While some fought successfully and founded nations like Haiti or lost their lives and left legacies like the town of Yanga and San Basilio de Palenque, here are all the fascinating details to know about these great warriors.

Iconic African Warriors That Fought Slavery

1. Gaspar Yanga (1545-1618)

Also known as the First Liberator of the Americas, Yanga was born in Gabon and later sold into slavery in Mexico. Having started his life in a royal family among the Bran people of Gabon, his capture in Mexico only increased his determination for freedom.

It is unclear when he was captured into slavery, however, reports have it that he was about 25 years old in 1570 when he fled from his enslaver. Together with other fleeing slaves, they formed a maroon colony named San Lorenzo de los Negros in the highlands. This type of settlement made of running or former slaves was also called palenque. From this location, Yanga led a series of attacks on nearby plantations and caravans around Vera Cruz for the survival of the Palenque.

Eventually, his community and the Spanish authorities started having clashes. However, they escaped capture by the government for over forty years. It was not till 1618 that the Spaniards finally signed a treaty that would settle the hostility with Yanga’s maroon colony. While the agreement allowed him to build a free community, the settlement continued to pay taxes to the Spanish crown. His resistance against slavery led to the establishment of San Lorenzo de Los Negros de Cerravo in 1630.

Today, the town’s name has changed to Yanga after the former slave who fought and won against a brutal institution. The Mexican government honored him with the title of the national hero of Mexico in 1871 while the town was named a UNESCO world heritage site. He is also the inspiration behind Snoop Dogg’s 2020 song Gaspar Yanga.

2. Benkos Biohó 

The town of San Basilio de Palenque may still be standing as the first free African town in the Americas, yet, behind this is a shocking history of slave revolt. Its hero, Benkos Biohó was a Mandinka man who started life in a Guinea Bissau royal family. However, his life’s course took a different direction when he was captured and sold into slavery by the slave trader, Pedro Gomes Reinel.

While in captivity in the Americas, Biohó escaped captivity severally. His last escape was into the marshy lands north of Cartagena in 1599. The success strengthened his organization into one of the largest armies in the Montes de Maria region. Through this army, he was able to set other enslaved people free as well as assist fleeing slaves. He also started addressing himself as king, a matter that was not taken lightly by the government.

Notably, his activities led to clashes with the Colombian government. They finally signed a peace treaty in 1612. This peace lasted till 1619 when the Spaniards captured Benko. The South American emancipator was later hung in 1621.

3. Zumbi dos Palmares (1655-1695)

This Brazilian warrior remains a powerful symbol of resistance to slavery. His descent is traced to Kongo nobility through his mother, Sabina. He was born into slavery in 1655 in Palmares. When he was six years old, he was given to the missionary, Father Antonio Melo.

By the time he turned 15 in 1670, Zumbi who was baptized Francisco escaped and returned to Palmares. The years following this saw him rise to become a leader of the maroon community of Palmares. Notably, he possessed military prowess and the martial arts skill of Capoeira. He used this in defending Palmeres against the Portuguese authority.

After a series of clashes, the Portuguese were forced to settle with him but he rejected their offers because other slaves outside of Palmares had to be freed. He fought the government for 15 years before they finally captured and killed him in 1695.

Zumbi is considered one of the greatest warriors in Afro-Brazilian folklore. Many believed he was a demigod who was controlled by African spirits.

4. Queen Nanny 1685-1750

She was a leader of the Jamaican maroon community that fought the British to regain their freedom. Also known as Granny Nanny, her story started in the West African country of Ghana where she was born in c.1685. However, she was captured and sold into slavery, a journey that would lead her to Jamaica.

While in captivity, she escaped and joined other fleeing slaves in the Blue Mountain range. Over time, she gained experience as a fighter. Thanks to this military skills and leadership ability, she trained others in guerilla warfare that would free more than 800 slaves.

As a result of the fierce resistance put up by the maroons, the British were forced to sign a peace treaty with them in 1740.

Queen Nanny’s role in fighting slavery has led to her recognition as Right Excellent by the Jamaican government. You will also find her on the Jamaican $500 bill.

5. Elizabeth Freeman c.1744-1781

Unlike most enslaved people who took up arms to fight for freedom, Elizabeth fought through the Massachusetts court to gain freedom. She was born Beth in Massachusetts but was given to her master’s daughter, Hannah Ashley when she was six years old. Beth was the first to file and win a lawsuit for freedom in Massachusetts.

There are accounts of how she came to know about the freedom contained in the Sheffield Declaration. Many believe that she overheard her master, Hannah’s husband discussing the issue with others.

After hearing of the freedom and equality contained in it, she hired a lawyer, Theodore Sedgewick. The pro-abolition lawyer filed a lawsuit on her behalf. The lawsuit led to their freedom and an award of 30 shillings to cover the cost of the trial. This landmark victory in 1781 set a precedent for other cases.

6. Toussaint Louverture 1743-1803

He is also known as the father of Haiti. To understand how he earned such an accolade, it goes back to his being a former slave who became a great warrior against slavery. He was born into slavery to a West African man from Dahomey named Hypolite and his wife, Pauline.

Toussant drew attention to himself as an influential person through his leadership in the Haitian revolution. He joined the slave rebellion in 1791 during which time he trained other negro people in the army. However, he was not impressed with the organization of the leadership of the rebellion leading him to train his own guerilla fighters.

The rebellion put a spotlight on him and added to his influence. This would prove vital when he started playing both the Spanish and French governments during the 1793 war between the two powers. He later chose the French side after they abolished slavery and became governor-general of the Island in 1796.

The military strategist used his new position to continue fighting for other enslaved people. However, the French soon clashed with him when he freed slaves in Santo Domingo. This move led to his capture and imprisonment by the French. Having laid the foundation for Haitian independence, he did not live to see it happen as he died in 1803. Nonetheless, the revolution continued till the former slave colony declared independence on January 1, 1804.

7. Nat Turner 1800-1831

He is one of the fiercest warriors against slavery among people of African descent. Nat is said to have possessed fierceness since when he was a child. As an adult, he channeled this into fighting an institution that he was born into.

Aside from being fierce, Turner was deeply religious, and through his beliefs, he amassed a huge following. In his teachings, he encouraged his followers to take action against their enslavers. This would eventually lead to the Nat Turner rebellion of August 1831, one of the fiercest slave rebellions led by him and about 70 enslaved people.

They started by killing his master, his master’s wife, and their children before attacking other slave-holding families. In the uprising that lasted between August 21 and August 23, they killed over 50 people before he was captured and executed.

8. Carlota Lukumi

She is one of the greatest warriors who fought against slavery. Carlotta is of Yoruba descent and was sold into slavery in Matanzas, Cuba. She started planning a revolt while in captivity on a sugar plantation. One of her collaborators was another female slave named Fermina. Their plans were discovered and Fermina was beaten and imprisoned.

