Indholdsfortegnelse for July/Sept 2024 i True Love

As an ode to Women’s Month this year, this issue is jam-packed with profiles saluting amazing Mzansi women and their contribution to society – whether it’s through their careers or enterprising. Meeting our cover star, the flawless ex-Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi, was simply amazing. Her professionalism and calm demeanor show how she indeed deserved that international crown and nod. Read her story on page 58 to find out how she is evolving to build a new future and identity for herself as well as her partnership with Dark and Lovely as its new brand ambassador in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. We know too well how she single-handedly revolutionised the perception of black hair during her reign and has consistently shown us how one can be a hair chameleon. On page…

As many women have proven, making a success out of yourself is not a bed of roses. Now add making a name for yourself in a country you were not born in. Svetlana Xaba (née Nurislamova), the founder of luxurious fashion brand Democratic Republic, knows this all too well. Born in Kazakhstan, a Central Asian country and former Soviet republic, on 9 August 1970, Svetlana was raised by a family who encouraged her to dream big. As an only child, her parents took education seriously and wanted her to be armed with all the knowledge that would empower her to navigate life. Growing up in an environment that loved classic literature, art, music, and architecture made her appreciate all the fine things in life, especially fashion, which she enjoyed experimenting…

For a certified and proud passenger princess, receiving and accepting an invitation to go on a road trip to test drive the new Ford Territory was laughable. The small SUV is a balance of ruggedness with the smarts. The invitation was brief, to say the least; all I knew was that a group of us were landing at the Gqeberha airport and driving to Knysna for three hours; shock and horror. Do I like driving? Nope. Do I have to drive? Unfortunately, yes. I quickly realised how simple school drop-offs, soccer tournaments, and the commute from Cape Town to Joburg would be in a tech-first, user-friendly, and brand-new car. Off we go! Touch down in Gqeberha and a group of journos all mill around each other awkwardly, with some sharing…

Despite handing over the crown baton to her successor, Andrea Meza from Mexico, in March 2021, Zozibini Tunzi, the longest-reigning Miss Universe titleholder of 525 days due to the Covid-19 pandemic, still carries the title to millions of Africans. After all, she’s the third black title holder in the history of the pageant, seven years after Lela Lopes from Angola. During her reign, the powerhouse joined a historic cohort of black women who had won major global beauty pageants, including Toni-Ann Singh from Jamaica, who was crowned Miss World, Kaliegh Garris, who won Miss Teen USA, Cheslie Kryst, who won Miss USA, and Nia Franklin, who won Miss America. Nothing ever prepares you for an interview with remarkable women who TRUELOVE selectively handpicks. And as exciting as it is having…

STOCKISTS Lovisa (www.lovisajewellery.co.za) Colette Hayman (www.bash.com) Zara (www.zara.com) H&M (0860 690 707) Woolworths (www.woolworths.co.za) Yonela Collection (083 368 5867) Mr Price (www.mrp.com) China Mall (www.chinamall.co.za) The Bam Collective (www.thebamcollective.com) Foschini (www.bash.com) The Accessory Shop (www.theaccessoryshop.co.za)…

SELANEI DOORASAMY Vestara vestara.co.za “Through Vestara, we are not just transforming careers but also shaping a future where women can excel on their own terms,” Selanei says. Inspired by her journey navigating professional challenges, she founded Vestara, a platform dedicated to connecting women with remote work opportunities as virtual assistants. Established in November 2023, Vestara swiftly gained traction, evolving from a start-up to a thriving enterprise within just six months. Selanei’s commitment to empowering women is evident in Vestara’s core mission: to provide remote work opportunities that enable women to work from home or anywhere with an internet connection. Looking ahead, she envisions Vestara as a beacon of empowerment for women globally. “Success for me in the next three years means a thriving community of empowered women. It’s about being…

Q: In April 2013, my now ex sent his uncles to my home to negotiate lobola. The first meeting was nothing more than an introduction (commonly referred to as “go kokota”). Our families then agreed on a date for when negotiations would take place. In July 2013, the first leg of negotiations took place and 70% of the lobola was paid, followed by a small intimate lunch between our families. We had intended to have a white wedding early in 2014 but that never happened as I fell pregnant, which needed us to redirect our finances. We lived together from just before the uncles came for the meeting and continued until we decided to go our separate ways in 2019. He has since remarried, and my current partner and I…

