU. “It’s about affordable joy, not excess.”

The Move Toward ‘Smart Gifting’

Financial experts and psychologists agree that the value of a gift has never been about its price tag.

“Children remember how they feel, not how much something costs,” she says, “When a gift encourages play, laughter, or connection, it creates emotional value and that lasts far longer than the latest gadget.”

“This mindset is part of a broader shift towards what families are calling smart gifting, giving intentionally, not impulsively,” Schwarz adds. “It’s the idea that thoughtful, creative presents, those that bring people together hold far more meaning than expensive tech or fast-fading fads.”

Simple Joys, Lasting Impact

Across retailers like Makro, Toys R Us, Checkers, and Takealot, toys that combine quality and affordability are flying off shelves.

ZURU’s MAX Build More bricks, compatible with other leading brands, let families build together without premium pricing. XSHOT blasters bring outdoor fun back into backyards. And Snackles, the soft plush toys with big personalities, offer comfort and companionship at a price that fits most budgets. Then there’s the more affordable alternative to Labubu’s, in the form of Fugglers, which are set to be on all kids wish lists this year.

“Most of our toys are made to be shared,” says Schwarz. “They get kids outside, building, imagining, or laughing with friends and siblings. That’s the kind of play that brings people together.”

Even smaller surprises, like 5 Surprise capsules and Mini Brands collectible toys hidden inside miniature spheres are proving that excitement doesn’t need to be expensive.

The New Definition of Value

In 2025, value isn’t just about saving money, it’s about investing in experiences that matter.

Parents are opting for fewer, better-quality gifts that last beyond the festive season. The goal? To spark creativity, encourage interaction, and make memories that stick.

Schwarz believes this shift could be a positive one: “The best memories aren’t bought, they’re made. Whether it’s a water fight in the garden or building something together at the kitchen table, those moments are priceless.”

How to Gift Smarter This Festive Season

  1. Choose quality over quantity:A single, well-made toy beats a pile of forgettable ones.
    2. Mix and match:Pair a main gift with smaller stocking fillers like 5 Surprise, Mini Brands or Robofish.
    3. Plan: Shopping early avoids last-minute panic (and price markups).
    4. Focus on connection: Gifts that encourage time together like building, crafting, or playing have lasting value.
    5. Keep it joyful, not stressful: Spending within your means keeps the holidays happy.

The takeaway? Generosity doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.

In a year when every rand matters, South Africans are rediscovering that the smartest gift you can give is joy itself.

Dezemba Coolerbox Culture: The Small Summer Swaps That Make a Big Difference

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South African summers have a rhythm of their own, defined by long days, lighthearted gatherings, and the effortless ease that settles in when the season hits its stride. Long, golden afternoons spill into slow evenings, and the coolerbox becomes the unofficial companion of the season, a little treasure chest packed for park picnics, beach missions, road trips, braais, rooftop sunsets, and those spontaneous “are you out?” moments that define Dezemba.

Inside every coolerbox is a story: the friend who always brings the ice, the playlist that keeps everyone moving, the snacks that never last long, and the drinks chosen to keep the vibe going without weighing anyone down. Because while the festive season is famously full, it doesn’t have to tip into excess. Most of us aren’t looking to overhaul our habits — we just want to enjoy without feeling like we’ve gone over the edge.

That’s where the small choices come in. Swapping out just one thing in the cooler. Something lighter, something cleaner, something that doesn’t shout for attention can shift the whole mood. PURA SODA fits quietly but confidently into that space. Low sugar, simple ingredients, and a flavour profile that doesn’t try too hard. It’s a little reminder that balance doesn’t need a grand gesture; sometimes it’s just one better option within arm’s reach.

As Dezemba rolls on, the coolerbox remains the centre of every gathering. That symbol of connection, spontaneity, and shared moments. Choosing what goes into your cooler, has become a celebrated ritual, whether you’re on the sand, in the shade, or perched on a balcony watching the city wind down, something refreshingly unfussy has a way of keeping things bright.

So, this summer, as you pack your cooler, make space for choices that match the mood of modern moderation, enjoyment without extremes. Life is a lot, JUST live a little PURA.

Transforming potential into possibility

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A scholarship has the power to alter a young person’s trajectory – opening doors, expanding confidence and creating space for talent to flourish. But long-term success depends on more than funding alone – it requires thoughtful guidance, meaningful connection and the right environment for growth.

A school that truly stands out for the way it changes the lives of its pupils is the Diocesan School for Girls (DSG) in Makhanda, where scholarship support extends far beyond academics. Here, a deeply human-centred mentoring ecosystem ensures that exceptional young people don’t just access opportunity – they feel seen, supported and able to thrive. The programme is anchored by a dedicated trio: Deputy Head Pastoral, Nozuko Konjwa, Head of Transformation, Diversity & Inclusion, Nombulelo Gongqa, and Pupil Development Director, Cindy Fumbata. Together they bring empathy, lived experience and academic guidance, creating a nurturing structure that has become a benchmark among peer schools.

Their work recognises that scholarship pupils often arrive “with one foot in two worlds” – navigating unfamiliar environments, code-switching constantly, and grappling with confidence dips that reach far beyond the classroom. As Nombulelo explains, many people assume a scholarship is simply financial access, “but money alone doesn’t shift a child’s reality; what changes their life is being believed in, supported and noticed in ways that affirm their worth.” Nozuko adds that many girls feel like outsiders in the beginning and need reassurance that “they earned their place here, that their value isn’t determined by the latest phone or where their family holidays – it’s who they are.”

