One could argue that we live in a time where the content creator space is, dare I say it, oversaturated. Yet, in the ever-evolving world of wellness influencers, Nicola Du Plessis isn’t just building bodies, she’s building belief.

If you’ve spent more than five minutes on South African FitTok or Insta-Gym reels, you’ve probably scrolled past one of her high-intensity resistance or lifting workouts, gear and outfit checks, or brutally honest daily words of wisdom clips.

But unlike the hyper-filtered fitness feeds of the 2010s, Nicola’s brand of strength is deeply 2026: transparent, soft, powerful and, of course, stylish all at once.

For Gen Z, fitness isn’t about shrinking. It’s about showing up. And Nicola understands that better than most. 

 Want to read more about the fit, fearless and fabulous Nicola Du Plessis? Subscribe to ClubX magazine to get the full scoop!

Words: Chandre Emma Kippie 
Photography: Zhann Solomons 
Styled by: Gasant Kellerman  

The post Fitness fundi Nicola Du Plessis on strength & discipline appeared first on TFG Media.

We all know and love him as one of South Africa’s most recognisable voices: a radio icon, DJ, producer and cultural instigator. In person he’s all that and more! Being on set with Roger is less like shooting with your usual celebrity and more like trying to harness the wind. If you thought he has energy on air, wait until you meet him in person.

He’s the human form of ‘zest for life’. Within minutes he’s brought an energy to set that you try to match and get swept up in – or get left behind. He paces between equipment, asking intriguing questions, cracking the best dad jokes and, naturally, taking complete control of the sound system, singing along to his favourite Afrobeats songs.

Want the full story of Roger’s life on and off air? Subscribe to Man magazine to get the full scoop!

Words: Rughsaar Bibi Ismail  
Photography:  Zhann Solomons 
Styling: Gasant Kellerman 

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On the surface, Rachel Kolisi has always appeared fearless. For years, South Africans have watched her move confidently between the worlds of philanthropy, motherhood, entrepreneurship and public life with remarkable poise. But the truth, as Rachel herself has begun to share more openly, is that courage is rarely loud. Often, it is quiet. It is the decision to keep moving forward after life changes direction.

As she undertakes a new personal journey, it’s clear that it’s one defined not by the roles people once associated her with, but by the woman she continues to become. Through motherhood, personal reinvention and the release of her new documentary and memoir, Falling Forward, Rachel is reclaiming her story and building a legacy firmly on her own terms. 

Read Rachel’s full story in the May issue of Club magazine. Subscribe today!

Words: Chandre Emma kippie 
Photography:  Zhann Solomons 
Styling: Mia-Tess Smith  

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Natasha Vermaak (née Joubert) entered her first modelling competition at the age of 10 – and wasn’t thrilled about it. Her world revolved around her big brother, so the self-proclaimed tomboy dragged her feet shopping with granny for a dress at one of the popular clothing chain stores.

She secretly straightened her curls on the big day. When her mom arrived home from work, she ordered Natasha to wash her hair, air-dry it and wear it natural. There were tears. Fighting. Long faces. Until, to Natasha’s surprise, she won. 

She was amazed that she could walk onto stage as the rugby-loving, wild-haired karate kid and it would be more than okay – she could just be herself. Natasha returns to that lesson often, especially during her first attempt to gain the Miss SA crown and years later when it was placed upon her head. Now, she’s remembering that moment as she steps up and into the spotlight again – this time, as a new mother. And as whoever she may become after that… 

Read about Natasha’s inspiring journey to Miss SA when you subscribe to Balanced Life Magazine today!

Words: Christi Nortier 
Photography: Garreth Barclay, Jane Ulla, Supplied 

The post Former Miss SA Natasha Vermaak on life’s pivotal moments appeared first on TFG Media.

