TVBLOGBYMLU

At an intimate Joburg celebration, the award-winning star was unveiled in a show-stopping UV reveal.

Confidence looks different for every woman. For some, it’s stepping onto a stage. For others, it’s walking into a new job, chasing a dream, overcoming a setback or simply showing up as themselves.

That powerful message was at the heart of an intimate media experience hosted by NIVEA Luminous630 Skin Glow at the House of YMZ, where the brand officially unveiled award-winning artist Zee Nxumalo as the new face of its Skin Glow range.

The evening brought together media, creators and industry insiders for a night celebrating confidence, culture and self-expression. The highlight of the night came during Zee’s live performance, when a surprise UV reveal transformed the room and officially unveiled the NIVEA x Zee partnership in a striking unforgettable moment.

At the centre of the celebration was one simple powerful question: What Makes You Glow?

For Zee, the answer goes beyond the spotlight.

“People often celebrate the big moments, but confidence is built long before anyone sees you. It’s in the work you put in, the challenges you overcome and the decision to keep believing in yourself. That’s what makes me glow and that’s why this partnership feels so meaningful,” she shared.

As one of South Africa’s most exciting young voices, Zee has built a career defined by authenticity, resilience and an unwavering sense of self qualities that align naturally with NIVEA’s belief that confidence begins with feeling comfortable in your own skin.

The partnership is set to celebrate the everyday moments that shape confidence, encouraging women to embrace the glow that comes from caring for themselves, believing in themselves and owning their journey.

Speaking at the event, NIVEA Senior Brand Manager, Devashni Ganess said: “At NIVEA, we believe skincare is about more than appearance. It’s about helping people feel confident in their own skin. Zee represents a generation of women who are embracing their individuality and are confidently owning their journeys. Through this partnership, we hope to inspire more South Africans to celebrate what makes them glow.”

NIVEA PR Manager, Sne Njapha added: “For us, ‘What Makes You Glow?’ is about recognising that glow is both personal and visible. We often think about the outfit, the hair and everything else that helps us feel ready to step out, but our skin is part of that confidence too. We believe glowing skin is the ultimate outfit because when you feel good in your skin, you carry that confidence into every moment. Zee brings that idea to life so naturally. Her glow is not only what you see; it’s in her journey, her growth and the confidence she carries into everything she does.”

Guests were given an exclusive first look at the partnership and the shared vision behind it, reinforcing NIVEA’s belief that confidence begins long before the spotlight.

At the heart of the partnership is the NIVEA Luminous630 Skin Glow range designed to support women in caring for their skin with glowing confidence every day.

Because while every woman’s story is different, one thing remains true: Glowing skin is the ultimate outfit, and confidence is what makes it luminous.

What does the future of sun protection look like? If you stepped inside the Eucerin Sola Dome at Melrose Arch this week, the answer was clear: it looks and feels a lot more like skincare.

Eucerin unveiled its new SPF50+ UV-Serum Sun Protection, the latest addition to its Oil Control range. But this wasn’t just a product launch. The immersive dome experience turned dermatological science into something you could see, feel and play with.

Guests moved through interactive installations inspired by the product’s key benefits from its ultra-light, serum-like texture to its protection against UV rays, blue light and pollution. Between smoothie bars, photo moments, games and prize giveaways, visitors got to test the new formula first-hand: a very high SPF 50+ with UVA/UVB protection that delivers a long-lasting matte finish without the heavy, greasy feel.

The message at the heart of it all: sun protection is not just for holidays.

“One of the biggest misconceptions is that sun protection is only necessary on bright, sunny days,” said Michelle Wood, Medical and Detailing Manager South Africa at Beiersdorf. “Our skin is exposed to UV, blue light and pollution every day. Consistent, daily protection is one of the most effective ways to preserve long-term skin health.”

For Anisa Ramdass, Business Unit Head at Eucerin South Africa, the launch is about meeting consumers where they are.

“Today’s skincare consumers want products that fit effortlessly into the routines they’ve already built,” she said. “We wanted to combine advanced dermatological protection with an ultra-light texture that people genuinely enjoy applying every day.”