SPICED PRAWN PO’BOYS Prep time: 10 mins Cooking time: 15 mins Serves: 4 INGREDIENTS ■ 1 long baguette■ 2 eggs■ ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs■ 1 T Cajun seasoning■ 16 uncooked prawns, peeled and deveined■ Olive oil cooking spray■ ⅓ cup mayonnaise■ 1 baby cos lettuce, leaves separated■ 2 medium tomatoes, sliced thinly■ 3 gherkins, cut into rounds■ Extra mayonnaise and chopped chives, for serving■ Extra gherkins METHOD 1. Preheat a 7-litre air fryer to 180˚C for 3 minutes. 2. Lightly beat eggs and 1 tablespoon of water in a shallow bowl. Combine breadcrumbs and seasoning in a second shallow bowl. Dip prawns in the eggs and coat in breadcrumb mixture. Spray generously with cooking spray. 3. Place prawns, in a single layer, in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6…

Roast chicken, seed, and rocket sandwiches Prep time: 10 mins Makes: 4 INGREDIENTS: ■ 8 slices whole-wheat bread■ 2 cups chopped barbecued chicken breast■ 2 cups baby rocket leaves, chopped■ 1 trimmed celery stalk, finely chopped■ 1 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped■ 1 green onion, finely chopped■ ⅓ cup natural seed mix (pepitas and sunflower seeds), coarsely chopped■ ½ cup mayonnaise■ 2 T lemon juice■ 40g butter, softened■ Salt and black pepper, for seasoning METHOD 1. Place chicken, rocket, celery, parsley, onion, seed mix, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a bowl and mix with a fork then season. 2. Spread bread slices with butter. Divide the chicken mixture among four of the slices and top with the remaining bread slices. Cut sandwiches in half. From the kitchen: You will…

A$AP Rocky burst onto the music scene in 2011 with his debut mixtape Live. Love. A$AP. His unique blend of East Coast rap and Southern playlist cadences quickly caught the attention of both fans and critics, leading to a record deal with Polo Grounds Music and RCA Records. His subsequent albums, including Long. Live. A$AP and At. Long. Last. A$AP not only cemented his status as a music heavyweight, but also displayed his penchant for fashion, with each album cover reflecting his evolving style. All things romance Rocky and Barbadian singer Rihanna’s relationship is perhaps one of the most public facets of his life. The couple’s romance began to bloom in the public eye around 2020, though they had been friends and collaborators for years prior. The chemistry most witnessed…

BOW DOWN TO CORNROWS The frow (front row) took a collective bow when the models at Dior’s Couture Autumn/Winter 2024 collection stepped out in straight-back cornrows with a structural low bun. This was a first on the international stage for a designer to hire braiders to plait models with natural hair instead of forcing the hair straight to resemble a sleek back style. This was, indeed, a sign that this style is back and bigger than before, and has shaken off its “protective style” reputation. And on the red carpet, Michaela Coel screamed royalty at the 2023 Met Gala, cementing the ethereal theme. 1. The prep work: Make sure you wash and condition your scalp and hair prior to plaiting it. Don’t blow-dry the hair till it’s straight; rather give…

With a career that has twists and turns as he navigates life in the public eye, the 40-year-old seasoned actor is a hard worker. We sit across from Thapelo Mokoena at a luxurious hotel in Sandton, where he shares with us how much he’s looking forward to his two sons – whom he shares with his wife Lesego-Tshepang Mokoena – being able to read about his journey to becoming the man he is. Whether he’s putting the drama on in the Netflix series Fatal Seduction alongside stars like Kgomotso Christopher or venturing into the wine and male grooming industries, Thapelo’s multilayered persona holds true to the inspiration he is. Raised in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, by his mother alongside five brothers, he shares with TRUELOVE how his love for acting and performing…

GLYNN MASHONGA Globescope globescope.co.za Growing up in Mitchells Plain, Glynn made a promise to herself that one day, she would address the pervasive safety concerns in her community. “The purpose in setting up Globescope was to find solutions to make life safer for families and businesses.” Globescope, which Glynn established in 2005, now offers a comprehensive portfolio of security services and is setting benchmarks in the industry with its pricing and service excellence. “We deliver state-of-the-art security and surveillance solutions designed to ensure your peace of mind.” Making inroads into the male-dominated security industry has been one of the biggest hurdles. “A great deal of scrutiny was placed on me, and I had to constantly prove my capabilities. With sheer tenacity, I was able to make these inroads as I…