This did not stop the musically gifted Carlotta from continuing with the plan. Reports have it that she used the talking drum to send coded messages. Considering her African background, it is not surprising that she used this means of communication.

In 1843, she led a successful attack that freed Fermina and other enslaved people. This marked the beginning of other uprisings by the fearless warrior who went to battle using a machete. Their success against the Spanish plantations only lasted for a year before she was captured and executed alongside Fermina.

9. Bussa

He was one of the planners of the 1816 rebellion in Barbados. How he came to be a fighter in the first of three rebellions that happened in the West Indies before the abolition of slavery is quite a fascinating tale of bravery.

Bussa is said to be of Igbo descent and was born in West Africa before he was later enslaved in the West Indies.

While in captivity, Bussa worked as a ranger and this position gave him mobility that allowed him to organize the rebellion alongside other slaves from different plantations. He and other collaborators led about 400 slaves in the rebellion. The revolt started on Sunday, April 14 in St Phillip before spreading to other parts of the Island.

Bussa’s rebellion led to the declaration of martial law on April 15. Sadly, he was killed in battle while the fighting continued. Three days later, the British imperial troops quelled it. While over 100 slaves died during the rebellion, only two white people were reported to have been killed.

Today, ‘Bussa’s statue’ stands tall in the Haggart Hall in St Michael. The statue was unveiled in 1985, 169 years after he fought to free himself and other slaves. His role as a warrior against slavery has also earned him a place as a national hero of Barbados.

See Also: 10 African Slaves Who Became Legendary

10. Harriet Tubman

Her story is one of courage and bravery. She is a third-generation slave whose grandmother, Modesty was sold into slavery in Africa. Harriet Tubman experienced the trauma of slavery as she grew up under harsh conditions. Her first taste of resistance came from her mother who resisted the sale of her son. This experience of being separated from some of her children made Harriet’s mother strong-willed.

In adulthood, Tubman fought slavery for herself and others through the underground train, a set of secret safehouses that provided hiding places for fleeing slaves. Her activity on the underground train earned her the nickname of Moses after the Biblical Moses that led the Israelites out of Egypt. Tubman freed an estimated number of 70 people in 11 years. These included members of her family and other slaves from Maryland

The post 10 Greatest African Warriors That Fought Slavery appeared first on WeAfrique.

Ranging from places like Victoria Falls, and Hwange National Park, to Great Zimbabwe, make make sure you make this country a travel destination of a lifetime.

Best Places to Visit in Zimbabwe for a Mindblowing Experience

1.  Victoria Falls

Any talk of the largest sheet of falling water in the wall would be incomplete without talking about the Victoria waterfalls named after the late British monarch. The water which is shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe has a combined width of 1,708m making it the world’s largest waterfall in the world.

The waterfall can be accessed from both countries with 75 percent of it being visible from Zimbabwe. Hence, we will concentrate on getting to it from Zimbabwe. It can be accessed through Victoria Falls town. One of the pecks of visiting Victoria Falls is that you get to visit two national parks in which the falls are found; the Mosi-Oa-Tunya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Victoria Falls National Park.

Also, it is one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Others are the Aurora Borealis, Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, Great Barrier Reef, Mount Everest, Grand Canyon, and Paricutin.

So if you are looking to visit some of the best places in this beautiful country, be sure to put Victoria Falls on your bucket list.

2. Hwange National Park

Founded in 1929, it is the largest band in the country and one of the best places to visit in Zimbabwe to see wildlife. Interestingly, before tourists started including it in the list of places to see in the country, the park was attached to the royal family of the Ndebele.

It is said that the great Ndebele warrior, King Mzilikazi used the area as a hunting ground. Thanks to the Zimbabwean government, this gem can be accessed by people around the world.

Aside from having the big 5 land animals; elephants, lions, buffalo, rhinos, and leopards, it also has over 400 bird species. Notably, the huge concentration of elephants makes it one of the most concentrated elephant sanctuaries in the world.

3. Great Zimbabwe

Located in Masvingo, this medieval African city was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Zimbabwe and home to the Shona people till the 15th century when it was abandoned.

The site is made up of hills which are mostly seen as the religious part, the enclosure, and the walls. Of this, visitors can’t help but notice the symbolism of power and authority that the Shona had in the area. Moreso, it served as a trading connection between the area and other parts of the world such as Persia and China due to artifacts found by archaeologists.

While it was hard for Europeans and other early explorers to believe Africa had such great architecture, Great Zimbabwe is proof that indeed Africans built sophisticated architecture. It is not surprising that it was made a UNESCO site in 1986.

4. Mana Pools National Park

Probably the largest national park in the country, this UNESCO world heritage site offers visitors an opportunity to see hippopotamus, crocodiles, elephants, and many aquatic birds. The park is located along the Zambezi River in the northern part of the country.

Historically, the park holds dear memories to the Bushmen who once called it home. Evidence of their living in the area can still be found in the rock paintings left in caves within the park. Apart from this, other interesting things point to a rich history and heritage such as the Muuyu WeMurengwas Boabab tree which is found on the Sapi River within the park.

Today, the tree which is associated with the Tonga people is considered a National Treasure. If you are a history buff, visiting this park is a sure way of adding to your knowledge.

5. Nyanga National Park

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The park sits on 116, 000 acres of dense forest which house many archeological sites. Nyanga was once known as Rhodes Inyanga National Park and it is one of the oldest national parks in the country.

Due to its mountainous nature, the park is a good destination for anyone with a twitch for adventure. It offers many hiking trails, wildlife viewing, fishing, birdwatching, and immersion into archaeology or do we say into history. Animals in the park include Zebras, antelope, waterbucks, klipspringer, and kudu.

Aside from this, a lot of myths, legends, and bizarre occurrences have been associated especially in connection with Mount Nyangani. The mountain is the highest in Zimbabwe but this is not all that there is to it. It is said that there is a strangeness about the mountain which sometimes swallows people which the Manyika people say is due to a vindictive spiritual presence.

While this may discourage many from visiting the park, don’t panic, this is just a bit of warning as you would not want to miss out on all the other interesting features.

6. Lake Kariba

Aside from being the mother of all continents, some of the most beautiful sites are located in Zimbabwe. So how about visiting the largest artificial lake in the world, Lake Kariba? This beautiful gem was formed by damming the Zambezi River to generate hydroelectric power.

Like many shared treasures, Lake Kariba is shared between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The lake was constructed by Andre Coyne and it took three years before it was completed. It is a great spot for house boating and fishing.

7. Chinhoyi Caves

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Located close to Harare, the country’s capital, this tourist location is a majestic piece of nature. Also, it can serve as a romantic getaway for a couple that wants to immerse themselves without thinking about any other person in the world.

The caves which are made of dolomite and limestone also boast a crystal blue colored natural pool located in it.

8. Chiremba Balancing Rocks

These rocks are located in Epworth, Harare, and are said to represent a balance between nature and man. Though many balancing rocks can be found in different parts of the country, Chiremba Balancing Rocks are the most popular.

9. Khami Ruins

This is an archaeological ruin that holds a rich history of the area. Based on the relics, it has been proven that Khami was abandoned in the 16th century. Importantly, items from other parts of the world such as China were found there. This implies that the area was an important trading point.

Due to its cultural significance, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

See Also:10 Interesting Facts About Zimbabwe 

10. Matobo National Park

Though it is the last place on this list, it does not make it the least important. On the contrary, Matobo National Park is home to granite mountains and wooded valleys. Some of the significant parts of the park are the Matobo or Matopos Hills. The hills have one of the highest concentrations of rock art in Southern Africa dating back to thousands of years.

These paintings represent the different aspects of daily living. One man who found the place a true beauty is the former colonizer Cecil Rhodes. He described it as World’s View and even added it as his final resting place in his will. Today, Rhode’s grave has become a tourist attraction in the park.

Other attractions in the park include the Maleme Dam where one can enjoy coming and canoeing.

The post 10 Best Places To Visit In Zimbabwe appeared first on WeAfrique.

Though she manages to control a huge following on social media, she also owes her popularity to controversies and scandals. These include a leaked s*x tape, run-ins with the law in an alleged phone theft, and her romantic life with Nigeria Afrobeat singer Bamzy Riches.

Fascinating Details About Cyan Boujee

1. Her Real Name and Background

Generally, she is known as Cyan Boujee; however, she was born Honour Zuma Zacn on August 25, 2001, and she is currently 22 years old.

Focusing on her background, Cyan is reported to be a member of the Islamic faith, yet we could not verify this information. Also, she is said to have attended local schools before moving on to South African University to study Mass Media.

2. She Started as a Makeup Artist

Boujee started as a makeup artist to make a living, and she used social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube to popularise her work. From her uploads, Boujee shares makeup tutorials with her followers.

As it is, she expanded her online presence by making life videos of herself and with friends while having fun moments.

3. She is known for her work as a DJ

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The South African-born is a gifted DJ. A Look through her Instagram shows she runs another page that handles her DJ works. Based on the updates she shares of herself at work, we can infer that she loves working as a DJ.

Through her work, Cyan has organized shows in places like Soweto, Hammanskraal, and Port Elizabeth.

4. Boujee Influences for Brands

As mentioned earlier, Boujee enjoys uploading details about her work, and a look confirms that some of this includes influencing brands.

By this, we mean she uses her knowledge of social media to draw attention to products. So far, she has promoted skin care products and fashion brands. These include Hygienco, a Sandton-based cosmetic brand, and Fashion Nova Curve, a plus-size fashion brand.

5. Boujee has an Interesting Love Life

For a woman who has entertained many, her love life is another interesting detail. She has enjoyed publicized relationships. Famously, she dated Bamzy Riches, who was born Olaiya Olatunde Abdul-Lateef.  Like Bougee, Bamzy is also an entertainer who trades his craft as a rapper. He is notable for his debut work, Gains Over Pain.

The pair were quite the admired celebrity pair. She revealed that she was getting R50 as a girlfriend allowance. However, her claim was shut down by internet users who claimed she was lying about such an amount.

Despite their loved-up affair, their relationship has had its share of controversy. In 2022, Cyan opened a case against Bamzy, claiming he had assaulted her. The Nigerian Afrobeat singer was arrested, but he also opened a counterclaim which stated that she had also assaulted him. Thankfully, they settled the matter amicably when Bamzy paid Cyan R23 000 for damages he caused to her apartment and iPhone.

6. Cyan Boujee Believes in Giving Back to the Society

Boujee owns a charity foundation named Reaching Out Foundation. She assists the poor and needy through it. So far, she has assisted many with clothes, food, and other items.

7. She spent R200,000 to get her desired body

Looking at Cyan’s pictures, one cannot help but notice her curvy body. As it is, she has revealed that she spent R200,000 to get her desired body. She decided to go under the knife because of an experience that happened earlier in her life. This was when she was in school and was always left out by a group of girls with great bodies.

For years, she dreamt of one day having such. After she got the procedure done, she was invited by the girls.

Despite getting the procedure done, she has had challenges. She revealed that she had three liposuctions due to her eating habits. Also, in June 2023, the social media influencer shared with fans that her BBL leaks regularly. She takes care of it by having regular showers and keeping body plasters nearby.

8. Her S*x Video was Leaked Online

For a woman who has been in the public eye for years, it was pretty surprising when her leaked s*x video was posted online. The other person involved in the video was revealed as Prince Kaybee. His identity was discovered after Cyan took to her social media to express how disappointed she was with him for leaking the tape.

Also, she clarified the matter by stating that the clip was made in 2020 and that she was just 19 years old while  Prince Kaybee was 31. Considering her age at the time, Cyan was inexperienced, while Prince Kaybee was one of the sought-after DJs. She revealed that he requested the clip, and she did it to impress him. Though some celebrities such as Kim Kardashian have enjoyed fame from leaked sex tapes, Cyan was hurt by it. Thankfully, the DJ has made it clear that it is the only such video she has.

9. The South African DJ Allegedly Faked a Pregnancy to Extort

Boujee drew attention to herself in a fake pregnancy scandal in May 2022. Allegedly, she had faked pregnancy to extort Kagiso Lerutho, Doro Mongy’s brother. The issue became public knowledge after Mongy took to his Instagram to rant in a way directed at Cyan.

Following this, she refuted any claims of ever blackmailing someone. Cyan revealed that she had suffered from a miscarriage. She revealed that she had only gotten pregnant by Bamzy Riches, whom she refers to as her baby daddy. And that they lost their pregnancy. She maintained that she had never been pregnant before this.

See Also: Who Is TDK Macassette? Every Detail About The South African Dancer

10. The Makeup Artist was Arrested for an Alleged Theft

Despite the attention her work on the deck and makeup brings to her, Cyan has also been in the news for not-so-good reasons. In June 2023, the DJ was arrested for an alleged phone theft by the police in Midrand.  She was on her way to perform at a Cofi, a popular nightclub, when she was arrested.

Details about the incident show that a case was opened against her two weeks before the arrest. However, the identity of who opened the case or the owner of the stolen phone was not publicized.

As it is, the case did not progress as the police were forced to drop the case against her due to lack of evidence.

The post Who Is Cyan Boujee: 10 Facts About Her appeared first on WeAfrique.

On his own, Nkosi prefers to concentrate on his business and living a luxurious life by acquiring cars; however, being associated with a celebrity wife and scandals have continued to put him in the limelight. Besides being accused of being a deadbeat father, Hlubi has been involved in a paternity scandal in the past.

How They Met and Got Married

Before Hlubi’s relationship with Londie, he managed to stay away from media attention. However, this changed when he started dating the reality star in 2018. They started dating intermittently until the end of 2020, when they reportedly married.

It is stated that their wedding was traditional, in which he paid the Loloba (bride price). During the wedding ceremony, Londie got many gifts including cars.

Moving forward, infidelity rumors started making the rounds about the two. They quietly divorced sometime in 2022, and it was months later that Londie revealed via an Instagram update that they were no longer together.

The Truth About Hlubi and Londie’s Divorce

Looking at how the marriage ended, you may wonder what happened. As mentioned, speculations of infidelity were noted as the reason for the failure of their marriage. The rumors were that Hlubi may have even gotten a side chick pregnant.

Looking back, sources like City Press hinted that Hlubi had plans to take in the socialite Phumla M as his second wife. Per the same source, Londie moved out of their Durban home in reaction to Hlubi’s decision.

It is stated that Hlubi and Phumla M had been seeing each other for some time despite his marriage with Londie. Hlubi is said to have invited Phumla M to his birthday party, which Londie organized.

However, Londie refuted the claims that her ex-husband had cheated on her. According to her, the marriage failed because their relationship changed, and Hlubi stopped being consistent and supportive. The reality star also clarified that the relationship got so dark for her.

To buttress the point, she broke down in tears in an episode of RHOD. She revealed that she attempted the marriage attempt again by going back, but things only got worse, and she left again.  Rumors started that she was broke, but she has since refuted it.

Other Details to Know About Hlubi Nkosi

1. He is the father of two children

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Uminathi Nkosi and Bomikaze Nkosi are the two children born to Hlubi during his marriage to Londie. They welcomed Uminathi, a boy, in February 2021. Londie, who is very active on social media, shared the news with her followers. It was noticeable that baby Umi was captured wearing a Gucci outfit.

Bomikaze was born in July 2022. From what we gathered of their lives, Uminathi and Bpmikaze are some of the greatest joys of Londie’s life. She shares updates about them, especially those involving milestones in their lives, such as birthdays.

The South  African entertainer once mentioned her regret of not wanting to be a single parent following the divorce, but she has since moved beyond that.

On his part, not much can be said about Hlubi’s relationship with his children. He was accused of being an inactive parent in his children’s lives.

2. He asked for  a DNA test for their oldest child

Hlubi and Londie made the news again when he sought a DNA test on their oldest child. Hlubi is said to have doubted the child’s paternity, claiming Londie got pregnant by a famous DJ whose identity is not revealed.

According to sources like the popcorn room, the results showed that Hlubi is not the father.

While reacting to an Instagram update about the alleged DNA result, Londie asked them who they did the test with and where.

3. Hlubi Nkosi repossessed a car he got for Londie 

Hlubi and Londie’s online issues did not end with their divorce. They were in the spotlight after Hlubi repossessed a car he got her. According to the singer, she had gone to a Remy Martin event and found out that her car was gone when she came out.

Upon investigation, it was found out that Hlubi had driven the car off. So why did he do that? It turns out he had given her the car to carry his children and not to go for her functions.

See Also: Who Is Nonku Williams? Bio, Age, Husband, Kids, Other Facts

4. The businessman was accused of being a deadbeat

Nkosi is accused of being an uncaring father who does not provide for his children despite living large. He came under attack after buying a Bentley and Mercedes Benz for his alleged girlfriend, Mawhoo.

In his defense, Hlubi denies being a deadbeat and says he pays child support without skipping any month. Also, he claims he does it without minding whether Londie will use the money to buy Gucci.

5. Londie’s ex-husband has a new girlfriend

Ever since Hlubi and his ex-wife parted ways, there have been speculations about his love life. He has been linked to a woman identified as Mawhoo. The pair were allegedly sighted aboard a plane. On their part, they both denied involvement.

However, a source who allegedly shared a seat with them on the plane is said to have confirmed seeing them together.

While Hlubi has yet to publicize having a relationship or lack thereof, his ex-wife has since moved on. She is dating a man identified as Mabonga. They made their public debut sometime in July 2023 during the fundraising dinner for American boxer Floyd Mayweather. Since then, Londie’s new man is said to have bought her a new luxury car and a house.

The post Hlubi Nkosi Is Londie London’s Ex-husband: Their Sad Fall Out, Other Facts appeared first on WeAfrique.

While thriving to pursue new career opportunities, the mother of three has had her share of controversies including her relationships with Lord Phil and Andile Mpisane. She welcomed a son with Lord Phil and two daughters with Mpisane. Here is everything to know about her life.

She was Born and Raised in KwaZulu Natal

Sithelo Shozi was born in the Umkomaas neighborhood of KwaZulu Natal on April 17, 1994. Her mother is a serving minister. There have been claims that Sithelo neglected her mother in a rented apartment in KwaZulu Natal.

These came about after the alleged two-bedroom apartment her mother lives in circulated online. While Sithelo did not explain or try to shed light on the accusations, she maintained that she does not ‘clear nonsense’. Aside from this, not much is known about her father’s identity.

Moving on, Sithelo has a sister named Zekthelo Shozi whom she shares a close relationship and this is proven by their social media updates.

More on her background, the DJ completed her high school education at Scottsburgh High School. After this, she studied Political Theory at the University of KwaZulu Natal. She also enrolled to study at POW Academy in Durban where she honed her skills in playing recorded music.

How Did She Become Famous?

Sithelo is a woman who wears many career hats. Starting from her work as a DJ to music and social media updates, the KwaZulu native has a way of keeping fans and followers entertained. Understandably, this explains her fame and popularity.

Over the years, she has put her training in music to use. If she is not at clubhouses or pubs doing her DJ work, Sithelo sings her songs.

In July 2019, she released Forever, a song she featured SkyeWamda. Following this, she continued to expand her career leading to the release of other materials including Hell and Back in 2022. The song was based on a heartbreak from a previous relationship.

More to her fame, Sithelo also uses her social media platform to promote brands and products. She can be seen striking different poses wearing luxury clothing and shoes while also hanging out at fun places.

She added to her growing fame when she appeared as a detective on The Masked Singer South Africa. In an August 2023 Instagram update, she revealed that the SABC show is her first TV job and she cannot wait for the second season to start airing.

Her Controversial Love Affairs

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At the time of filing this report, Sithelo has never been married, however, she has been in highly publicized relationships with men like Makhosini ‘Lord Phil’ Maseko and Andile Mpisane. Through this, she gave birth to three children.

Her relationship with Lord Phil dates back to 2015. It is alleged that they started dating while Lord Phil was still married to Thandeka Sibiya. The relationship led to the birth of her oldest child, a boy named Makhosini Nhlelozikathixo. Sadly, the scandal led to Lord Phil and Sibiya’s divorce. One would wonder if Lord Phil is involved in the life of his son. As it is, this remains unclear.

Her relationship with Andile had its share of controversies. First, she was 7 years older than the soccer player. While age differences have been observed in celebrity relationships, theirs was unique in that, Andile was only 17 years old while Sithole was 24 years old when they started dating.

More on their relationship, Andile is from a royal family so many felt Sithole was an opportunist. Also, it is said that Andile’s mum, Shauwn ‘MaMhize’ Mkhize was not in support of the relationship. Understandably, MaMhize made it obvious that she would not support anyone using pregnancy to become a member of the royal family nor would she accept a baby mama.

Regardless of these issues, Sithole welcomed two children during the relationship. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Florence Mpisane on May 2, 2020. This was followed shortly after by another daughter, Likuwe Mpisane on July 21, 2021.

Despite welcoming two daughters, Sithole and Andile broke up after Andile doubted the paternity of their second daughter. Also, she alleged abuse. While this was still ongoing, it was revealed that Andile had gotten married to Tamia Mpisane whom he shares two children.

See Also: Kamo Mphela – 10 Facts You Didn’t Know About The South African Entertainer

The DJ was Reportedly Denied Seeing her Older Daughter, Florence

Following the messy breakup, rumors made rounds that Sithole’s daughter, Florence was forcefully taken from her. According to the speculations, she was thrown out of the home she shares with Andile while the car he bought for her was confiscated.

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As it is, she refuted the claims while Andile’s mother also released a statement to say none of these happened. Moreso, the ex-lovers never revealed the result of the paternity test conducted on Sithole’s youngest child.

According to reports, Sithole filed for a protection order in August 2022. Though she did not name Andile, the content of her online petition inferred that she had suffered from his abuse. She revealed that she had been intimidated and bullied by a powerful family.

As it is, her petition received over 45000 signatures. While nothing was heard of the case after that, the pair made waves again when it was revealed that she got a warrant of arrest against Andile for violating a protection order.

However, a close look at the details showed that he had not violated the protection and hence, the police are said to have advised her to wait till Andile violated it before they can arrest him.

The post Who Is Sithelo Shozi? Bio, Career, Controversy And Family appeared first on WeAfrique.

In addition to being one of the sought-after actresses to grace our TV screens, she has a fascinating personal life as well. She is the mother of one child, a daughter she shares with her husband, Thando Sonqishe.

Buhle Samuels’ early life and background

Born May 25, 1990, 33–year-old Buhle Samuel has often been described as someone who does not seem to age. She was born in Soweto but was raised in Pretoria.

Details about her parents show that her mother was the closest to the actress as nothing is known about her father. Her mother was a health practitioner who worked as a nurse to make ends meet for the family. By family, we mean, Buhle, her older sister, Mbali Samuels, and their mother. Her mother once lived in Saudi Arabia.

She started her career as a TV host

Years before Buhle became a household name, she worked as a TV host. Dating back to 2014, she hosted on African magic. Later, she became a regular face as a breakfast show host on M-Net. She was quite the star and this pushed her into taking acting roles on screen.

Her career breakthrough came in 2014 after she got the role of Matshidiso Mofokeng in SABC Muvhango. It is worth noting that she also ran a mobile beauty salon while pursuing an acting career.

More on her most acclaimed role, Samuels was chosen by the producers because they had seen her in the audition she did for Lion King. The Lion King audition was quite impressive and it convinced the producers that she was good at what she does.

Thankfully, the role gave her the attention that any rising actress needs. The role earned her the nomination for Best Newcomer at the 2nd Annual Royalty Soap Award. In 2018, she announced that she would be leaving the show to focus on her music career. She has acted in other acclaimed works like Mbewu: The Seed, One Night, and King of Jo’Burg.

As mentioned, aside from gracing our TV screens as an actress and host, she is also a singer. She is signed to 999, a record label founded by Arthur Mafokate and now run by his son, Lesego.  So far, she has released songs like; Every Woman, Dim the Lights, Cheater.

The actress quietly got married to Thando Sonqishe in 2022

Buhle sure knows how to keep her love away from the public and unsurprisingly, not many were aware that she had done her traditional marriage to a man named Thando Sonqishe, a businessman in March 2022. Prior, she revealed that she does not share personal details about her life because it belongs to her. However, she hinted that her ‘…ideal man is down to earth, ethical guy. He has to be respectful and kind’.

As it is, she may have this and even more if her quiet marriage with Thando is anything to go by. Though she likes to stay away from scandal, she was caught in one when speculations started about the ‘real’ work her work husband does. Notably, the claim started making the rounds when a social media user M.M. claimed that Thando was a gangster who was involved in a past heist.

As it is, the South African actress never responded to these claims. Based on her silence about the matter, these claims remain only speculation.

See Also: Nozipho Zulu – 10 Facts To Know About The South African Celebrity

She welcomed her daughter in 2022

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The talented actress is also a mother. She welcomed a daughter on December 12, 2022. Samuels revealed the arrival of her daughter via her social media update.

While reacting to the news, many fans and followers expressed shock as she had never given any clues to being pregnant. Like her traditional marriage with Thando who also happened to be her daughters’ father, many did not see it coming.

The post Buhle Samuels: Everything To Know About The Actress appeared first on WeAfrique.

With all that is going on in his life, Zungu manages to draw attention to himself with controversies. Here is all we found out about him.

The Early Life and Background of Bongu Zungu

Bongu Zungu is currently 31 years old and we know this because he was born on October 9, 1992, in Duduza, South Africa. Though the identities of his family members are not known, the player has shared pictures of his mother and younger brother on his Instagram account.

The Midfielder Launched his Professional Career in 2012

The Duduza native started playing in the youth level of Dynamos in 2010 when he was 18. He played for two years before making the decision to go professional by playing at a competitive level.

Zungu started playing professionally in 2012 when he joined the University of Pretoria from his youth club, Dynamos. In his debut campaign, he helped AmaTuks to the top 8 position after securing 7 goals for the team in 25 appearances. Apparently, he played so well that the club swapped him to the Mamelodi Sundowns at the beginning of 2013. He was swapped with Buhle Mkhwanzi and Siyabonga Ngubane.

While there was much expectation regarding his skills at the club, this was cut short when he suffered a hairline fracture of the shin in a match against Maritzburg United in the 2015-2016 season. Howbeit the match ended in a 3-2 win for his team, Zungu’s injury took him out for most of the season. Thankfully, the club was able to lift the PSL title in May of 2016.

Following the end of his campaign with Sundowns, he moved to the Portuguese team Vitoria de Guimaraes but his stay with the club lasted for only a season. Following this, he signed a five-year contract with the French team Amiens. While still with the club, he was loaned out to Rangers for a season.

After his contract ended, he moved back to Mamelodi Sundowns in 2022.

He has also Played for the South African National Team

Considering his career rise playing at club level in Europe and South Africa, he made his international debut for the South African National team in 2013. He made his debut on August 17, 2013, in a match against Burkina Faso. However, it was in November of that same year that he scored his first international goal. He netted 1 out of the three goals that sealed the Bafana Bafana win over Swaziland.

Since his international debut over a decade ago, Zungu has made 30 appearances for the team as of filing this report and netted 5 goals for the team.

See Also: Jean Michaël Seri Is An Ivoirian Soccer Player: 10 Facts About Him

He is Dating Cindy Mahlangu and They Have A Son Together

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While the player who wears Jersey No. 8 for the Mamelodi Sundowns has managed to hold the attention of many with his playing skills on the pitch, his romantic affair with Cindy Mahlangu is another interesting detail. The pair became the center of gossip blogs when they publicized their relationship as far back as 2020. On the one hand, there are fans who are captivated by the power relationship between a top soccer player and a well-known actress, there are those who are not in support. Those who are against the relationship feel that his involvement with the actress has affected his skills as he is prioritizing the relationship over his career.

Regardless of how people feel about their relationship, Zungu and Mahlangu hold no stone unturned when it comes to sharing their loved-up pictures on social media. More on their relationship, the midfielder and Mahlangu share a son together.

Prior, the soccer player dated Khanyi Cele, and went as far as getting engaged. But things did not work between the two and they parted ways. Moving on, news of the pregnancy was first made known by celebrity blogger, Musa Khuvalu in 2022. Apparently, the blogger’s claims were true and this was proven when the footballer and actress celebrated their son’s birthday on March 7, 2023. Based on this, we would not be wrong to say he is years old at the moment.

Apart from this, they have managed to keep his identity hidden by hiding his face and generally not mentioning his name. From available information, Zungu’s son is 2.

How Rich is the South African Player?

Bongani Zungu has an estimated net worth of $4 million which he made from his soccer career. The midfielder has been actively playing for over a decade and since then, he made an impressive amount to show for it. He was once speculated to be among the highest-paid players in Sundowns with a weekly wage of $3000. However, Zungu has since increased this amount with moves to teams like Vitoria where he earned $6000 per week.

Aside from his contracts and salary, Zungu also takes cash to the bank from endorsement deals. Based on his social media updates, he endorses brands like Puma and Nivea. From his online activities, Zungu loves to spend his earnings on cars, fancy spots, and property.

The post Who Is Bongani Zungu: Unknown Facts About The Soccer Player appeared first on WeAfrique.

His case shocked and outraged many people, who wanted him to face justice for his heinous acts. Here is what we discovered about Thabo Bester’s case.

Bester was Raised by his Grandmother from the Age of 1

Thabo Bester’s birth was a mystery that puzzled many people. He was born on June 13, 1986, in Johannesburg, South Africa, to a single mother named Maria Mabaso. But he was never registered as a South African citizen by the Department of Home Affairs. He had no identity document or proof of his nationality.

It was only on May 22, 2023, that he finally got his official papers, thanks to the intervention of Aaron Motsoaledi, the former South African home minister. Motsoaledi confirmed that Bester was born at Chris Hani Bragwanath Hospital, but his mother never registered him on the National Population Register.

His childhood was also a mystery that haunted him. He was only one year old when his mother left him with her mother. She wanted to pursue her own life and career, and she rarely visited him. As a result, his mother and grandmother had a lot of problems and conflicts, and they never reconciled.

He grew up with his grandmother, who loved him and cared for him. When she fell ill and died in his teenage years, he lost his only family and home. He wandered around the streets, looking for his mother, but he could not find her, and neither could she.

He Went Into a Life of Crime as a Teenager

During his adolescence, Bester, largely unsupervised, fell into a life of crime that frequently involved swindling. He was known to use a variety of aliases, such as Tom Motsepe, TK Nkwana, Katlego Tom Motsepe Nkwana, and William Kelly.

At the tender age of 19, he was convicted of fraud and sentenced to two years in prison. Despite being granted parole, he did not seize the opportunity to reform and soon returned to his criminal activities.

He began by enticing women on Facebook, a tactic that led to the rape of two models. Tragically, he also took the life of his girlfriend, Nomfundo Tiyhulu. Like his previous victims, Nomfundo was a model. He claimed her death was unintentional and admitted to being responsible for her demise but denied intentionally killing her.

To understand this situation more clearly, let’s break it down. The lovers reportedly traveled to Sunset Beach, where they rented a room at a bed and breakfast. During their stay, he alleges that an argument ensued, during which a knife was introduced.

A struggle over the weapon resulted in her being stabbed. He maintains that he had no intention of killing her, arguing that if he had planned to commit murder, he would have chosen a more secluded location.

While the details of their initial meeting remain unknown, one fact is undeniable: the death of his girlfriend marked a new and more severe phase in his criminal behavior.

Unsurprisingly, he was apprehended and subsequently pleaded guilty to the rapes in 2011 and the murder in 2012. As a result of his actions, he was held accountable and sentenced to life imprisonment at the Mangaung Correctional Centre, a private security prison operated by G4S.

Bester Continued to Commit Crimes from Inside the Prison

Despite his incarceration, Bester, a notorious con artist, didn’t cease his criminal activities. He cunningly established 21st Century Media, a sham media and events company, during his prison term. Ingeniously, he linked it to the renowned 21st Century Fox. To lend credibility to the operation, he appointed Phumudzo Thenga as the company’s sole director. The plot thickens as Bester reportedly manages his company via text messages.

In a bold move in 2018, his company claimed American actresses Taraji P. Henson and Halle Berry as guest speakers for one of its media events. However, both Henson and Berry denied any association with this information on Twitter which is now known as X. Despite being exposed, he began plotting his escape from prison.

He Faked His Death to Escape from Prison

News broke on May 3, 2022, that Bester had tragically passed away. The details revealed that he perished in a prison cell fire, leaving a body so severely burnt it was unrecognizable. The Department for Correctional Services ruled his death a suicide, but this explanation was met with skepticism. By October 2022, investigative reports began to circulate.

Marecia Damons, reporting for the South African News Agency GroundUp, was the first to cast doubt on the prison’s account of events. Subsequent reports from the same agency suggested that the post-mortem results of the body found in the cell indicated a time of death prior to the fire. This raised questions about the identity of the deceased. It was later revealed that a murder investigation had been underway before the fire broke out. Armed with this new information, Marecia collaborated with Daniel Steyn for her third report.

The last report made it clear that Bester had faked his death and had also been working with a close accomplice named Dr. Nandipha Magudumana. Maguduma worked as a celebrity doctor and from court records, she claimed to be Bester’s customary law wife. While this explains their relationship, the investigation also revealed that the celebrity doctor had demanded the body found in the cell be returned to her.

Considering all this evidence, in March 2023, the Department for Correctional Services finally agreed that indeed, Bester had escaped from prison.

The Body Found in Thabo Bester’s Prison Cell was Identified as Katlego Bereng Mpholo

Although the body used to stage Bester’s death was charred beyond recognition, DNA testing later identified it as Katlego Bereng Mpholo, matching the DNA of his mother. Reports indicate that Katlego had been missing since April 2022, and considering Bester’s prison cell fire occurred in May 2022, it’s plausible to connect these two incidents.

Upon identification, it became clear that Bester’s escape was meticulously orchestrated. Batho Mpholo, the deceased’s father, stated that police initially informed him that his son had collapsed in Bloemfontein City and subsequently died. His body was reportedly taken to the mortuary. However, further investigation revealed that Katlego’s cause of death was a blunt-force trauma to the head.

See Also: Rosemary Ndlovu: 7 Facts About Alleged South Africa’s Killer Ex-Cop

How the Facebook Rapist was Rearrested

In the wake of numerous reports surrounding Bester’s fabricated death, it became clear that the police were under pressure to apprehend him and return him to custody. The urgency of the situation led a private security firm, Fidelity, to offer a reward of R100,000 on Facebook to anyone who could provide information leading to his arrest.

However, Bester managed to evade public scrutiny and no one came forward with information. During this period, he resided in a rented apartment in Hyde Park with his main accomplice, the celebrity doctor Magudumana. To maintain his anonymity, he reverted to his old habit of using aliases, adopting the name TK Nkwana.

True to his entrepreneurial spirit, he established Arum Properties, a fraudulent company. He persuaded individuals to make deposits for construction projects which, given the company’s illegitimate nature, were never completed. The funds collected were used to finance his escape to another country.

Fortunately, authorities were able to locate Bester and Magudumana in Arusha, Tanzania, and they were apprehended on April 8, 2023. At the time of their arrest, they were in possession of numerous passports belonging to various individuals. He attempted to resist arrest and implored the police not to harm him. Magudumana, who was found wearing a veil, cooperated with the police.

Following their arrest, the Tanzanian government promptly deported them. In this instance, eight additional individuals were charged in relation to Bester’s escape. New charges were filed, making them the focus of court proceedings. Both Bester and Magudumana applied for bail in September 2023 but their applications were denied.

The post Who Is Thabo Bester? Truth About His Crimes, Escape, And Rearrest appeared first on WeAfrique.

Wherever you choose out of these best places, it is sure to make your experience unforgettable. In no particular order, make sure you pass through these places before leaving the Southern African country.

Best Places To Vist In Botswana That Will Fascinate You

1. Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Considering that the Kalahari desert takes up 80% of the country’s landscape, one is likely to cross the desert while in Botswana. Interestingly, even the Kalahari has a few wonders of its own including the central Kalahari desert reserve located in the heart of this vast flatland. The game reserve is home to wildlife such as giraffes, elephants, rhinoceros, and meerkats.

In recent years, diamond mining has also launched close to the reserve. Though these mining operations are not open tourist spots, it adds to the controversy around the resettlement of the San people from the Kalahari.

Apart from this, animals found in such a natural habitat make a visit to the arid land a must for anyone planning a trip to Botswana.

2. Makgadikgadi Pan National Park

This is made up of large salt pans said to be an ancient lake that dried out. However, what is left of this ancient lake is dry land in the dry season. Notably, this changes as soon as the rains start. The water fills up the pans and gives birth to the lush vegetation that attracts animals such as wild birds and zebras. Also, one can observe the curvature of the earth while in this park.

The beauty of this park is not lost as it has been captured in music videos like Taylor Swift’s Wildest Dreams.

For those trying to witness one of the largest zebra migrations in the world, you better book a trip to Makgadikgadi National Park.

3. Okavango Delta

One of the best places to visit in Botswana is the floodplains of the Okavango Delta. Aside from being the world’s largest inland delta, it is a spectacular wonder of nature made up of water in the desert. It is also a unique place to watch animals in their natural habitat. Any visit to these areas promises you views of the big 5 animals of the continent, as well as other wildlife. While it is advisable to visit between May and August when speedboats and mokoro can be used to access the area, safari visits go on year-round.

The area boasts more than 500 bird species, especially during the December to March season. Due to its uniqueness, in 2014, the site was added as the 1000th UNESCO heritage site. Also, its beauty makes it one of the 7 natural wonders of Africa.

4. Chobe National Park

What is outstanding about this lush safari destination is its abundant swamps, floodplains, and woodland which make it the third largest park in Botswana. While on a visit, you are sure to view a lot of animals and birds. This park also boasts of having the largest concentration of elephants in the world.

Aside from being located within the Okavango Delta, there is a river named Chobe that flows through the park. As a result, the floodwaters make it retain its lush vegetation.

For those planning to visit other beautiful scenery like Victoria Falls which is a day’s trip away, Chobe Park is a good stopover. Among its many perks, one can use either a boat cruise or game drive to view the animals in the park

5. Tsodilo Hills

Standing at 1489 m above sea level, it is the highest point in the country. Any visitor to Botswana is sure to experience a sense of history through the rock art of the San people that has been preserved in these hills over the years. These sacred hills are said to have an account of human activities dating back 100,000 years.

The presence of these remains is important to this group of people who consider the hills to be the area of the creation of man. As you would find, the hills got the moniker, Louvre of the desert due to the high concentration of rock art. Some of the paintings depict ritual dance, hunting scenes, and animals.

Although there are about 4500 paintings that cover years of history, the age of the paintings is still speculated. Due to the importance of this cultural relic to one of Botswana’s oldest tribes, the San, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

6. Kubu Island

A visit to Botswana without visiting Kubu Island is quite incomplete due to the serenity of this tourist attraction. Formerly known as Lekhubu, the area is a dry granite rock island located in the Makgadikgadik pan area of the country.

Other attractions to this Island are the large baobab trees and scenic views of the setting sun that it provides. Like other landmarks, Kubu Island is a nationally protected monument.

7. Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Despite its name, this game reserve is home to many animals including the zebra, giraffe, and springbok as well as the white and black rhino. The game reserve was founded in 1992 as a community project to protect the endangered rhinos in the area. At the time, the local community had plans to reintroduce wildlife into the area which would in turn boost economic activities.

Thankfully, the reserve which sits on 8585 hectares of land in the Kalahari sand veld has become one of the best spots for any safari trip. A visit to this sanctuary leaves an unforgettable gratitude shown by a community to safe animals.

8. Moremi Game Reserve

Though it is a small park located in the heart of the Okavango Delta, it is a charming spot to view animals. With over 500 species of birds, the Moremi game reserve is the idle spot for bird watchers.

The size of this park has nothing on the wide range of animals to be found in the area including the big 5. This must-visit wildlife reserve also allows for self-drive safaris.

9. Nata Bird Sanctuary

Like the Khama rhino reserve, the Nata Bird sanctuary is also a community project located in the Sowa Pan. This reserve has provided a home for more than 165 bird species since 1993 when it opened.

The sanctuary is also a spot for annual bird migrations from other parts of the continent. Notable among the birds in this sanctuary is the great white pelican and pink-backed pelican. This spot is a must-visit for an unforgettable bird-watching experience.

See Also: 10 Safest African Countries In 2023

10. Gaborone

One of the favorite spots to stop by on a visit to Botswana is the capital, Gaborone located in the southeastern part of the country. Aside from being an administrative center, Gaborone is a diamond hub for cutting.

