A Bone To Pick With Destiny!
November 12, 2009 by Phathu
I have had a long enduring one sided career relationship with Khanyi Dlomo.
I have never met her, but I feel like I have established a very close personal relationship with her. I have followed Khanyi’s career from her days as the pretty face on the Revlon ads in Drum magazine, Liz Khumalo was the editor then and Khanyi was stills known as Khanyi Dlomo-Mkhize. She was the face of Revlon in Mzansi, long before Dark & Lovely made a farce by hiring the hair challenged Sonia Sidebe to be their spokesperson – and we have to endure her weave on TV ads.
Before the bleached-blonde Nicky Greenwall‘s The Showbiz Report, Khanyi had Front Row on M-Net. When she became the editor of True Love, I stood beside her and watched her revolutionize female magazines in the country. The magazine grew in leaps and bounds. Khanyi knew what sells and what sold True Love in the late nineties was Connie Masilo and good articles. I first encountered Miranda Straydom’s writings on True Love; before she joined SABC– she was way skinnier then.
I followed Khanyi to SABC 3 when she read the news and I thought, this woman will go places – and damn I was right. What enthralled me about her were her brains, everything she touched seemed gold. You can imagine my disappointment when I heard that she was quitting True Love for some obscure job in France, just after becoming the face of Lux. I wore black and mourned as I bought my last copy of True Love under her editorial, she was on the cover! True love was never the same after her departure.
True Love went to the dogs when Busi Mahlaba was appointed editor, she came with her own vision or should I say lack of vision. The once prime high-end black women magazine was watered down into something I did not understand, the articles were weak and the only exciting thing was the cover picture. Till this day, I have not forgiven Busi and refuse to watch her TV show. Most readers divorced the mag for O – the Oprah mag because True Love just became an advertising junk. I yelled, Khanyi-Khanyi – why have you forsaken me?
Fast forward to 2007, I heard it first that Khanyi was back in the country, she was going to launch her own high end business magazine aimed at black women. Over a bottle of Chivas, I said that’s my gal – she is back and we are going to resume where we left off.
Khanyi knows what sells; she knows the right kind of face that will grab you and you will buy the magazine. Khanyi knows that you need more than just a pretty face – you need new and fresh content. Khanyi did not disappoint, the first copy of Destiny had Connie Ferguson on the cover, who has changed surnames more than I care to count. Connie is the most famous face in South Africa; ask Statistics SA – well, ask me. I bought my copy of Destiny at CNA in Church Street, Pretoria and held it close to me – I felt the glossy texture and new that Khanyi was back.
The content was new and fresh, it was not Newsweek but it was business savvy, it was not YOU – but it had a certain tone of its own. I watched as Destiny grew over the past few months while other publications were dying a slow death. I knew that Khanyi was smart enough to ensure that Destiny survives and she has managed to keep the mag going, advertising has grown. She even launched Destiny Man. But I have a bone to pick with the lovely Miss Mkhize
I have no desire to bash Khanyi, I love her too much to do that – but damn I am pissed – she has betrayed the relationship I had with her all these years. I sat in silent as Khanyi started putting prettier, wholesome pictures of Americans on the cover and I smelled trouble. When she had the Obamas on the cover – I felt it was justified, they had become the most famous black family in the world after the Mandelas. I was not happy with Americans on SA mag, will Vogue put Lerato Mbele on the cover?
Then it happened, Khanyi committed the highest crime in publishing – she put Tyra and Iman on the over, with a useless cover story. When I saw the mag, I thought I was having hot flushes – I thought I was going insane and I knew I had to vent, this time Khanyi had gone too far!