With a background in media production and community management, Dimpho Lekgeu is a true connector of people and ideas. As communications manager at the African Climate Reality Project and a One Young World ambassador, she’s breaking down barriers and sparking meaningful conversations. Recognised as a Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South African in 2022, Dimpho is driven by a desire to amplify marginalised voices and propel change. In this Q&A, she shares her thoughts on the power of storytelling and the importance of youth participation.

Q: What inspired you to pursue your career?

A: I wrote really well in school and I was always very well-spoken. I used to compete in speech competitions, so I’ve always been fascinated by the art of telling stories and the science of communication. At the same time, I had a deep curiosity about the world. My dad was incredibly intelligent and curious. One of his rituals on Sundays was to come back from church, sit on the  floor with the Sunday newspapers spread out – the politics, the business, the sports – and I’d watch him read and engage with all of it.  

Growing up, I was a child raised in the township by a working-class family, but I went to school in the suburbs at a multiracial school.  That contrast made me curious about inequality and social justice. I realised that storytelling and media were powerful ways to platform people who don’t always have access to a microphone – people whose stories deserve to be seen and heard. 

 Q: How did you get into community work?

 A: Everything really came together in the most unexpected way. I transitioned into working as community manager for a youth development organisation [Youth Lab]. At its core, that role was about building a network of young people passionate about youth participation, amplifying youth voices, especially in policy and decision-making, and finding creative ways to platform their experiences. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of using this skill for storytelling across politics, youth empowerment and now climate justice. It has been eye-opening and very fulfilling.  

 Q: How did it feel to be recognised as a Top 200 Young South African?

A:  This was such a great honour and remains one of the highlights of my career. When you work in media and advocacy, you show up every day, but real change often takes time. Sometimes you wonder whether the work you do actually makes a difference in people’s lives or is moving us closer to a more just and equal society. So to be recognised by a publication as reputable as the Mail & Guardian, selected from thousands of candidates, was not only an honour but also deeply affirming.  

Q: How did you pick up the skills for moderating discussions for prominent organisations?

A: I started my career in broadcasting. One of the most fundamental experiences that shaped me into the moderator I am today was hosting a show called ‘The News Platform’ on Tuks FM while I was at the University of Pretoria. It was a current affairs show where we discussed social issues affecting young people on campus and in Pretoria more broadly.  That show taught me how to design conversations that don’t just entertain but truly unpack an issue, build toward possible solutions, and leave people feeling like there’s something they can practically do.  

During Covid, I joined Youth Transforming Africa, which is an alumni network of the World Bank’s #Blog4Dev competition winners. Because we couldn’t host in-person events, we started doing online sessions. I moderated one or two, and someone from the World Bank said, “You’re really good at this. Would you like to facilitate more?”  That’s how my moderating journey took off. As the world reopened, I moved from online conversations on to physical stages, using my voice to bring important and consequential discussions to life – conversations centred on building a more just and equal world, and on issues affecting youth and women on the continent. I’ve since had the privilege of working with the World Bank, the African Centre for Economic Transformation, the UN Development Programme and One Young World. 

Q: You also host a podcast…

A: Yes, with Claude Grunitzky. It’s called ‘Limitless Africa’ and it’s a powerful podcast that explores what shared prosperity between Africa and the world looks like. I always say that telling African stories is the work of my life. I’m grateful that I get to play my part in changing the world through conversation.  

Q: Why is it important to discuss the constitution and Apartheid’s impact on South Africa?

A: One of the first ways to promote social justice is to keep talking about it. We must keep exposing the deep-seated inequalities in our society. With the rise of social media, we often see a polished, curated version of life in this country. But the reality is stark – around 55% of South Africans live below the poverty line, homelessness is widespread and youth unemployment is at crisis levels. Right now, nearly 60% of young people are unemployed, one of the highest rates in the world, which is a massive policy failure.  

So storytelling matters. Not just telling stories but telling lived experiences. One of my favourite pieces of content is Youth Capital’s film I’ve Been Trying: 8 Years Without a Job, which documents the realities of young people trying to find work.  That’s the real South Africa.  

