Indholdsfortegnelse for September/October 2025 i BONA Magazine

It’s the end of my journey! After 35 issues of BONA, it’s time to say goodbye. And what a journey it has been. I remember being given less than a month to put together our relaunch issue, and how we stayed up until midnight to see it through. I remember the day I found out I’d been given the digital platform, then sitting at just 8 000 page views and how it grew to our first million, and eventually hit 4 million for a month – an unprecedented number in BONA’s 60-plus-year history. I could go on about what my team and I achieved over these past three years but that might make it sound like it was a walk in the park. It was not. It took just two…

With the arrival of spring, a new generation of beauty trends promises to lift your spirits and your appearance. From illuminating heroes to long-lasting lippies and sun-drenched scents, these seasonal must-haves are all about effortless radiance and feel-good glamour. Here’s what to add to cart. Pout Power Lip stains are having a major moment again – and this time, they’re bolder, smarter, and made to flatter. The Essence Line ’n Stain! Tattoo Lip Liner (R59.95, Clicks) delivers intense pigment in a feather-light formula with serious staying power. Designed with a precise tip, it’s perfect for contouring or filling in for that just-bitten tint. Bonus: it suits a wide range of skin tones and won’t smudge after your morning cappuccino. Scent That Stays Arabic perfumery is trending, and Lattafa Petra EDP…

We're packing away winter's heavy textures and embracing products that feel lighter, look fresher and celebrate our skin's natural glow. Whether you're headed to brunch, work or a weekend getaway, these spring beauty essentials will have you stepping into the season looking rejuvenated and feeling confident. 1. Moisturiser with SPF: Switch to a hydrating, gel-cream moisturiser without the heaviness. Opt for one with built-in SPF 30 or higher to shield your skin from UV rays. Try: CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50, R285, Clicks 2. Serum Foundation: Ditch full coverage in favour of breathable, skin-loving bases. Skin tints or serum foundations are excellent for evening out tone while letting your real skin shine through, especially with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. Try: L'oréal True Match Plumping Tinted Serum, R365,…

He’s kind, engaging, even animated at times. Yet his lively countenance belies a calm composure that seems much wiser than his years. He’s never performative – despite his profession – and one gets the sense that there’s thought behind every statement, every action. It’s this quality that has made it possible for S’dumo Mtshali to be regarded as one of the finest actors of his generation while remaining humble and true to himself. PERSONAL S’dumo was born in Durban to a family that supported his dreams and aspirations from a very young age. Growing up, he was a contemplative child – a keen observer of the realities of our country but also the dynamics that exist among people. All while harbouring a love for film – he perhaps instinctively sensed…

My late parents did not use ‘love languages’. Or at least not in the way they’ve now been made popular. They were married for close to 30 years before my father died. My mother did not remarry because she believed no other man would ‘measure up’ to him. She never received a bouquet of flowers, but she didn’t feel any less loved. In fact, I remember the songs they would sing together, the ‘gossip’ in Latin, the belly laughs, and the respect and love they had for each other. However, in 1992, a book called The 5 Love Languages by marriage counsellor Dr Gary Chapman, hit the bookstores. The premise of his relationship theory is that people express and receive love in different ways. It suggests that each person has…

Updating your home’s look doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. With a few simple decor tricks and the right colour choices, you can transform your space with minimal effort. You can add personality to your home without a full renovation. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or your entire home, small changes can make a big difference. Dulux’s Human Colour Story offers a beautiful palette of colours designed to create warmth, comfort and connection -perfect for making your home feel inviting. Here are some expert tips to help ensure smooth sailing with your next DIY project that are sure to enhance your home’s look and feel. 1 Start with Colour: Paint an Accent Wall One of the quickest ways to refresh a space is with paint. The Dulux Colour of…

The story of Altecia Kortje and her daughter who were murdered, is one nightmares are made of. In June 2020, she visited the Belville Magistrates office to get a protection order against her abusive partner. She was turned away, impeded by bureaucratic processes, and it all led to her and her daughter's tragic murder. The story sparked public outcry, prompting the Deputy Minister of Justice to request a formal investigation by the Public Protector. Although they found no evidence of deliberate refusal by court officials across 38 courts, deep concerns were raised about faulty and overburdened victim support. MOBILISING ACTIVISTS Kortje's story is sadly not unique, and has resonated deeply with society, especially among activists. It is stories such as that of the late Altecia Kortje and her daughter that…

Ask any parent how they are raising their kids and some will tell you they have ditched spanking and screaming when frustrated with their toddlers. Others will school you about speaking to your young one in a gentle way. One thing for sure is that there's no one single method. Parents learn as they go along. What works with one child and one parent may not necessarily work with another. However, we are bombarded with information that now advocates gentle parenting as the most beneficial parenting approach. This is something parents of the older generation are not familiar with. What Exactly is Gentle Parenting? Gentle parenting has been described as a style that emphasises empathy, understanding and respect in raising children. Jonathan Hoffenberg, Programme Manager at The Parent Centre in…

