Manaka Ranaka is a South African actress who currently stars on SABC 1’s long running soap opera, Generations, as Lucy Diale. She previously starred as Lerata Khumalo on SABC 2’s long running sitcom, Stokvel and as Portia in SABC 1’s hit drama, Gaz’lam.

 

 

 

 

 

Here are facts you didn’t know about Manaka Ranaka:
1. Manaka Ranaka was born April 06, 1979 in Soweto, Gauteng.

2. Manaka has two daughters, Katlego and Naledi.

3. Manaka was involved in an accident which has left a schoolgirl dead in December 2015.

4. She is a sister of well known television personality, Dineo Ranaka.

5. She is dating Thabo Monareng who is 9 years older than her.

6. Manaka started acting in theater and performed in productions such as Drumstruck, On My Birthday and Torong.

7. Manaka has played the lead role of Lerata in SABC2 comedy Stokvel.

8. She also played a role of Vinolia Ntuli in the SABC1 drama series Tshisa in 2006.

9. She won the Golden Horn for Best Actress in a TV Comedy at the SAFTAs 2007.

10. Manaka was featured on season 3 of Zaziwa – hosted by Pearl Modiadie.

During her first trip to the United States, Nomcebo Zikode was handed the keys to the city of Miami by commissioners Joe Carollo and Jeffery Watson. It was a moment that left the South African singer and songwriter somewhat taken aback. “They said, ‘We are so proud of you. You made us all motivated during a difficult time,” she recalls to OkayAfrica. “I was thinking I made Africans proud, but I didn’t know that even Americans, white people, are proud of me too. It’s just shown me that in life, if you hold onto something, if you have dreams and never give up on them, they are going to become reality.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

35-year-old Zikode had always wanted to share her voice with others. Born in Hammarsdale, Kwazulu Natal, now based in Johannesburg, she was captivated by local singers when she was a child. “From a young age, I was listening to South African music like Brenda Fassie, Rebecca Malope and I also used to love Whitney Houston with all my heart. I used to make a lot of noise singing that song, ‘I Will Always Love You,’ and my neighbors used to say I was too loud. But I wasn’t disrespecting them when I was singing. I was just a happy child who loved singing and dancing. And I wanted to make others happy.””Jerusalema” — and its monumental success — certainly has made people happy. On the back of the song’s widespread acclaim, which Zikode worked on with Master KG, she has been traveling through Europe and the US, performing to audiences that got to know the song through the lockdown brought about by the pandemic. The story of the song’s global rise — sparked by a viral video of Angolans dancing to the uplifting Gospel-inspired track — is well known. For Zikode, the story of what comes next is still being written.

The song has been a gift that’s opened doors to cities she’s never even been to before. It’s something Zikode had long been hoping for, even if she hadn’t always been sure it would come. “When I wrote the lyrics to ‘Jerusalema,’ I wasn’t in a happy space,” she says. After years of being a backing vocalist for the likes of Deborah Fraser and Nhlanhla Nciza, her hit single with DJ Ganyani, “Emazulwin” had led her to a recording deal with Open Mic. She’d been eager to make and release her first album, but things had been slow moving and obstacles kept arising that prevented her from realizing her goal.Zikode finally released her debut album, titled Xola Moya Wam, last September, in the wake of “Jerusalema”‘s success. “It’s been amazing, because people were singing along with me from the first song until the last song,” she says. “Even though the album is not as big as the track ‘Jerusalema,’ I’m not complaining, because it went double platinum in South Africa. I appreciate everything that God is doing for me. And now I’m looking forward to releasing the new album.”

She won’t say when it’s coming, but Zikode does say she’s finished recording it. In the meantime, she’s been traveling to Spain, Switzerland, New York and, of course, Miami, performing her songs. “I’ve been traveling a lot in Africa — Togo, Botswana, Mozambique,” she says. “Honestly speaking, in the US, I was scared that maybe they won’t understand my music or what I’m saying. But they’ve been loving me all the way. Even whites,” she says.