The second way to promote social justice is accountability. Even with everything happening in the world, it’s important that we continue to resist, to raise our voices, and to challenge inequality and injustice. Whether we’re organising in our communities or supporting advocacy campaigns online, all of us can play a role.  

Q: How do you think young people can be empowered to make a positive impact in their communities and the world at large?

A: I love this question because I don’t think young people need to be empowered to make an impact. Young people are already doing it! If you want to see what active citizenship looks like, look to South African youth. They’re entrepreneurs, educators, civic leaders, organisers. They’ve always played an active role in South Africa’s social and political transformation – from the 1976 Soweto protests to #FeesMustFall to the Purple Movement against GBV. Young people are extraordinary leaders. So the real question is: how do we support the work that is already underway? We must support them by funding their work, amplifying it and creating systems that don’t waste their potential.  

Q: What motivates you to continue making a positive impact?

 A: I am driven by a deep desire to help create a more just and equal society. I genuinely believe every person has the right to the best possible experience of life, to live in a country and community that cares for them, that enables them to self-actualise, that allows them to become the best version of themselves.  

Q: How do you think we can create more opportunities and support systems for women and girls in leadership positions?

A:  This is such an important question. We’ve made progress but there is still so much to do. First, women need to see themselves as leaders. Many of us are conditioned to be the support structure, to stay on the sidelines, but not to take the reins. Some of this is cultural, some of it is structural. Globally, women hold only about 32% of senior leadership roles, and in SA only around 26% of executives are women. That gap won’t close on its own so we have to be intentional.  

Secondly, we must create work environments that actually support the realities of women’s lives, especially in a country where most households are headed by women, particularly black women.  That means accessible childcare, parental leave that recognises women’s bodies and responsibilities, and workplaces that understand that women don’t show up as one-dimensional beings.  They are mothers, caregivers, community builders, all while pursuing careers. Creating environments that accommodate those realities is very important if we want more women to lead.   

Q: What projects or initiatives are you currently working on?

 A: On ‘Limitless Africa’, we’re telling the stories of remarkable activists, entrepreneurs and creatives across the continent – expect more episodes and more powerful storytelling. I’m also working at the African Climate Reality Project, a branch of the global Climate Reality Project, and I’m excited to keep using communications to advocate for justice, inclusion and climate action. I recently joined the Social Alchemists, a speaker bureau representing some of the most talented moderators, speakers and entertainers. So there will also be more hosting and moderating of consequential conversations and using the platforms I have to spotlight more young people and more women.  

Words: Emma Mbuthuma 
Photography by: Gallo/Getty Images 

The post Meet youth, community & climate activist Dimpho Lekgeu appeared first on TFG Media.

 

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I remember the first time I attended one of Lady Skollie’s Cape Town exhibitions. Titled ‘Bound’, her bold body of work lit up the white walls of the Everard Read Gallery. The tension in the repetitive linework of her mixed-media artworks evoked a sense of feeling in between — like being stuck between a rock and a hard place. It honoured womanhood (flora) and freedom (a kraal) while facing challenges that come with patriarchal limitations and control.  

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure how to interpret her style and process at first, but that’s because she’s in a league of her own. After some time, her bold choice of colour, god-like figures and even some ‘sexy’ fruits became familiar. Her work had a language of its own, too; one that communicated her innermost thoughts on identity politics, sex, lust and cultural norms.  

 

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Looking at her work, I knew she was someone with a complex personality. Bold yet vulnerable, perplexing yet direct, bubbly yet stands on business, Lady Skollie is as dynamic and ‘out there’ in person as the markings she makes on Fabriano paper (or wood or Perspex — whatever floats her boat at the time).  

In the same way that this bona fide badass remains ever-changing and unpredictable, freedom in South Africa has never been straight-cut. It’s loud, layered, political, deeply personal — and for women, especially women of colour, it’s still a work in progress.  

