Vuuqa Lifestyle - July 2020

LIFESTYLE | THE PLUG TO AFRICA JULY 2020 | ISSUE 8 The Tree EDU-TECH Has Fallen. GRADUIN #JUSTICEFORSHONI #GOODHEALTHCAREFORALL HOLISTIC WELLBEING THE NEST SPACE GAMING WESTUDIO GAMES MENTAL HEALTH MENMTAELNTHAELAHLTEHALINTHSTIINTUATFIROINCAS MUSIC CUSHASUODRLJAOABMNLOZANOK POEM THISDFERLEUESDIOOMNAISL VUUQA.COM

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VUUQA LIFESTYLE | THE PLUG TO AFRICA o3 | Vuuqa Lifestyle - Vuuqa's Note VUUQA'S NOTE Welcome to the latest issue of the Vuuqa Lifestyle e-Mag, your plug to African-owned brands and businesses. The Vuuqa Lifestyle e-Mag provides a digital platform where African-owned brands and businesses can showcase and promote their products and services, through a visual and well- curated narrative. It is a new month and the Corona Virus is still here. Wearing a mask and carrying a sanitizer is now the new norm. The economy is semi-open and people are back to roaming the streets. This has however, resulted in more people getting infected DAILY. We've also seen an increase in the death toll. Our healthcare system is nowhere ready. We, at Vuuqa, advise people to stay home, wear your masks while shopping for your essentials, keep washing your hands and sanitizing everything! This month, we bring you exciting stories about African brands making strides in the Edu-tech, Gaming and the Wellness industries. We continue with our Mental Health in Africa series from Waithera Kijuu, where she shares her experiences at Mental Health Institutions in Africa. New Segment Alert: We've introduced a Sounds of Africa section, where we feature music by African artists, across various genres. Read a powerful poem on freedom and grab a copy of one of our eBooks and GET ONE FREE! This issue is dedicated to the late Shonisani Lethole, a Connector, a Creative Entrepreneur and a dear friend of the Vuuqa Family. Your contribution to the creative and art world will be missed. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER Enjoy the read, stay home and keep safe! WWW.VUUQA.COM

VUUQA LIFESTYLE JULY 2020 / ISSUE 8 CONTENTS Mental Health Institutions 06 Mental Health in Africa 21 0 6 The first time was to the only Psychiatric Hospital in my country, Kenya, located in its capital city, CLICK TO CHECK OUT Nairobi. LAST MONTH'S ISSUE GRADUIN The beauty of Edu-tech, is it’s power to make lives 0 9 easier. 14 THE NEST SPACE Calling all Yogis, eco warriors, creatives, healers and foodies to come grow, move, breathe, eat, shop and explore with us. 16 WESTUDIO GAMES Self-taught developers, Ndivhuwo Netshitenzhe & Thato Mkhize, are the genius founders behind Westudio, a software development company specializing in video game development. 14 VUUQA VUUQA VUUQA_ VUUQA 09 16 o4  | Vuuqa Lifestyle - www.vuuqa.com

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BLOG - MENTAL HEALTH Mental Health Institutions Mental Health in Africa WRITTEN BY WAITHERA KIJUU Mental Health Institutions IMAGE: CANVA Sometimes I put myself into a trance; ental Health in Africa. like a lucid dream. I withdraw into my …I’ve been to three. I was engrossed. How could we channel mind and think…and while I’m thinking, more Doctors, Nurses and my body and a ‘Designated Survivor’ The first time was to the only Administration Staff into Mental Health? part of my mind are on autopilot. Psychiatric Hospital in my country, How could we lobby for or facilitate the It could take minutes or months for me Kenya, located in its capital city, building of Psychiatric Hospitals and to resurface. And more times than no, Nairobi. Counselling centres in every county especially if I’ve been under a long time, (raising awareness and establishing the autopilot me has slipped and fucked I was twenty at the time and in my social support systems while something up. In 2014 she’d sent out too second year of Med School. I look back simultaneously generating dialogue on many texts and made many strange and remember being distracted Mental Health)? Would I need to form phone calls as parts of my subconscious (mentally bookmark this for when I an NGO? How could I gain the broke through the firewall; disjointed eventually tell you why and how I Government’s support? and lacking context. So my very worried dropped out after four years). My focus family rushed me to the psychiatric was split between the symptoms of I don’t remember much about my ward of a private hospital (let’s call it 6th schizophrenia as being taught by my second time, apart from feeling a Floor). They incrementally muted passionately soft-spoken lecturer, Dr. K, constant, simmering rage. elements of my personal identity; and making strategic, structural improvements to the institution. It was IMAGE: CANVA clearly handling more cases than it had the capacity to and a lack of, in my opinion, proper financing not only frustrated the overworked and underequipped staff but eventually led to many of their hospitalized dependents slipping through the system’s cracks. o6  | Vuuqa Lifestyle - www.vuuqa.com

