KoNtuthu Magazine celebrates one year

THE launch of KoNtuthu Magazine tomorrow celebrates not only its one-year anniversary, but also the hard work of its dedicated team of 10 individuals, who produce content focused on women and youth in Bulawayo and beyond.Despite initial obstacles, including having a zero budget and no prior experience in graphic design, the team has successfully created a magazine that educates, inspires and fosters positivity.

They also have an active social media presence and hope to expand the magazine’s reach to an international audience. The launch event will take place at the YWCA hostel in Bulawayo tomorrow evening.Thandekile Ndlovu, director of the publication, highlighted the numerous obstacles they faced in the journey toward making the magazine a success.

“KoNtuthu Magazine started as a trial version last year in March. We began with two ladies, Sherley Mushore and Tracy Masocha. None of us had any prior experience in graphics layout, which made our initial publication more challenging than anticipated,” said Ndlovu.She said they initially had only one laptop, which meant working long hours. They even went for two months without publishing.

“We were later joined by Nina, a graphic designer and accountant based in South Africa. Her involvement motivated us to produce more publications. They expressed their desire to be included as part of KoNtuthu despite being away,” she explained.
The magazine primarily focuses on women and youth, addressing various topics, including business, entertainment, showbiz, gardening and real life. According to Ndlovu, they have successfully achieved their goal of educating, inspiring, and fostering positivity.

“We also have active social media groups where we share the magazine with our followers monthly. We’re proud to be the first magazine from Bulawayo with followers nationwide. Despite our regional name, we cater to the views of all Zimbabweans and envision the magazine as an international publication, as a significant portion of our audience resides in the diaspora,” she said.