 

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Want to dive deeper into the world of Lady Skollie? Subscribe to ClubX Magazine today and get the full story!

Words: Charndré Emma Kippie
Photography: Zhann Solomons
Styled by: Mia-Tess Smith

The post Artist Lady Skollie talks feminism & creative freedom appeared first on TFG Media.

 

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The year is 1995 and 28-year-old Pamela Anderson is at her peak: She’s the cover star of Playboy magazine, has featured in countless interviews and is the certified beach hottie on the TV series Baywatch. She’s also involved in a reckless, rock ‘n’ roll type of love with Tommy Lee.  

With her tussled, platinum blonde hair, silicone boobs, blue eyes, overly lined lips and skinny arched brows, Pamela was the ultimate sex symbol. Hollywood stereotyped her into this character, and having a sex tape leaked didn’t help counter this idea.  

However, a now 58-year-old Pamela is shedding this facade of what society created and is rewriting her narrative. She’s telling her story her way – bare faced and real. Her decision to attend a Paris Fashion Week show back in September 2023 without make-up caused quite the frenzy, as it is not very often we see public figures exposing their face in this way. This shift wasn’t just a cosmetic choice. It has evolved into a symbolic and deeply personal transformation – one that challenges the old script of Hollywood femininity and asks all of us to reconsider what it means to grow older, to be seen, and to be enough as we are. 

 

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In a recent Glamour interview, Pamela shared: “In this industry, you can get carried away and forget who you are underneath it all. That’s why I wanted to peel everything back. I don’t know what my next look or incarnation is going to be. I feel like I’m a little bit of an experiment, but I’m doing it for myself. And lucky for me, I get to be somewhat inspirational when I’m living my life authentically.”  

Curious about Pamela Anderson’s makeup-free era? Subscribe to Balanced Life Magazine and get the inside scoop!

Words: Yashna Balwanth
Photography: Getty images

The post How Pamela Anderson is rewriting her public narrative appeared first on TFG Media.

Before social-media fame, before the traditional wedding celebrations and business ventures, before their lives became something they shared with the world, Addi and Judy were simply two people who had a chance encounter and fell in love.

They come from two different worlds, with different formative experiences, and yet both were raised with the understanding that family is central to everything. Addison Logan was born and raised in the USA. “I had a strict father who taught me that can get whatever I want as long as I work hard for it. I’ve always had this feeling of wanting the best and being very hard on myself. So, that’s really shaped me.” 

Judy Frans, born in the Eastern Cape, grew up on the streets of Capricorn, near the beachside suburb of Muizenberg in Cape Town, with the steady presence of a grandmother who taught her how to love, nurture and be the mother she is today. 

To read more about this fabulous family, subscribe to Jet Club magazine today!

Words: Rughsaar Bibi Ismail
Photography: Zhann Solomons
Styling: Gasant Kellerman

The post The Logan family’s love story appeared first on TFG Media.

Before the buzz of the DC Universe, Star Wars and his iconic casting as the voice of the lead character in Mufasa: The Lion King, Aaron Pierre grew up on one of London’s council estates (or what in the US are called ‘housing projects’) to parents with ancestal roots in the Caribbean and Sierra Leone.

While he may have caught the world’s attention for his acting chops, his early ambition lay far from Hollywood fame. Young Aaron had his sights set on being “the fastest man in the world”. He idolised sprinters such as American Maurice Greene (100-metre world record holder from 1999 to 2004).  

“I actually had the privilege of meeting him once,” he told People magazine. “I remember yelling to my mom, saying, ‘There’s Maurice Greene! Do you have anything he could sign?’ This was before iPhones and selfies. So she gave me a receipt, and I ran over to him and he signed it.’ 

Aaron might not have fulfilled his athletic dreams but he still gets to put his fitness to the test in the often gruelling roles he plays.  