Convenience in a package Bacon and sausages may be where Eskort started 107 years ago in Estcourt (where it still has a factory), but its product line-up has expanded vastly since then. The latest addition includes convenient air fryer-ready products. Available nationwide, they are perfect for busy parents looking for a quick yet healthy meal. The new range includes Crumbed Pork Schnitzels with Mature Cheddar Cheese Sauce, Sage-infused Pork Sausage with Caramelised Onion Sauce, Sticky Asian Pork Belly Cubes with Sweet Soy and Ginger Glaze, and Mini Frikkadels with Arrabiata Sauce. Serve with your favourite side like pasta, rice, or mash. Drinks trolley It’s getting warmer outside, meaning it’s time to test your mixology skills. Straight from the fields of Scotland comes Whitley Neil Gin in Raspberry. It has a…

style BLURRED LINES Striped pyjama shirts are still spring’s most democratic trend, so jump on and stripe this season away. Stylist’s tip: Vertical stripes are generally more flattering and can elongate your figure, making you look taller and slimmer. Opt for luxurious fabrics like silk or satin to elevate the look from bedtime to daytime chic. Ensure that your pyjama set fits well – not too baggy or tight. A well-fitted pyjama set looks intentional and stylish. FULL BLOOM Yes, it’s floral season! Elevate your look with a touch of floral as the weather warms up. Stylist’s tip: Don’t shy away from mixing floral patterns with other prints. Stripes or polka dots can complement floral prints beautifully, creating a vibrant and eclectic look. To keep your floral patterns fresh and…

Dark marks, be gone Nivea introduces two more amazing serums into the Luminous 630 Anti Dark Mark serum range. The Anti-age & Spot Serum, R378, densifies the skin and fills deep wrinkles for an even, strengthened, younger-looking luminous skin. The Post-Acne Mark Serum, R378, reduces post-acne dark marks perfect for blemish-prone skin. All hail Zozi! Zozibini Tunzi was recently named the ambassador of Dark and Lovely Pro Sub-Saharan South Africa. The collection works to strengthen hair and includes a purifying shampoo, revitalising hair oil, fortifying leave-in crème, and more. We’re obsessed with the replenishing hair mask, R799. Clean slate African Extracts introduces the latest innovation in face wipes, the Daily Cleansing Micellar Wipes, R51,99. Daily Cleansing Micellar Wipes are infused with antioxidant-rich bio-active Rooibos, calming aloe extract, and micellar particles…

FEELS like SPRING! What’s big in the beauty world this season and beyond? We’ve got the inside scoop on the top eight trends you need to know about. From cutting-edge product innovations and dopamine-boosting makeup to mindfulness-driven beauty movements and lashings of gloss, there’s much to get you started. Dive into the latest must-haves and get to know your new list of essentials. #1 SUPER-CHARGED SIMPLICITY When it comes to beauty innovation today, a foundation can’t just be a foundation; it needs to be a multi-tasking make-up hybrid, easy to apply, comfortable to wear, lasts all day, and does good things for skin’s overall health. Let’s face it, the it-products need to don multiple hats to make an impact in the overpopulated beauty crowd. This season, kickstart a new way…

ANGELA MOABELO, best-selling author, owner of Britespark, and communications and director at Lipco Law for All Angela Moabelo is the author of Red Ink, The Reed Dance Stalker, and Critical, But Stable. The author, who worked as a journalist covering crime, says adapting Red Ink into a TV series is radically different as it is a collaborative process compared to writing, which is solitary. From developing the screenplay with other TV writers to working with her co-producers, Angus Gibson and Desiree Markgraaf, everything was approached using their collective skills, talents, and sensibilities to make the work shine on screen. “It was an interesting and surprisingly invigorating process,” she shares. Angela published the sequel The Reed Dance Stalker last October. She is currently working on developing a screenplay for a feature-length…

