Innholdsfortegnelse for Jul/Sept 2025 i True Love

When Tamu McPherson arrives at fashion week, the street style photographers who once counted her as a colleague now turn their lenses toward her. Dressed in her signature bold colours and often sporting distinctive eyewear, the New York-raised, Milan-based creative has carved out a unique path through fashion’s highest echelons. Her trajectory from law practitioner to influential style maven offers valuable lessons in following one’s passion and embracing personal reinvention. From courtroom to camera Tamu’s story begins far from the fashion capitals she now frequents. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, she relocated to New York at the age of six. Her early career path seemed conventionally secure – studying Literature and Rhetoric at Binghamton University before practising law in New York. But in 2005, a pivotal relocation to Milan with her…

Thuli was living the dream. At 32, she was the youngest partner at her marketing firm, owned a stunning apartment in Sandton, and had built a personal brand with 50,000 Instagram followers who hung on her every motivational post. From the outside, she was the epitome of the modern girl boss – ambitious, successful, and seemingly unstoppable. But behind closed doors, Thuli was falling apart. “I was working 80-hour weeks, answering emails at midnight, and still felt like I was failing,” she recalls. “I had everything I thought I wanted, but I was exhausted, anxious, and constantly questioning whether I was good enough. The success I’d worked so hard for felt hollow.” Thuli’s story isn’t unique. Women are achieving unprecedented levels of success, but many are paying a devastating price:…

If there’s one thing that 2024 taught us, it’s that financial flexibility matters more than ever. Enter South Africa’s revolutionary two-pot retirement system – a groundbreaking reform that’s already transformed how millions approach their retirement savings. Since its launch on 1 September 2024, this system has generated both excitement and concern, with staggering statistics that tell a compelling story about our financial behaviour. The numbers speak volumes: according to SARS (South African Revenue Service), by January 2025, over 2,66 million South Africans had applied to access their savings, with gross payouts exceeding R43 billion – that’s a 24% increase from November 2024 figures. According to Moonstone Business Consultancy, this is nearly double the R21,4 billion withdrawn in just the first two months. But behind these impressive figures lies a crucial…

Lately, I have been having fights with my almost 10-year-old daughter about what to wear. Gone are the days when I would easily pick out an outfit for her with no question. However, I acknowledge that in choosing clothes for her when she was younger, I may have imposed my style and identity onto her. Now she is exerting her own voice and exploring her sense of self and expression, and it’s a lovely thing to witness. My daughter is already showing a strong inclination towards the artistic – she’s drawing, painting, loves make-up, and sketching outfits. What we fight about is presenting or executing her self-expression in a sensible way that is appropriate for certain occasions. An article in the New York Times titled, How Can I Make My…

Over her incredible life, activist, poet, and storyteller Maya Angelou wrote many wise words that inspired women worldwide. Yet, one of the most resonant quotes remains sadly unrepresented by her many readers: “When women take care of their health, they become their own best friend.” While we’re quick to offer a helping hand to our children, family, and friends, when it comes to looking after our own needs, we often put them last on the list. And that is especially true when it comes to issues we find difficult to talk about, such as sexual health, incontinence, and other intimate matters. Enter Dr Elizabeth Farrell AM, medical director of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, who we’ve enlisted to answer a multitude of questions that many are embarrassed to ask their…

In the modern workplace, there’s a special bond that millions of professionals experience daily – a connection so unique it has a name: the work spouse. Like a real marriage, it involves trust, daily communication, mutual support, and an almost telepathic understanding of each other’s thoughts. But unlike traditional matrimony, these relationships exist in conference rooms, over lunch breaks, and through shared deadlines. Recent research reveals just how widespread this phenomenon has become. According to 2024 workplace studies, an astounding seven in 10 office workers report having a “work wife” or “work husband,” making these close workplace bonds one of the most common professional relationships in modern offices. Perhaps even more intriguing? Nearly 24% of workers have experienced a work spouse relationship where romantic feelings developed, with 43% admitting that…

Since the launch of ChatGPT, millions have asked the chatbot their deepest sex-related questions. But artificial intelligence (AI) doesn’t always know best. When it comes to intimacy, we need reliable, evidence-based information. Two sexual wellness experts, Cam Fraser from We-Vibe and Alice Child from Womaniser, answer the questions everyone is asking ChatGPT but are too afraid to ask a human being. How can I improve my sex life? Alice: Good lovers are made, not born. Go out and learn as much as you can about sex, pleasure, communication, and bodies. Find the resources that work for you, whether that’s podcasts, books, online courses, workshops, or seeing a couple’s counsellor or sexologist. Broaden your vocabulary when it comes to your boundaries and desires, so you can also talk openly about sex…

