Mens Magazine

Ko Kasi Mens Magazine creates jobs Bruce Mbingeleli & Wilson Mmako Today society is moving into a digital era and townships are also catching up on that. Ko Kasi online men’s magazine is about to change the whole township. The magazine was started by Tshidiso Madiseng from Mamelodi, Gardens. The magazine includes stories that have taken place in different townships such as Soshaguve, Mamelodi and Attridgeville. Madiseng said he had had the idea for past five years and in July he decided to start the magazine. “On 14 August we had our first issue online. We want to celebrate unsung heroes and empower the community,” he said. He added that through the magazine he aimed to change perceptions that residents should wait to get qualifications before they initiate something for themselves. He also strived to tell positive stories about townships. “There are many great untold stories that I think people should be informed of. The aim is to show positive things that happen in our townships,” said Madiseng. Editor of the magazine, Themba Mzula said one of the long term goals was to create opportunities for aspiring journalists to participate in the magazine. “We want to work with journalism departments in order to offer students internships. This magazine will help aspiring young journalists to become part of a team and improve their level of writing skills,” Mzula said. Paseka Menyau, Second year journalism student from Tshwane University of Technology, was one of the first students who received an internship at the magazine. “This is a platform for me to get experience and get my stories published. I will also meet different people from all walks of life,” Menyau said. One of the challenges that the magazine experienced was obtaining readership as the magazine was accessed online. But Mzula said the high number of internet cafes and the availability of smart phones will change that soon. “More internet cafes are being established in townships,” Madiseng said. It might be an online men’s magazine but that does not mean ladies are excluded. The magazine had feature articles about women who are making a difference in the community in their first edition.