Destiny was sold to the public as a high end publication, and that should be the slogan that drives the magazine. When one buys Destiny, you don’t expect leftover articles that have been published by other publications. Here is my gripe with the September issue:
The cover story is not original; it’s from New York Times, from a bloody newspaper! Another issue is that since Destiny is a high end publication I expected Khanyi or one of her reporters to have done an in-depth interview with both Tyra and Iman, they did no such thing. You open the mag, the article is not what was promised on the cover. The whole article is about Trya Banks talking about everything we have read about in dozen other publications, nothing new – see what happens when you use tired articles. I was like, where is Iman’s story – guess what, Khanyi had it pushed to the end of the article as with other snippets. I was shocked– this is not what I expected from Khanyi, such lazy journalism appalls me. The cover image is not original; it’s one that you get from images stock archives companies like Getty Images or Great Stock.
If Khanyi can’t afford to get an exclusive interview with international stars for a fresh perspective – then she should not do it at all. There are lots of local successful black women she can put on the cover, who can inspire her readers – they might not have snow-white teeth that Trya and Iman had, but there is nothing Photoshop can’t fix – at least the article will be fresh.
If this trend continues, soon the mag will turn into another tabloid celebrity trash that will not stand out. Khanyi I have no desire to toi-toi against you, but please sisi wam – go easy on forcing international stars on the cover, just because the image is much prettier. I would like Destiny to remain aunthentic South African and to me that means South African personalities who are beautiful and powerful on the cover.
I hope my ranting has not damaged our relationship, how about we make peace over tea and tennis biscuits?
By Phathu Makwarela for Just Curious. All rights reserved.
(This article was first written in September 2009 & we appreciate the local cover girls since then)
Quote Of The Day: 
Brown Shuga on Tue, 13th Oct 2009 11:57 pm
Khanyi Dhlomo rocks.
Ntshepeng on Wed, 14th Oct 2009 2:50 pm
Awwww Phathu naah!!!!! i’ll read this article once the underlining has gone..LOL!
Brown Shuga on Wed, 14th Oct 2009 2:54 pm
LOL!! I’m still learning how this thing works lol
Ntshepeng on Wed, 14th Oct 2009 2:56 pm
please keep this article, i want to read it!
Destiny Magazine on Wed, 14th Oct 2009 7:54 pm
Hi Phathu,
Thanks for the compliments about me and Destiny. Though we don’t agree with all the points you bring up, they are noted and understood. Nonetheless, we hope you’re enjoying the October issue featuring Felicia Mabuza-Suttle on the cover. Our 2nd birthday issue, featuring Wendy Luhabe goes on sale on October 21st. We hope you enjoy that too.
The relationship is certainly not damaged and we look forward to hearing from you on future issues. You can also connect with me and the team on our business and lifestyle social network DestinyConnect: http://www.destinyconnect.com
All the best,
Khanyi Dhlomo & the Destiny Team
Phathu Makwarela on Wed, 14th Oct 2009 8:53 pm
Khanyi, I am humbled that you have responded. It displays your consummate professionalism and the greater ability to rise above constructive criticisim. If only South African politicians were like that – we would have a much better thriving democracy. I will certainly take you up on the offer and connect with Destiny. Big ups for putting Ms Luhabe on the up-coming cover, I cannot wait to read it.
On a lighter note: It was refreshing to see a flawless Ms Mabuza- Settle on the cover, it is amazing what Botox and good lighting can do.
Brown Shuga on Wed, 14th Oct 2009 9:12 pm
kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa @ Botox and good lighting!
Rego on Fri, 13th Nov 2009 10:13 am
hehehe, wow Phathu, great writing. I’m impressed you managed to critisise constructively without resorting to underhand tabloid fervour, that even Sunday Times has resorted to these days.You stuck to the issue at hand and not a personal attack. Great read! –> regoworld
Vesa on Fri, 13th Nov 2009 11:25 am
Phathu…..kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa!!!!! Botox?
This is a brilliant article hleng! Yho….and I like the fact that you criticise without being personal!!!
Philzah on Fri, 13th Nov 2009 11:34 am
But Khanyi didn’t address the question, was the interview really taken from the New York Times? If not, why it so similar (word by word)?
I thank you
Lahvee on Fri, 13th Nov 2009 11:43 am
hehehe! Nice one Phathu.
Double Thumbs up for Ms. Khanyi responding! Wow!
I also prefer Destiny Mag to have only SA Women on the cover. Its so refreshing reading about women that you can aspire too and not only those in the media.
Kiki on Fri, 13th Nov 2009 12:04 pm
WOW Ms Khanyi responds WOW, I have nuff respect for this woman ( Destiny NYT article aside…lol ,i just wish Mbau could change her name though coz she gives all the important Khanyis a bad name…..
Tembi on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 4:25 am
Eish… the Botox comment still kills me….. that’s why Premier Zille always looks so fab…
Piz on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 5:40 am
Kwakwakwakwakwakwa @ botox…
Nice article…what’s up with 13 Oct dates though? #justcurious
Puleng Morake on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 7:57 am
Wow this is what I call constructive critism.Big ups to Miss Dhlomo for the response,her response proved to me that this woman is UFUNDILE.Phathu well done too I am SOLD on this site…adding it to my daily sites to visit,we draw inspiration from people like you.
God bless.
Khaya on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 8:07 am
Hamba Lelob!
Cande on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 9:20 am
He bathong kanti when did the website go live? whatzup with the dates?
mama ka Gundi on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 9:28 am
Now that is Phathu for yo lmao Botox…Great read wow!!
GML on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 9:29 am
Nice one.
Very well written and valid points/concerns were brought up in a refreshing manner.
Congrats to Khanyi for prompt response- it was prompt right?
Admin on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 9:44 am
@Cande The site was opened to selected users for testing in October, that’s why you are seeing those dates. Now can you open a bottle of wine & read the articles, please? lol
Renegade on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 10:38 am
While I commend Khanyi for responding, I don’t understand the point. She doesn’t say much. She agrees with some things and not others? What is it that she agrees with and what is it that she doesn’t?
And I agree with Philzah as well, she does not answer the “accusation” that is really the whole point of this article.
???
Renegade on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 10:39 am
Great read Phatu…
Nekzo on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 10:39 am
Yeah this was well written,and thanks Khanyi for a quick response
Mntungwa on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 10:58 am
I wore black and mourned as I bought my last copy of True Love >>> LOL.
such lazy journalism appalls me>>> shapa!!!!
they might not have snow-white teeth that Trya and Iman had,>>>kwakwakwakwawka!!
LMAO @ botox!!! im gone , dead, finished.
Rock on Khanyi. wena Phathu do your thing my chomi, you rock at it.
Lex on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 12:30 pm
Great article Phathu,well written.It is also good to see that Khanyi accepts criticism.
MACMASH on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 12:40 pm
This article kills me, lol, way to go Phathu… Is Phathu LeloB? Just curios
Phathu Makwarela on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 2:58 pm
MACMASH…I am not Lelo B….
wena Mntungwa..are you who i think you are?
Thanks for the feedback guys..enjoy the site
Peace
Ntshepeng on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 3:06 pm
I went on this journey with you Phathu (mentally of course). I have no idea what front row is but what you did with this is demonstrate how brilliant Khanyi is…..can’t help but respect her (not in the HLONIPHA way..well that too, but not what i mean here).
Anyway, i also think it’s a shame that she let such an opportunity to tell her side of the story slip away by focusing on non-issues.
Moving on…..great article love, read it twice cause it was such a joy to read!
Ntshepeng on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 3:07 pm
how do i hyperlink my name???? @Kiki, @Lex, @Macmash
Molilo on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 3:09 pm
@ Ntshepeng, by adding a website on ur info
Cande on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 3:18 pm
Yes Admin, i will drink to the website tonight!!!
Cande on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 3:21 pm
*testing* *testing*
Nonny on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 3:26 pm
WOW, Phathu great article and much respect to Khanyi – that woman is phenomenal.
