Advertise on podcast: The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast

Desmond Dube has been on our screens for almost four decades. He tells me how he came from Kimberley to Johannesburg, slept on the streets for about a year and a half in his early 20s, and went straight from the streets to a 26-month tour of Europe. We also talk about the years he made money but was not creating, finally seeing a psychologist, what happened to comedy, becoming a dad, and 25 years of marriage built on respect.

From humble beginnings in an RDP house to becoming one of South Africa's most beloved screen stars, Jo-Anne Reyneke's journey is a testament to raw talent, tenacity, and staying grounded. Her breakthrough role as Pearl on Muvhango catapulted her into the national spotlight, setting the stage for a distinguished career across television and theatre. Today, her work continues to captivate audiences across the country. A SAFTA award-winning actress celebrated for her dynamic performances in Isidingo, The Estate, and the hit comedy series Black Tax, Jo-Anne has proven her unmatched range in both dramatic and comedic roles. Beyond the screen, she has become an influential, unfiltered voice on self-worth, female empowerment, and authentic living. In our conversation, Jo-Anne speaks with infectious humor and unapologetic honesty as she reflects on the lessons life has taught her, growing up in a nudist household and the experiences that have shaped her worldview. Drawing on what she learned from watching her mother celebrate her body with grace and pride, she challenges conventional beauty standards, unpacks cultural perceptions of modesty and nudity in African communities, and explains why she has never felt the need to wear a mask in the entertainment industry. We also get into her intentional approach to parenting her two children, setting boundaries without shame, and the hilarious story of how she planned her first intimate experience with the precision of a production call sheet. Through her stories and reflections, Jo-Anne brings humor, vulnerability and wisdom to conversations that encourage us to embrace our imperfections, question societal taboos and live comfortably in our own skin. #RelebogileMabotjaPod #RMP #RelebogileMabotjaPodcast #Jo-AnneReyneke

Before comedy became his career, Jason Goliath was building a future in the corporate world. A major business setback changed that path, eventually leading him to stand-up comedy and the creation of Goliath and Goliath, the entertainment business he built alongside his family and partners. Today, his work extends beyond the stage. A UNHCR ambassador since 2017, Jason has used his platform to engage with issues affecting displaced people, including through a life-changing visit to a refugee camp in Malawi. He also co-hosts The Happiness Economy podcast with his brother Nicholas Goliath, exploring the relationship between success, money and happiness. In our conversation, Jason speaks with infectious joy as he reflects on the lessons life has taught him, growing up in a Coloured community and the experiences that have shaped his worldview. Drawing on what he has witnessed through his travels, he challenges stereotypes, questions the ways things have always been done and explores how culture, social hierarchies and conformity influence how we see ourselves and others. We also get into his views on marriage and the decision he and his wife have made not to have children. Through his stories and reflections, Jason brings humour, curiosity and openness to conversations that encourage us to look beyond convention and question what we have always accepted as the norm. #RelebogileMabotjaPod #RMP #RelebogileMabotjaPodcast #JasonGoliath

There is no handbook for the kind of pain that comes with burying your child. In this deeply moving and raw conversation, beloved actress Manaka Ranaka sits down with us to speak about love, loss, and the enduring strength it takes to keep going when your world changes forever.Manaka reflects on the life of her late daughter, KG—her fragility, her dreams of music and farming, and the heartbreaking reality of having to receive her posthumous qualification. Together, we explore what it means to grieve not just a person, but an entire shared future, and the heavy emotional weight of holding onto the memories packed away in suitcases.Beyond the pain, Manaka opens up about stepping up to raise KG's son, Mpho, navigating the reality that "he doesn’t have a mom anymore, and I don’t have a daughter anymore," and learning how grief permanently re-adjusts you as a mother. Through tears and laughter, she also touches on family dynamics, reality TV, firstborn daughter pressures, and why choosing to move with love and gentleness is her greatest power.This is a tender, courageous, and deeply human conversation about maternal love, memory, and finding the grace to survive life’s most difficult moments.#RelebogileMabotjaPod #RMP #RelebogileMabotjaPodcast #ManakaRanaka #RelebogilePod