BLOG - MENTAL HEALTH I don’t quite remember how they validated the third admission. I made some great friends though. Initially, my closest three were Mau, Lyriks and Wander. The second time I was admitted at 6th Floor I was in a much happier state of mind. It was mostly a blur though. Heavily medicated…because I didn’t want to take said medication in the first place. No one asked me why though. Not my Doctors. Not my family. That has never settled well with my spirit. My friends however...I thank God for them every day. They were worried and confused, but they listened. My last stint on the 6th Floor, I was resigned but alert.  IMAGE: CANVA As I’d mentioned earlier, I like thinking. But I also like watching; listening…analysing. What’s all that thinking for took away my clothes and gave me a light blue gown…a if I have no questions upon which to ponder? To quote my uniform of sorts. We couldn’t go outside: breathe non- LinkedIn profile, “I’m a voracious reader and people are conditioned air; feel the sun’s rays beyond the dulling my favourite genre”. barrier of a glass screen. They took away my phone, my ability to communicate with the outside world; monitored Waithera Kijuu is a Counselling Psychologist and my sleeping, plied me with drugs. Told me when to eat, Ergonomics who likes to make Music Therapy playlists when to shower, when to sleep. When to stay in the room and post them on YouTube until they called us out. Join me next time for “The Adventures of Waithera, Lyriks Every moment of my life was dictated to me. and Wander”. They diagnosed me with Bipolar I, and told me I was Waithera Kijuu Waithera Kijuu having a manic episode. So I was medically sedated. Made more…acquiescent. I talked too much you see, and being [email protected] in my final year of a Psychology and Counselling degree (a course I was acing btw), I had a lot to say. Do you have a piece of creative prose or art you’d like to share with the world? Submit your contributions to My doctor, Dr. O, had the most questionable ethics. That’s [email protected] all I’ll say about him. I was taken back two more times: once for non-compliance (I really hated how the drugs made me feel).  o7  | Vuuqa Lifestyle - www.vuuqa.com

uujiK arehtiaW : htnoM eht fo reggolB aquuV | 0202 yluJ - enuJ GET PUBLISHED DO YOU HAVE A PIECE OF CREATIVE PROSE OR ART YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD? SUBMIT YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO [email protected] Submissions may be in any of the following formats: poems, photographs, eyewitness accounts, reports, music, podcasts, statistics, graphs, recollections, interviews, polls, debates on a topic, etc. VUUQA VUUQA VUUQA_ VUUQA

GRADUIN PRODUCING HIGH PERFORMERS o9 | Vuuqa Lifestyle - www.vuuqa.com

EDU TECH - GRADUIN It’s already mid-2020, and despite having spent most It’s already of it indoors, students are still faced with their life mid-2020 and education goals for the year. The beauty of Edu- tech is it’s power to make lives easier. “GraduIn was founded on the principle of humanity and the magic that happens when people help each other, especially with their talents” says Judith Shabala, founder of Graduin. GraduIn is a webapp that allows high school learners, particularly in the 12th grade, to apply to more than one higher learning institution, with just one application, and one payment. “We are working on ensuring that the platform is the number one platform in South Africa for higher learning applications” - JUDITH SHABALALA Where it all started: Back in 2014, upon seeing the long, tiring and tedious queues with a number of pupils trying to apply for university last minute at the University of Johannesburg and Wits, Judith Shabalala, was inspired to make a difference. Observing and experiencing the zealous spirit of the pupils in those queues, prompted Judith to start brainstorming on how she, could make life easier for future eager youth. Officially founded in 2017, GraduIn.com takes pride in the fact that it is one of a kind. At the crux of it all, GraduIn is a company that enables high school pupils primarily, to apply to more than one higher learning institution with just one application, and one application fee. This is done through their dynamic and technologically advanced website, where the application process to higher learning institutions is made quick and easy for all users. 10  | Vuuqa Lifestyle - www.vuuqa.com

EDU TECH - GRADUIN Graduin 360 Graduin, Founder - Judith Shabalala Graduin also plays in the digital real-estate space. They connect property owners who have space to Future Plans: accommodate university students with university “We are working on ensuring that the platform is the students. The main goal is to help students find safe, number one platform in South Africa for higher reliable and affordable student accommodation learning applications” comments Judith, when asked during their university studies. about their future plans. GraduIn also plans on taking their innovative concept to other parts of The webapp also has a tutoring feature, where Africa within the next couple of years. students can get help with their studies to improve their grades. Get InTouch: Q How Do I know if GraduIn is for me? @graduincom The platform is primarily targeted at 12th graders looking to pursure tertiary education post www.GraduIn.com graduation. [email protected] However, parents can introduce their kids to the platform as early as 10th grade. Students can benefit from the convenience, information concerning higher learning, mentorship, and access to sage and affordable student accommodation. 11 | Vuuqa Lifestyle - www.vuuqa.com

