So why did Branson head to Harare on a flight from Johannesburg on 30 June? Reasons for the trip to Zimbabwe have not been made public.

There are several possible reasons for Branson’s trip to the landlocked country which is currently facing severe economic and political challenges.

Branson has made several trips to Zimbabwe over the years. According to Zimlive, he has even bungee-jumped in Victoria Falls.

NEW VIRGIN ROUTE?
There is speculation that Branson’s arrival in Harare, which coincided with the opening of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport’s new terminal building, could be to scout out new possibilities for Virgin Atlantic Airways.

As there are currently no direct flights between Zimbabwe and the UK, Harare could be a profitable route for Virgin Atlantic Airways, considering the growing number of Zimbabwean expats living in the UK.

There have been no direct flights between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom since Air Zimbabwe terminated scheduled services on the route back in 2012.The British businessman is known for his entrepreneurial ventures into airlines, hotels and other recreational pursuits.

Branson, who has a passion for Africa, is the owner of Ulusaba Private Game Reserve. The property includes a luxury game lodge in the private wildlife concession located in the Sabi Sands area, in South Africa.

Zimlive mentions that Branson is keen to invest in safari operations in southern Africa, which could also be the reason for his visit to Zimbabwe.

 

 

PHILANTHROPIC GESTURES
Branson is also known for his altruistic intentions. He has, in the past, made several calls for investment in Zimbabwe.

In 2010, Virgin Unite, the philanthropic arm of the Virgin Group, established Enterprise Zimbabwe.

This nonprofit organisation connected philanthropists and commercial investors with business and social development opportunities.

ALSO READ: Victoria Falls: Another airline adds flights

BENEFITS FOR ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe heads to the polls next month against a backdrop of one of the world’s highest inflation rates and a spiraling currency.

However, the recent arrival of celebs like Richard Branson and Aston Villa player John McGinn, sends positive messages about the country and endorses Zimbabwe as a tourist and investment destination.

AKA’s father, Tony Forbes’s age was revealed as he celebrated his birthday.

The man had been making headlines since the death of his son AKA in February 2023.

He became more popular, and it seemed that most of AKA’s fans were already enjoying his vibes as their father.

His second son, Steffan, shared a picture with him and the late AKA, and she wished his father a happy birthday.

“Learnt from the best ✍🏼 Happy Birthday Dad.AKA’s father, Tony Forbes, was born on 4 July 1968 and is celebrating his 55th birthday today.

Indeed, it would have been a much better day if his wife Lynn and granddaughter Kairo were around.Unfortunately, they are having a good time enjoying themselves on vacation in New York.

After Steffan shared the news on his Instagram, he left fans wishing him a happy birthday.

“Oh wow! Thank a beautiful memory Steff. I love you always my Bo❤️❤️❤️❤️”“U brought tears again to my face I miss Supa Mega”

“Kiernan always under your wing Uncle Tony. Have a blessed day”

“🎉happy Birthday Tony, Wishing you all the happiness, joy, and blessings the world can offer on your birthday🔥❤️🎉”

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A post shared by @steffan.forbes

LYNN AND KAIRO ENJOY THEMSELVES IN NEW YORK
It’s Lynn and Kairo’s fifth day in New York, and they enjoy it so much.

On Sunday, they went to Church, and after Church, they had time to play games with most of their time spent riding toys.

Actress Keabetswe “KB” Motsilanyane, who plays Lesedi Moloi in 7de Laan has joined e.tv’s fashion drama House of Zwide as Nandipha Khadzi.The 7de Laan actress Keabetswe “KB” Motsilanyane will play a lawyer Nandipha Khadzi, who is Alex Khadzi’s (Warren Masemola) sister in House of Zwide.

 

 

TVSA reports that she’s a powerful lawyer looking for her missing brother Alex, who got killed by the Zwides in June.

