It was a week of mixed emotions. The week kicked off with the news of Grammy-award winning singer Angie Stone. She died in a car accident. She was not a Joburger. However, her hit songs like ‘Wish I Didn’t Miss You’ were definitely part of your childhood. The legendary soundtrack ‘Girlfriends’ was also influential. Of course, this is highly likely if you were born before 2002. Her passing is a big loss for the neo-soul fraternity in music. Even with this loss, pieces continue to move in the city of bright lights.

It was out with the old and in with the new in the world of South African radio. A few radio stations made changes to their lineup, including radio newbies and bringing back some old voices. The breakfast slot saw Leroy Gopal make a comeback on YOU FM for Your Mornings. Tessa Dooms also made her debut as the host of POWER Breakfast on Power98.7.

“Day 1 of #TessaOnPower done and my heart is full,” she wrote in a caption on Instagram this past Monday.

Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, also known as the People’s bae, made his radio debut on POWER Talk. He received the warmest welcome in the radio industry with legends such Thuso Motaung, Linda Sibiya, Shado Twala, Angus Gibson, Pastor At Boshoff, Felicia Mabuza-Suttle, and James Ngcobo. Chairs also switched as he interviewed Tracy Going, who interviewed him when he was in high school many moons ago. Some might see these changes as a loss. However, it is important to accept them. Embrace them, and continue to live.

Many Joburgers had a lot to say when the mayor announced plans to prioritise the routes G20 representatives will use during their stay in Mzansi. “We’ve prioritized certain routes within Johannesburg which are to ensure we make them the standard they should be: no potholes, no traffic signals that aren’t working,” he said. The frustration was further fuelled by the President’s visit to Johannesburg, after which he expressed shock for the state of the city.

Some x users had this to say;

Loss does not mean that you should silence your voice. That is when your voices as a citizen and individual should be the loudest because how will we fix, mobilise, and organize if we do not know what is wrong. Embracing loss should not paralyse us but push us towards a season of new victories.

This year’s Oscars were another stamp of approval for actors and production crews. They also reminded us of the importance of recognizing the hard work of our favourite thespians. And yes, the Last Ranger team in Anele Mdoda and her represented us well. However, the South African acting industry wore the veil of mourning following the passing of talented actress, Crystal – Donna Roberts. She portrayed characters in films such as The Endless River, Krotoa, and long-time drama, 7de Laan. While love poured in from family and industry peers, this was another harsh reminder that we have to embrace and continue to live.

It is only the first week of March, but there is also so much to keep up with in our lives and our society. As citizens, we have to always remember that not all loss can be replaced or fixed. Most times, we will have to embrace loss and live. Live fully. Live loudly. Live presently.