The dome drew a crowd of faces including Gugu Gumede, Siphesihle Ndaba, Tamaryn Green, Zola Nombona, Minki van der Westhuizen and Coach Miesh, alongside creators and wellness enthusiasts.

With its weightless feel and skincare-first approach, Eucerin’s new UV-Serum signals a shift: protection that is as sophisticated and enjoyable as the rest of your routine. And in doing so, it’s tackling beauty’s biggest challenge making the most important step in skincare the one you actually look forward to.

The leading lady, known for Lioness, Isidingo, The River and The Queen, traded scripted drama for sequins and petals and left the detective panel completely stumped.

In Round 2, six Masks returned to the stage for three high-stakes face-offs. Leopard and Mosquito battled for speed, Chopsticks and Spotty brought the cute factor and regal Protea went head-to-head with fast-food royalty King Pie.

From her very first appearance, Protea baffled J’Something, Somizi, Sithelo Shozi and guest detective Moshe Ndiki. Her clue package placed her in a fantasy wonderland in a unicorn-drawn crystal carriage. She revealed she was “never meant for quiet corners” and that she occasionally takes on the identity of a Cocktail character. At 10 years old, she also discovered “her fists worked as well as her voice.”

This week she dropped more hints via Tropika Island of Treasure host Zanele Potelwa: “Before I did the thing I’m known for, I was hosting children in outer space. My career started somewhere between sci-fi, chaos and intergalactic gladiators.”

Her Motown performance of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” earned laughs from Moshe “There ain’t no clue high enough” but no correct guesses. The panel threw out names including Gerda Steyn, Sho Madjozi, Cama Gwini, Khutso Theledi and even Moonchild Sanelly.

It wasn’t enough. Protea landed in the Danger Zone with Leopard and Chopsticks. When the panel saved Chopsticks, it came down to the audience vote. Protea’s petals fell and Shannon Esra stepped out.

Suddenly the clues clicked. Her first TV job was hosting a children’s version of Gladiators set in space. And the Cocktail reference? A nod to her waitressing days while chasing acting.

“I thoroughly enjoyed hearing the wonderfully imaginative theories,” Shannon said after her unmasking, with names like Rachel Kolisi and Leleti Khumalo also in the mix after her first performance.

In a post-reveal Instagram Reel, she called the show “wonderful, outrageous and so much fun. It’s something I’ve never done before and just such a vibe. The adrenaline…”

The creator economy is shifting. As audiences grow tired of sponsored noise, trust has become the new currency of influence. Authenticity, credibility and storytelling now matter more than reach alone and brands are having to rethink how they show up online.

Leading that conversation in South Africa, Dove hosted creators, media and industry leaders at the Dove Masterclass at Langhams Lifestyle Estate in Johannesburg. The event blended honest conversations about creator culture with skincare and introduced the partners of the Dove Creator Collective, a new programme designed to empower creators through education, shared values and authentic partnerships.

Hosted by Hulisani Ravele, the day opened with a spoken-word performance by Botlhale Boikanyo that set the tone. Celebrating skin as a living story that carries essence, history and identity, the performance introduced Dove’s theme: “Skin That Doves.”

The Masterclass went beyond inspiration. It gave creators practical tools, direct access to industry leaders and space for real dialogue about building sustainable careers in the digital age.

Panels and discussions tackled what it really takes to grow today: cultivating engaged communities, choosing brand partnerships that align with your values and making content that lasts beyond the algorithm. The message was clear purpose, credibility and trust need to sit at the heart of modern influence.

Dove also pulled back the curtain on the science behind the brand. In a live demo titled “Glow Up with Dove: Achieving Radiant Skin,”Dove’s R&D experts walked guests through the formulations behind two staples:

– Dove Beauty Barwith Pro-Ceramide Serum

– Dove Body Wash with 24-hour Renewing MicroMoisture technology

The session showed how Dove pairs cutting-edge skincare science with care designed for healthy, radiant skin.

“People are looking for content they can trust,” said Nivida Ramsundar, Content Lead for Dove South Africa.

“As a brand, we have a responsibility to equip the creators we partner with to tell stories that are informed, authentic and meaningful. When creators understand the science behind our products and the purpose behind our innovations, they’re able to create content that resonates in a much deeper way. That’s what the Dove Masterclass was all about.”

As the creator landscape continues to evolve, Dove says its commitment is to champion creators who value authenticity, knowledge and genuine human connection while continuing to lead through skincare innovation.

Because the most meaningful stories don’t begin with a brief.

They begin with understanding.

The clock finally stopped ticking on SABC2’s The Masked Singer South Africa Season 3 as beloved showbiz all-rounder Sipho “Psyfo” Ngwenya was revealed as the celebrity behind the mysterious Clock.

Despite a career spanning over 30 years as a former child star, TV presenter, singer, songwriter, producer and media executive, Psyfo managed to bamboozle the show’s super-detectives J’Something, Somizi Mhlongo, Sithelo Shozi and Skhumba Hlophe right up until the final unmasking.

This week’s musical showdown featured four fresh faces: the fabulously fresh Sushi, the captivating Clock, the supersized Spinach and the puzzling Pineapple.

In the first face-off, Sushi went up against Clock, who set the stage alight with an energetic performance of “I Like to Move It”. from Madagascar. Clock chose the track as a nod to his son, calling it his favorite song.

The clues were just as playful. Clock teased that he “counted among the young elite” and was “a lifelong student trapped in the mind of a young perfectionist.” He also joked, “I didn’t chase fame. I tripped over it in front of everyone.”

To Skhumba’s question about his childhood hero, Clock chimed: “My role model dazzled crowds with his flair and recently turned his name into his title.”

J’Something guessed singer Zoë Modiga. Somizi flip-flopped between Khanyi Mbau and content creator Tumi Stopnonsons, basing it on dessert clues and Clock’s “skinny legs.”

Sithelo aimed for redemption and picked Ciza Nciza while Skhumba locked in Kabza De Small joking that “no one has ever seen his legs.”

But after the public vote favored Sushi over Clock and Spinach beat Pineapple, Clock and Pineapple landed in the danger zone. Pineapple survived leaving Clock’s time to run out.

When Clock was unmasked, the panel was stunned. It was Psyfo.

The reveal made perfect sense in hindsight. Psyfo got his start as a child on Kideo Popswent on to host Star Search and YoTV and acted on Generations. The “lifelong student” clue also checked out, he holds an MBA from the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science.

Speaking to host Mpho Popps, Psyfo said he’s a huge fan of the show and loved the chance to perform in disguise.

The Masked Singer South Africa Season 3 is produced by Rose and Oaks Media for Primedia Studios and sponsored by Andolex, King Pie and Mentos.

947 is turning up the volume on music with a major shake-up to one of its flagship shows. The station has appointed Ndabe Zondi as the new host of the 947 Top 40 powered by Checkers ushering in a refreshed, digital-first era for the chart show.

The move signals 947’s commitment to putting music and music culture at the center of its strategy. As listening habits shift beyond traditional radio, the station says the new-look Top 40 is built to help audiences hear, see, share and discover the biggest songs and artists shaping South African culture right now.

Ndabe is no stranger to creating music moments. He’s built a loyal following with features like CarPark Karaoke which has hosted everyone from rising stars to some of SA’s biggest names including Nasty C and Rowlene.

That same energy, creativity and deep love for artists is now headed to the Top 40.

“Ndabe is a massive part of our vision for the future of 947,” said 947 Programme Manager, Gregory Aldridge. “He’s passionate about artists on-the-ground at events and understands digital audiences. We’re excited to see him reimagine the Top 40 experience for a new generation of listeners.”

The refreshed 947 Top 40 powered by Checkers will lean heavily into digital content, giving listeners more than just a countdown on air. Expect music content designed for social platforms, behind-the-scenes access and new ways to engage with the songs dominating the charts.

Ndabe will continue hosting The Night Shift from 22:00 to 00:00, Monday to Thursday, while taking the reins of the Top 40.

Nick Explicit also remains part of the 947 family and will continue waking up Joburg on Daybreak, weekdays from 05:00 to 06:00.

The new era of the 947 Top 40 powered by Checkers officially launches on Friday, 17 July.

With Ndabe at the helm, 947 is betting big that the future of music radio lives where the culture is: on air, online and in the conversation.