Whether you’re navigating city streets, cruising on highways, or tackling weekend adventures, your car’s suspension system is working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep you comfortable and safe. Yet for many women drivers, suspension remains one of those mysterious car components shrouded in technical jargon. Not anymore! This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about car suspension in plain, practical language. What is car suspension? Think of your car’s suspension as an invisible cushion between you and the road. It’s a sophisticated network of components that absorbs shocks from bumps, potholes, and uneven surfaces; keeps your tyres firmly planted on the road for maximum safety; ensures smooth steering and braking; and reduces vibration and noise in your cabin. Your suspension system is essentially what transforms a potentially…

In the world of celebrity beauty, where the quest for eternal youth drives innovation, a subtle revolution is happening beneath the skin. The Deep Plane Facelift – once whispered about in exclusive medical circles – has emerged as the gold standard procedure for A-listers seeking facial rejuvenation without the telltale signs of surgical intervention. This advanced technique, which works beneath the superficial layers to reposition the foundational structures of the face, has become the secret weapon behind some of Hollywood’s most jaw-dropping transformations, including what appears to be Kris Jenner’s refreshed appearance that set social media ablaze. “The paradigm has shifted,” says Dr Elizabeth Chen, a renowned facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills. “Celebrities no longer want to look ‘done’ – they want to look like themselves, just a decade…

ENTREPRENEUR AND AUTHOR NONKU WILLIAMS ON WALKING AWAY, SURRENDERING TO PURPOSE, AND RECLAIMING PEACE After five seasons as a breakout star on The Real Housewives of Durban, Nonku Williams has done something many people struggle to do – she chose herself. Quietly but powerfully, she stepped away from the spotlight, not because she had to, but because her soul required it. In the glare of fame, she found clarity. In walking away, she found peace. “Walking away wasn’t easy, but I knew it was time,” she shares. “The show no longer aligned with my spiritual values. I felt God calling me to something deeper, and I had to answer.” That divine call has shaped every part of her current season. Where some might chase more visibility, Nonku is leaning into…

FROM BANKING TO BEAUTY: MEET BEAUTY ON TAPP FOUNDER MATHEBE NGWENYA What started as just a little girl’s passion turned into a lucrative e-commerce business centred on clean beauty. Mathebe Ngwenya has always had a creative mind and looked up to the matriarchal figures in her life as the original “glam girls”. But she couldn’t deny the analytical side to her either, which shifted her trajectory to becoming a chartered accountant. “I’ve kind of always had this passion for both creativity as well as finance and numbers. The two coming together is what’s helped me build Beauty on TApp,” Mathebe tells TRUELOVE. Beauty on TApp has been the go-to destination for curated beauty, skincare, and wellness products since 2015. It blossomed from being a digital-first platform to opening its first…

Do you think your demanding boss is just “tough but fair”? Think again. Groundbreaking research reveals that nearly 4% of business leaders may be psychopaths – and they’re wreaking havoc on our mental health. From the boardroom bullies to the charming manipulators, toxic leadership is driving a third of South African employees to quit their jobs. Here’s how to spot the red flags, protect yourself, and reclaim your power in the workplace. The beautiful monsters in corner offices Picture this: Your CEO walks into the room with magnetic confidence, delivering an inspiring vision that has everyone nodding in agreement. They’re charming, fearless, and undeniably successful. But behind closed doors, they’re systematically destroying their team’s mental health, one manipulation at a time. Welcome to the dark side of corporate leadership –…

What does gut health mean, and what exactly are probiotics? And what are the benefits of fermented foods? There are plenty of buzzwords around gut health, and working out facts from fiction can be difficult and overwhelming. If you are experiencing gut issues, speak to your GP because a specialist diagnosis may be required, depending on your symptoms. Remember that any time you consider altering your diet, it’s important to speak to your regular GP or dietitian for tailored advice that suits your personal health concerns and goals, as they are best equipped to provide guidance based on your health history and needs. GUT HEALTH Scientists have discovered that the trillions of bacteria in our gastrointestinal tract don’t just process the food we eat – they help our body maintain…

Is your partner trying to control you by pushing your “emotional” buttons? Do they make you feel guilty for being you? Do they feign helplessness so you will rescue them and do what they want? If you’re in a relationship with a manipulator, you’re likely stressed and anxious – plagued by feelings of self-doubt and run-down by criticisms and mind games. When they sense that you’ve had enough, they turn on the charm and do special things to make it up to you. For a while, it’s good, but soon you’re walking on eggshells again. What makes a manipulator tick So, why does someone become a manipulator and use devious tactics to get what they want? “Abuse and neglect in childhood create the right conditions for the development of manipulative…

