Social media catapults Dona into the limelight
Growing up a spoilt brat, Nicole sees herself being haunted by her dirty deeds. She is a murderer but willing to discover herself. Would she be able to? Firstly, she was involved in a horrific accident that she was blamed to have caused, and his rich father bailed her out and illegally paid the injured poor woman. Nicole walked free, with zero charges.
In a turn of events, she is sent to a boarding school in Maun, where hell broke loose. The devilish Nicole has no choice but to use a fake identity to fit in. In the past, Nicole was used by many people because of her rich background, and as she started discovering herself and making new real friends, her demons resurrected. She developed envy towards a girl who happens to like a guy she is in love with. Nicole loved English so much…but hated her English teacher so much it hurts, which was fine because she treated her like trash!
Her like takes a different toll when her English teacher is murdered and she becomes a number one suspect. The mystery lies in trying to figure out if indeed she really did it or someone else actually committed the murder.Based purely on imagination and having drawn an inspiration from the famous song ‘’Dirty Laundry’’, this novel is about self-discovery and self-growth. Nicole although using a fake name discovers how strong and great of a person she is.
She grows from being a spoilt brat to actually possessing emotions like sympathy towards her best friend she met in Maun Senior School, a place where immoral deeds take place almost every day.In an exclusive interview with Weekend Life, author and composer of Dirty Laundry Cynthia Thanda, who is also a University of Botswana student said ‘’Maun Senior Secondary School is full of dirty secrets that the people in it are trying to hide so along the process of Nicole’s character development, we learn about the clean clothes people wear to hide their dirty bodies that is, Nicole is not the only person who has dirty secrets in the school’’
She said in Chapter one, Nicole arrives at Maun Senior School, where most of her self-discovery will take place, having been the most devilish girl before, killing people and surviving the law. Just when she thought she is seeing light of the day, she is the first suspect following the death of her teacher she hated so much. She is dropped off by her father’s bodyguard, and because she is daddy’s baby, he always was by her side, clearing all the mess she created.
In her own words, Nicole said ‘’I have always been daddy’s little hidden girl until I killed her…So when my father sent me to Maun Senior I felt like my world had been turned upside down, I didn’t want to leave Gaborone for an agro town. Little did I know I will find friendship, love and be involved in another murder case.’’ Blue Smith has always been a bad girl and Nicole was supposed to fix that, but they will always be the same girl…
Thanda noted that growing up, she was a loner and the only time her voice screamed was with a pen, hence why she came up with this collection. I would spend time in my head so I used to just write on hardcovers and make my classmates read. They always loved my scripts, and at times I was made to read English compositions before class and that gave me more confidence in writing. I only started writing a whole novel while still listening this song as the entire story flocked my mind. I didn’t have any laptop to compile my story, so I started off using a hardcover’’ she said
Dirty laundry is actually her first book, but she is working towards her second collection dubbed ‘Smooth Criminal.’’ Quizzed on how people welcomed her book, she indicated that ‘’It is much loved. For me who am a beginner I didn’t expect that much appreciation and it’s the most beautiful thing ever. At times I get emotional when reading the feedback I get from people, it’s really overwhelming.’’Being a writer, according to Thanda, is like a flesh to the skeleton. ‘’It is in the sense that writing gives us everything, the descriptions; emotions that characters have are much of everyday life. I personally feel writing made me understand other people much more.
Being a writer is dominance to me because you control the lives of the characters and through writing you experience a lot of characters that are so unlike you in real life. It is beautiful to live another person’s life once in a while’’ she saidShe further told Weekend Life that she sells her copies from the comfort of her place, most particularly at school, UB. However, some copies are available at Botswana Bookstore and she uses social media to promote her book. Just like any other entrepreneur, Thanda had some across challenges that almost made her quit. She had to develop a thick skin, just so she puts bread on the table.
‘’At first it was lack of support from my parents. To them lacking better information, it was a waste of time. They had a believe that writing was for someone who has now retired and has nothing to do. However, they did come around because they are now assisting me in selling this book, and for that, I must say I am impressed’’Financial constraints have always been an obstacle for many, but for this particular author, it wasn’t much of a challenge. ‘’My vision was to publish my book so I had started saving money from my student allowance way before I even completed it. Luckily, I had an aunt who helped get a publisher.
My parents also topped with some coin and as for printing, I took my entire allowance to print all the copies I have. I went broke but didn’t give up nonetheless.’’Dirty Laundry was introduced into the market last year in September, and it’s yet to be launched officially. Weekend Life is so much enthralled to see how young people are now able to pen something down and make readers glued to their chairs, eating from fictional content produced locally.