In the show’s second spectacular face-off, four dazzling new Masks made their debut: Lady Monster, Spotty the pooch, the menacing Mosquito and the majestic King Pie.

Lady Monster charmed the audience and judges alike with a lively performance of the HUNTR/X hit “Golden”. But while her vocals and stage presence lit up the stage, her identity remained a mystery.

The panel Somizi Mhlongo, J’Something, Sithelo Shozi and Skhumba chased every clue. Her candyfloss-filled clue package revealed she rose to fame in 2016, the same year Pokémon Go became a global craze. She also shared that she “never follows recipes” and “doesn’t believe in comic-book saviours,” with “real life already demanding enough belief.”

Guesses flew. J’Something suggested poet Busiswa Gqulu. Skhumba landed on Thembi Seete. Somizi, channeling the ancestors, guessed Brenda Ngxoli. Even Sithelo, who is close friends with Linda in real life, didn’t clock it, instead guessing actress Mampho Brescia after picking up on Lady Monster’s love for family and her daughter.

In the end Lady Monster landed in the danger zone. When the mask finally came off, the studio erupted.

“It’s Beanie! Her daughter is Beanie!” shouted Sithelo in disbelief.

Skhumba wasted no time teasing his fellow detective reminding her of the time she laughed at him for not recognizing Trevor Gumbi. “The wheels have turned!” he crowed.

Linda, who has been a household name since her breakout role in Isibaya in 2016, told host Mpho Popps that the secret was incredibly hard to keep.

“Everyone in my household was shook when I took the mask off,” she laughed. “My daughter Beanie is a huge fan of the show. She’s definitely going to tease me about this for months.”

Linda also shared that she’s a longtime fan of The Masked Singer and used to watch it with Beanie every season making her turn as Lady Monster even more special.

Despite her elimination, Linda’s performance and reveal have already become one of the season’s most talked about moments, proving once again why she remains one of Mzansi’s most beloved stars.

The first mask has fallen on The Masked Singer South Africa Season 3, and it’s none other than comedy heavyweight Trevor Gumbi.

The beloved stand-up comedian, actor, writer and TV personality was revealed as Ponte Tower during Saturday’s premiere on SABC 2, making him the first celebrity to be unmasked in the new season.

Disguised as an icon of the Johannesburg skyline, Gumbi took to the stage in a towering costume to perform TKZee’s classic “Dlala Mapantsula”. The high-energy song-and-dance number had the crowd and the panel completely stumped.

The detectives were way off
The Season 3 detective panel J’Something, Sithelo Shozi, Skhumba and Somizi Mhlongo threw out guesses ranging from podcast host MacG and Trevor Noah to SK Khoza and Bongani Fassie.

Only Somizi came close in the final round, taking a last-minute shot at “another Trevor… an actor and comedian” and nailing it.

After the votes from the audience and panel were counted, Ponte Tower was sent to the Danger Zone with Leopard, before ultimately being sent home and unmasked.

Life inside the mask
Speaking after the reveal, Gumbi shared what it was really like performing in the massive costume.
“There is a ceiling fan inside the mask,” he laughed. “But it was over my right eye – the one that can see!”

With a career spanning stand-up, television, writing and acting, Gumbi is one of Mzansi’s most recognisable entertainers. His unmasking sets the tone for what promises to be another unpredictable season.

What to expect this season
The Masked Singer South Africa sees 16 A-list celebrities hide behind elaborate costumes as they compete for the coveted Golden Mask trophy. Each week, four Masks go head-to-head with clues, sing-offs and wild detective guesses deciding who stays.

This season the show has moved to its new home on SABC 2.

Watch The Masked Singer South Africa Season 3:
Premiere: Saturdays at 19:00 on SABC 2
Repeats: Thursdays at 21:00 on SABC 1 and Fridays at 13:30 on SABC 2

Pick n Pay asap! has just made grocery shopping in South Africa a lot less effort. The retailer has announced Penny, the country’s first fully integrated AI-powered grocery shopping companion, marking the first time an SA grocery platform has moved from “search-and-scroll” to conversation-led shopping.

Launching to all customers from 6 July 2026 via the latest version of the Pick n Pay asap! app, Penny lets shoppers simply ask for what they need by voice, text, or even with a photo and she’ll instantly build their basket.

“On-demand delivery changed how people shop. AI is now changing how they order,” says Enrico Ferigolli, Retail Executive: Omnichannel at Pick n Pay. “We’re moving from search-and-scroll shopping to conversation-led shopping that makes buying groceries faster, smarter and far more intuitive. For years, the focus has been on faster delivery. The next disruption is removing the effort from shopping itself.”

How Penny works  

Powered by Google’s Gemini AI models, Penny is built around real South African shopping habits and understands multiple languages. Instead of navigating categories, customers can:

 •  Shop conversationally in any language

 •  Dictate shopping lists with voice notes  

 •  Upload photos of handwritten lists, recipes, or fridge contents for meal ideas

 •  Snap products they want to reorder

 •  Ask for recipes and add all ingredients to basket instantly

 •  Get substitutions, budgeting help and entertaining ideas

Penny also learns over time. Integrated with Smart Shopper, she can personalize recommendations based on past purchases, reload your usual weekly basket and suggest products based on brand, quantity and price preferences.

“We are now in the era of AI assistants, where AI is moving beyond simply answering questions to helping people get things done,” says Kabelo Makwane, Country Director for Google South Africa. “When these capabilities are built into products people already know and trust, they solve real everyday problems in a simple, intuitive way.”

What’s next  

The launch follows Pick n Pay’s replatforming of asap! last year, which the retailer says has accelerated its ability to roll out AI-powered features. “This is only the beginning of what AI can unlock for everyday grocery shopping, and Penny is the first step in that journey,” Ferigolli concludes.

Penny will be available to all Pick n Pay asap! customers from 6 July 2026. Update your app to start shopping with her.

The mystery is back and it’s louder than ever. The sensational third season of The Masked Singer South Africa premieres Saturday, 4 July at 19:00 on its new home SABC 2with 16 A-list celebrities set to set the stage alight, all hiding behind elaborate costumes. 

While viewers wait with bated breath to see which stars will fool the show’s sharp-eyed detective panel Somizi Mhlongo, J’Something, Sithelo Shozi and Skhumba. The producers have lifted the lid on the first batch of Masks for Season 3. 

Meet the first 8 Masks turning up the heat:

Leopard

Leopard doesn’t blend into the background. Cool under pressure and bursting with confidence, this big cat knows how to make a grand entrance and get a crowd roaring. 

Spotty

Like Leopard, Spotty thrives in the spotlight. The friendly, playful, cuddly pooch turns every appearance into an event and has a habit of bouncing straight into hearts. 

Mosquito

Creates a buzz everywhere, anywhere. This impossible-to-ignore, high-flying entertainer is bold, brilliant and built to keep all eyes on stage. 

Lady Monster

Don’t be fooled by the name. This lovable creature lives life at full volume, with a big personality, serious va-va-voom and a track record for stealing the show. 

Spinach

Spinach doesn’t veg out when things get controversial. Instead, this green giant turns over a new leaf, proves people wrong, keeps growing and says it as it is. 

Pineapple

On the sweeter side, Pineapple lets the music do the talking. Warm-hearted, friendly and full of personality, this fruit’s voice has fans swooning. 

Protea

Representing Mzansi’s national flower, Protea stands tall, elegant and stylish. Strong, impossible to overlook and full of resilience and pride. 

Koeksister

Another Mzansi icon. Koeksister’s personality is difficult to untangle and that’s exactly how they like it. Golden, clever with a comeback and always keeping people guessing. 

Clues, chaos, and comedy

In The Masked Singer SA Season 3, every detail matters. Clues are hidden in the Masks costumes, song choices, movement and interactions. Miss a second and you might miss the answer. 

Mpho Popps returns as the witty host leading the investigation with a lineup of familiar famous faces popping in as guest detectives across the season. 

The Masked Singer South Africa Season 3 is produced by Rose and Oaks Media for Primedia Studios and sponsored by Andolex, King Pie and Mentos.

Don’t miss it:

Premiere: Saturday, 4 July at 19:00 on SABC 2  

Rebroadcasts: Thursdays at 21:00 on SABC 1 | Fridays at 13:30 on SABC 2