CATCH THE REPLAY! DIGITAL MASTERCLASS HOW TO GROW AND BOOTSTRAP A DIGITAL START-UP IN AFRICA HOSTED BY HORESIA NYAWADE MBA | SPEAKER | DIGITAL CREATOR | C0-FOUNDER: VUUQA WE HAVE GOOD NEWS FOR  THOSE WHO DIDN'T MAKE IT TO OUR MASTERCLASS. THE REPLAY IS AVAILABLE! WATCH THE MASTERCLASS

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ikesT asenaB dna ovzibM usenA - srednuoF ,ecapS tseN ehTHOLISTIC WELLBEING - THE NEST SPACE HOLISTIC WELLBEING: YOGA | HEALING | VEGAN CAFE | ZERO-WASTE GROCER Calling all Yogis, eco warriors, creatives, healers and foodies to come grow, move, breathe, eat, shop and explore with us. The Nest is a welcoming space where one can come just as they are – perfect, whole and complete just by being their true selves. 14  | Vuuqa Lifestyle - www.vuuqa.com

HOLISTIC WELLBEING - THE NEST SPACE Q WHO ARE WE? WE'RE ONLINE!! An inclusive wellness space In the meantime and in line with the pandemic, they are currently offering offering holistic health services to all. online yoga classes. Visitors can also purchase goods from their zero waste Founded by Anesu Mbizvo and Banesa grocery store. Both services can be found on their website: Tseki in 2018, the duo believe in the power of holistic wellbeing. They wanted www.thenestspace.co.za. the nest space za to create a space where one can take refuge by giving people the space and @thenestspaceza time to slow down, connect and heal themselves (in every way) from the inside out. A BRAND AHEAD OF ITS TIME. Just like it’s name, the Nest space was built around the values of inclusivity, simplicity, fair representation, freedom of self, connection, community, harmony, self-celebration and self- expression. All the values the world is currently fighting and demanding for as seen through the Black Lives Matter and GBV campaigns. THE DREAM: “We are planning to build an off-the-grid retreat center and eco/wellness lodge in the heart of nature” explains one of the co-founders, Banesa Tseki. “We will be cultivating permaculture farming practices and living a truly self sustainable life for not only ourselves but our community too”. Q HOW CAN WE FIND YOU? The Nest space is based on 14 Gleneagles Road Greenside where they have a yoga studio, alternative healing therapy room, vegan café and zero- waste grocery. 14 Gleneagles Road, Greenside 15  | Vuuqa Lifestyle - www.vuuqa.com

GAMING - WESTUDIO GAMES EXCLUSIVE WESTUDIO “We bring a fresh, raw and Afro-centric feel into all our designs and products, this is because of our unconventional I f you have access to social media, you must have seen approach in the way we build our software” says Ndivhuwo. the hype around the Sony announcement to delay the “Being young and understanding pop culture, makes it very release of the PS5 to later this year. natural for us to develop products that meet the needs of the youth, who comprise a greater part of the cake”. The most popular games being FIFA, and if you’re old school like me, you’ll probably relate better with Angelina Jolie’s When the two young lads were in the 9th grade, they were Tomb Rider, and maybe Pacman and Game boy for the real hit by an epiphany which inspired them to start learning OG’s. how to develop video games. While scanning the industry, they realized that there was a lack of South African-made It’s easy to name the big dogs, but what about the African- video gaming content AND young black video game owned video games and African-built consoles?  developers. Self-taught developers, Ndivhuwo Netshitenzhe & Thato These facts fueled them to envision becoming the first 100% Mkhize, are the genius founders behind Westudio, a African, black owned video game development company to software development company specializing in video game reach triple A status. According to Thato Mkhize “That's the development. Their journey started 7 years ago, back in dream that scares but that motivates us more than 2013, when the two were still in high school.  anything”. Westudio is a software development company specializing WE BRING A FRESH, RAW AND AFRO- in video game development. CENTRIC FEEL INTO ALL OUR DESIGNS AND PRODUCTS, THIS IS BECAUSE OF OUR UNCONVENTIONAL APPROACH IN THE WAY WE BUILD OUR SOFTWARE 16  | Vuuqa Lifestyle - www.vuuqa.com

