Her Throne Africa

Dr Keitumetse Masisi is a Research Scientist and Lecturer in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Botswana (UB), teaching BSC Cytotechnology and Histotechnology and mentoring masters degree students. The affable Bokaa-born academic began her illustrious career in 2007 in the Ministry of Health, Tsabong Primary Hospital, as a Medical laboratory Scientist, handling specimen such as human blood and urine for the purposes of diagnosis and monitoring of diseases.  Driven by a desire to make a difference, five years later, Dr KT, as she is fondly known at the institution, embarked on a 1-year Bachelor of Sciences programme in MLS at the UB in 2010 before she joined the institution as Staff Development Fellow and pursued an MSC in Cellular Pathology and Molecular Biology from 2014 to 2015 at the University of the West of England (UWE), United Kingdom. In this interview, the married mother-of-two, who was recently awarded the highest level of academic achievement, a Doct...

Moments before an orchestra performs, when silence falls over the audience and the baton is raised, the conductor expects every fibre of each musician to be channelled towards playing their instrument as impeccably as possible.  During the performance, the conductor is a channel, drawing out the best from the musicians, funnelling their collective effort into presenting a unified sound to the audience. Ofentse Pitse — the first black female conductor to own an orchestra — has a complex task. She frequently conducts Western classical instrument players performing contemporary South African musical repertoires, but has other plans.  "I want to be a conductor rooted in Africa that highlights African orchestrations and music," Pitse says between rehearsals for her latest orchestral project. On stage, Pitse uses a combination of conventional conducting techniques which she's learnt from various mentors, including Dutch conductor Gerben Grooten. The signs and gestures s...

Naomi Osaka has candidly admitted her difficulties in coping with losses as she reflects on her recent performances, calling 2024 a "learning year" following her exit from the US Open. The four-time Grand Slam champion returned to the court this year after a maternity leave, welcoming her daughter, Shai, last year. However, the transition back to professional tennis has proven challenging. Osaka faced a first-round exit at the Australian Open and was ousted in the second round at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. While she showcased some promise with a straight-sets victory over 10th seed Jelena Ostapenko at the US Open, her journey came to an abrupt halt against Karolina Muchova, who defeated her 6-3, 7-6 (5) in the second round. Reflecting on her latest loss, Osaka expressed her emotional turmoil: "It's a little rough because I do take these losses really personally. It's like a dramatic word, but I feel like my heart dies every time I lose." Her openness ...

The ANC Women's League (ANCWL) has expressed outrage at the brutal murders of two women in Limpopo, calling the incident "the worst form of gender-based violence."  The victims, a 45-year-old South African woman and a 35-year-old foreign national, were allegedly shot and thrown into a pigsty on a farm in Sebayeng, outside Mankweng. The alleged perpetrators, farmer Zachariah Olivier (60) and his two employees, Adriaan de Wet (19) and William Musoro (45), have been arrested and are facing multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm.  "We cannot begin to comprehend the pain and suffering that the families are enduring," said the ANCWL in a statement. "This incident underscores the urgent need for decisive action to curb violence against women and to ensure that perpetrators of such heinous acts are brought to justice swiftly and without leniency." The league emphasized the need to address the deep-rooted m...

A video of taxi drivers in Durban's uMtshezi rank dressed as women in honor of Women's Month has taken the internet by storm, eliciting laughter and applause for their unconventional tribute.  TikTok user @mnqobiii_ captured the scene:  a group of men sporting colorful traditional dresses, wigs, and even a touch of lipstick. The video quickly gained traction, showcasing the drivers' unique and lighthearted way of celebrating South Africa's Women's Month. August is a significant period in South Africa, dedicated to commemorating the strength of women and raising awareness about the ongoing issue of gender-based violence.  It marks the anniversary of the historic 1956 Women's March to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where thousands of women protested against discriminatory pass laws. The video resonated with viewers across social media platforms, who praised the drivers for their humorous yet impactful gesture.  Many expressed delight at the sight of men embracin...

Social media has become the gold rush of the digital age. Content creators, entrepreneurs, and even everyday individuals are building successful careers and lifestyles by sharing their lives online. The ease of access, global reach, and potential for monetization make social media a powerful tool for building a brand and generating income. However, the allure of this digital landscape comes with a dark side. Sharing too much of your life on social media, whether for personal or professional gain, can have detrimental consequences. One of the most significant risks is identity theft. With your information readily available, cybercriminals can easily steal your personal details, impersonate you, and commit fraud. According to Keeper Security, "A person's social media profile can share personal details which can help cyber criminals steal their identity." The constant exposure also makes individuals vulnerable to cyber harassment. This can range from online bullying to more ...

For many South African families, the joy of welcoming a new life is accompanied by the financial realities of parenthood. The cost of raising a child from birth to 18 years can easily exceed R1.6 million, placing a significant burden on middle-income households. Planning and budgeting are crucial to managing these expenses, and the journey begins even before the baby arrives. Antenatal visits, essential baby items, and the cost of childbirth itself contribute to a significant initial outlay.  Recent mothers, Kay Maharaj and Rachel K., share their experiences: "Our private GP visits alone reached R3,500, while antenatal classes and pregnancy essentials cost an additional R2,300," said Maharaj, highlighting the early costs. "Antenatal consults and scans added up to over R15,000, excluding delivery costs which averaged R32,500 for both natural and caesarean births in private practices," added Rachel K. The financial demands continue after birth, with essential baby it...

Mia Le Roux, the first hearing-impaired woman to win the Miss South Africa pageant, is a testament to the power of embracing individuality and defying societal expectations. While she's now known for her grace on the runway and her dazzling smile, Le Roux's journey to the crown wasn't always paved with glitter and glam. Growing up, she was a self-proclaimed tomboy, embracing a playful and adventurous spirit. "When I was in primary school, I was such a tomboy," she shared with News24. "I wanted to be Spiderman. I wore my brother's Spiderman suit all the time." While her early years were marked by a love for superhero adventures, Le Roux's journey took a transformative turn as she grew older.  She started experimenting with her mother's clothes, venturing into the world of dresses and stilettos.  However, this foray into femininity didn't come without its challenges. As a hearing-impaired individual navigating a world designed for those who...

The energy sector is undergoing a critical transformation towards cleaner, more sustainable solutions. This transition demands innovation, diversity, and a fresh perspective - qualities that women bring in abundance. Empowering the next generation of women in this traditionally male-dominated field is crucial for fostering inclusivity, equity, and ultimately, a brighter energy future. To address this need, the Sunday Times, in partnership with the Central Energy Fund (CEF) Group, is hosting a Women on the Move Dialogue, focusing on the crucial role of women in shaping the energy landscape. This hybrid event will bring together industry leaders and experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in the energy sector. Moderated by Nozipho Tshabalala, the dialogue will feature a distinguished panel:  * Ayanda Noah, founder and MD of AN Duke Solutions * Nompumelelo Siswana, founder and MD at Naba Consulting * Unati Figlan, Hlonela Engineering Solutions founder and MD * Makgol...