KZN neighbour confessions: Locals spill the tea on their next-door drama

If your relationship was a meal, what would it be and why? Stacey and J Sbu posed this question to East Coasters and people did not hold back! There's no doubt that KZNers are packed with creativity but it was nice to hear the various options people provided to describe their relationships and love lives as a whole. We had a few single pringles join in as well and we absolutely loved it!

Brand and Communications Head for Mowana Properties, Iggy Sathekge gave us the low-down on the new shopping mall opening in the Queensburgh area - Malvern Park. Mowana Properties is responsible for managing the mall property. Residents of Queensburgh have been waiting with bated breath for the official date of the shopping mall’s opening. When is Malvern Park opening to the public? Sathekge explained that the opening will occur on two levels: Today, 26 April, will see members of the Government Employee Pension Fund (GEPF) attending a ribbon-cutting process. “The government employee pension fund, who are the investors of a program like this, as well as the asset management entity under the PIC and various other stakeholders will be there,” he said. Sathekge explained that the official opening date to the public is planned for 31 May. Speaking about some of the stores that residents can visit, Sathekge named Dischem, Woolies Food, Foschini, Mr Price, MTN, Telkom, Burger King, KFC and Ocean Basket. “So it's a nice combination of different stores that are going to be there. So we're quite excited to have this,” he said. Store opening dates He noted that around two years ago, they conducted market research and spoke to residents of Malvern to find out what they would like to see in the new mall. “We listened to that, we went back and then we brought a really impressive combination of different stores that are going to be there on the day.” With regard to the staggered opening that many residents have had questions about, Sathekge explained that there are different tenants in the mall and some will be ready through the course of the month while others will only be ready toward the end of the month. “What we're saying is that those that are ready to trade from the 1st of May, we are happy for them to proceed and they will be trading. But the centre will officially open [on 31 May] and when I say officially open, it’s when we will be doing all the activities on the day, the fun fairs and the promotions,” he said.= Visitors are welcome to walk the mall and get a feel of the centre as each store opens. Read More: Seen Meta AI's new logo? Here’s what it means for you Safety and Parking Concerns Sathekge also touched on the safety measures in place for visitors. He noted that there would be security at the venue and that various other technologies would be installed around the centre. “So all those things will be taken care of and companies have been employed that will be ready to go,” he noted. In terms of parking, Sathekge confirmed that parking will be free at Malvern Park. The aim is to create a pleasant and easy environment for people to access without having to worry about paying for parking. Aside from the exciting opening set for 31 May, residents can also keep an eye out for a website. Currently, Malvern Park communications and updates are done through Facebook but Sathekge explained that a website will soon be up and running with more information and easier communication. “I've never seen such an engaged community like we have seen at Malvern. People are quite excited,” he said.

Stacey and J Sbu asked KZN to complete the sentence "It's petty, but I did it..." and they did not shy away from the drama! We're also curious, are you surrounded by petty people? Or are you perhaps the petty person? What is pettiness? Health News defines a petty person as someone who takes small issues or conflicts on in a vindictive or spiteful way. Pettiness can be seen in the way a person finds faults, criticises or holds on to minor or inconsequential affairs. If you have a strong relationship with someone, this can be hindered by petty behaviour. Coping with petty behaviour from others in your personal life may prove challenging, but dealing with the same actions in a work setting is far worse! Petty behaviour has an array of negative effects including diminished productivity and an overall negative impact on your well-being. We’ve searched the web to find some tried and tested methods to cope with pettiness in the workplace to ensure you’re not hindering your productivity. Take a look: Address the petty behaviour Convene states that managers who fail to acknowledge or intervene when pettiness occurs tend to lose the respect of their employees while employees lose confidence in their leadership. It’s important to nip these issues in the bud before they get completely out of hand. If your coworker makes a comment about something that has taken you a while to get to, ensure you respond in a diplomatic manner and explain that you have other work responsibilities that take precedence. Take it with a pinch of salt Pettiness stems from a lack of self-awareness, among other things. It’s essential to regulate your own emotions and handle disturbances in an amicable manner. Don’t allow yourself to dwell in the negativity of petty criticisms and comments. According to Medium, petty people express a lot of emotions over small matters in a way that hides their feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. Get in touch with management South Africa has laws in place to assist employees who are working in toxic environments. The South African Legislation on Harassment in the Workplace has been in effect since 18 May 2022 and has a number of ways to describe harassment. According to Resource Recruitment, the legislation also outlines the proper channels for reporting said incidents to ensure that employees have structures and ways to protect themselves without fearing for their jobs.

Step back in time with Stacey and J Sbu as they dive into the nostalgia of yesteryear on today's podcast episode: 'How Old School Are You?' From listening to vinyl to reminiscing about music that defined an era, join the conversation as they explore just how 'old school' you really are. Tune in for a trip down memory lane and a dose of retro fun with your favourite duo!