To Enter Buy and post a picture of our current magazine on social media and tag us on Facebook, X or Instagram. Don't forget to use the hashtag #BonaOnTheMove. GENERAL Ts&Cs All prizes in BONA are subject to availability and are not transferable, resaleable or refundable for cash. Winners are randomly selected. You must be 18 years or older to enter. For further Ts&Cs, visit bona.co.za. GIVEAWAY TIME with Bona Magazine! From global beauty tech brand Laifen — available in more than 40 countries with more than 18 million products sold — comes the chance for two readers to each WIN one of their two best-loved innovations! WINNER #1 STANDS A CHANCE TO WIN: The new Laifen SE Lite Hairdryer in Glossy Purple, worth R2 199. Shine bright with the…

Elevate With Feminine Details Add romantic touches with puff sleeves, lace trims and delicate embroidery. These small details instantly make your spring outfits feel softer and look more polished. A Touch Of Polka Dots Balance this playful print with sleek, modern accessories – for example, pair your polka dot dress with neutral-toned heels or pointed flats, a structured handbag and minimal gold or silver jewellery. This keeps the look chic and grown-up, while letting the dots remain the star. Step Into Fresh Footwear Swap boots for loafers, ballet flats and strappy sandals. Opt for neutral leathers, soft metallics or pastel suedes to complement your lighter wardrobe. Layer Lightly with Statement Outerwear Spring mornings and evenings can still be cool, so opt for lightweight trench coats, cropped blazers or oversized denim…

South Africans’ creativity is truly unmatched. Our history is steeped in artistry, from ancient rock engravings to modern-day street murals, and our local voices continue to resonate across the globe. Whether it’s through vibrant beadwork, bold brushstrokes or installations that challenge the status quo, our art tells stories that are deeply rooted yet forward-thinking. From the beating heart of Gauteng to the coastal vibrancy of KwaZulu-Natal, and from Cape Town’s polished waterfront galleries to the Eastern Cape’s home-grown visionaries, every province pulses with its own unique rhythm and visual language. In this spirit, we take you on a curated tour of two must-visit art spaces in each province. Places where inspiration lives, stories unfold, and the soul of South African art comes alive. Whether you are an art enthusiast or…

For many women, motherhood can be described as one of the most beautiful chapters. It’s the one experience you unknowingly waited all your life for… well, for me, at least. And although there are those magical moments you hold onto forever, like the first cry, tiny fingers wrapped around yours, and that ‘baby smell’ you simply can’t get enough of, there is also a reality left unspoken. Case in point: sleepless nights, not being able to take a shower because your little one wants to be with no one else but you, the overwhelming responsibility of having to look after a tiny human while running the household, receiving unexpected visitors at the wrong time. Slowly that quiet question creeps in when you can’t get the crying to stop: ‘Am I…

According to some professionals, traditional authoritative parenting becomes problematic when it relies on shaming and physical punishment. As the Parent Centre in Wynberg emphasises in their mission to prevent violence against children, such approaches can be damaging, adds Jonathan. For parents with neurodivergent children, parenting presents a unique set of challenges that requires parents to shift their thinking about how they raise and parent their kids. Jules Belasyse-Smith and Tamra Jones, co-founders of The Neuroverse, support families navigating the unique challenges and strengths that come with neuro-divergence. As parents of neurodivergent children ourselves, we deeply relate to the complexities around parenting styles, especially in a world that doesn't always understand our children's needs. They say the neurodiversity spectrum is huge, and these types of kids are all different. 'Rather than…

Edition features a 1.8-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine, offering 138 kW of power and 318 Nm of torque. In plain English? It's responsive, smooth and capable, whether you're navigating traffic, off for a family outing or heading out on a weekend escape. Matched with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the drive is refined and fuelefficient, while four drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport and Mountain) let you tailor your ride to the road ahead. From school runs to scenic routes, it's a drive that keeps up with your life. Visually, the Territory Dark Edition makes a statement without shouting. It turns heads for all the right reasons with its satin black grille, high-gloss black mirror caps, fog lamp accents, and 19-inch Ebony Black alloy wheels. The gloss black roof and bold 'Territory' badging…

On 1 February 2025, I opened my phone to messages of condolence from a relative on the passing of my dad. Reading the texts, I was sure they received the wrong communication, as it was not so long ago that I had seen my dad. Sadly, I fell victim to learning the news online from a concerned relative. I remember the moment vividly – everything seemed slow and incoherent. Not long after, the summer rain joined me in my confusion. I went down to the floor and cried in the company of the rain, which felt like nature’s own way of comforting me, Uswelekile uTata (My dad had passed away). FATHERING PRACTICALLY Tata is an isiXhosa term used to address a father or older man, often used as a term…