Mzansi Life & Style showcases the best that South Africa has to offer in terms of entertainment, fashion, lifestyle, culture, cuisine, travel, beauty and celebrity news. Subscribe to my website by adding your email address in the "follow" button below.
This week I was invited to attend the 2025 Product of the Year Awards at the Galleria Events and Conference Centre in Johannesburg.
South African consumers have once again cast their votes in the country’s most comprehensive independent product survey. Product of the Year South Africa is proud to unveil the 32 winners of the 2025 Product of the Year Awards, showcasing the most innovative products and services across multiple sectors.
Spanning categories from personal care to finance, the winning products were chosen by a nationally representative survey of 2,000 South African consumers, conducted by global insights leader Kantar. Each winner earned its place based on real consumer opinions—evaluated for appeal, relevance, uniqueness, satisfaction, and innovation.
“As South African shoppers continue to tighten their belts and juggle daily expenses, the peace of mind that they are spending wisely on products that are recognised and endorsed by their fellow consumers is priceless,” says Edith Venter, General Manager of Product of the Year South Africa. “Whether it’s a reimagined heritage product or a brand-new entry to market, these products all share one thing: they connect with consumers in ways that matter. The Product of the Year seal is a mark of trust, backed by solid research and consumer endorsement.”
Global Olympic partner, and leading consumer electronics brand, TCL Electronics has unveiled its 2025 Mini LED TVs, incorporating HVA (High Vertical Alignment) panels and their own “All-domain Halo Control” technology to consumers in South Africa.
Recognised with three Global TOP 1 rankings – Ultra-large Screen TV Brand worldwide, Leading Mini LED TV Brand and No1 Google TV Brand globally – by the market research company Omdia, reaffirmed its commitment to delivering unbeatable performance, sophisticated design, and incredible value. However what truly sets TCL apart is that the full 2025 Mini LED range comes standard with HVA panel which can reach 178 degrees Viewing Angles, allowing the whole family to enjoy movies clearly from a wide range of positions.
I attended the launch last week. See highlights reel below:
Spanning up to an impressive 115 inches, making TCL the manufacturer with the largest screen in South Africa, the C6K, C7K, C8K, and P8 offering full range 144Hz refresh rate and cinematic viewing experience with next-generation QD-Mini LED technology.
Designed to deliver unbeatable performance and unbelievable value, the C6K lineup redefines home entertainment by combining next-gen display innovation, elegant aesthetics, and immersive sound. Featuring advanced QD-Mini LED technology with over 512 local dimming zones, high HDR brightness, and a wide colour gamut, it delivers ultra-vivid colours, sharp details, and superior contrast ensuring every scene is lifelike and cinematic.
C6K: Power of Mini LED, Elevated
This flagship performance is driven by TCL’s exclusive All Domain Halo Control Technology, which covers the entire light journey from generation to display. It integrates high-efficiency light-emitting chips, self-developed lens technology, super Micro-OD structure, precision light and shadow control algorithms, and TCL’s self-produced high-end CSOT HVA panels. This full-stack innovation dramatically reduces haloing, enhances black levels, and ensures image clarity from every angle
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By tackling common halo effects and improving light control at every step, TCL delivers unparalleled contrast, depth, and picture precision even in the brightest environments.
Key Features of the TCL C6K
QLED Technology Next-gen colourful quantum crystal material achieving a wide colour gamut for longer-lasting, vibrant visuals.
144Hz Native Refresh Rate Ultra-smooth, fluid motion for gaming, sports, and fast-action scenes.
ONKYO 2.1 Hi-Fi Sound Immersive cinematic audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X support.
Ultra-Slim Design Sleek profile with magnetic seamless wall-mounting and ≤ 60mm thickness for a refined aesthetic.
HVA Screen (85” / 98” Matte Display) Anti-glare, reflection-free screen for uninterrupted viewing in bright spaces.
178 degree Viewing Angle – you can see the image clearly from a wide range of positions.
High Contrast HVA Panels (75″ and below) Up to 7000:1 native contrast ratio and ultra-wide viewing angles for deeper blacks and richer details.
P8: Big Screen Brilliance Meets Everyday Excellence
The TCL P8 model brings cutting-edge display technology to a broader audience, combining incredible picture quality with smart, user-friendly features. Featuring stunning 4K UHD resolution and TCL’s AiPQ 3.0 processor, the P8 ensures vivid colours, crisp details, and smoother motion for all your favourite entertainment.
Compared to the C6K, the, TCL C7K steps up with additional brightness and more precise lighting control. While the C8K comes equipped with audio by Danish luxury audio brand, Bang & Olufsen in the 50″–98″ models, providing a rich, cinematic soundstage that enhances everything from blockbuster movies to high-intensity gaming.
TCL also offers a variety of smart home capabilities, primarily through its Google TV platform and various connected devices including air conditioners, all designed to work together and be managed through the TCL Home App. The new FreshIN 3.0 series aircons, equipped with an A+++ energy rating, while achieving up to 36 percent energy saving is a favourite for the cold winter nights and hot African summers.
“At TCL, we are passionate about driving innovation that transforms everyday experiences, and we’re proud to be the first to introduce All Domain Halo Control Technology to South Africa with our new range,” says Mike Chen, General Manager of TCL South Africa. “South African consumers have shown incredible enthusiasm for TCL’s innovations, and the launch of the C6K series is another step in delivering premium technology, immersive entertainment, and unbeatable value to homes across the country.”
The launch of the full range of QD Mini-LED series is yet another milestone in TCL’s mission to transform the home entertainment landscape, offering South Africans an unrivalled combination of performance, design, and value.
TCL’s exciting new2025 lineup is now available across South Africa at a special launch promotional rate.
C6K Series Promotional Pricing:
55” C6K – R9,999
65” C6K – R13,999 (includes a free S643W 3.1Ch Soundbar)*
75” C6K – R19,999 (includes a free S643W 3.1Ch Soundbar)*
8TCL Electronics (1070.HK) is a leading consumer electronics brand and leader in the global television industry. TCL now operates in more than 160 markets around the world. The company specialises in the research, development, and manufacturing of consumer electronics products ranging from TVs, audio, home appliances, mobile devices, smart glasses, commercial displays, and more. Visit the TCL website at https://www.tcl.com.
Say “May the 4th Be With You” out loud and you’ll hear the pun that Star Wars fans worldwide have turned into a rallying cry to proclaim their love of the saga.
This Sunday – 4 May – is the day to say “May the Force be with you” to all and celebrate the beloved Star Wars story that binds our galaxy together. From dressing up as their favourite characters, reliving the classic film moments by holding Star Wars movie marathons, holding Star Wars-themed parties (complete with blue milk and Death Star Popcorn Balls, Wookie Cookies and more) – the only limit is a fans imagination that stretches a galaxy (far, far away)!
To celebrate with fans, Disney has prepared an out-of-this-world array of special programming and exciting retail products that offer the perfect way to celebrate the Star Wars universe – there is something for everyone.
Get ready to live your most fabulous, fearless, and flirtatiously feminine life because Viva La Juicy has officially landed in South Africa with its Core Four fragrance collection — and she’s dripping in glam, sparkle, and attitude.
Allow us to introduce you to the Juicy Girl: Extra. OTT. Extravagantly glam… and extravagantly glam in pink was the theme for the launch event, that took place last week at the posh Polo Room in Inanda,Johannesburg.
See a collection of the launch photos below:
DISCOVER THE VIVA LA JUICY CORE FOUR COLLECTION
Now presenting the Core Four — four cult-favourite fragrances, four ultra-feminine expressions, all unapologetically giving the #JuicyLife.
Viva La Juicy
An amber floral gourmand that blends bright mandarin and wild berries with a heart of honeysuckle, gardenia, and jasmine. It dries down to a sensual base of caramel, vanilla, praline, amber, and sandalwood.
Viva La Juicy Gold Couture
A rich, decadent true amber gourmand that indulges the senses with luscious wild berries, jasmine sambac, vanilla cream, and a melt-in-your-skin finish of golden amber, praline, caramel, and sandalwood.
The Good Life Show will take place in Cape Town from 30 May to 1 June at Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) and in Johannesburg from 1 – 3 August at the Kyalami International Convention Centre. This event promises to be an exceptional gathering showcasing some of the most innovative and forward-thinking companies in the food, drink, health, wellness, and conscious living industries. One of the standout features this year will be the appearance of the renowned British Michelin-starred celebrity chef, Jameson Stocks. Celebrated for his commitment to sustainability, culinary innovations and gastronomic excellence, he will join a distinguished line up of local and international chefs to showcase his culinary skills to attendees in the Woolworths Good Life Kitchen.
Photo Credit: Tegan Smith Photography
Renowned for his creative cooking flair and approach to mindful eating, Jameson quickly established himself as one of the brightest culinary talents in the world. While he blends traditional techniques with modern flavours, his cuisine is a celebration of locally sourced, organic ingredients. Beyond his technical expertise in the kitchen, Jameson’s engaging personality and passion for living well has made him a favourite among food enthusiasts and television viewers alike. He is a beloved TV personality, known for his approachable, down-to-earth style and an innate ability to inspire audiences with his passion for food.
Jameson’s personal journey is also inspiring. Born into a challenging environment, he overcame significant obstacles, including homelessness. His rise from hardship to success is a testament to his resilience; from sleeping rough on the streets of London to cooking for global celebrities like Tom Hanks, Samuel L. Jackson, and Lady Gaga. His mentorship under renowned chefs like Marco Pierre White shaped him into the world-class chef he is today, and at just 24, he was honoured with The National Restaurant of the Year award, setting the stage for his impressive rise in the culinary world. Along with his culinary achievements, Jameson is an advocate for mental health awareness and environmental sustainability. As a single father of two, including a son diagnosed with autism, he is committed to promoting resilience and well-being for families. His focus on using food as a source of connection and healing extends beyond the plate, making him a powerful voice in both the culinary world and broader social issues.
Jameson is also about to open his first restaurant in South Africa, located in Cape Town, in mid-2025. Known for his ability to blend fine dining with street food flavours, his restaurant will offer an innovative, locally inspired menu that focuses on sustainable, organic ingredients. Visitors to the Good Life Show will be the first people in South Africa to have a sneak peek into this man’s extraordinary charisma and to sample his amazing food.
At the Good Life Show, Jameson will showcase his culinary excellence with dishes that are both beautiful and eco-friendly. His participation aims to educate others on how food can promote personal wellness and global sustainability.
Internationally acclaimed gourmet raw food pioneer, Dr. Aris LaTham, dubbed the “father of gourmet ethical raw foods cuisine in the US,” is another of the star attractions coming to The Good Life Show. Watch here.
Now in its 5th year, SA’s best food, drink and conscious living event and largest event of its kind in Southern Africa is back with even more exciting high quality and innovative products, experiences and surprising content. Whether you are sourcing delicious and exciting food and beverages, new wellness products, or discovering eco-friendly and conscious living ideas, The Good Life Show has something for everyone. Join us for the most unique culinary, health, wellness, and sustainability event of the year!
Mzansi Life & Style by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem 