Somizi Mhlongo and Mohale Motaung celebrate their One-Year Anniversary in style in a one-of-a-kind romantic treehouse that overlooks the Ngala Private Game Reserve, allowing the couple to become one with nature at this luxurious safari getaway – and the duo shared the experience with fans on this week’s episode of The Insider SA.

A little over a year ago, Somizi and Mohale tied the knot in a four-part television special to showcase their love to the world – a deliberate choice by the couple to promote the acceptance of love in all forms.

Mohale explains, “Telling our love story was not just about us as a couple, but it was also about making this a norm since people frown upon same-sex relationships, especially in a lot of African countries. So, igniting what we have really ignites what other people could have”.

This decision allowed all of SA to celebrate with the two on their special day. But since their wedding, the couple have been non-stop hustling. “People think once you’ve ‘made it’ you can just relax. It doesn’t work like that.

The higher you get, the harder you have to work”, explains Somizi. With Somizi as a TV & Radio Personality and entrepreneur, and Mohale as an entrepreneur, model and actor, it’s hard for the newlyweds to catch a break.

STREAM SA REALITY SHOWS: SOMHALE WEDDING SPECIAL MAKES SHOWMAX HISTORY

This is why their remote overnight retreat in the &Beyond Ngala Treehouse was even more special – and capturing it on The Insider SA meant they could hold on to the memories for a lifetime while sharing this occasion with their fans.

The Ngala Treehouse is situated in the middle of the reserve, perfectly isolated for a romantic getaway. The design was inspired by the authentic nature and enormous Marula trees that surround it. Most importantly, the treehouse is totally self-sustainable and was built with a light carbon footprint.

Being so high up in the trees allows guests to feel as though they are truly connected with the wildlife. “You’ll get to hear the sounds of the birds and all the other animals”, explains the Treehouse’s Assistant Manager, Fabiano Matias. Since the &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve sits on the unfenced border of the Kruger National Park, its wildlife, including the Big 5, are able to roam freely on the Ngala Reserve.

The Treehouse is four stories high, kitted with a dark-wood kitchen, a copper-accented bathroom, a spacious bedroom among the trees, and a rooftop to gaze at the starlit sky after sunset.

This retreat took Somizi and Mohale’s breath away. “How are we ever going to top this?”, Somizi asks. “This is a proper, luxurious treehouse”, Mohale comments. While laughing he adds, “I’m wondering how much they’d sell it to us for?”. Somizi and Mohale describe their hidden getaway as modern, yet warm. “It’s the perfect spot for an anniversary; the perfect spot for a honeymoon”, Somizi shares.

Since living and working within Joburg’s busy city doesn’t allow for many outdoor activities, the couple sink into their outdoor, rooftop bed to stargaze. In the meantime, dinner is being prepared at Ngala.

Ngala’s talented chef prepares a meal fit for kings – a meal that invokes pride. As a symbol of pride, the lion’s favourite meal is served for dinner: kudu. The meat is a South African favourite, but is prepared in the simple, French style.

Somizi and Mohale enjoy their dinner under the starlit African sky – the perfect way to celebrate their love and reflect on the year that’s been. “This is an amazing experience. This is our first outdoor, romantic dinner so we’re excited about it – mainly because it’s in the bush in the middle of nowhere!”, Somizi shares.

Next on their to-do list at Ngala is the unforgettable game drive through the reserve’s 14,700 hectares of private wilderness land. On their drive, the couple spotted wildlife galore. For Somizi, the highlight was catching a glimpse of his spirit animal: the elephant. “Their presence is amazing. They’re big and strong, yet at the same time, they’re gentle and humble”.

For Mohale, his highlight was witnessing a rare sighting of a buffalo kill by lions. This is made even more significant as Mohale’s surname, ‘Motaung’ means ‘Lion’. “I’ve never seen lions feast like this but I’m very excited, they’re my favourite animal. They’re majestic! They’re so powerful”. As for Somizi, he’d prefer merely observing them from the TV. White lions with blood-stain coats are certainly an intimidating sight to see, especially considering how rare white lions really are. They have a rare colour mutation and indigenous to the Timbavati region. However, in some African cultures, they’re regarded as divine.

With the year beginning to wind down, The Insider had to know more about what the future had in store for two men who continue to push the envelope and break boundaries.

While Mohale plans to continue growing his current company, Glam Troupe, he also plans to enhance his acting skills as he breaks into the acting industry more. As for Somizi, he’ll continue working on his cookbook that will be released at the end of November for the festive season. This year has also introduced his very own cooking show, Dinner at Somizi’s, and soon we’ll be able to enjoy his crockery range, Somizi Crockery Range Kitchenware. As for the rest, Somizi promises, “There’s a lot more for 2021”.

For now, the couple is simply enjoying living life together as husbands, unified in love and commitment.

Catch The Insider SA every Tuesday at 19h30 and catch the repeat every Saturday at 20h00 on SABC 3.

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DStv’s five-part documentary about the Springboks’ momentous journey to winning the 2019 Rugby World Cup is personal, poignant and sensitively told. Interviews with players and crew have shown a candour and depth of emotion linked to both their on and off-field experiences in Japan last year.

The winning of the Rugby World Cup (RWC) is one of the biggest nation-building events South Africa has ever witnessed. If you look at the 1995, 2007 and 2019 victories, there were smiles on the faces of our rainbow nation for weeks after.

In the midst of this extremely tough year, Chasing the Sun takes viewers on a journey that culminates in a powerful and historic victory.

4 favourite insights from the interviews so far.

1.“Was Siya ready? Yes he was. Was it a bold move? Yes it was,” Jean de Villiers.

When Rassie Erasmus accepted the job as Springbok coach one of his first moves was to place transformation front as centre of the conversation with the team. Not for quotas, but because of the amazing impact a truly transformed team would have both on and off the pitch.

Appointing Siya Kolisi as captain was a huge part of Erasmus’ plan. No one was more surprised than Siya himself at the announcement but the decision was the right one – one that set the side on the path to RWC glory.

“There were people who took a taxi and a bus all the way from the Eastern Cape, singing all the way, to celebrate that day,” says Siya of his first match as Springbok captain. The appointment turned Kolisi into a national treasure and converted many South Africans into rugby fans. It also converted the likes of Herschel Jantjies – a lifelong All Blacks fan – to a Springbok supporter.

2.“I obviously wanted the team to say something,” Rene Naylor, physiotherapist.

The murder of Uyinene Mrwetyana and a number of other tragic gender based crimes sparked nationwide protests in South Africa in the week of 24 August. The team’s female physio, Rene Naylor, called on the team to speak out in support of the protesters. The decision was taken not to, a decision both Kolisi and Erasmus deeply regret.

‘I wish I had said something, as a man. Women in South Africa are always under attack, we should be saying something. I think most men would listen to us,” says Kolisi.

Rassie was in tears during his interview on the subject, “It was me that said ‘let’s just focus on rugby’, let’s inspire when we deserve to inspire. I should have said ‘guys let’s talk out about it’.”

However, one player, Makazole Mapimpi, felt he had to stand with South African women. He flashed a wristband with the words Nene 2019 during a match.

3.“At the hotel there were three options of Wi-Fi to log onto – Brighton 1, Brighton 2, Brighton 3,” Matthew Pearce, rugby journalist.

The hotel staff appeared to have a wicked sense of humour. With the Boks having lost 34-32 to minnows Japan in a 2015 RWC match in Brighton, England, the Wi-fi passwords were a stark reminder of this fateful day which Siya Kolisi described as “one of most embarrassing moments in my rugby career.”

After four years living with the ‘trauma’ of arguably the biggest upset in rugby union history, the Springboks were luckily on the path to redemption in Tokyo.

4.“We planned to be the first team in Tokyo and the last team to leave Tokyo”

Erasmus focussed on conditioning and fitness, bringing in Aled Walters, head of athletic performance to get them into top physical shape. In his interview, Walters says, “I used to have the perception that if only South Africa were fit, they would be incredible.”

While the players put in the effort, some of the older guys had a few words to say about it. “Pieter-Steph (Du Toit) lost almost five kgs in one training session, that’s how hard it was.” Kwagga Smith.

The first two episodes also share moving insights into a number of the players’ personal journeys to the Rugby World Cup and Erasmus’ brilliant strategy to becoming champions again. Episode three of Chasing the Sun airs at 18:00 on M-Net (DStv 101) on Sunday, 18 October and is available on Catch Up.

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We all know M-Net (channel 101) didn’t come to play with the girls this year. Having premiered a slew of high-quality local productions, it’s clear that the Premium channel is shifting focus to invest in original South African storytelling as a means to upgrade their ‘fresh from the US’ offering.

Very 2020 of them.

Now there’s a pretty cool block on Thursday, where you can catch these local TV series screening back to back. Here’s what you can expect this week

“Surprises Galore” in Legacy

Felicity (Mary-anne Barlow) and Stefan (Sean-Marco Vorster) are shocked to learn the real surprise John (Nawa Mlangeni) has in store for them. A blast from the past seems to threaten a budding love affair. Legacy airs Monday-Thursday at 19:00 and is created by Tshedza Productions.

Taking stock in The Single Wives SA

“How do I fall in love?”

The Single Wives invite their men on an unforgettable romantic weekend away to Knysna. How will their dates feel, and have their relationships developed enough for the next step?

The couples are also faced with “36 questions”, a tool to assist them in reaching a new level of intimacy and connection.

Will this weekend away bring couples closer, or push others further apart?

More reasons to tune in:

• A relationship becomes official.
• Compromise. One of the ladies is learning not to be too pushy.
• Sisterhood. Something doesn’t sit well with Genevieve…

The Single Wives SA is produced by Black Swan Media and is screened on M-Net Channel 101 every Thursday at 19:30.

James and Rachel are on a mission to do whatever it takes – even if means that they lose a dear friend-  in this week’s episode of Inconceivable.

“Surprise”

James (Langley Kirkley) and Rachel (Carine Rous) team up and find the perfect plan to blackmail Marieke (Anel Alexander), which leaves Wesley (Wayne van Rooyen) caught in the middle. Natalie (Nina Hastie) and Sisanda (Sisanda Henna) are at odds with one another, as she continues to keep their secret from David (Craig Jackson). Tamsin (Jay Anstey) finally manages to pull herself out of her own self-destruction, but she is left in a difficult position when she gets a call from her son’s school.

Produced and created by Rous House productions – Inconceivable airs Thursdays at 20:30.

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