CANDICE POTGIETER The Unlimited Child theunlimitedchild.org A survey by the Thrive by Five Index found that 65% of children in South Africa, between the ages of four and five in early learning programmes, are failing to thrive, highlighting the urgent need for improved early childhood development (ECD) interventions. Candice, the CEO of The Unlimited Child, addresses this issue by empowering women and improving early education. “With so many communities lacking quality ECD centres, we knew that we could unlock the potential in these existing facilities to ‘unlimit’ children’s dreams,” she says. By training ECD practitioners and supporting ECD centres, the organisation empowers women to run viable micro-enterprises and ensure that children in their care are school-ready. Started by the for-profit company, The Unlimited under founder Iain Buchan, The Unlimited Child…

Mel (25) was at her job as an associate producer on a national TV programme when she received an unusual email from her boss one afternoon, asking her to come to a meeting with the HR department. Confused, she showed the email to a colleague, who was just as puzzled. “I was coming up to the end of my six-month probationary period, so I thought I might have to sign some forms,” she recalls. But when she got to the meeting, she was blindsided by some unexpected news. “[My former boss] said, “I’m really sorry, but it’s just not working out’.” Mel was asked to hand over her laptop, pack up her desk, and immediately leave without even finishing the segment she had been working on that was due to…

Over the years, Moja Love has been broadcasting reality shows of people’s struggles, which glued many eyes to the screen. And they probably watch with popcorn in one hand and X opened on the other, joining online conversations and hashtags that make certain episodes trend. One such show is Papgeld, in which deadbeat fathers are given the unwelcomed spotlight as they are asked – while being chased – why they refuse to pay maintenance. These men, sadly, make up the vast number of a 2018 finding revealed by Statistics South Africa, which states that 31,7% of black children stay with their biological fathers compared with 51,3% of coloured, 86,1% of Indian or Asian, and 80,2% of white children. A social pandemic The statistics seem to present the issue of absent…

QUALITY AND CARE The Bodidoc tissue oil collection has been carefully developed to moisturise the skin and minimise the visibility of stretch marks and uneven skin tone. The collection of creams and lotions have a unique combination of dermatologically approved components – such as avocado oil, vitamin E, and evening primrose oil. They are renowned for their lightweight consistency, pleasant aroma, and use of quality ingredients. HELLO, GLOWING SKIN Unlock radiant skin with NIVEA’s LUMINOUS630® range. The Advanced Treatment Serum with the patented LUMINOUS630® ingredient and 2 x Hyaluronic Acid visibly reduces and helps prevent dark marks. The Day Cream with SPF50, combines LUMINOUS630®, Hyaluron and Vitamin E to help protect, moisturise, and mattify the skin. Gentle for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Visible results in two weeks! Visit…

APPLE AND CINNAMON TART Prep time: 45 mins Cooking time: 50 mins Serves: 6-8 INGREDIENTS ■ 1 roll ready-made puff pastry■ 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 2 tsps water■ Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving For the filling ■ 4-5 apples (different varieties)■ 100g castor sugar■ 1 T lemon juice■ 1 tsp ground cinnamon■ 1 tsp vanilla extract■ 2 T butter■ 2 T smooth apricot jam, for glazing METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. 2. Unroll the pastry onto a lightly floured piece of baking paper. Roll with a rolling pin to make it thinner and big enough to line a 22-25cm tart tin or dish. Place in the greased tin. Cut two strips from the leftover pastry. Brush the edges with egg wash and stick…

Part 1 – before Owami My mother and aunts have much to answer for. I wish I had time to do all those self-help – I mean, empowerment – workshops that are all the rage nowadays, and tell young people, ‘It’s a lie. It’s all a lie.’ The lie being, of course, that in heterosexual relationships, women are responsible for men’s behaviour. My past is replete with the many times I have been told that if bad things happened to me, it would be my fault. But hey, I am getting ahead of myself. My name is Owami. I’m an exile brat. In 1994, I turned 18 in time to cast a vote in South Africa’s first democratic elections. And I did not, as you would imagine, vote for Mandela.…

ARIES 21 Mar – 19 Apr Progress does not happen at speed, so avoid the wrecking ball in mid-July by being strategic. Leave spontaneity on the back burner and allow ideas and dreams to simmer and evolve. Keep it real in August – think long-term. Come September, love is your anchor – let someone else lead. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul Staying in your introspective shell may shield you from some of July’s shenanigans but the real power is in change, so go with the flow. Factor in moments to celebrate life, pause, and reset. Listen to your inner voice; deciphering what is the truth is complicated. September puts you in the driver’s seat, so take the lead. LIBRA 23 Sep – 22 Oct It’s time to do some…