This Pride Month, South African couple Lue and Rue are showing the continent what it means to love out loud, even in the face of criminalisation. Partnering with LGBTQIA+ human rights organisation Triangle Project, the couple travelled to Ghana to launch a visual protest through the “Show Ghana Love” campaign. Their mission was simple but radical: to love, visibly and unapologetically, in spaces where queer intimacy is still considered a crime.
A Historic First for South Africa’s Beauty Industry
South African actress, humanitarian, and global icon Nomzamo Mbatha has added another accolade to her ever-evolving portfolio—this time as the first-ever South African brand ambassador for Creme of Nature, the internationally revered haircare brand known for celebrating textured hair in all its glory.
There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when Skyla Tylaa enters a room. The South East London-born DJ, vocalist, and genre disruptor isn’t here to blend in. She’s here to move crowds, shake tables, and take up space with confidence and flair. Known for her high-energy amapiano sets and her bold sense of style, Skyla has become a force on stages across the globe. Now, with the release of her debut single Bombshell (Cheza), she steps into a new light as a vocalist and creative director of her own sound.
At just 21, Ayakha Ntunja is stepping into her spotlight with intention, grace, and a gaze that speaks volumes. The Youngins breakout star has quickly become one of the most exciting new faces on South African TV, and it’s not hard to see why. Whether she’s embodying the layered emotions of high schooler Amo or advocating for mental health and creativity off-screen, Ayakha is doing it all with softness, strength, and serious star power.
From theatre stages to national screens, and now the hearts of Gen Z audiences, she’s making her mark on her own terms. In this Youth Month spotlight, Ayakha opens up about the power of storytelling, discovering her voice through acting, and why this generation is ready to lead — not later, but now.
Renowned South African designer to the mega stars and global icons, Gert-Johan Coetzee, has once again redefined red carpet brilliance, this time by creating a custom couture marvel for lead actress Nomzamo Mbatha, for the highly anticipated premiere of Shaka iLembe Season 2.
Media powerhouse. Fashion lover. Culinary creative. Social impact champion. With over a decade in Kenya’s media industry, Anita Njeri Nderu is not just making content, she’s making change. The award-winning media personality and founder of Anita Nderu Limited continues to redefine what it means to be multifaceted in the modern African landscape. From hosting her couture-meets-cooking series The Overdressed Cook to co-running Grounded Africa, an eco-conscious brand for organic cleaning products, Anita blends style, substance, and sustainability with ease.
At just 18, Simphiwe Quintin Mnisi is proudly wearing the crown—literally. Recently crowned Mr Teen Heritage South Africa, the Edenglen High School learner is stepping into his power with purpose, poise, and quiet confidence. Born in Mpumalanga and raised by a devoted single mother, Simphiwe’s story is one of grace, grit, and groundedness.
Ten years ago, Mzukisi Mbane introduced a new voice in fashion. Bold, rooted and unapologetically African, IMPRINT arrived with a message — that fashion could honour memory while shaping the future. Now, to mark a decade of storytelling through design, the brand returns with its anniversary collection, Ndibuyile – Our Roots Revisited.
At this year’s SA Menswear Week in Cape Town, Ezokhetho proudly debuted its latest collection, ZODWA—a deeply personal and emotionally resonant body of work that marks a powerful new chapter for the brand. For the first time, Ezokhetho introduces menswear into its universe, expanding its narrative and honoring the rich complexities of Black love, memory, and legacy.
At just 18, Yandani Shabalala is already doing the most in the best way. Fresh off dropping his debut single Honeydew, the Durban-born artist is stepping into the spotlight with purpose and personality. With harmonious melodies, a following that keeps growing, and a sense of humour to match, Yandani is the kind of star you want to root for. In this Youth Month feature, he gets real about Gen Z, mental health, Mzansi’s biggest flexes, and what it means to show up as your full self in a world that’s always watching.