Category Archives: Celebrities

Ruda Landman: Redefining Retirement in South Africa

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Ruda Landman

Celebrated South African journalist Ruda Landman may have stepped away from the spotlight, but she’s proving that life after a high-profile career is far from slowing down. In a candid conversation on The Rocktirement Podcast series created by Circle Senior Living, Landman reveals how she’s defying the stereotypes of aging by embracing new challenges, giving back to young South Africans through her GRAD initiative, and maintaining her signature wit and wisdom. Her message? Age is just a number, and retirement is merely a new chapter in a life that’s still vibrant, dynamic, and full of purpose.

When asked about her time on Carte Blanche and some key lessons she learnt along the way that earned her success as a journalist and becoming a household name in South Africa, she revealed, “I’ve found I have a talent for listening—with my skin”. Known for her piercing interviews on Carte Blanche, her deep listening skills have always been her superpower, allowing her to connect with people in ways few others can. This same intuition has guided her into a new phase of life—where she continues to defy societal expectations around aging and retirement. “Don’t put me in a box just because I’m older. I’m still the same person I always was.”

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Zandélle Meyer Shines in Showmax’s “Wyfie” Season 2

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South Africans met Zandélle Meyer in her first TV role as Riekie in Binnelanders, before being cast in Suidooster, and later as Chandré in Trompoppie on Showmax. In addition, earlier this year she made her writing and directing debut at Silwerskerm with the short film O, Griet! Sy’s droog.

Now she’s back on Showmax in the groundbreaking university telenovela Wyfie, which won two Silwerskerm acting awards at the end of August, a MIP Africa Inclusive Lens award at the start of September, and was up for Best International Series at The Seoul International Drama Awards. At the National Film & TV Awards South Africa on 9 November 2024, Wyfie is nominated for another five awards: Best Scripted Series, Afrikaans Series, Newcomer (Mienke Ehlers, who won the category at Silwerskerm), Actress (Beáta Bena Green, also nominated at Silwerskerm), and Supporting Actress (Marguerite van Eeden, who won the category at Silwerskerm). 

Here’s a chat with Zandélle about her character, Jessie, who joined the Wyfie cast for Season 2. 

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Brasse Vannie Kaap: A Documentary Tribute to South African Hip Hop

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Showmax has released “Brasse Vannie Kaap”, a nostalgic feature documentary about the iconic, game-changing 1990s group, who helped to make hip hop South African. The music documentary started streaming on Showmax on Monday, 7 October 2024. 

In the documentary, the who’s who of the Afrikaans entertainment industry line up to pay tribute to Brasse Vannie Kaap’s undeniable impact, from David Isaacs and Oscar Petersen of Joe Barber fame to Karen Zoid, Kurt Darren, Francois van Coke and Valiant Swart.

“I started rapping in Afrikaans because of Brasse, and eventually rapping on stages in Afrikaans thanks to Brasse,” says Jack Parow. 

“I am a student of theirs; I am a product of what they made,” echoes YoungstaCPT, flagging how even his name echoes theirs. “I’m a Bra Vannie Kaap, you know. That kind of name, that kind of title, gives you hope and inspiration to not feel ashamed of where you come from, and not be ashamed to use your own language or your own slang. They give you the confidence to do it.” 

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Embeth Davidtz’s Debut Film: Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight

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In an exciting moment for South African film, it was announced that Embeth Davidtz has inked a deal with Sony Pictures Classics for worldwide distribution of her directorial debut, Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight, based on Alexandra Fuller’s memoir of the same name. Written, directed by and starring Davidtz (Schindler’s List, Matilda), the film features Lexi Venter, Zikhona Bali, Fumani N Shilubana, Rob Van Vuuren and Anina Hope Reed. The film was produced by Helena Spring, Paul Buys and Davidtz, in collaboration with Rose and Oaks Media and executive producers Anele Mdoda and Frankie Du Toit.

Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight received rave reviews at the recent Telluride and Toronto International Film Festivals, where Davidtz was praised for her extraordinary writing and directing debut and 8-year-old Venter was applauded for her incredible performance. The film was showcased at the Zurich Film Festival (3 – 13 October) in Switzerland.

Based on the memoir by Alexandra Fuller, Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight captures the childhood of 8-year-old Bobo on her family farm in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) at the end of the Zimbabwean War of Independence (1979/1980). Growing up in the midst of this long-running war, Bobo internalizes both sides of the struggle. Conflicted by her love for people on opposing sides, she tries to make sense of her life in a magical way. Through her eight-year-old eyes, the film takes audiences on a powerful journey through Rhodesia’s final days, exploring the family’s unbreakable bond with Africa, and the deep scars that the war left on survivors.

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DStv Content Creator Awards 2024: Celebrating Digital Talent

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The Third Annual DStv Content Creator Awards lit up Nelson Mandela Square on Saturday, 12 October, in a hugely memorable night celebrating the best in digital content. With a purpose-built venue that gave an intimate vibe to the star-studded event, the energy was electric as creators, fans, and industry leaders gathered for the big night.

Anele Mdoda owned the stage as MC, keeping the crowd laughing and engaged, while performances from Bontle Modiselle Dance Studio, Mandisi, Nina Hastie, Cassidy Nicholson, Lasizwe, Christall Kay and drag artists Manila von Teez and Ina Propriette added flair to the event.

Outside, the purple carpet buzzed with excitement as fans crowded round to catch a glimpse of their favourite creators strutting their stuff.

But it was the winners who stole the show! The night’s top honours went to the most creative and influential voices in the content game, with one lucky winner, Zoliswa Mahlobo, even walking away with a luxurious 5-night trip to Mauritius, courtesy of Flight Centre and Beachcomber Resorts and Hotels.

Sifo the Cooking Husband scooped two awards; the Foodie Award and the coveted DStv Creator of the Year Award.  Chris Rogers also won twice, taking home the Travel and Lifestyle Award and the Best Creator Campaign Content Award.  Colour Me Simphiwe won the Beauty Award and the new addition for 2024, the Spirit of Africa Award, Presented by Amarula Premium African Gin. 

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