I mean, we support and buy local, and let’s just hope this particular author continues producing more. It’s well known that Weekend Life’s doors are always open for such brilliant minds like her, and some people don’t really see. Is it because Weekend Life washes away dirty laundry? I suppose so too…
WeekendLife
Radio titans gloss RB2
In a thrilling turn of events, former YFM on-air presenter Petula Khulman, now known as Petula El’Kindiy, is set to co-host the morning show with the station’s current star, Thabo Bolokwe, fondly referred to as T.H.A.B.O. Petula’s radio journey began at Yarona FM and spanned over a year and a half, during which she honed her skills and developed a loyal fan base.
Petula, a Media Studies graduate from Rhodes University, holds a wealth of experience in the industry. Her career took her across borders, from Yarona FM to Gabz FM, and even to a community radio station, Bay FM. She later returned to YFM, where she hosted a show called The Plaground.
Her latest venture, “The Morning Essentials,” kicked off on July 1, 2020. The show, which airs from 3am to 5am on weekdays and 6am to 10am on Saturdays, quickly gained popularity among listeners. Petula attributes her success to her passion for media, music, and dance, as well as her appreciation for her colleagues at YFM.
However, her journey wasn’t without its challenges. In 2023, her work permit was denied by South African authorities, leading to a temporary pause in her radio career. Despite the setback, Petula remains undeterred and is ready to bring her bubbly personality and captivating voice back to the airwaves of RB2.
Adding to the excitement, Khumo ‘Missgeekays’ Kgwaadira is also making a comeback. The popular media personality and businesswoman, who was last heard on RB2 in October 2022, will be back on air from Monday. Missgeekays, who owns a restaurant called Kana Kgang, has been keeping herself busy with various ventures, including a stint as a freelance presenter.
Her return to RB2 is eagerly anticipated, and her fans are thrilled to hear that she will be back in her familiar mid-morning slot. The exact details of her show are still under wraps, but one thing is for sure – with the new lineup, RB2 is poised to make a big splash in the radio landscape.
“With the new lineup, RB2 will be the biggest thing ever. We expect fireworks and amusement from the morning through mid-morning and the afternoons. All the faces that are returning to the airwaves will contribute to the radio station’s growth and a snowballing of listenership,” a source close to the station revealed.
So, get ready for a thrilling ride as RB2 unveils its new look and lineup this coming Monday. With Petula El’Kindiy and Khumo ‘Missgeekays’ Kgwaadira leading the charge, there’s no doubt that RB2 is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever!
WeekendLife
Strawberry Ritual: An unconventional key to virtual interview success
In the modern era of swift communication, where digital platforms have become the cornerstone of professional interactions, mastering the nuances of a Zoom interview is a vital skill for job applicants. The pivot towards remote work has rendered platforms like Zoom indispensable for establishing connections with prospective employers. So, imagine if we told you that a humble fruit could be the secret ingredient to enhancing your self-assurance and excelling in that virtual interview? Indeed, the fruit in question is the strawberry!
“A whopping 59.1% of the workforce prefers remote work over a conventional office setting,” asserts Forbes, a staggering fact that underscores the global trend of working from home. In the UK, Zoom witnessed a dramatic surge in its daily active users (DAU), peaking at approximately 1.7 million around the end of November 2020. This significant upswing in DAU coincided with the onset of the coronavirus outbreak in the UK, as more individuals began participating in virtual meetings for both work and social engagements with their families and friends.
But how does a strawberry fit into this narrative? What might seem like a punchline to a whimsical joke could revolutionize your approach to virtual job interviews. CEO Chantry Somtun of JustBanter shares this ingenious trick that could make a world of difference.
According to CEO Chantry Somtun of JustBanter, consuming a strawberry before your Zoom call could have a profound impact on your performance. The National Institute of Health has discovered that strawberries contain folate, a compound that aids in calming nerves and reducing anxiety by stimulating the production of serotonin, a hormone crucial for maintaining a positive mood and mental well-being. Moreover, strawberries are teeming with anthocyanins, antioxidants that enhance brain and emotional health, making them an excellent choice for those seeking to alleviate stress and anxiety before significant virtual meetings.
So, how can you incorporate this simple yet potent trick into your pre-Zoom routine? It’s as straightforward as savoring a few fresh strawberries 10-20 minutes before your call. If fresh strawberries are unavailable, frozen ones or even a refreshing strawberry smoothie can serve as excellent alternatives. For the best results, consume the strawberries on an empty stomach to ensure faster absorption of folate and maximize their mood-enhancing benefits.
Beyond just soothing your nerves before a critical interview, strawberries offer a myriad of health benefits, such as being rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to overall well-being. By integrating strawberries into your pre-Zoom ritual, you can not only boost your confidence but also support your body’s health in the process.
In a competitive job market where first impressions matter, adopting this unconventional yet effective strategy could be the game-changer you need to distinguish yourself and leave a lasting impression on potential employers. Therefore, the next time you have a Zoom interview scheduled, reach for some strawberries and experience the positive difference they can make in enhancing your confidence and performance.
