JUGGLING MUSIC AND TEACHING

By: Zinhle Bhuda

Twitter: @zp_bhuda

Email: pzinhle560@gmail.com

 Sonto Mthembu, 27, hailing from Empangeni, Richards Bay, is a multi-talented musician and teacher, known by his stage name Sunday Musiq. He seamlessly navigates through various musical genres, including afro-pop, gqom, amapiano, and afro-house, all while maintaining his career as a high school teacher.

Teacher and music beats producer, Sonto Mthembu, well known as Sunday Musiq

He got his inspiration to produce beats from his older brother who used to produce beats, though he wanted to be more creative than him.

He got enrolled at the University of KwaZulu Natal to study for a Bachelor of Education in 2018. After he received his laptop, he installed a beat creating app and started getting creative with beats.

In 2019, he released his first gqom single However in 2020 when amapiano was introduced he decided to spread his creativity and produce amapiano beats.

His venture into the genre went so well that he was able to release an EP titled Chapter 1 in 2021, which opened opportunities for him as he started being recognized. “The EP was so good, it was playlisted on Channel O, MTV Base and Mzansi Music,” he said.

video below shows Sunday Musiq on set at the Massive Music show

Sunday Musiq with one of the musicians he collaborates with, Lasandra

Mthembu completed his degree and became a teacher by profession in 2022. He said that dual passion is what inspires him to be a teacher and musician at the same time. “Pursuing two careers that I am passionate about at the same time brings a sense of fulfilment and joy in me,” he said.

His students said Mthembu is their role model because he inspires them to explore their creative potential. “He shows us the importance of following your own dreams and interests” said one of his students, Lukhanyo Mbabane. Most of his followers think that his productions are always on fire and that he is going far with music.

Comment from one of his followers on social media platforms.

 

Ditlou Titans take down opponent Tuks 4 in a thrilling match

By: Zinhle Bhuda

Twitter: @zp_bhuda

Email: pzinhle560@gmail.com

 At the Tshwane University of Technology Astro grounds on Saturday, May 11, 2024, Ditlou Titans and Tuks4 clashed in a high-stakes hockey match. The showdown lived up to its anticipation, with Ditlou Titans clinching a tense 3-1 victory over Tuks4 in the Northern Blues Hockey Association league.

Ditlou Titans defending against Tuks4        Photo by: Elisa Letswalo

Within the first 15 minutes, the Titans upped the game pressure, with its middle forward Margaret Manabalala scoring the opening goal. Tuks4 fought valiantly to level the score, but as the first break approached, Ditlou Titans maintained a slim 1-0 lead.

 The second quarter unfolded as a series of back-and-forth exchanges, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. However, Ditlou Titans continued to assert their dominance, especially after Manabalala, still fueled with determination, struck a beautiful goal, extending her team's lead to 2-0.

The second half was intense, with both teams giving it their all. The Titans goalkeeper made several crucial saves, but Tuks4 had come back with a better strategy, and Mufaro Chetsango scored  a goal and gave hope to the team. Within the final minutes of the game, Titans right forward Mikateko Mawela scored the winning goal, securing a 3-1 victory for the team.

Ditlou Titans striking hockey ball    Photo by: Elisa Letswalo

Titans head coach, Masilo Mokoena, said he is glad that they won the match, but the team’s performance was not what he had expected. “Although we won the game, the team didn’t play a good style of hockey and that’s something we will work on,” said Mokoena. The win moved Ditlou Titans up on the leagues log standings.

According to the woman of the match Margaret Manabalala, without her coach and team members’ support, she would not have made it, therefore she is grateful for them. “It is not every day that this happens, today was my lucky day because I had a good practice yesterday,” she said.

Though the loss was a hard pill to swallow for Tuks4, head coach Keanan Wax believes that the team can still improve. “The team didn’t perform very good, like they normally do but there is still room for improvement,” he said.

Fans said that the match was good and enjoyable to watch. “The teams gave it their all, which made the game exciting,” said one fan.

Ditlou Titans will proceed to play with other teams for the Northern Blues Hockey association league in the upcoming weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

SGLD HOSTS STUDENT STRUCTURES POLITICAL DEBATE

By: Zinhle Bhuda

Twitter: @zp_bhuda

Email: pzinhle560@gmail.com

The Student Governance and Leadership Development Directorate (SGLD), collaborating with Tshwane FM and BUA student newspaper, organized a political debate among student political organizations on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Pretoria campus. The objective of the debate was to provide a platform for political structures to discuss youth-related issues and propose solutions.

Link to video of HoD speaking:

Student political structures recognized by TUT came in numbers to participate in the debate where various topics that affect youth such as student funding; youth unemployment and crime and corruption were raised and addressed.

The session became an opportunity for structures to prove their worth of people's votes in the upcoming elections. “This platform is also for structures to prove their worth for the upcoming elections,” said HOD of SGLD, Andrew Makhushe.

Photo of student political structures   By Zinhle Bhuda

Link to the debate session:

To keep youth and the nation up to date about politics and help them decide which party they will vote for in the upcoming elections, Tshwane FM announced the launch of their election coverage campaign called “Mark Ur Future” where there will be daily updates of news about the elections. “We have put together a news team that will you decide who you are voting for and promise that you will hear it from us first,” said Tshwane FM manager, Tebogo Magubane.

Link to audio of Tshwane FM station manager:  https://on.soundcloud.com/6Su7xSmLtFV88tey9

Audiences were able to get a grasp of what the political structures are planning for them and are glad that this event took place because it helped them in their decision making of who they are going to vote for. “Attending the debate has made it easy for me to decide who I will be voting for,” said Tshiamo Lekonyane.

Link to video of audiences comment: