The kingdom of Mapungubwe

Always say less than necessary😫. Be in peace. Inhale the good, exhale the bad. Oh Lord be with us, give us strength, sustain us. Finding you and loving you oh what joy. You are peace, we all long for. We seek you, please help us to be silent to the voice of our own reasoning and remain awakened in yours.

 An empire, many have come and many have gone. The soil has an appetite to you know. There's a saying that some say when a person is departed " mhlaba awu sutsi". Look at Egypt, look at The Kindgdom of Mapungubwe was a pre-colonial state in Southern Africa.**  You can build it from the ground up, if you want to. It's not easy.

 Don't just whisper it, remain silent and do it. Okay so work with what you have? We all have the basics, we have life and breathe. Write it on paper, sing it out,paint it on some canvass, photograph it, document it, build it, sculpt it, breed it, give back to it hey do every thing you see doing to it happen.

The way a person wants to travel though. It's a good thing to go see other countries and people, opens up ones mind more. Sooo embarrassed to say I have a passport but I've never used it. Ok enough, pics will follow.

** to learn more about the kingdom of Mapungubwe please go to the internet.

Picture of the day.

This picture is one of my favourites. 

We love everything about it. It was requested a month ago and has been on file. We thought today was the perfect time to unveil it. 

   Chef: Mpho Thabang Mokoena

Mpho means gift in seSotho and that is exactly what he is to the culinary world. We fell in love with his creative and beautifully crafted dishes on Instagram. His friends are part of his lucky guinea pigs who he tests some of his mouth watering dishes on. He is strongly recommended.We caught up with the gift to foodies and this is what he had to say.

"If you are a chef, no matter how good a chef you are, it's not good cooking for yourself; the joy is in cooking for others - it's the same with music."-will.i.am

What made you pursue this profession:
It’s always been a monkey on my shoulders. I pursued rugby and hospitality managements as a career but being a chef took over.. putting colour and flavours is an art form for me.

What do you enjoy most about cooking:

 Learning new ways to deliver and presents ingredients.

The best restaurant or kitchen you've worked at:
JW Marriott London UK. It has almost 4/5 kitchens all with different themes and duties i learnt a lot the resturant.

Tell me about your family:

My family is my rock, chief tasters for my food..but most importantly my cheerleaders in life.

Where did you grow up:
Nelspruit,Mpumalanga.

 The places you have been to:
Been all over SA, would still like to try Heading all over Africa. But if there’s a place to fish, hike and beautiful scenery I’m there.

One of your many fondest memories:
Being Dad for the first time.. I remember thinking.. that’s the best dish I’ve created.

What is your daily routine like:
Wake up, feed my pitt bulls,check my emails.. meet potential clients end the day with exercise.. my day is never the same but those are items that are always on...If there’s is no meeting I try new recipes ,product or techniques.

Your 5 favourite dishes :
I don’t have a favorite dish to be honest I enjoy everything and anything. I enjoy trying new things

How can people get you to cook for them at their events and in the comfort of their homes:
They can email or call me at Mokoena@gmail..com or 0606962717.

Your insta handle is where we first fell in love with your food. Where can our viewers go to follow you:
@chefMokoena

Where are you cooking now:
I am a Private chef.

Mmmh interesting sounds yummy, what does a private chef do:
It means I'm not cooking at a specific restaurant or place. I get calls from clients who book me for my services. I cook for clients, at their private residence or locations of choice.

What do you have to study to become a chef:
Culinary Arts..Food and Beverage.. any culinary diploma. Your stripes are earned in the kitchen though. You move up the ranks based on your ability and your contribution to the line not the power of your diploma.

Where did you study:
MRTT And TUT Mbombela, Mpumalanga.

Thank you for your time:
It's only a pleasure.

Ladies and gentlemen please stay tuned for more on Chef Mokoena, as we will be continuing with him on this journey of growth and rise from stride to stride. 

Boy bye

Premarital counselling.

Premarital Counseling & 7 Reasons Why You Should Do It

Marriage Counseling Racheal Tasker

Premarital Counseling: Premarital Counseling and 7 Reasons Why You Should Do It

Given the staggering divorce rates, one of the best things you can do to help save your marriage before it begins is premarital counseling. Couples that are involved in a specific church or those that want to be married within the walls of a church are often required by the minister or pastor to receive counseling before he or she agrees to officiate the ceremony. Those couples that are not religious may miss out on this procedure simply because it is not required. According to Psychology Today, studies suggest that couples that choose to receive counseling have lower divorce rates than those that do not. This guide will provide you with seven reasons why you should consider some form of counseling.

1) Face Issues

Couples who attend premarital counseling have the opportunity to discuss issues that most couples argue about and most often lead to divorce or separation. Marriage counseling can help you address hot issues before they arise and assist you in discovering what the other person believes about the issue so that you may come to an agreement before you walk down the aisle. For example, you may discuss under what religion you will raise your future children or talk about what you will do if in-laws try to interfere. Having a plan of action on how you will handle serious issues can help you prevent altercations later. In counseling, you will also address the main issues that are currently affecting your relationship. Little problems can turn into major arguments if they are given a chance to fester. Counseling can help you work through any negative feelings before they turn into something bigger.

2) Counselor Wisdom

Oftentimes, it helps having someone to talk to that has already been through the issues you will be facing. A great marriage counselor that has been married can provide you with experience that can only come from being married and living with another person. It also helps to talk to someone who may have felt some of the same feelings about family and relationships. Someone older and wiser can also clue you in on the qualities that make another person a good match for you. This will give you something to consider before deciding to take that big step. You don’t have to follow someone’s advice and call off the wedding because the bride or groom likes to do things you don’t agree with, but it does help to listen to someone who can give you insight on problems that may arise.

3) All Marriages Benefit

Everyone knows that one couple that seems to have it all together. These two people love to spend time together and always seem to be happy regardless of what they are doing. In spite of outward appearances, even that couple has had an argument at one time or another and possibly contemplated breaking up. All couples can benefit from premarital counseling, even the ones that seem perfect on the outside. In reality, the perfect couples are probably the ones that have sought help from outside parties or modeled their behavior toward one another from others who have been in successful relationships. No marriage will ever be perfect or problem-free, but premarital counseling can help you work through your difficulties and learn to keep your love alive even through adversities. Essentially, with counseling you will learn how to compromise and work with the other person to ensure happiness and longevity.

4) Effective Communication

One of the most important aspects of any marriage is effective communication. When a couple stops caring and stops talking to one another, the marriage will eventually fall apart. Counseling can help you learn how to be a good listener, so you know what the other person wants and needs. When you live with someone day after day, it’s easy to take each other for granted, but by keeping an open line of communication and expressing love, you build a relationship that can withstand the test of time. One-on-one therapy helps couples learn to talk to one another and express feelings in a way that will not damage the relationship. You learn to hold your tongue when it’s appropriate and how to speak with honesty. It’s a good idea to sit with one another and discuss what you want to achieve during the meetings, which is your first step toward effective communication.

Related Article: 6 Amazing Couples Therapy Exercises for Improving Communication

5) Review Finances

Many individuals enter into marriage in debt because they financed a wedding that they really couldn’t afford. Counseling can help you create a budget, find out about the credit of the person you will marry, and discover any loans and outstanding balances the person may have. Ongoing financial problems can destroy even the healthiest of relationships, so it helps to sit down with a marital counselor and draw up a plan of action for how you handle your bank accounts and how you will handle paying for your responsibilities. You should already know ahead of time the major issue of paying for the wedding and whose responsibility it will be. If you do not have relatives that intend to cover the cost, it’s wise to plan the wedding well within your means so you won’t argue about the cost later. Learning about your spouse’s spending habits before you say I do can help you avoid arguments about money in the future.

6) Discover Something New

Premarital therapy sessions will give you the opportunity to discuss things that do not come up in normal conversations, such as hurtful past experiences, sex, and expectations. Too often, we think we know our spouse well, but we may not learn of past abuse or how the person expects the marriage to be. The relationship your spouse has with your in-laws will usually reflect on how your children will be disciplined and treated, so pay attention to other relationships and if the person suffered from abuse as a child or young adult, it’s a good idea to seek individual therapy to resolve any underlying issues.

7) Divorce Prevention

One of the most important reasons to seek premarital counseling is to prevent divorce. Studies show that couples that attend counseling sessions are 30 percent less likely to entertain the notion than those who do not. This lowers your risk of divorce to around 20 percent, which is why many churches and religious leaders encourage counseling for couples. Premarital counseling will help increase your likelihood for happiness because you will identify your fears, values, beliefs, needs, and desires and learn how to communicate them to your partner. Many couples cite the reasons for divorce as infidelity or financial issues when in reality the major cause of a marriage breakdown is lack of communication. Premarital counseling will help empower you with the tools you need to build trust for one another and the techniques you can adopt to support one another. Counseling will also help ensure an 80 percent success rate, which can give you an advantage over those who decide to go into marriage without help. With these statistics, it’s hard to see why someone would choose not to seek counseling before deciding to take that big step.

Learn more on how to avoid divorce in our Marriage Counseling Guide.

Racheal Tasker

Writer

Becoming an Attorney ain't easy. Here are 10 steps

10 steps to becoming an attorney in South Africa

Provided By

By Yoni Balkind

19 Mar 2011

This article teaches aspiring attorneys the basic steps to becoming an attorney in South Africa. Many law students drift through university and are surprised when the degree comes to its end and all the other students seem to be landing high paying jobs. The difference between the students that get snapped up and those that get left behind often comes down to preparation. Unless you know your career path you are not even in the race.

1. STUDYING TO BECOME AN ATTORNEY – LLB

Once you have decided that law is for you (If you are unsure read “Is law for you?“) then you need to enroll for an LLB degree which takes 4 to 5 years. If you aspire to become an attorney at one of the prestigious law firms, you will need to apply yourself from day 1 because marks count in the competitive world of law.

2. VACATION WORK

Vacation work and shadow work should be sought as early as possible. Most of the larger firms however only offer vacation work to students in their second last year of your LLB. These jobs usually last for a week or two during the July or December holiday. Most of the top firms offer vacation work. It is a great opportunity to experience a professional law environment and to network with existing attorneys. It also looks good on your CV and the contacts you make may well help you secure articles later on.

3. ARTICLES OF CLERKSHIP (“LAW ARTICLES”)

In order to be admitted as an attorney you have to complete two years of law articles. During that time you will work in a law firm as a “candidate attorney” under the guidance of an attorney. Go legal has a publishers’ directory which lists several law firms in which one can do their articles.

4. CV AND COVER LETTER

Your CV and cover letter will be doing your talking for you for the duration of your search for vacation work and articles. It is worth putting some time into them and giving them that extra attention. A good CV cannot compensate for a bad academic record, but a good academic record cannot compensate for a poorly worded and badly presented CV. Keep it professional and to the point. Avoid extravagant language and do not try sound overly academic. If English is not your first language then get someone to check it for you.

5. INTERVIEW SKILLS

Interviews need not be as difficult as they are made out to be. A few simple guidelines can take you a long way:

• Dress well. Not to flashy but wear a clean well fitted suit.
• Show the firm that you are responsible. Emphasize your position as the head of the debating/chess/library club. It can be in your favour to come across as conservative because this indicates that you are focused and career orientated. Law firms like this.
• Most importantly, be ambitious. A candidate who seems eager to start working and adding value to the firm is hard to resist. Tell them why you want to be a lawyer; money, prestige, stability, power. Better to seem too greedy than meek or idealistic.

6. WHAT IF YOU DO NOT FIND ARTICLES

Do not despair, there are a number of options open to you. Keep regular tabs on our Job board section in which law firms may list their vacancies for law articles. Review your CV and interview techniques and continue to apply to as many firms as you need to (https://www.golegal.co.za/careers/). Also look at our events calendar for the opening and closing dates of the various firms for applications to do articles.

You might also consider applying for articles at the public prosecutor or at a legal clinic. Although not considered as prestigious as working for a law firm, the experience might be better, and the environment could prove more interesting and enjoyable. You also have the option of beginning your practical legal training (see our discussion on PLT below). This will buy you time and keep you busy while you are searching for law articles. Another option is to join the Bar and become an advocate, or applying for a job at a bank, insurance company or some other institution that recruits junior legal consultants. There is nothing to stop you from applying for articles while working at another job.

Finally, you can continue to study thereby giving yourself more career options. Apart from doing an honours subject in a legal field of your choice, business diploma’s such as a PDM tend to work well with LLB degrees. Having an additional degree or diploma will not only make you more attractive to law firms, but it will give you work options outside of the traditional attorney career path.

7. DOING YOUR TIME

When you commence your articles it is important to register your contract with the relevant law society within 2 months of starting, otherwise you will not be registered as candidate attorney and your time spent working will not be recognized by the court when you apply to be admitted as an attorney. DO NOT RELY ON YOUR PRINCIPLE to register your articles in time even though it is his or her duty. Phone the law society of the province you work in and find out exactly what needs to be done to register your articles. Generally the process involves sending your employment contract to the law society together with a registration fee and a cover letter. Do this as early as possible.

The most important relationship you will have in the next two years, is the one between you and your principle, so work at it. Open good channels of communication and learn to set boundaries so that you do not get taken advantage of. Keep in touch with your friends from law school who are doing articles, you will need each other for advice and moral support. And finally, be prepared to work really hard.

8. PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING (PLT)

PLT is a compulsory course in practical legal training that every prospective attorney has to complete before they can be admitted as an attorney. The course aims to teach you vital practical legal skills and to prepare you for board exams. Some of the big firms provide an “in-house” PLT course. For everyone else, you have to contact your relevant law society. They will provide you with information about where and when the course can be completed. You have a choice whether to do the long course which is 5 months full time or the condensed course which is approximately 5 weeks full time or 5 months part time (2 evening per week or 1 full day per week).

If you do the full time 5 month course you are entitled to reduce your articles by 1 year. This option is becoming increasingly popular but be advised that many law firms are reluctant to employ a candidate attorney for only 1 year. Nevertheless it is an option worth considering if the thought of 2 years of articles gives you cold shivers.

9. ATTORNEYS’ ADMISSION EXAMINATION

After your PLT course it is time to face your Attorneys’ Admission Examination. Attorneys’ Admission Examinations are usually written every February and August. There are 4 exams and you can choose which ones you want to write and when. For example, you might choose to write 2 exams in August of you first year of articles and the next two in February of your second year. Some people prefer to write all 4 at once. It is entirely up to you and there is no one way that we recommend over any other. People who do not have a background in accounts tend to find the bookkeeping and the wills and estates exams especially difficult. There are independent lecturers who offer extra lessons in these subjects and if the teacher is reputable then we recommend that you sign up.

10. GET ADMITTED AS AN ATTORNEY

Once you have completed articles and passed all your board exams you are entitled to apply to court to get admitted as an attorney. This process requires you to launch an actual high court application. A notice of motion together with an affidavit has to be issued in court, and an advocate has to be briefed to move the application on the given date. Your law firm should take care of this whole procedure for you but we recommend that you play an active role in ensuring that your principle completes this process correctly and timeously.

Now you have to ask yourself 

Verse of the day

Opening your eyes every morning is a blessing. Lately it is accompanied by a lot of anxiety.

meditate on the good things, cast fear out of your heart,It will imprison yourself from yourself. 

Thank God for amother opportunity to right my wrongs and be a better person than I was yesterday. Imperfection is not easy. You are constantly at odds with judging and prescribing to others because you yourself fall short. 

I fall so short it's humbling. Over the years it has become the invisible tape over my mouth. 

One dreams of going on a pilgrimage. One envisions a temple of praise and silence. A place where one is so still, they can hear the voice of God.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

—Ephesians 6:12

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The battle we face is not a physical one. Instead, it is a spiritual battle with powers that we do not easily see and which are very powerful. We shouldn't dismiss this as an imaginary battle or as an irrelevant struggle. Just as clearly as Satan was crouching at Cain's door, desiring to have him, so he crouches at our door (Genesis 4:7). He will use his forces of evil to do all he can to defeat, destroy, or corrupt us. We must take this war seriously and recognize the spiritual power of our foe.

My Prayer...

Father, forgive me for the times I have not taken the threat of evil seriously. Give me a holy revulsion for anything that is tied to what is unholy and opposed to your work and will. Let me not be deceived by temptation and deliver me from the power of the evil one in all of his forms. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.

Our Perfect Wedding

"When you let your own light shine, you unconsciously give others permission to do the same"

 So this is Mr. Mfundo Vincent Nyambi the owner and founder of the ARK entertainment in Mbombela, Mpumalanga.

 He was on his way to his friends fabulous wedding that took place today. Is it just me or is everyone getting married oh my soul!

 Congratulations are in order for the newly weds, may God protect your union and enlarge their territory. Love is a beautiful thing! Sharing it with those you love is all the much more special .

 Pictures speak a thousand words. One can capture with a single shot and others interpret with a single glance.

 Mr. Nyambi is a pioneer in his own right. The King of Mpumalanga, is on the rise. With so much vision and a very gentle heart, it is a pleasure to watch this young man, pursue  his dreams relentlessly.

 We are in love with passion that exudes in these pictures and his sense of dress and style. Listen up, there is something about this young man that screams " black man it is possible all you have to do is believe" . Watching this young icon grow from strength to strength is truly inspiring!

Ok so keep on the look out for this South African Hip Hop award winner. We love everything about him. Looking dapper and fresh to def, he is a reminder of the hustlers mantra " wake up, dress up and show up"

 Congratulations to the newly weds once again. “Being in a long marriage is a little bit like that nice cup of coffee every morning – I might have it every day, but I still enjoy it.”

Mr. Nyambi the stage is yours. Thank you for the pictures, they are Bomb just like you and your production house.
For recordings, photography, graphic design and every thing entertainment and media related please do not hesitate to call our MVP at  072 751 3092.

Next time you are in Mbombela and hungry.

Service with a smile always. Bongani and Sthabile cater to your every need, with such warmth. So if you are around Mbombela CBD, Mpumalanga and you are hungry, please head on over to them. 

 Their prices are affordable, portions are filling and they are clean. She washes the pot the same way my gran did, with sunlight and steel wool. The pots are so shiny you can see yourself.

 They sell half plates at R40 and full plates at R50 both perfect for sharing. Their food comes with some vegetables and their house Peri-peri which is just too bomb.

 Decided to take my little sister out and introduce her to something new. We need to support our own damnit. They are cooking a damn thing.

Listen, they sell:
Inhloko
Mathumbu
Kwere-kwere
Amongst other things.

So anyway they are situated next to Cash Build the one by the taxi rank.  They work from a Wendy lane wooden house.

Thank me later.

Natural woman now playing part 1

                                         "  A natural woman.."

I am a bit of a fundamentalist when it comes to black women’s hair. Hair is hair – yet also about larger questions: self-acceptance, insecurity and what the world tells you is beautiful. For many black women, the idea of wearing their hair naturally is unbearable.” – Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche 

 Siphokazi Gladile honey yaaasssaaa must be that African butter mo'gel. Love this honey of mine.

Congratulations are in order, a new mother to a handsome son of the soil. Good luck mami, do us proud. Raise him to be a king.

That hair looks too good. Oh my soul can you say hair goals!!! Yaaasssa nice strong uhm and those edges are alive and healthy , they have their own life. Lovve it, keep us posted honey we are with you in this journey. Aluta continua!

note to self.

Excuses, excuses. Scary ass shit. Said some model C girl once. Procrastination. Not making it on time, why? Always look back and wish you can do it again, differently. Time is an illusion, abided to by some and expected of all. What does the Bible says about time? Note to self, find out.

What is the rush and what is the significance. As we daze into im'nyaka ihambile. In the midst of youth, it was guided and kept. A silent cry of a wolf will not make a sound. Contracts things in writing. That awkward moment when you have not done what you agreed on, or you've done what you agreed on but it's nowhere to be found.

Verse of the day

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.

—Psalm 34:17

Mu-Mu takes off.

"There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty."

 Phumelele Ngwenya is a beautiful mother of two children, a girl and a boy. She comes from Meadowlands, Soweto in the Gauteng Province. One of the most hard working and driven single mothers I know.

 She works at DSTV call centre
and has been with them for the past 5 years. At 34 she still wants to do more and fulfil her life long passion and soar.

 In these pictures she was attending some employee awards held at her workplace. She tells me she has lost count of how many stars she's come across in the passages, the likes of Shaka, Pearl Thusi,Mafikizolo,Somizi
The list goes on.

 Mumu as she's known by those close to her, has a great sense of style. She knows how to dress for her body. We love the pants and the gypsy cropped top. Paired with the funky and stylish Bob cut. In America it's pixie cut, lana e kasi i Bob cut. This cut and style is everything.

 Don't we just love the open toe square heel? On this look and just generally. Finished off with those square glasses, it just completes the look.

 Take note Curvy women the way the pants sit on her body. The lines are vertical and draw your eyes up and give you length. The pants are perfect for any figured woman really. Don't the background make you wish you worked at DSTV? Mumu says although working at a call centre can be strenuous at times, she enjoys her job and the outings at work are amazing!

On the night she walked away with a Trophy and explora decoder. Face beat, love the make up, it looks natural and subtle. God be with you, may you fly.