Former Environmental Affairs Minister Nomvula Mokonyane has hit back at former Bosasa COO Angelo Agrizzi for what she says is his hatred of women.Mokonyane says Agrizzi’s utterances at the Zondo Commission degrade women.

She also says allegations that she took bribes are defamatory and insensitive.

“The submissions that lead to me being here, I find them extremely defamatory, I find them full of contradictions by someone who has had ample time given to him exclusively,” said Mokonyane.

Agrizzi claimed that Mokonyane received bribes of R50,000 a month. Mokonyane is testifying at the State Capture Inquiry.

The country’s five teacher unions were flabbergasted on Sunday night when deputy basic education minister Reginah Mhaule and a task team comprising five education MECs asked them for proposals on why schools should be closed.The unions had given basic education minister Angie Motshekga their three-page document on Saturday.

Mhaule informed the unions of the meeting at 8.45 on Sunday night.

The education MECs making up the task team included Kwazi Mshengu from KwaZulu-Natal, Panyaza Lesufi (Gauteng), Debbie Schafer (Western Cape), Wendy Matsemela (North West) and Polly Boshielo (Limpopo).

Ben Machipi, general secretary of the Professional Educators’ Union (PEU), said: “What shocked us is that the task team introduced by the deputy minister were asking for the consolidated proposals that we gave the minister on Saturday.“The minister gave them an instruction to come and ask for something she has in her hands.”

He said they were told the task team would examine consolidated proposals by the unions and then make recommendations to Motshekga, which she would table before the cabinet.

“The meeting was a waste of time,” Machipi saidIn their proposals to Motshekga, the unions said schools must be closed immediately and only reopen at the end of next month, once Covid-19 infections had peaked.

They proposed that matric pupils return on August 17 and that different mode of teaching be used to help them while they are at home should be prioritized.

Other grades should return at the end of August, subject to a review based on the situation regarding the spread of the coronavirus.

Motshekga met the unions last Friday after meeting governing body associations earlier last week.

According to Machipi, the task team was expected to meet them again later on Monday.

Gomora actress Ama Qamata‘s fans have filled her TL with well wishes after she announced that she had tested positive for Covid-19.The actress, who is also popular for her lead role on Netflix’s Blood and Water, made her results public through a video on Instagram Live, reassuring fans that she is only experiencing mild symptoms.“I just want to take this video to announce that I have tested positive for Covid-19. I feel fine, honestly I have very mild symptoms. The only thing I’m experiencing is just I can’t smell or taste anything. Other than that I feel fine.”Ama also used the opportunity to encourage people to follow the regulations put in place to help curb the spread of the virus. She asked people to stay at home as much as they can and to avoid going out unless it is absolutely necessary.

“I just have to tell everyone to stay indoors, if there’s no reason to leave your house, don’t. If you’re leaving your house make sure you guys sanitise, keep your distance, wear your mask and guys we’re gonna get through this. Like the saying goes: tough times never last, only tough people last, so we’ll be fine,” she said.

Her fans have been flooding her TL with messages of support.

Throughout her 17-year career in the local broadcasting industry, media personality Karabo Ntshweng has proven to be a formidable force. This vibrant and witty presenter kicked off her career on SABC 1’s popular youth television programme YOTV, which groomed her into the formidable host she is today. She recently made her weekday radio debut as the host of Early Mornings With Karabo on 5FM every morning between 4 am and 6 am.
Now, Karabo opens up and shares some tidbits about herself which many may not know about her.

1) Karabo’s Dream Dinner Date Would Include Some Influential People

Karabo admits that if she had the opportunity to host three people, dead or alive, for dinner, her mix would certainly be an interesting one. Her first guest would be author Toni Morrison. “My love for books was largely influenced by her writing so I would love to have some time with her and unpack her stories,” Karabo says. Karabo would also want to host Brenda Fassie and Elon Musk at the dinner. “Brenda would add that extra no-filter sass to the conversation and I’d pick Elon’s brain on his story and tips he’s learned. I am ready to be rich.”

2) Like Many Of Us, Karabo Has Had Some Embarrassing Moments

“Live TV is a beast. So many things can go wrong and you have to go on because you only have one shot in your delivery,” Karabo says. “I’ve had my braids literally start falling off while I was doing a live TV show before. I’ve also had a co-presenter faint live on air and I had to pick up the pieces – and did a really bad job at it.”

3) If Karabo Wasn’t In Media, She Would Have Been An Author

While Karabo loves sharing stories on radio and television, she has always been a fan of the written word and often thought of becoming an author when she was growing up. “I was one of those kids who changed what they wanted to be literally every day. But an author is one of them,” Karabo says. “Instead of playing outside with other children I’d be writing my own children’s books. Sometimes I wish I had carried on with that because I probably would have been a big-time author now.”4) Karabo Is Proud Of The Woman She Is Today

When asked what is her biggest achievement to date is, Karabo explains that she is proud of the woman she has become. “I have invested in myself heavily since I was young. Growing up as a ‘child star’ so many things can go wrong. You see this in Hollywood so often. I am grateful I have surrounded myself with people who ground me.”

5) Karabo’s Dream Gig Involves A Whole Lot Of Travel

While Karabo has dominated the local television and radio space, the star admits that her dream gig would be a travel show with a twist. “Imagine being paid to travel and experience different cultures for a living while documenting it! I studied anthropology so that would be there perfect marriage of my studies and my passion,” Karabo says. “I am absolutely fascinated by human behaviour and how our cultures and background influence how we navigate the world so presenting a show like this would be a dream come true.”

6) Nelson Mandela Has Left A Massive Impression On The father of our nation, Nelson Mandela, has left a massive impression on so many South Africans – including Karabo. In fact, meeting and interviewing him has been a moment that has continued to inspire her as the years go by. “I was so nonchalant about it when it happened, but as I grew older, I realised what a big deal that was,” Karabo explains. “It’s a career highlight for sure.”

7) These Three Cities Have Left A Mark On Karabo

As mentioned, the travel bug has certainly bitten Karabo. When asked about her favourite travel destination, Karabo admits that there are three cities which have left a massive impression on her. “I love Thailand for its island vibes and the friendly people, New York City because I’m a sucker for city living and that place is the ultimate city destination and Cape Town because I never ever get tired of how happy my heart is when I am there.”

8) Cooking Is Not Karabo’s Forte

While Karabo has an array of incredible skills, cooking, unfortunately, isn’t one of them. “I really hate cooking,” Karabo says. However, when she does host people, she has a secret weapon that never lets her down – the braai. “A braai always does the trick,” Karabo explains. “My guests always leave happy after a braai at my place.”

9) Her Dream Closet Has Loads Of SneakersWhen it comes to mapping out her dream closet, Karabo admits that she sees a sneaker library with an array of classic and limited-edition footwear. “My dream closet includes lots and lots of Nike sneakers and Adidas gear because that’s literally all I wear. In fact, I see myself owning Rainbow’s closet in the series Black-ish. They style her incredibly wel!”

10) The Reason Karabo Fell In Love With Radio

While she started her journey on TV, radio has crept its way into Karabo’s heart – and the passion she has for the medium shines brightly through her content. “My favourite thing about radio is realising how similar we all are and how many experiences we actually share,” Karabo explains. “We’re all different and extremely diverse (which is something I love about South Africa so much) but we really are the same in many ways. That’s the best thing about radio, you really get to know your audience.” She adds that radio allows her to really be one with her audience. “I think that while both TV and radio are the same in the sense that you have to be yourself, in TV you have to pay attention to what you are wearing and what you look like whereas with radio it’s a lot more intimate and requires so much more depth,” Karabo adds. “I think that’s what I love about it most. I can get to studio wearing my PJs without my eyebrows fleeking and purely just be Karabo.”

M-Net has shared exciting news for Beyoncé fans in Africa ahead of the premiere of her visual film Black Is King.The film will premiere globally on July 31 2020 and is based on the music of The Lion King: The Gift. It’s been described as “a celebratory memoir for the world on the black experience”.Filmed in various locations, the film’s cinematography captures beautiful people and landscapes across continents, starting in New York, then Los Angeles, South Africa, West Africa, London and BelgiumM-Net said it would share screening details for DsTV customers on Monday. The film will also be available in other African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia and Namibia, among others.The new trailer provides a glimpse of some of the special guests in the film. They include models Aweng Ade-Chuol and Adut Akech, supermodel Naomi Campbell, Tina Knowles-Lawson, author and Academy Award winning actor Lupita Nyong’o.