However, visiting the capital is a way of using one stone to kill many birds by visiting the Gaborone game reserve and the national museum. The game reserve is a public viewing area for wildlife located in that nation’s capital. Despite its small size, it is one of the busiest in the country.

Also of interest is the diverse museum which also serves as an art gallery. The museum offers a rich collection of the country’s heritage.

The post 10 Best Places To Visit In Botswana appeared first on WeAfrique.

10 Unique Mineral Resources That Are Found in Africa

1. Tanzanite

This rare mineral resource is only found on a strip of land in the Merelani hills in the Simanjaro district of Tanzania. It was first discovered in 1967 and named the stone of the 20th century.

Geologically, it occurred through a violent clash of the tectonic plates about 585 million years ago. This clash also led to the formation of Mount Kilimanjaro. Tanzanite’s rarity has made many references to it as a geological phenomenon.

Over the years, jewelers have come to attach so much importance to it, at such driving up its demand. Thanks also to its beauty, it fetches a high value with a carat of the rare gem going for amounts between $300 to $500.

At the moment, tanzanite is rarer than diamond: it appears in blue and violet colors and only appears pink rarely. Since it is only found in Tanzania, the government has taken a keen interest in it and stepped in to regulate its mining.

2. Gold

This is one of the most well-known mineral resources found in Africa. Ghana is the leading producer of this item followed by South Africa. In ancient times it served many purposes including as a monetary unit. It is also produced in Congo, Sudan, Mali, Algeria

It is considered one of the most precious mineral resources alongside silver and platinum. Generally, it is believed that the ancient Egyptians were the first to discover gold as far back as 2450 BC.

Also, the ancient kingdoms of Ghana and Mali were associated with the item. In fact, the Mali king, Mansa Musa is regarded as the richest man that ever lived with a net worth of over $400 billion in today’s value due to his gold.

Over the years, this conductor of electricity and heat has become a fashion item. Jewelers value a carat of gold at $20 and above depending on the quality.

Until 2006, South Africa used to be the biggest producer of gold and drove so much revenue from its mining. However, this position has since been taken over by China. Notwithstanding, it has retained its importance as Johannesburg is still considered the gold capital of the world in recent times.

3. Diamond

It is one of the most popular mineral resources that Africa is known for. Diamond is mined in Angola, Botswana, DRC, Namibia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Zimbabwe, CAR, and South Africa. Added to this, Botswana is the top producer of this natural resource globally.

It’s no wonder that Botswana’s economy is supported by the diamond industry which employs about a quarter of the country’s population. Also, one of the largest rough-cut gem-quality diamonds ever found, the Cullinan Diamond was discovered in South Africa in 1905. The rough-cut stone weighed 3,106 and since its discovery, the diamond also known as ‘The Great Star of Africa’ has been associated with the British royal family. Other great diamonds discovered in Africa include the ‘Golden Jubilee’, ‘Heart of Eternity’, ‘Centenary Diamond’, and the ‘Graff Lesedi La Rona’.

Despite the beauty associated with this mineral resource as seen in pieces of jewelry, it has also been linked to bad omens and conflicts, especially in West Africa, a situation that has led to such diamonds being referred to as blood diamonds.

4. Platinum

Like other mineral resources that are mainly found in Africa, the highest deposit of platinum is found in South Africa and Zimbabwe. The southern African country accounts for 80% of the world’s total production. It also has the biggest platinum mines in the world with the Impala mine located in the northwest of the country being the largest. Reportedly, it accounted for 696.4 thousand ounces of platinum in 2021.

In its purest form, platinum is the most precious metal on earth. It is generally believed that Earth may not be the only planet to have this precious metal. In fact, the meteorites and the moon have a higher content of it.  For years, there were speculations that one day platinum would be mined from the moon. As it is, South Africa leads countries like Canada, the USA, and Zimbabwe in the production of this mineral resource.

5. Cobalt

The Democratic Republic of Congo has the largest reserve of this mineral resource which accounts for almost half of the world’s reserve. Globally, the Central African country provides 70% of supplies. It was discovered in 1739 but over the years, it has proven to be quite dangerous as well as an item of medicinal use in cancer treatment.

Its usage has been traced to 2600 years among ancient civilizations like China, Europe, and Egypt which used cobalt dye. In modern times, it is one of the components used in technology when used with other metals to form superalloys.

While cobalt is one of the numerous resources that makes Congo a mineral-rich country, the central African country has still not maximized its potential.

6. Manganese

This precious metal is mainly found on the African continent. At the top of the global producing countries are South Africa and Gabon. It is regarded as a controversial metal due to its high toxicity. The fumes or dust from this metal can cause a condition called manganism. Though it is believed that symptoms of poisoning can last from one to two months, there are cases that take as long as twenty years.

Nonetheless, its mining has continued over the years as it is important in iron and steel production.

7. Tsavorite Garnet

The green-colored gemstone Tsavorite is also known as Tsavorite. It is so rare that it is only found in East Africa, precisely in Kenya and Tanzania. Tsavorite was discovered by Campbell Bridges in 1967 while searching for gemstones in the mountain regions of northwest Tanzania.

It took another three years before he found the gem again, but this time around it was in Tsavo, Kenya. He decided to name the newly discovered gem Tsavorite in honor of the Tsavo National Park which is close to where he discovered it and the Tsavo River that flows through the area.

Geologically, Tsavorist forms due to a violent volcanic eruption, the same reason why the rare gem is only found in small sizes.

See Also: These Three Countries Possess 50% of Africa’s Wealth

8. Rhodium

Rhodium is only found in a few places in the world including South Africa, Russia, and Zimbabwe. South Africa produces 85% of the global output. Rodium derives its name from the Greek rhodon due to its rose color.

It is used in the chemical industry as a catalyst for making substances like nitric acid. As a strong anti-corrosive agent, it is not surprising that it is used in the automotive industry as well as for hardening platinum and palladium.

Unlike other mineral resources that are used by jewelers,  rhodium is not used due to its thickness.

9. Bauxite

This metal is mostly found in Guinea. The country accounts for 7.4 billion tons of annual output. Since its discovery, it has become an important part of the chemical industry with uses ranging from abrasive to aluminum production.

Though Bauxite was first discovered in 1821 in Baux, France, its largest deposit is in Guinea and Australia. It’s mining in Guinea started in the 1960s and the government controls more than 40% of its mining operations.

10. Zirconium

Zirconium is one of the metals that is in high demand globally. South Africa produces 392,000 tons which in turn makes up 40% of the global output. Aside from the southern African country, other places where Zirconium is found include Senegal and Sierra Leone.

When it was first discovered in Sri Lanka in 1789, there was a general misconception about it being an inferior kind of diamond.

Over the years, this has been proven otherwise. In fact, they are used in a number of ways ranging from industrial products like steel alloys to medical uses.

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