In a world where virtual connections have become the new norm, utilizing simple yet powerful techniques like the strawberry trick can set you apart and help you navigate the challenges of virtual job interviews with ease. By capitalizing on the natural benefits of this humble fruit, you can elevate your Zoom confidence to unprecedented heights and pave the way for success in your job search. So, why not seize the day? Grab some strawberries, take a bite, and witness your Zoom interview game soar to new heights!
WeekendLife
Mrs Botswana’s ‘MO’ to gender parity
Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong, an illustrious beacon brightening the corners of Botswana, wields her vision for gender equity and empowerment like a torch, illuminating paths for her community. Standing at the helm of the Anaya-Tlhwatlhwa Foundation, and donning multiple hats as an international personal wellness coach, a savvy business magnate, and the esteemed Mrs. Botswana 2023/24, her mission is to cast rays of change into the lives she touches.
Her strategy for bridging the gender divide is both comprehensive and visionary. Mokgathong, understanding the vitality of lifting women and girls, equally champions the cause of young boys and men. She advocates for a culture of mutual admiration and understanding across gender lines, fostering a society unbound by the shackles of conventional gender roles—a society where balance and harmony reign supreme.
In her magnum opus, a collaborative venture with entities like NAPHA, Men and Boys for Gender Justice, the Botswana Police Service, and Girls for Girls Botswana, lies a quest for familial empowerment. Her goal is to fortify the foundation of families, supporting parents and guardians, sons and daughters alike, equipping them with the capabilities to forge strong intrapersonal and professional bonds.
“My project is family oriented, we want to focus on the family as a whole, we want to help both parents or guardians, men and women and the children of households both boy and girl. I am passionate in doing so because lately women and the girl child have been given a pedestal, they have been given a lot of help and a lot of recognition while men are considered as perpetrators and young boys are neglected, therefore we want to groom both the girl and boy child so that they grow up to be able to interact with each other and when they get to relationships, be it personal or work wise,†she said.
Mokgathong’s reach extends further than mere intervention; she invests in the empowerment of individuals through education, skill development, and the allocation of resources crucial for autonomy and enduring triumphs. By nurturing innate capabilities, igniting the flames of innovation, and promoting entrepreneurship, she sets the stage for marginalized communities to emerge from the shadows of dependency, crafting their own realms of prosperity.
“As we educate a girl child to be strong and independent, we also enable a young man or boy to be able to accept that strong independent woman, ensuring that the equation is balanced. I also want to help stop gender-based violence while protecting our children. When I began my initiative, it was based on GBV and child protection, but it developed into campaigning for the less fortunate and vulnerable,†she stresses.
Her journey, fraught with hurdles, including early disappointments in her pursuit of the Mrs. Botswana title, stands testament to her resilience and indomitable spirit. Gratitude fills her heart for mentors, sponsors, kin, and comrades whose support has sculpted her into the powerhouse she is today.
She says: “People want to be involved with you when you are a top finalist or the reigning queen. When I first started, I was only a person, and it was difficult and time-consuming to generate cash, solicit donations, and obtain obligation, particularly in rural areas. But right now, as the reigning queen it is a bit easier to reach out to collaborators and sponsors and I pray to God that as I am continuing with my project after crowning the new queen it will continue to be so and growth and more people will be willing to invest and help out.â€
Juggling her myriad roles demands the prowess of a maestro, yet Mokgathong thrives by weaving her family into her philanthropic endeavors and mastering the art of time management. She empowers young aspirants to self-reflect, establish objectives, harness mentorship and sponsorship, and gear up for the trials that lie ahead.
As Mrs. Botswana, her ambition soars beyond personal accolades; it’s tethered to the upliftment of her nation through the empowerment of women, the nurturing of men’s talents, and the preparation of the youth for a flourishing future. She envisages expanding the Anaya-Tlhwatlhwa Foundation’s influence, delving deeper into rural engagements to sow seeds of empowerment and hope for generations yet to come.
“For charity work to be more effective, I believe we need to empower other than just giving. We need to empower the less privileged and the vulnerable, with the right skills and knowledge so that they can sustain themselves in the long run. We need to help those who are talented and innovative. I am proud to say my work is doing wonders, the kids that we are mentoring are able to find direction in life, they now know what they want to be as they grow up and they are able to identify subjects they want to study and career they want to pursue. Families that we have been in contact with, families that are from different background are able to identify their skills and they are able to grow and turn them into businesses.â€
In essence, Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong stands as a pillar of strength and a source of inspiration in Botswana. Her unwavering commitment to fostering gender equality, community upliftment, and personal development lights the way for others. Through her relentless endeavors and steadfast dedication, she renders a profound impact on her community and beyond, etching a durable mark of empowerment and optimism.