FK on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 3:26 pm
Great read Phathu – got me glued. At first, I thought tjo, this article is long but once I went through your opening lines, I wanted more from you Phathu, and you delivered. Thanx.
Destiny’s reponse: Though we don’t agree with all the points you bring up, they are noted and understood.
Are they going to work on it? I think partly. They are already working on featuring South Africans on the cover (although not sure if Mam Felicia is still SAfrican).
Question still stands, are they going to do something about left overs articles?
Looking forward to reading more of your articles.
FK on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 3:27 pm
Admin
May I please have FONTS (ITALICS, UNDERLINE, and BOLD). Thanks
ntshepeng on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 3:32 pm
test
ntshepeng on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 3:33 pm
test test. LOL at the response i got when i posted test for the second time
Cheesa on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 3:54 pm
Wow great article. I didn’t know some things about Khanyi now I do.
Lex on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 4:08 pm
Iyoo,mara Iman does not age,look at her face.I know photoshop had a lot to do with the flawless look,mara the body is ayoubar!
J-Girl on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 5:25 pm
khanyi is def ayoba tho
Nalizo on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 5:35 pm
Well said Phathu mcwaaaaahhhhh!!!
Lhi on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 9:23 pm
lemme read again…
hotmo on Wed, 25th Nov 2009 9:52 pm
You know, I luurrrve Khanyi and all, but for some reason I’ve never felt the impulse to pick up Destiny Mag…I just don’t know why. But, maybe I should after reading this article, great points made!
Lela on Thu, 26th Nov 2009 12:22 am
Hay Destiny maybe i’m d target market bt if some1 else buys it then i am,mayb i wl b d target market when i get ds new job dat im prayn 4.
ntshepeng on Thu, 26th Nov 2009 7:53 am
@hotmo you and me both. I just cannot buy that magazine.
Edgar DS on Thu, 26th Nov 2009 10:50 am
I am really impressed with this article,if this is the level then I am going to be a regular on this website.Lelo great Job and wena Phathu you must continue writting because your articles are Ayoooooooba
Brown Shuga on Thu, 26th Nov 2009 11:48 am
Ntshepeng, did you get the “You are posting too quickly, slow down” message?? I got it and I’m like, kanti whose site is this lol!
Ntshepeng & Hotmo:
Destiny has it’s moments. Some issues I buy and can never read them coz they have too much “business talk”, which sometimes gets me all confused but that’s not their fault coz they are just delivering on what they promised.
This current issue with abo Nonhle/Connie etc is very light and fun, I actually enjoyed it so start with it and you’ll like the mag.
I agree with Philza & Renegade, Sis’Khanyi didn’t answer the “using a 2008 New York Times article” as a 2009 cover story. Sfun’ukwazi!
Siphelele on Thu, 26th Nov 2009 1:07 pm
great article, & I wish our beloved Khanyi could’ve said something in her defense instead of just “noting” the criticism, but we’ll forgive her since this month’s issue’s so great. lmao @ Felicia’s botox and lighting!!
Busi on Thu, 26th Nov 2009 7:15 pm
I loved this article- you hit the nail on the head Phathu!
liz on Sat, 28th Nov 2009 6:28 pm
Wow, impressive Phathu and much respect to Ms Khanyi 4 the response, relevant or not!
Lady D on Sun, 29th Nov 2009 12:37 pm
Great article Mr Makwarela
Phathu Makwarela on Sun, 29th Nov 2009 1:14 pm
Thank you Liz and Lady D…i am glad people loved the article…
ntshepeng on Mon, 30th Nov 2009 8:06 am
@BrownShuga LOL, no i got something along the lines of, you’ve posted that already.
Nokubonga on Sun, 3rd Jan 2010 12:18 pm
Khanyi always notes criticism……even when she was still the editor of True love Mag….she was interacting with the readers. Good habit lady k and we love you just like that!!!!