GAMING - WESTUDIO GAMES TARGET AUDIENCE: An interesting finding is that most of our games are mostly catching on for the outside market specifically in countries like the USA, Germany and China.  In terms of our B2B our clientele is actually very broad and ranges from developing IP'S for security services, business analytics tools, sporting brands, higher learning institutions, networking services and financial services. This versatility is expected because Gaming can be easily translated into any sector. Q WHAT IS YOUR USP (UNIQUE SELLING POINT)? THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT! We develop video games that are Afro-centric in representation from the sound, setting, interface and In the medium long term, we are building independent branding of a product. We believe Africans should tell product enterprises, developing franchises that will be able their own story even on the virtual platforms. Thus, to stand by themselves as brands - Afri'Cup, will be to us, we've been developing the first South African football what FIFA is to EA. We'll then be able to build a gaming video game called \"Afri'Cup\". It has already been studio that enables other young black developers in Africa privately launched on mobile to capture investors to learn and ultimately publish their IPs on recognised attention, with the aim to eventually publish on Xbox platforms with no barrier of resources. and playstation. All our products are accessible from our website. TRACTION: We've developed 28 games and softwares to completion, wwww.westudiogames.itch.io including IP's owned by other enterprises. As a company we've only published 6 of the total games developed.  Despite having FIFA, we've identified a significant cultural need for a product that is representative of Africa, a need by Africans and the globe at large. Westudio games Westudio games Westudio games 17 | Vuuqa Lifestyle - www.vuuqa.com

POEM -THIS FREEDOM IS DELUSIONAL THIS FREEDOM IS DELUSIONAL Your freedom is delusional Faded at its deceptive core I try to knock down endless doors Mourning the lost spirit of a cause Our freedom is delusional Playing in the Freedom Concert, no more Drumming until my hands are raw Bleeding screaming, bleeding screaming, no more Wrapping reality in a bling wrapped doll That wants to want and wants some more More and more and more and more My freedom is delusional A POEM BY BUSISIWE CARNESON GET YOUR POEM PUBLISHED! EMAIL [email protected] 18 | Vuuqa Lifestyle - www.vuuqa.com

MUSIC - THE SOUNDS OF AFRICA The Sounds of Africa MUSIC Aura Blak- Quarantine EP QAioanncuuddcrauaarssasBotnirlouatynnik,ndafeilrsleoyEnamPrgeSitdcnohuoeuerretidnthrei.gnAHngtfdehrhe'iescirsalhaonoagcwdhekindapoosfphwoeaonnlspeg.svasioer.tnnHis,efbto,ryreswtloehrnaeigtsihwneigpdritahtehnoredp fCeuasth. sSeotlhoum&onm-aUrtchuasnpditoielwam tlaRgeameogsmsbeteienaissdninaascrruseyepao&fmpfolupeutnlhmnesidsseuningantngeetdmhCdeeuwwlsmeiihttmohhSsehmotnolatoonsgbmensfdoricfoneuicmarceerotsnoph,tklefapeocardroeracdtsnhhu. eiTcavhtceieqosun. i.rTehdis Dj Anzo - Global Ting 2 soMscbireolndueprgsadsaliteeccrearhhpstaoaueeomsriblptniaoohxonxestdeerbh.s;onaTtrenthodewbeeevrrsiinedsncjre,gohsaasyoanooAgtdfolfrmrcopiigrcduuohatcmstt’hssiwunlfcsgiiitkoinhcgeneomttmsooitneudg.e,sEemsnitncothuj,aoesIAlyrdivfc,terifbhiicocneiisartdsooebh!ndaleestnondoof Share your music with the world! Email [email protected] 19 | Vuuqa Lifestyle - www.vuuqa.com

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Long live the spirit of Shonisani Lethole 1985 - 2020 CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR A edele nga mulalo

TRIBUTE - THE TREE HAS FALLEN THE TREE HAS FALLEN Ring ring ring... Hello? Hello. The tree has fallen. What! Which tree? The same tree that comforted us with its shade? The tree that allowed us to breath? The same tree that continuously gave without expectations? Yes, it's that same tree. All the tree had was a wealth of love, friends and family. You see, the tree had no Money. So THEY refused to give, the nourishment it needed to live! So yes, on the 30th of June, The. Tree. Fell. TRIBUTE BY TSHIWELA NCUBE 22 | Vuuqa Lifestyle - www.vuuqa.com

PETITION - GOOD HEALTH CARE FOR ALL #JUSTICEFORSHONI SON | BROTHER | FRIEND | CONNECTOR | ENTREPRENEUR | LOVER WE NEED YOUR HELP! SIGN THE PETITION SEEKING JUSTICE FOR SHONI AND REFORM IN THE HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY. Sign the Petition Justice for Shoni!

LIFESTYLE | THE PLUG TO AFRICA GET IN TOUCH WITH US FEATURES & SPONSORSHIPS +27 68 254 2149 [email protected] THE TEAM EDITOR -IN -CHIEF Horesia Nyawade Copy Editor | Art Director CREATIVE & DIGITAL MEDIA Manqoba Ringane Chief Designer | Social Media Officer SPONSORSHIPS & CONTENT ADVERTISING Tshiwela Ncube Snr Content Producer | Account Manager SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

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