He got shot and killed by Nkosi Zwide (Wanda Blaq Zuma) when he [Alex] attempted to kill his father. The Zwides and Isaac Molapo (Jeffrey Sekele) buried him and Faith advised Nkosi to not report the matter to the police.

“When all the evidence points to the fact that the Zwides were involved in her brother’s disappearance, she becomes the most dangerous enemy they have ever faced”, reports the publication.

It is unclear if the singer-actress has left SABC2 soapie 7de Laan, where she also plays a lawyer.
‘HOUSE OF ZWIDE’ FANS REACT TO HER STORYLINE
@UnathiNgada: “Every time a character dies, and this happens across many soapies or telenovellas. A relative of that deceased character always pops up enquiring about his or her “disappearance”. The same was done in Scandal, Generations: The Legacy, Uzalo and Isidingo. An innovative approach is much needed.”

@chuc911: “When stories add more people does it mean it’s viewership is up?”

@KasheOne: “Let’s welcome back here to @etv again after Rhythm City.”

@_Aura_K: “I saw a trailer. Seems like she’s a lawyer again like her 7de Laan character.”

@MaabuleM: “I hope she gets what she deserves. Not what Warren was subjected to.”

@TheePrincess9: “At this point I’m convinced HOZ does not read our tweets nor care about its audience.”

Siya Kolisi’s family, his wife and kids are enjoying themselves on vacation in Greece.

It was a tough few hours before Rachel and her kids left South Africa.

 

 

It took several hours to find their way to place their visas and passports.

Sharing on her Instagram when she left the country, Rachel talked about how they struggled.

She, however, thanked several people who supported her in making it done, and they had been in high spirits.Their joy was only starting, and she had quality time with her kids in Greece.

She spoke about how she enjoyed her quality time cruising with the boat.

“Day 2 with @cruises_int !. Tomorrow the ship docks and we spend the day in Santorini, Greece! 😍”They had a wonderful time watching people swimming, which impressed fans.

After sharing the videos on her Instagram, many fans loved it, and they showed them love.

“You’re a rockstar for going on a cruise abroad, solo with 4 kids/teens 😯😯😯”

ALSO READ: ‘Voetsek!’: Siya Kolisi has hilarious encounter with dogs [watch]

“Big warning the sum burns bad in Europe in Summer, takes care, and cream up”

“Best place in the world..what boat are you on?”

“Once you cruise, you’ll never travel any other way!”

Skeem Saam’s decision to re-cast the role of Thabo Matlutla, was a move that left the show’s loyal viewers divided.

Many questions arose, with viewers wondering why Cornet Mamabolo was no longer returning to the set; and what could have transpired between him and the production team to have his character re-cast. Ever since the news broke out, many viewers have been eyeing Cornet Mamabolo closely in hopes that he might open up and give clarity on the situation.

 

 

 

While he was quiet for a While, following Hungwane Ndlovu’s debut yesterday; Cornet finally broke his silence in a tweet that laid rumours of any animosity to rest:

” Risk. risk. risks!! Bag of tricks (invite memory), artistry, & PLAY! Play Sir Hungwane Ndlovu. it’s too soon to take anything to heart. PLAY MY BROTHER, JUST PLAY. Coz that’s what it is, a PLAY! Our profession requires us to play, & when we are tired of playing we tap out” said the former Skeem Saam actor.

While a large chunk of the show’s loyal viewers remain unhappy that Cornet Mamabolo is no longer returning to the show; as he has been there from the beginning and the country watched him grow and come of age. Other fans are standing in anticipation to watch how Hungwane Ndlovu will approach the character, and elevate the show to another level.

Millions of viewers turned in yesterday for his long anticipated debut, and at some point he even trended on the first spot across all social media platforms.His role as Romeo Medupe on the Hit show Scandal, has solidified his spot in the South African entertainment industry as one of the most talented actors; that Mzansi has ever produced. Hopefully the directors will be able to use him to his fullest capabilities.

How do you rate Hungwane Ndlovu’s performance yesterday… yay or nay?