Manaka Ranaka had some words for the controversial Twitter user.
Image: Instagram/ Manaka Ranaka
Generations: The Legacy star Manaka Ranaka has slammed controversial Twitter user Tracy Zille’s claims that black Africans were apparently quick to abandon their own customs to adopt European traditions.

The account caused a Twitter storm this week when it posted several comments about the differences between black and white cultures.

In one post it questioned why black people spent so much money “to be like whites”, by wearing “white people’s hair” and throwing white weddings.

Manaka was one of several celebrities who responded to the post and, in an open letter to the account, claimed white people have been trying to replicate black African culture for the longest time.
DJ Sbu also weighed in on the tweets, claiming the account “is for the most part not lying”.

Actor Fana Mokoena also got into a debate with the account, urging it to use its energy to “return the land”.

“You might want to start telling white people to return the land they stole from black people. Do it with the same vigour you have for black criticism. So until the land is back, black people can do as they please with what you term ‘white culture’. Start with you own,” he said.
She also posted pictures to back up her claims.

Lydia Mokgokoloshi will appear less on ‘Skeem Saam’.
Image: Supplied/ SAFTAS
Veteran actress Lydia Mokgokoloshi is taking a break from acting after skyrocketing to fame with Skeem Saam.

The 80-year-old entertainer is renowned for her portrayal of matriarch Koko Mantsha since the soapie’s inception in 2011.

The show told Sowetan yesterday that while viewers will see less of her on screen, Mokgokoloshi is still part of the show on a recurring basis.

Last Friday, fans were left wondering if they would ever see her character after she moved away from Turfloop in Limpopo, where the storyline is predominantly based.

It was explained in the storyline that Koko was going to her home for some peace of mind and to spend quality time with her brother Josias (Mahuma Rapetsoa).

“She will still be in and out of the story. She just won’t be shooting as much as she used to,” said Skeem Saam spokesperson Sumaya Mogola. “Our shooting schedule gets really hectic at times and we don’t want to wear her out.

“She is at a very sensitive age so she needs as much rest, care and comfort as possible.”

Mogola clarified that the decision for Mokgokoloshi’s sabbatical was taken before the Covid-19 pandemic hit SA.

“The decision was made before lockdown, so I can’t really say that Covid-19 is the sole reason,” Mogola said.

Mokgokoloshi became a household name as the wicked Mma-Nkosheng in popular 1980s Pedi drama Bophelo ke Semphekgo.

Born in the small village of Botlokwa in Limpopo, she was a schoolteacher for more than 20 years in Soweto.

In her late 40s in 1984 she decided to pursue her acting passion.

In 2017 Mokgokoloshi was introduced as a “national treasure” as she received the honorary Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas).

She received the same special honour at Limpopo’s inaugural Film, Arts, Music and Entertainment (Fame) Awards in 2015.

“Thank you to all South Africans. You have loved me so much. I can’t even walk and wherever I walk they all want my photo,” she jokingly said after receiving a standing ovation from her industry peers at the Saftas.

“Thank you to [the] Skeem Saam crew and all those who are playing with me.

“I really feel honoured to be called granny and I feel so proud to be a granny, though sometimes I can be so cruel and injure you with a needle pin.

“If you came into my house without informing, remember you can be injured somehow.

“I’m so happy and honoured. I honour those who are writing the scripts, dressing us and the production companies.”

Mourners gathered at Grace Bible Church in Soweto on Thursday to pay tribute to late veteran actress Mary Twala.
Image: YouTube
“We did not see you close your eyes or hear your last faint sigh. We only heard you had gone, too late to say goodbye. Too late to hug you and let you know how much we love you.”

Those were the words shared by Zanele Twala at the emotionally-charged funeral of her older sister, veteran actress Mary Twala at Grace Bible Church in Soweto on Thursday.

Speaking at the start of the service, master of ceremonies Andile Ncube called the Covid-19 pandemic a “thief of love”, but said Mary’s contribution to the entertainment industry and the lives of those she touched would fill more than just the hall.

“The 50 people around you are not a reflection of the momentous giant we are gathered here to honour,” he said.

Covid-19 restrictions limited attendance at the funeral to strictly 50 people, with mourners sitting more than one metre away from each other in a large hall. The service was also limited to one hour.

Fans and friends, including some well-known celebrities who were not in attendance at the funeral because of the restrictions, sent messages.

Tributes from Kenneth Nkosi, Jerry Mofokeng, Rapulana Seiphemo, Connie Chiume, Presley Chweneyagae, were included in a short video played at the service.

Clement Maosa thanked his grandmother for her unconditional love.
Image: Gallo Images / Oupa Bopape
Skeem Saam actor Clement Maosa had all “bo ngwana koko” in their feels recently when he penned a heartfelt note thanking his grandmother for making him the man he is today.

Clement, who has previously opened up about losing his parents as a young boy, took to his Instagram to thank the woman who stepped in to play every role he needed to become a valuable member of society.

“When my parents left this world, my grandmother took my siblings and I in and with nothing but unconditional love we survived. I even graduated Bachelor of Laws at University of Limpopo because nothing could stop a willing and resilient spirit.

“I know most successful people who have been raised by their gogo and today they’ve built wealth from nothing,” Clement said.

The actor has used his platform to motivate young people since he got his fame as Kwaito from the popular SABC1 soapie. He explained that he penned the note to remind his followers that their parents and grandparents often have to sacrifice a great deal for their benefit.Clement said he wanted to remind them to always give these people the credit due to them.

“This is just to inspire an African child to never give up but also to appreciate our grandparents/parents who sacrifice a lot for us to get educated and have a brighter future. I now know no impossibility because I broke down so many barriers and defied the odds. I know and appreciate who I am and where I come from because where I’m going is inspired by where I am from.”

All the “grandma’s children” gathered in Clement’s mentions to express their gratitude to their own grannies and to the actor’s grandmother for what she has done for him.

“Your story is so inspiring, I salute you. I am a product of ugogo wami as well, the love and sacrifice is unmatched. Salute to your granny as well for raising you the way she did, look at you changing the world,” Brenda Mtambo said.

S/o to all the grannies whose unconditional love raised children who grow up to inspire people worldwide!