Lauryn Hill’s appearance at this year’s DStv Delicious Festival could have played out like any other major international booking, arriving, rehearsing, performing, then flying out. Instead, her time in Johannesburg unfolded in a way that made South Africans pay attention to more than just the setlist.

After returning home, Hill posted a detailed reflection on her visit. What stood out immediately was her decision to open with an apology in isiZulu. It came across as her recognising the people she was speaking to. From there, she went straight into the parts of the trip that stayed with her, and the picture she painted was far more textured than a typical “thank you, Joburg” message.

Photo: Google

Hill spent time with Ndaba Mandela and members of his family, which she described as grounding and informative. It gave her a clearer sense of the country’s cultural present, not in a ceremonial way, but through straightforward conversations. For someone who rarely explains her movements publicly, the detail in her post hinted at how seriously she engaged with the people she met here.

Her sons, Zion and YG Marley, were active throughout the weekend as well. Together, they teamed up with Grade Africa for a merchandise pop-up. The collaboration wasn’t treated like a quick branding moment. Hill said she took the opportunity to learn from the designers and young creatives involved, and that those discussions mattered to her. It was one of the few times a visiting global artist treated a local fashion partnership as something more than a photo opportunity.

Photo: Google

Hill’s styling choices also drew attention, mainly because they were so specific to the country she was in. She wore a red-and-black Sotho-inspired suit designed by Thebe Magugu, complete with feather detailing and an Isicholo-style headpiece. Her vocalists and dancers wore MaXhosa Africa. These weren’t token nods to local fashion; they were deliberate choices that placed South African designers squarely in view of an international audience.

Photo: Google

Her daughter Sara added another dimension to the trip by visiting a Johannesburg school during their stay. Hill mentioned the visit briefly but clearly, saying it stood out for her family. It was the kind of moment that didn’t show up on festival cameras but still shaped her experience of the city.

When Hill finally took the stage, the festival crowd responded the way you’d expect for someone of her stature. The performance included Wyclef Jean and appearances from her sons, giving the set a mix of nostalgia and a passing of the torch. Festival-goers had waited years for a moment like that, and Hill acknowledged the energy she received from the audience.

Photo: Google

What made her post interesting wasn’t only what she said, but how she said it. She spoke plainly about what she saw, who she met, and what she hoped to return for. That honesty made South Africans feel that she wasn’t just passing through.

For the festival and for Hill, the weekend ended up being more than a booking on a poster. It became a reminder of why international artists still look to South Africa for genuine engagement and why South Africans expect that respect in return.

Thulisile Phongolo was at the National Film and TV Awards South Africa 2025. She came in a bold red gown which drew compliments from guests. Her appearance was strong, and she carried herself with pride. Thulisile’s aura is steady and defines her status in the entertainment industry.

Thulisile Phongolo-M : Instagram

The event was at the State Theatre in Pretoria and brought together top celebrities in the  South African entertainment industry. The ceremony celebrated both long-established icons and rising talents. John Kani, Leon Schuster, Alfred Ntombela and Jerry Mofokeng received notable recognition at the event. The atmosphere was a combination of nostalgia and positive energy.

Thulisile’s appearance was completely in tune with this significant moment. The red gown she chose was simple in design but powerful in effect. Its clean lines and rich colour matched her understated style, allowing the design to show her natural presence. She moved through the carpet with a steady composure that made the look even more noticeable.

Thulisile Phongolo-M : Instagram

Read Also :Inside FAME Week Africa – Where Fashion, Film, and Music Converge in Cape Town

Her choice of red added a symbolic layer to the moment. Red is a colour associated with strength and clarity, and it suited the tone of an event dedicated to recognising excellence in South African storytelling. Thulisile’s look complemented the wider celebration and became one of the memorable elements of the evening.

Thulisile Phongolo – M : Instagram

The National Film and TV Awards South Africa has shown the importance of honouring legends and new talents. This event highlights that hard work and creativity are appreciated. She represents the steady confidence of an artist who has grown into her profession while remaining true to her craft. Her red gown at the 2025 awards reflected her professionalism and  her ability to express herself.

Pearl Thusi was the host at the Global Citizen Now Summit held in Johannesburg. This event took place November 21 at the Sandton Convention Centre. It was a meeting of businessmen, leaders and entrepreneurs internationally. Topics include social development, renewable energy and climate change.

Pearl Thusi and a guest: Instagram

Thusi anchored the event as she helped facilitate discussions. She highlighted how creativity and activism can influence change in Africa and other countries. She elaborated on the projects with clear objectives and the responsibilities of all stakeholders.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by South Africa and other African nations, she said African voices should be considered. She highlighted the possibilities in Africa and how the continent is home to talented individuals.

Pearl Thusi : Instagram

The summit is part of a broader initiative which aims to expand on renewable energy in Africa. Throughout the year, Global Citizen has worked with the private sector and governments on how to drive investment in clean energy. This has led to major financial and infrastructural commitments which were announced at the summit. As a leading South Africa celebrity, she spoke about the benefits of taking Africa investment seriously.

Read Also : Woolworths Beauty Hosts Event of the Season

One of the key achievements of the summit was a pledge to provide electric power to many homes in Africa. One commitment included the plan to deliver over 26 gigawatts of power to numerous households.  These efforts will support economic growth and improve living standards across the continent.

Pearl Thusi and a participant : Instagram

Her participation at the summit demonstrates her influence when it comes to policy discussions. In her speech, she explained how storytelling and public influence can advance development goals in Africa and beyond.

The Global Citizen Now summit has come and gone, but the issues raised affect millions of Africans. Thusi’s presence shows the growing connection between creatives and global policy making.