On August 21, 2024, AfriQueens Magazine was officially launched at the vibrant Granite Bar & Lounge, located at 85 Bluegum St, Ebony Park, Midrand. This event marked the beginning of a new era for women’s media in South Africa, as AfriQueens Magazine sets out to inform, educate, empower, and entertain women not only in South Africa but across the continent.
AfriQueens Magazine is the product of a year of relentless hard work by a dedicated team of four founding members: Sharon KhwaThelani Manwadu, Jean Paul, Belinda Williams, and Winnie Prudence Dlamini. Their tireless efforts have crafted a publication that is destined to become an essential read for women everywhere. A key innovation introduced by AfriQueens is the magazine’s website, which features an embedded social network offering subscribers nearly all the functionalities found on more prominent social platforms like Facebook.
The launch event was graced by several distinguished guests, including Ms. Palesa Lombard, a finalist in Miss South Africa 2024. Her presence underscored the magazine’s mission to connect with and empower women from all walks of life. The launch event was masterfully emceed by Belinda Williams, the Public Relations Director of AfriQueens Magazine. With her sharp wit and exquisite humor, Belinda charmed the audience by affectionately dubbing the new magazine “A Baby Elephant,” symbolizing its strong, impactful presence from the very start. Her lively and engaging style set the perfect tone for the event, leaving everyone in high spirits as they celebrated the birth of this powerful new voice for African women.
We are delighted to reproduce here the full text of Sharon KhwaThelani Manwadu’s speech, highlighting the vision and aspirations behind AfriQueens Magazine:
Speech by Sharon KhwaThelani Manwadu, Director of AfriQueens Magazine, at the Launch Event
Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Guests,
Good afternoon! It is with great joy and immense pride that I stand before you today to mark the launch of AfriQueens Magazine. Today is not just an event, but a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the unstoppable force that is womanhood. It is a great pleasure to launch yet another women’s magazine, one that is uniquely dedicated to amplifying the voices, stories, and achievements of African women, not just here in South Africa but across the continent.
To our other esteemed invitees, thank you for taking the time to join us on this momentous occasion. Your presence here is a testament to your commitment to empowering women and promoting the values that AfriQueens Magazine stands for.
As we gather here today, I would like to share with you the hopes and aspirations we carry with the launch of this magazine. AfriQueens is not just another publication; it is a platform dedicated to celebrating the diverse experiences, cultures, and triumphs of African women. In a world that often overlooks our stories, AfriQueens seeks to fill that gap, to be the voice that tells our tales with authenticity, passion, and pride.
We envision AfriQueens as more than just a magazine—it is a movement, a beacon of inspiration for women from all walks of life. Through our pages, we will share stories that uplift, educate, and empower. From profiles of trailblazing women who are breaking barriers in their fields to thought-provoking articles on issues that matter most to us, AfriQueens will be a publication that every African woman can call her own.
At this juncture, allow me to introduce the brilliant minds behind AfriQueens Magazine. First, our Public Relations Director, Belinda Williams. Belinda is the powerhouse who ensures that our message reaches far and wide. Her dedication to creating meaningful connections and building our brand is nothing short of inspiring. Belinda, your tireless efforts to build and maintain the public image of AfriQueens Magazine have been nothing short of remarkable. Your ability to connect with people, to create lasting relationships, and to spread our message far and wide is a true testament to your dedication and skill. I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with you, and I must say, your passion for what you do is infectious. You have a natural talent for making everyone feel welcome and valued, and that’s something truly special. Thank you for your incredible work, your commitment to excellence, and for always going above and beyond to ensure our success. We are so fortunate to have you on our team.
Next, I’d like to introduce our Artistic Director, Winnie Prudence Dlamini. Winnie’s expertise in costume design has brought a unique flair and authenticity to our visual storytelling, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of African women. But her talents don’t stop there—Winnie has also been instrumental in forging valuable connections with the movie industry, ensuring that our magazine not only looks stunning but is also aligned with the latest trends and opportunities in film. Winnie, your creativity and networking prowess are invaluable to AfriQueens, and we are thrilled to have you on this journey with us.
Now, let’s take a moment to give a very special thanks to someone who has been instrumental in making AfriQueens a reality—our Technical Director, Jean Paul. Jean Paul, where do I even begin? Not only did you share with us the visionary idea of launching this magazine, but you also brought your technical expertise in design, writing, and formatting to the of the whole Magazine, not forgetting that you developed our website that incorporates the first local social network. Your commitment to excellence and attention to detail have truly shaped AfriQueens into the masterpiece it is today. Jean Paul, we are deeply grateful for your contributions and are very blessed to have you onboard.
To all our contributors, partners, and team members, I want to acknowledge your hard work and passion. This magazine is a reflection of your collective efforts, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. As we embark on this journey, I am confident that with such a talented and dedicated team, AfriQueens will flourish and make a lasting impact.
Now, let me take a moment to introduce a feature that we at AfriQueens Magazine are particularly excited about—our photonovella. For those unfamiliar, a photonovella is a unique storytelling format that blends photography and narrative, bringing drama to life through vivid images and engaging text. It’s like watching your favorite soap opera unfold, but in the pages of a magazine.
We are pleased to bring back this beloved feature, which we believe is our unique selling point and sets us apart from other local media. For those of you who crave the drama and intrigue of soap operas in a print version, AfriQueens Magazine has got you covered.
Today, I am thrilled to present to you the crew and cast of our very first photonovella, “Shadows of Hope,” with its debut episode titled “A Chance Encounter.”
Starting with the crew: you’ve already heard about the incredible Jean Paul, who is not only our Technical Director but also the scriptwriter of this entire serialized photonovella. Jean Paul directed the shootings and handled all the graphics for the photonovella. I humbly ask you to give a round of applause to Jean Paul for his outstanding work!
The casting was a collaborative effort between myself, Sharon KhwaThelani Manwadu, and our Artistic Director, Winnie Prudence Dlamini. Belinda Williams, our exceptional Public Relations Director, conducted the auditions for our talented actors and actresses. Siboniso Dave Dlamini operated the camera, capturing every moment with precision, while Luthando Tywakadi, our enthusiastic driver, ensured the smooth running of our production logistics.
Now, ladies and gentlemen, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to our stellar cast:
- Inami Tase as Thandi
- Sibusiso Magodla as Sipho
- Thabile Nathashia Dlamini as Bulelwa, Thandi’s mother
- Kamogelo Keith Moatshe as Bongani, Thandi’s father
Please give a big round of applause for these rising stars! You’ll soon become very familiar with them, as we’ll be serving you a new episode of the photonovella every month from now on. But that’s not all! In our upcoming issues, we’ll also be featuring complete photonovella—meaning you’ll get to enjoy a full story, from start to finish, within a single magazine issue. Jean Paul is already hard at work crafting these stories, and I can’t wait for you all to see what’s coming next.
I wouldn’t finish my humble speech without extending a heartfelt thank you to Mr. Carlos Domingues, the owner and manager of Granite Lounge and Bar, for graciously offering us this beautiful venue for the launch of AfriQueens Magazine. Your support has provided the perfect setting for this momentous occasion, and we are truly grateful for your generosity. Thank you, Mr. Domingues, for being a part of this special day.
Before I conclude, I’d like to inject a little humor into the proceedings—after all, what’s a celebration without a bit of laughter? They say it takes a village to raise a child; well, I can tell you it takes a battalion of strong, determined women (and one good gentleman) to launch a magazine! So, to all of you who have been part of this battalion, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Ladies and gentlemen, as we look ahead, I am filled with excitement for the future of AfriQueens Magazine. This is just the beginning. With your support, we will continue to shine a light on the incredible women who are shaping our continent’s future, one story at a time.
Thank you, and please enjoy the rest of this special day with us.
In conclusion, AfriQueens Magazine is poised to make a lasting impact, offering a unique blend of storytelling and social interaction. Readers are encouraged to visit www.afriqueens.com regularly, where they can join the new social network embedded in the website and become part of this exciting movement.
With its innovative approach and passionate team, AfriQueens Magazine is more than just a publication; it is a beacon of inspiration for women across Africa. Don’t miss out on this new platform dedicated to celebrating the power, resilience, and creativity of African women.