Acting came into his life almost by destiny. On The Jennifer Hudson Show, he shared that his acting debut was a high-school play. “I first started acting when I was about 14 or 15. The school that I went to didn’t do drama as a subject, but they did do a play every three years, and I had the opportunity to do Moby Dick — I was the narrator.  

“I remember stepping out to, I think it was bottom stage left, and I only had about three or four lines, did my piece, went backstage, and I just remember feeling overwhelmed by this feeling of ‘That is what I wanna do for the rest of my life!”  

From there he took the leap and decided to bet on himself. He joined drama programmes, he auditioned and eventually got to train at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (alma mater of Chiwetel Ejiofor, David Oyelowo and Benedict Cumberbatch).  

Want to read more about this leading man? Subscribe to Man magazine to get the full scoop!

Words: Rughsaar Bibi Ismail
Photographed: Gallo/Getty images

The post Actor Aaron Pierre is in his prime appeared first on TFG Media.

Hosted by the vibrant Zanale Potelwa, the reality competition brings together South African celebrities and everyday contestants to battle it out in a series of physical and mental challenges – all for the ultimate cash prize. 

Here are the celebrities who will be competing:  

Nadia Nakai

With hits like ‘Naaa Meaan’, award-winning rapper Nadia Nakai is instantly recognisable as one of the boldest voices in African hip-hop. Confident, competitive and full of main character energy, she’s set to bring serious star power to the island. 

 

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Lalela Mswane 

Crowned Miss South Africa in 2021, Lalela Mswane represented the country at Miss Universe and ultimately claimed the Miss Supranational crown in 2022. She is an advocate for education and empowerment and celebrated for her grace and leadership. With her discipline and sharp strategic thinking, Lalela’s confidence is sure to shine under pressure.  

 

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Francois Hougaard 

Former Springbok scrumhalf Francois Hougaard has represented South Africa on some of rugby’s biggest stages, including the 2015 Rugby World Cup. With his elite athleticism and experience under pressure, Francois is ready to tackle the challenges on the tropical island head on! 

 

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Caster Semenya 

Olympic medallist Caster Semenya won gold in the 800m at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games. She is one of Mzansi’s greatest sporting icons, making her a formidable contender in this competition.  

 

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Leandie du Randt 

Leandie du Randt is a familiar face in South Africa – an actress, model, voice artist and TV personality who’s lit up screens in countless Afrikaans film and television productions. She’s also a motivational speaker and published author. With her mix of grit, grace (and a touch of glamour, of course), Leandie is definitely one to watch this season.  

 

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Amanda Du-Pont 

Beloved television personality and founder of the beauty brand Lelive, Amanda Du-Pont has made waves for her roles in series such as Skeem Saam and Single Ladies SA, while internationally she starred in the Netflix thriller Shadow. With a background in acting, presenting and producing, Amanda’s elegance and competitive spirit will make her a fan favourite this season. 

 

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Sandile Mahlangu 

Audiences first met Sandile Mahlangu on the hit teen drama Isibaya, and he later became a household name for his role as Siya in Netflix’s smash series Blood & Water. Beyond his acting talent, Sandile has also made waves in the music world, releasing a string of hit singles. Charismatic and multi‑talented, he’s sure to surprise us with even more hidden skills in this season’s competition. 

 

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Wiseman Mncube 

Wiseman Mncube shot to fame with his award‑winning role as Sbonelo on Uzalo, and he’s been commanding attention ever since. A SAFTA winner with a knack for bringing raw emotion to the screen, we can expect Wiseman to bring that same intensity when the competition heats up. 

 

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Tropika  is on the hunt for eight everyday contestants to join the adventure and take on the celebrity challengers. Auditions kicked off on 5 March and run until 5 May 2026 – so there’s still time to throw your name in the mix and see if you’ve got what it takes. 

Here’s what you have to do: 

 

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Words: El Broide, The Platinum Club

Photography: Instagram

The post Meet the celebs of Tropika Island of Treasure season 12 appeared first on TFG Media.