Monday 25 September 2023
Episode 181
Bulelwa blames Anathi for bringing doom to the Mxenges. Msimelelo’s dream pushes him to do something behind Funeka’s back. Zimkhitha is cornered as a past mistake gets thrown in her face.
Tuesday 26 September 2023
Episode 182
Has Msimelelo finally struck gold? Zimkhitha is worried when a guest extends their stay. The pressure of keeping someone’s secret life becomes too much for Bulelwa.

 

Wednesday 27 September 2023
Episode 183
Bulelwa and Thulani seem to reach a point of no return in their relationship. Msimelelo makes a loss that might cost him everything. Zimkhitha and Nontu’s feud reaches a boiling point.
Thursday 28 September 2023
Episode 184
Nontu is willing to play dirty to get what she wants. Thulani and Anathi turn on each other. Msimelelo can’t tell Funeka the truth.
Friday 29 September 2023
Episode 185
Backed in the corner Zimkhitha gives in to Nontu’s blackmail. The lovers, tear into each other. Someone discovers Msimelelo’s secret.
Premiere episodes of Gqeberha: The Empire air on Mzansi Magic from Mondays to Fridays at 21h00

Elizabeth blows a fuse over her mother’s latest stunt. Babeile loses it when he is invited for a disciplinary hearing. Chef Kgosi’s plan begins to fall apart.

If you missed some episodes find more Skeem Saam Episodes to watch here.

 

 

 
NEXT ON SKEEM SAAM
The Station commander wants Rathebe and Babeile’s heads on the chopping block. Francois discovers that Chef Kgosi is in Little Paris. The Maputlas are left curious when a family member unexpectedly comes home.

ALSO Catch all Skeem Saam live updates here

Read all about what’s happening in Skeem Saam in September over here.

ABOUT SKEEM SAAM
The story follows the lives of the residents of Turfloop who face daily trials and tribulations as they climb the ladder to success.

The show first aired in October 2011. It has gone on to become one of South Africa’s most beloved dramas. By thrusting teens into adult scenarios, it’s become a hit with TV viewers of all generations. Its ‘coming of age’ premise continues to set it apart from rival soapies, too.

WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH SKEEM SAAM
Episodes airs on SABC1 Mondays to Fridays at 18:30, DSTV Channel 191. If you’re unable to catch the latest episode when it airs, we’ll be publishing full episodes shared on SABC’s YouTube channel. Stick with us, and you’ll never miss a show again.

Springboks legend JP Pietersen joined Harvard Business School.

Since his retirement, JP Pietersen had been relatively silent, and many fans seemed to have forgotten him.

Surprisingly, the former Springboks star had been making plans for his new career.

He had decided to go on the business venture as he joined one of the World’s most prestigious business schools.

 
Sharing on His Instagram, JP Pietersen surprised many fans with his decision.

He left even fellow Springboks, like Schalk Brits, was left asking for more information.

“Talk to me big man.”

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jon Paul Roger Pietersen (@jppietersen)

SPRINGBOKS LEGEND JP PIETERSEN JOINES HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL
Sharing the news on his Instagram, JP Pietersen showed so much joy about such an opportunity.

The former Springboks star did not disclose the specific programme he would be doing or his capacity there.

ALSO READ: In pictures: Meet Legendary Springboks captain John Smit’s wife

“New chapter 📚 I’ve met the most inspiring people this week in Boston and Im so excited for this new journey of learning.” he said.

“Grateful for this incredible opportunity @harvardhbs 🙏🏽” he said, showing his gratitude to be part of Harvard Business School.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jon Paul Roger Pietersen (@jppietersen)

MZANSI CONGRATULATES HIM
After the former Springboks star shared the news of joining Harvard Business School, fans congratulated him.

“Brilliant JP…so proud of you…make it count young man!!”

“Super chuffed for you JP…tx for all the memories”

ALSO READ: In pictures: Springboks star Faf De Klerk and his wife spend quality time at a fancy restaurant in France

“Jeez brother, I can only see how your dad would smile now. 🔥🔥 Well Done”

“@brice_butler please teach this man a proper golf swing 🙏🏽🤣🤣 you guys can use study breaks to get it done🙌🏽”