Hold onto your hats, lovebirds, we have a juicy confession from a listener named Amelia. Here's the deal: Amelia's been with her boyfriend for a blissful two years, but their path to happily ever after seems to have hit a major detour. Brace yourselves, because Amelia's boyfriend is refusing to propose... until she pays off her debt! The Confession "Hi Stacey and J Sbu, it's Amelia. My boyfriend of two years told me that he wouldn't propose to me until I paid off my debt. I had acquired medical bills and a few credit card debts before we met. I'm R260,000 in debt as we speak. It has me thinking, is he using my debt as an excuse not to purpose." This is a situation that'll leave you saying, "Whoa, there!" Financial stability is important for marriage, but should it be the only reason to delay a proposal? Amelia's situation is a complex one so we scoured the web to find some advice to help her navigate this tricky terrain: Open Communication is Key: An honest conversation with her boyfriend is crucial. What are his specific concerns about the debt? Does he see it impacting their future lifestyle or stability? Understanding his perspective will shed light on whether it's a genuine worry or an excuse. For tips on effective communication in relationships, check out the Gottman Institute. Crafting a Debt Management Plan: Amelia's already tackling her debt, but creating a concrete plan with him can be reassuring. This could involve outlining a budget, setting realistic repayment goals, and tracking progress together. Resources like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling offer free tools and guidance on creating a budget and managing debt. Remember that communication and a shared vision for the future are vital. If Amelia feels her boyfriend is hesitant for the wrong reasons, it might be time to re-evaluate the relationship's long-term prospects

Uncle J Sbu asked KZN kiddos a thought-provoking question today. Aunty Stacey was sick at home, but the kiddos of the East Coast made sure they shared their business ideas. We heard from an aspiring makeup artist and a little entrepreneur who hopes to start an ice cream business. If you're looking for a business idea, these kids have got your back!

Living in KZN throws you together with a colourful bunch! Our neighbours are a wild mix, from braai-sharing besties to late-night karaoke champions. Last week, we asked the residents of sunny KZN to tell us about their good, bad, and ugly neighbour stories. Onyx Moon wrote: “I had a nosy neighbour of a neighbour who suggested putting CCTV up in my yard (and others) that she can monitor from her house for a small monthly fee.” Kathy Petherbridge, who lives in Ireland, said: “Our neighbour thinks he's the Mayor of our Estate. (Live in Ireland). He ordered a shed, he has no side access to his yard. So, he sends the builders into our yard, they lifted the fence and moved the shed bit by bit through our yard. Did not get permission. We were at work, my daughter was home alone and nearly had a heart attack seeing strange men in the backyard.” Tess Kirpal’s husband had some advice for their neighbour: “We lived in a complex and my husband finished work before me and a woman from one of the other flats would always come strolling about and lurking near our flat. Hubby told her to be useful and rather walk with a broom next time and sweep the complex that way she can get swept off her feet. She never came back to our side.”

Stacey and J Sbu heard about recently read about thousands of puffy sweet treats raining down from the sky and hundreds of kids turned into marshmallow hunters in a sugary scramble. This epic event, the Great Marshmallow Drop, saw a helicopter soaring overhead, overflowing with a fluffy white treasure trove. As the chopper approached, cheers erupted from the crowd of excited kids. Then, with a mighty whoosh, the marshmallows blanketed the ground in a cloud of pure delight. According to AP News, each marshmallow was a ticket to a prize bonanza. Sweets, colouring books, and even a water park pass awaited the marshmallow masters who collected the most. Melissa Nawrocki, the mastermind behind this sugary spectacle, promised a mountain of marshmallows – a whopping 15,000 to be exact. The helicopter made four sugary passes, showering marshmallows on different age groups, making sure every kid got a chance to snag a piece of the fluffy fun. It was a day filled with laughter, cheers, and a whole lot of marshmallow mania.

Stacey and J Sbu, along with the rest of SA, have been baffled by a colourful circle that has replaced the search bar. The duo shared their shock and confusion about the new option on their socials.

Mikayla raises an interesting point about the changing landscape of dress codes, particularly in formal settings. She observes a growing casualness, with people opting for the comfortable options like leggings and slippers even for what were once considered more formal occasions. This shift has sparked debate. Some, like Mikayla, believe a certain level of effort in attire is appropriate for formality, adding elegance and a sense of respect for the event. Others may prioritise comfort or self-expression through their clothing choices. “I'm not one to judge, but it surprises me how casually people dress nowadays, even for formal occasions. I find it odd that many opt for leggings and slippers even outside the home. I believe putting in a little effort to dress nicely isn't "extra" but rather normal. It's not as challenging as it seems, and it adds a touch of elegance and flair," she said. There's no denying that formal attire has become more relaxed over time. What was once considered a "must-wear" for a formal event might now be deemed overly stuffy. It's important to consider the context – a business meeting likely warrants a different approach than a wedding reception. Ultimately, the question of formality hinges on striking a balance between comfort, personal style, and respecting the occasion's tone. There's room for interpretation and what one person finds appropriate, another might not.