‘Perfection is an illusion’
WeekendLife
Appearing on BTV every week is no easy task for anyone. Being in the spotlight can be weary sometimes because you got to keep up with people’s expectations even if you don’t like it. It is draining but if it’s something that puts food on your table, you got to do it either way.
As I was browsing through the internet sometime this week, I came across a blog that wrote about celebrities who have been body shamed, once, twice or more than that even. Like Demi Lovato, HYPERLINK “https://www.allure.com/topic/selena-gomez” Selena Gomez who grew up in the limelight and have subsequently suffered years of body shaming at the hands of “fans” and haters alike.
In 2015, the actress and singer opened up about how she sought therapy after being body-shamed publicly. Most recently, Gomez clapped back at fans who commented on a photo of her wearing a bikini on Instagram. But, let’s get one thing straight: body-shaming someone is never okay, even if the target is a public figure. However, despite the fact that this should be a universal rule of decorum, people are still prone to criticizing the appearances of others, including and especially those of celebrities.
Although social media has shone a bright light on the issue in recent years, celebrity body-shaming is nothing new. Since the rise of gossip magazines, stars have had their bodies scrutinized for all the world to see. Local TV personality and socialite, Sadi Dikgaka, became a victim of body-shaming last week after a picture of herself wearing a pink jumpsuit that people felt looked eerie went viral on social media. She wasn’t expecting it, nobody was, but because something trends so quickly nowadays, the picture was all over and everyone had something to say on the matter.
The TV star was accused of faking her assets that people felt were made out of plastic. Some trolls even went as far as making a Picmix of that particular photograph comparing it to her previous sassy pictures, bashing the socialite. Despite these comments, Dikgaka stresses that she loves her body and that haters should mind their own business. It’s not their body, after all. In an emotive video she shared on social media, Options Botswana Brand Ambassador started off by acknowledging her cliques who have been sympathetic of her during this unscrupulous incidence.
“I just want to send a message of gratitude to each and every person who sent a message, called and I appreciate all of you. I cannot respond to all of you but I am so grateful for the support.” Dikgaka admitted that indeed social media can make or break you. “Social media is a powerful tool, a tool that if used recklessly it can actually destroy so much. For me, it’s a tool I appreciate, however if used wrongly it does not concern me.”
“People tend to have a thought that if you are a public figure, you need to have a certain image or be certain way. For those who had so much negative things to say, it is OK. May you be content with the fact that perfection is an illusion and it is subjective to whoever the person may be. Your idea of perfection will never be the same with mine that’s why I don’t believe in it. Personally, I believe in being authentically myself. I’m sorry you didn’t like the jumpsuit, I will do better. Regardless of what you say, I will still be content with myself.”
She however pooled a bit of motivation with young girls who went through the same ordeal. “I know there are young girls going through this and the hurt resonates the same way as mine. You are a beautiful human being. No one can take that away from you. Let option be option.”
Dikgaka also took a jab at the haters and trolls; “You got an option about my body, it does not add, subtract, multiply or take anything from me.”
WeekendLife
Creatives taking over 2023
Creativity is seen everywhere and these individuals did something recently that’s never been done before, and some are still killing it. We see creativity on streaming platforms, stages, runways, social media and boardrooms even. Some of them are revamping their businesses, and lately, clothing sale is thriving.
They love concept-driven designs, storytelling and they bring fresh ideas and new perspectives that will leave footprints in the sand. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, these creative minds utilized the drawing board and they became cognizant that monetizing content will actually take them far, which is frank nonetheless.
This is commendable though, but the creative industry will still need support from government in order for it to flourish further. Allocation of resources (funds, facilities and empowerment) should be done consistently, creativity must be raised and at the end of the day, the economy benefits from that kind of investment.
HAN C
Ever since he parted ways with his former manager, DJ Bougee Sid, Mahalapye born-pint sized, multi-award-winning artist, Hanceford Magapatona has been taking up space, unapologetically so. Han C has shown a strong will to take over the entire world, and he is in the right direction. He’s solely organizing the annual Mahalapye Spring Festival, which is taking place next weekend.
The Pepetetsa hitmaker raked some monies from his savings to put together this event. Mahalapye Spring Festival will feature Paige, Ubuntu Band, Khoisan, Amantle Brown and Double Up among others. Even though it didn’t come as a surprise, Han C was nominated at African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) in the US, under Best Male Southern Africa category.
However, the award was snatched by the late South African rapper, AKA. Its not all lost as Han C secured two nominations at the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs): People’s Choice of the Year and Best Male Single.
KOKETSO MOTSWAGOLE
This entrepreneur has turned his dreams into reality, and his promising apparel business is now a fashion destination. Matter of fact, Motswagole weathered the storms to be where he is now because through criticism and social media bullying, he still leads the pack in fashion.
His social media accounts got deleted but through his online store, KM Sales, Motswagole is able to rake in some profits. He initially started selling from his car but now owns a busy store and has employed a number of young people.
KM Sales has been offering fashionable items (shoes, t-shirts, pants) and has been participating in various lifestyle events such as Garden of Drip where it showcases its products.
If there is one young entrepreneur to draw motivation from is Koketso. The business started from humble beginnings, at the time when he worked part time at Ipelegeng as a casual labor. Indeed, good things come to those who wait, or well, work like a slave today, live like a king tomorrow.
KAGISO LUDO DE KLERK
Vee Mampeezy’s ex-wife Kagiso De Klerk clearly did not sit and weep over their dramatic divorce. The famous social media influencer hurriedly picked up the pieces and went hard on promoting business online. She literally took social media influencing to the head and it is working for her.
This year saw her partnership with Shell reach greater heights, and obviously, she is raking lot of pulas from the deal. Kagiso has been making frequent appearances in top events in South Africa such as Bubbles in Spring and Gold and Diamond Experience.
GAONA DINTWE
After a long break from the limelight, renowned media and radio personality, Gaona Dintwe is back. She was missed by many on TV, and she’s back where she belongs, news anchoring on BTV. Gaona has also found a niche in podcasting. She is a host of her own podcast, Gaona Live Conversation, where various people share their stories on camera.
Some of what they discuss is Gender Based Violence (GBV), polygamy and drug addiction. This is highly commendable because even BTV doesn’t have programs that discuss these crucial social issues. The Lentswelemoruti native is also seen in various corporate events where she is engaged as a host.
WeekendLife
DITIRO LEERO ONE MAN SHOW ON THE PIPELINE
Now that one-man shows are made fashionable, traditional dance guru and ex-convict, Ditiro Leero is joining the crusade and he will be hosting his also. The show will be held next month at Zone 4 Farm in Selokolela, but the there are traditional dance music artists who have been lined up to perform at the show. Matshana, Morwa Leka and Maswailathota will be doing their thing and probably bring some heat too. Ditiro Leero will be making history as the first traditional artist to host a one-man show in Botswana.
WeekendLife
MISS BOTSWANA HAVING MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE
With only two months before Miss World 2023, the reigning Miss Botswana, Lesego Chombo is having many irons in the fire, preparing for the much-anticipated beauty pageant. Miss World 2023 will be the 71st edition of Miss World pageant and it will be held in India. Chombo has been spotted toning her body at Jack’s gym, a requirement that is taken seriously at the pageant. She has also been participating in charity events, something that should add to her profile at the Miss World.