The Plug S4E38 with SaneleJele
There is something exciting happening in Eswatini’s digital media space, and Banele WLJM is one of the clearest examples.
What started small is becoming a serious media brand — and the numbers are beginning to speak. His recent episode, “How I Became a S*x Worker,” has already pulled 17 000 views in three days, while his conversation with comedian Darren has reached 74 000 views in just nine days.
Then there is the Dr 2+2 episode on ukuthwala, sitting at an impressive 229 000 views after two months.
These numbers tell us something: EmaSwati will watch local content when the content is relevant, interesting and packaged properly.
Banele’s journey also reminds me of fellow LiswatiMthokozisiMethula of Open Chats, who started relatively small and has gone on to become a recognised podcast voice in South Africa.
And then there is the MacG blueprint — one podcast becoming an entire network with multiple shows and a massive audience.That is the exciting possibility for Banele.
He is not just building a podcast; he could be helping to build Eswatini’s podcast industry.
The opportunity is here. Now, consistency is key.
The Week Sandile Became the Standard for Love
If your timeline has not been hijacked by uSandile, are you even online?
For a few days, the internet collectively forgot about everything else and became invested in one woman explaining why she worries about her man. Her story was simple: Sandile is out there hustling, but the moment he gets food, somehow the hustle can wait. He comes back, gives the food to his woman and then goes back.
Sir, that is not a distraction. That is a love language.
The line that finished the internet was essentially: “He forgets about hustling and comes back to give me food.” And social media immediately decided this was the relationship standard.
People started joking, “I am not eating until Sandile eats!” Others began looking for their own Sandile, while TikTok creators put on black bonnets, copied her facial expressions and recreated the interview like they were auditioning for uSandile: The Series.
Then came the POV skits: people pretending to be busy hustling at the beach, only to spot food and suddenly abandon the entire operation.
And honestly, underneath all the jokes is something rather sweet.
We live in a world where relationships are often discussed through cheating scandals, red flags and breakup announcements. Then one woman comes along and basically says, “My man remembers me when there is food.”That is the kind of ordinary love people understand.
Forget flowers. Forget private jets.Sometimes romance is simply: “I found food. I remembered you.”
Sandile may have accidentally become the internet’s relationship consultant — and, judging by the memes, business is booming.
Soft Launch, Hard Launch, Public Kiss: Kim and Lewis
Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton have taken us on quite the relationship journey — and honestly, the rollout has been entertaining. First came the soft launch: sightings, holidays and carefully timed appearances. Then came the harder launch, with the two becoming increasingly comfortable being seen together. And now? A public kiss.
Watching that clip from the Lucas Museum opening in Los Angeles, I couldn’t help thinking: “Kim, was this planned?”
Because that kiss felt less like “I haven’t seen you in six months!” and more like: “Baby, the media keeps asking if we’re dating. Let’s give them something to write about.”
But hey, we’re not complaining. Two successful people looking happy together? We love to see it.
And Kim certainly doesn’t seem to fumble when it comes to choosing partners. Lewis Hamilton is a seven-time Formula 1 world champion, so this is hardly a random casting decision.
Of course, social media has already produced breakup rumours, with some Kanye West fans claiming the two have split. But there has been no credible confirmation of a breakup, while Kim and Lewis have continued appearing together publicly.
So, unless something happened yesterday, these two still look very much together.
And Kanye? Well, he may simply have to watch this particular season unfold from the audience.
Style Tip
With SiviweDlamini (@Cviwenkhocy_258_Hlub)
“My style is simple, confident and comfort-first. I love pieces that let me feel free but still put together — like pairing a soft halter top with tailored pants. For me, comfortable will always be more stylish than just looking good.”
Top five tracks with DjBearngster(@the.bearngster)
1. NASTY C – AS PLANNED
2. DJ RAYBEL , DJ RANDS – QUANTUM SOUND
3. DJ ARABIC – NO ID
4. Darqu , Matt Davies – Hey Now
5. Bien.Am.I ,Brothers On Cue ,Jacko V – Ancient Networks (Cosmic Deal Remix)
Top five movies/series
1.The Love Hypothesis
2.One Last Shot
3.Influenced
4.Ice Cream Man
5.Tyler Perry’s The Oval S7
