Nonhle Thema has become one of South Africa’s biggest trending topics after claiming she introduced X (formerly Twitter), to the country. The statement was made during an interview on 947 Drive with Thando Thabethe.  Many users are debating whether the claim was accurate or an exaggeration.

Nonhle Thema rose to fame in 2007, emerging as one of South Africa’s leading “It girls” and a prominent television presenter. While she made several statements, her remark about Twitter got more reactions. Many users on X questioned the claim.  Others argued that while she may not have introduced the platform, she was among the first South African celebrities to make Twitter popular. 

Photo: Instagram

Mnu Mpofana said

“Maybe one of the first South African celebrities to trend on Twitter but not introduce South Africa to Twitter. I was on Twitter around 2009 & she was trending around the end of 2011 if I’m not mistaken.”

For Ndlombango, she laughed it off saying, 

“She was one of the first Black people to stay in Bryanston, first person to introduce Twitter in SA? Nonhle akame kancane man. Please.”

Several posts compared her influence with that of other South African celebrities who were active on Twitter during its early days. 

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Another moment that attracted attention was Thando Thabethe’s facial expressions during the interview. Clips and screenshots of the radio host reacting to Thema’s comments went viral, with fans saying she is speaking the truth. 

Photo: Instagram

Not everyone dismissed Thema’s comments. Some fans defended her. Those in this category argued that she had a massive television career, attended international entertainment events and built one of the country’s largest celebrity followings on Twitter. Supporters said her popularity encouraged many fans to join the platform to follow her updates, even if she did not introduce Twitter to the country.

The interview got reactions from fellow celebrities. Television personality Somizi Mhlongo joined the conversation by posting a humorous TikTok using audio linked to the interview. After some people accused him of mocking Thema, Somizi said, 

“So, can’t we have fun anymore? I wasn’t mocking anything. It was a sound that I thought was nice and still think it’s nice!” he said.

Whether people agreed with Nonhle Thema’s claim or not, the interview brought one of South Africa’s most talked about media personalities back into the spotlight. The online debate continues, with opinions split between those who see her statement as an overstatement and those who believe she had the influence to achieve such a feat. 

Tyla has reached another career milestone as the latest global star to receive her own Bratz collector doll. The collaboration is inspired by two of the South African singer’s most memorable fashion moments, bringing her red carpet and stage looks into the Bratz world.

The release also fulfils a wish Tyla shared with fans in 2024. After fan artwork imagined her as a Bratz character, she said she hoped to have an official doll one day. That wish has now become a reality.

Photo: Instagram/@Bratz

The collector doll comes with two complete outfits. The first recreates the custom Balmain “Sands of Time” gown Tyla wore to the 2024 Met Gala, one of her most talked-about fashion appearances. It also includes a miniature version of the distinctive hourglass handbag she carried with the look.

The second outfit is based on one of Tyla’s stage looks. It features a sequinned mini skirt, a matching crop top and a gold chain belt finished with a Bratz charm. The doll also recreates her braided bob hairstyle.

Photo: Instagram/@Bratz

Collectors will also find accessories inspired by Tyla’s work, including a miniature vinyl record and a display stand designed around her branding. The set brings together elements from her music and fashion journey in a single collector’s edition.

The launch coincides with the release of Tyla’s second studio album, APop*. The doll will also make its public debut at the Bratz pop-up shop inside FAO Schwarz at Rockefeller Plaza in New York on 24 July.

Photo: Instagram/@Bratz

Bratz celebrity dolls have become popular collector’s items, and Tyla now joins a select group of stars with official editions. The collaboration reflects her growing presence in both music and fashion while adding another international partnership to her portfolio.

For fans, the release marks the fulfilment of a goal Tyla first shared publicly. From a fan concept posted online to an officially licensed Bratz doll, the collaboration captures another memorable moment in the singer’s career.

Lebo Mashile is celebrating the release of Strung by highlighting the work of South African film crews. As the psychological thriller reaches audiences, Mashile has focused on the people working behind the camera, saying South African film crews deserve greater recognition for the standard of work they consistently deliver.

The award-winning poet, actress and author plays Femina “Femi” Sithole, a domestic worker employed by a wealthy family hiding disturbing secrets. Mashile described Femi as a woman who is practical, disciplined and fully committed to her work. She said bringing the role to life was one of the most rewarding experiences of her career.

Chloe Bailey – Instagram

Strung follows gifted violinist Laila, played by Chloe Bailey, who accepts what appears to be a career-changing opportunity as a private music tutor. Once inside the family’s secluded home, she begins uncovering unsettling truths that transform the job into a fight for survival. The cast also features Lynn Whitfield, Lucien Laviscount, Anna Diop, Coco Jones and Romy Woods, bringing together established Hollywood names with South African talent.

Although sharing the screen with internationally recognised actors was a significant moment for Mashile, she said the experience reminded her of the strength of South Africa’s film industry. She singled out the Cape Town-based crew for their professionalism, saying their technical ability helps productions use South African locations to stand in for places around the world while maintaining high production standards. Her comments reflect the country’s growing reputation as a destination for international film and television productions.

Lebo Mashile – Instagram

Mashile also acknowledged the people who helped shape her performance, thanking her long-time agent, acting coach and director Malcolm D. Lee. She credited their guidance with helping her develop Femi into a restrained but memorable character.

The actress also thanked her fellow cast members, praising their professionalism and generosity on set. According to Mashile, working alongside performers with extensive international experience gave her the opportunity to observe different approaches to working on set. Instead of focusing on celebrity status, she highlighted the work ethic she witnessed throughout filming.

Lebo Mashile – Instagram

Her praise comes as South Africa continues to strengthen its position as a destination for major international film and television projects. Competitive production costs, experienced crews and diverse filming locations have helped attract global studios, creating opportunities for local actors and technical professionals to work on large-scale productions without leaving the country. Mashile’s experience on Strung is another example of those collaborations creating more opportunities for South African talent to work on international productions.

For Mashile, the biggest takeaway from Strung is not simply appearing in an international thriller. It is the chance to remind audiences that every successful production depends on the people behind the scenes. By highlighting South African film crews, she has drawn attention to a part of the industry that rarely receives public recognition but plays an essential role in producing internationally distributed films.