We can count the number of true friends we have on one hand, as the saying goes. But, the toxic friends we hold on to... well, we’ve got the other hand and our feet to count those, right? In all seriousness, though, we make more excuses for our difficult mates than we do for anyone else. But, we need to be honest if a friendship isn’t cutting it anymore, says psychologist Jacqui Manning. “Just like romantic relationships, some friendships can run their course,” she explains. “If the good times outweigh the bad, you may just have to walk away.” Is a friend doing your head in? Here are the top five types to watch out for. THE BAD INFLUENCE How to spot her She’s the one turning up with chocolate…

With the warm weather and longer days signalling the end of another year, many of us are reflecting on how to make our professional lives more fulfilling. This year feels different—there’s a collective desire for more control over our work-life balance and a significant shift in how we define career success. Gone are the days of linear career paths tethered to a single job or company. Instead, many are embracing the flexibility of portfolio careers, crafting multifaceted professional lives that blend various interests, skills, and income streams. This shift isn’t just a trend; it's a movement towards a more personalised, dynamic approach to work. What is a portfolio career? A portfolio career involves juggling multiple roles or income streams rather than committing to a single full-time job. These can range…

From buying my first house and car to hitting my career goals, I’ve always been a meticulous planner. However, I’ve also always wanted to be a mother because I grew up in a close-knit family. Being career-focused can make it hard for women to plan and start a family. As a result, motherhood often becomes delayed, but unfortunately, we can’t delay our body clock. Also known as oocyte cryopreservation, egg freezing is the process of collecting and preserving a woman’s eggs, which can be used at a later date. It typically takes two to three months from your initial consultation to retrieval. One of the most critical factors in egg freezing is age. “In reality, the younger you are when you freeze your eggs, the better. For most women, it’s…

The notion that women should seek partners who are taller, richer, older, or more successful has dominated dating culture for centuries. But a quiet revolution is happening in modern romance. From high-power executives dating freelance photographers to surgeons falling for stay-at-home dads, women across the globe are challenging traditional relationship hierarchies and choosing partners based on emotional connection rather than social status. The new dating landscape Recent data reveals that this isn’t just a trend – it’s a movement. According to Bumble’s 2023 survey of over 25 000 daters worldwide, 59% of women are now more open to dating younger men, while 63% of all daters say age has become less important in their selection. Even more telling, 35% of women report becoming less judgmental about age-gap relationships in recent…

The other day, my friend was sitting across from me at a bar relaying how, earlier that week, she had found her boyfriend jerking off on the sofa. She had stormed out, only to sit him down for a “serious chat” later on. Discovering that he beat off every few days, she was appalled. First, that he did it at all, and second, that after much prodding, he confessed that he usually didn’t think of her. “Can you believe it?” she exclaimed. Um, yes. Yes, I can. It may shock you to learn, but guys masturbate. A lot. It doesn’t matter if we’re in a relationship, single, stuck at our in-laws’ house over Christmas, or have both arms in a cast; we’ll find a way to do it. Flustered that…

MEAT-FREE MONDAY LEMON AND HERB VEGETABLE GRILLS Prep time: 1 hr to marinate Cooking time: 25 mins Serves: 4-6 INGREDIENTS: □ 1/3 cup olive oil□ ¼ cup lemon juice□ 3 T fresh basil, finely chopped□ 3 T Thyme, chopped□ 3 T rosemary, finely chopped□ 2 cloves garlic□ 5 T butter, melted□ 6 large brown mushrooms□ 100g baby marrows, sliced□ 100g sweet peppers□ 4 corns METHOD: 1. In a jug, mix oil, lemon juice, herbs, garlic, and butter. Place the vegetables in a large clear bag, pour the herb mixture and shake to mix. Place aside and leave to marinate for an hour. 2. Heat a griddle pan, place the vegetables and grill on all sides for 25 minutes. Pour the marinade over the vegetables as you grill. Serve with grilled…

STYLIST’S TIP: When styling a monochrome space, follow the 60-30-10 principle to achieve perfect balance. Use your dominant neutral (typically white or soft grey) for 60% of the space – walls, large furniture pieces, and flooring. Allocate 30% to your secondary tone (perhaps charcoal or taupe) for furniture, rugs, or accent walls. The final 10% should be your boldest colour (often black), used strategically for statement pieces and accessories.…