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Tag: Breaking Barriers

The Quiet Art of Breaking Barriers

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As we entered a quaint and cosy photo studio in the suburbs of Johannesburg, South Africa, the crew awaited the arrival of a true game-changer. Our high spirits were palpable as we converged to create a set of beautifully produced photographs that would star a living legend.

Upon arrival, Thando’s sweet and composed persona captivated everyone. She greeted each crew member and took her seat for hair and make-up. As we engaged in candid conversations about her children and aspirations, her warmth drew me in; her honesty was palpable and contagious. I found myself speaking to someone who, although a stranger, has the infectious energy and confident demeanour to encourage us all to open up. It’s no wonder she’s reached such incredible milestones in her life – she says what she means and means what she says, giving herself over to any challenge she commits to and often exceeding expectations.

(read the full story in issue 08)

Raising Consciousness with Thando Hopa

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Thando Hopa has been on my vision board for years. And, luckily for me and every reader soaking in these pages, she graciously agreed to carry our ‘Breaking Barriers’ issue. There’s no more fitting cover star for such a profound theme.

The cover photoshoot was planned to, dare I say it, perfection. Then, of course, life swooped in and reminded me how laughable that was, and I found myself hospitalised during the days she was set to shoot with our team. The shoot carried on without me and the images produced are stunning (find them in our Fashion section on pages 21).

But as I kept revisiting the gallery, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. I wanted not just to showcase Thando’s striking beauty and enviable fashion sense, but for these pages to act as a vessel for her story – a story that’s woven with lifelong threads of curiosity, bravery, creative energy and unrelenting commitment to self-exploration and collective expansion. Or, as Thando so eloquently puts it, “Media is a way for people to access perspectives that they usually would not have access to. As Africans we are so curious about ourselves, there is aliveness, this rising of consciousness.”

(read the full story in issue 08)

Engage! The Africa Experience

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There are two kinds of journeys in life. With one, there’s a path to follow – perhaps one carved by generations past – but you have no idea of where you might end up.

The other journey is the opposite; you can see the destination clearly, but there’s just one problem: the road hasn’t been travelled or even built yet.

Bringing Engage! Summits to Africa was the latter kind of journey. Engage! is the premier luxury wedding and events industry summit of its kind – the original masterclass, if you will. For 16 years, it has brought its curated gatherings – complete with sought-after speakers and revered industry thought leaders – to the most awe-inspiring corners of the world.

Whether I was drooling over the dreamy images and videos they would post from the likes of Dubai and Dublin or, eventually, attending a summit myself as a guest, I always had one unshakable thought: I’m going to bring this to Zambia.


(read the full story in issue 08)

Mystical Morocco

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Morocco is a land where your senses go into overdrive, from the heady scent of spices to the vivid colours that light up every souk (market). This is a country that takes you by the hand and pulls you deep into its ancient rhythms, where modern-day life and ancient traditions swirl together.

Whether you’re sipping mint tea on a riad rooftop (traditional house) or watching the sun dip behind the Sahara dunes, Morocco leaves its mark long after you’ve said goodbye.

Ready to lose yourself in the magic? Here’s where to go, stay and eat in this enchanting land.

 

 

(read the full story in issue 08)

Defying Odds and Redefining Justice

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In the heart of Britain’s esteemed legal system, where tradition often casts a long shadow, a bright new figure has emerged, defying expectations and breaking through barriers that once seemed insurmountable.



Jessikah Inaba’s journey to becoming the UK’s first blind Black female barrister is a story of courage, resilience and an unyielding belief in justice. Her life symbolises the power of perseverance, a vivid illustration of how determination can illuminate even the darkest paths.

(read the full story in issue 08)