What sets DSG’s approach apart is how deeply the programme recognises the small, often invisible needs that shape a young girl’s sense of belonging. Nozuko recalls noticing that scholarship pupils would go to bed in a t-shirt because pyjamas weren’t considered essential at home. Having grown up in similar circumstances, she understood the feeling immediately. Ensuring each girl had a pair of pyjamas wasn’t about clothing, it was about dignity. The same applies to weekend moments, such as when boarders order pizza or tuck-shop treats. The mentorship team quietly steps in so no pupil is left out, whether it means offering popcorn or ordering her a pizza of her own. Birthdays are handled with the same sensitivity: while many pupils bring cupcakes to share, scholarship pupils may not have the means. Cindy explains that providing cupcakes allows the girls “to join in – to simply feel like everyone else,” reinforcing that belonging should never be a privilege.

Sometimes it means making a young girl’s dream come true. One Grade 10 pupil longed for a pair of pink Crocs for the Journey Outdoor Education Programme – something her family simply couldn’t afford. The team made it happen. It wasn’t about the shoes themselves, but about understanding the emotional resonance: validating her identity, giving her joy and reminding her that her dreams matter too.

This intentional support continues well beyond matric. DSG maintains strong relationships with its scholarship alumnae, guiding them through university applications, assisting with funding opportunities and remaining a source of care long after they have graduated. The school’s partnership with Rhodes University has been particularly significant, ensuring scholarship matriculants access bursaries, academic support and extended opportunities. The successes are notable. Former Head Girl of 2020, Oyama Mzayidume, is now a Rhodes Scholar heading to Oxford. Alicia Khumalo – once too shy to speak on a Zoom call – is completing her Honours in Forensic Applied Medical Anthropology. LLB student and former scholar Indiphile Duda has excelled at Wits, and raised funds for her residence. As Cindy notes, “Our goal is that each girl leaves DSG grounded, prepared, confident and fully able to step into the world on her own terms.”

DSG’s belief is clear: scholarships must never be transactional. They must be transformational – a partnership rooted in care, intention and genuine belief in a pupil’s potential. As Nombulelo emphasises, “A scholarship is not a Cinderella story. It’s intentional, thoughtful work – meeting a child where they are, guiding them through challenges, and celebrating who they become.” And as Nozuko puts it, “You need an eye to notice, a heart to give, and a commitment to walk the road with them. That is how lives change.”

Ciza, Lord Kez, Thuli P, DJ Fif_Laa and Thabsie Set to perform at the TikTok Awards for Sub-Saharan Africa

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TikTok is excited to unveil the musical powerhouses and creators bringing energy to the 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa on 6th December.

Guests, including the continent’s top content creators, brands, influential publishers, and leading journalists, are invited to an unforgettable evening of glamour. They can anticipate electrifying live performances from breakout artists whose music has dominated TikTok feeds this year, alongside celebrating creators who have profoundly shaped culture, sparked major trends, and built vibrant communities across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Viral hits that defined the year

CIZA

Afro-fusion star Ciza will take the stage following a breakthrough year fueled by his viral hit Isaka (6am). The Amapiano summer anthem earned him Billboard’s African Rookie of the Month in September. The track also sparked a continent-wide dance challenge, driving 1.2 million on-platform videos in South Africa, over 2 million globally, and reached No. 3 on TikTok’s South Africa Songs of the Summer 2025. The song topped the charts for nine weeks at No. 1 in South Africa and even broke into Nigeria’s Afrobeats driven market before surging again with the Isaka II remix featuring Tems and Omah Lay, which topped Spotify’s Viral Chart in Nigeria. His performance captures how one beat, amplified by TikTok’s creativity can achieve Pan-African dominance and global momentum.

He will be joined by award-winning South African singer, songwriter, and poet Lord Kez who masterfully weaves together R&B, neo-soul, hip-hop, and trap. Her standout track Aweh took over the TikTok For You Feed and held the No. 1 spot on South Africa’s R&B chart for four weeks, fuelled by creators who embraced her raw, soulful storytelling.

Thabsie

South African R&B star Thabsie, known for her seamless fusion of R&B and pop since her breakout on Kwesta’s Ngiyaz’fela Ngawe, will also take the stage, bringing her soulful vocals and signature style to light up the night.

The DJs are not missing in action! Acclaimed DJ and performer Thuli P serves as the night’s resident DJ, with rising nightlife favourite DJ Fif_laaa opening and closing the show.

Thuli P and DJ Fif Laaa

Head of Content Operations at TikTok Sub-Saharan Africa, Boniswa Sidwaba, recognises the success of artists like Ciza and Lord Kez, confirming that African creativity is setting the global pace. “TikTok is the leading platform for music discovery, constantly shaping the industry and driving real-world success for artists. We are proud to showcase such a rich pool of talent at this year’s awards, which truly reflects on the power of the platform.”

TikTok taps into fan favourite Bontle Modiselle-Moloi, to host the platform’s most exciting night of the year.

The main stage will be graced by South African multi-disciplinary artist Bontle Modiselle-Moloi as the host of the night. Bontle is a creator who embodies the new wave of icons shaping culture on TikTok with her blend of polished performance and viral authenticity.

TikTok LIVE Broadcast: Pink Carpet Glam Hosts

On the pink carpet, Keegan Gordon and Zayaan Noorani will capture the evening’s fashion and excitment, with Keegan’s community-driven storytelling and Zayaan’s bold, expressive style ensuring a blend of impact, fun, and humour. South African favourite Mihlali Ndamase will also be at the event to present the Video of The Year Award.

To relive all the excitement from the awards, tune into the TikTok LIVE re-broadcast on the @tiktok.africa account at around 20:00h SAST on 11 December 2025. Follow TikTok’s official channels for additional highlights and updates.

This year’s TikTok Awards are proudly sponsored by our esteemed group of partners, with NIVEA (Beiersdorf) and inDrive serving as Title Sponsors. Coca-Cola, Dis-Chem, and PEP join as Category Sponsors.