There is so much more to marriage than the wedding day. In this conversation, attorney, notary and founder of Sister In Law, Tebello Motshwane, takes us into the legalities of marriage in South Africa, unpacking when a marriage actually begins and what traditional marriages mean within the complexities of South African law.We get into the day of lobola, the role of families and traditions, and what both women and men should know before getting married. Tebello breaks down the legal questions that can arise within marriage and why understanding your rights is so important before saying “I do”.That conversation naturally extends to children’s rights, parental rights and responsibilities, and maintenance. Tebello shares what mothers and fathers should know about their respective rights and responsibilities, and how having this knowledge can help protect both parents and children.Beyond her work in the law, Tebello opens up about her own upbringing and how her experiences have shaped the way she understands marriage, family and divorce. She reflects on what she has seen, how divorce can affect both children and partners, and the lessons and advice she has taken from those experiences.This is a conversation that will empower you with knowledge and broaden your understanding of the legal realities of marriage, family and relationships.#RelebogileMabotjaPod #RMP #RelebogileMabotjaPodcast #TebelloMotshwane #RelebogilePod

There is more to Clement Maosa than the character that made him a household name. Best known for his role as Kwaito on Skeem Saam, Clement’s journey has taken him from Limpopo to Johannesburg, through an unconventional path into acting and, more recently, into new creative spaces.In this conversation, Clement reflects on the different chapters that have shaped his life and career, including the decision to leave a law degree behind to pursue acting and the courage it took to follow a dream that many believed was impossible.He opens up about some of the darkest chapters of his life, the loss of both his parents and the mental health journey that followed. He also speaks about the responsibility that came with becoming his family’s breadwinner and how these experiences have shaped the person he is today.Beyond acting, Clement shares what drives his philanthropic work and his commitment to uplifting underprivileged children through initiatives such as #Project100Schools. He also opens up about stepping into a new chapter as he ventures into music.Vulnerable, driven, and unapologetically himself, this is Clement Maosa beyond Kwaito.#RelebogileMabotjaPod #RMP #RelebogileMabotjaPodcast #ClementMaosa #RelebogilePod

There is so much more to Londie London than meets the eye. From being a cast member of The Real Housewives of Durban to launching her own reality show, Londie London’s list of accomplishments keeps growing.Having grown up in Durban and later Witbank, this mother of two reflects on the different chapters that have shaped her life. We get into what it’s like being a mom, raising a child with autism, and the many misconceptions and knowledge gaps that exist for children with special needs. We also delve into the spiritual side of mental health, highlighting its relevance and importance.Londie opens up about her highly publicised relationships, navigating public scrutiny and what it has meant to own her wrongs in front of everybody.As the owner of a successful hair brand and salon, she shares her journey of purpose and building. She also talks about her experience as a podcaster and the ups and downs that have come with it.You’re in for moments of laughter and tear-jerking honesty as we get to know this shining star.#RelebogileMabotjaPodcast  #RelebogileMabotjaPod #RelebogilePod #RelebogileMabotja #LondieLondon

I sit down with award-winning musician, television and culinary personality J’Something. Best known as the frontman of Mi Casa, he reflects on the experiences, relationships, and defining moments that have shaped his journey.J’Something takes us back to his childhood and his upbringing in a family rooted in hospitality. He shares his first experience at church and the encounter that helped guide his path. Years later, a chance meeting led to the formation of Mi Casa and the group’s rapid rise to success.We explore his journey into food, from sharing a passion for cooking and food online to working alongside Michelin-starred chefs and building his own food platform.Beyond music and food, he opens up about the loss of his father and the impact of receiving the news just before stepping on stage. He also gets personal about his marriage, their love story, and a solo project dedicated to their relationship, which has still not been released. He reflects on fatherhood, the lessons it has taught him, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.This is a purpose-filled conversation that will leave you feeling inspired and grateful.#RelebogileMabotjaPodcast #RelebogileMabotjaPod #JSomething #MiCasa

Brenda Mtambo has experienced the highs and challenges that come with building a life and career in the public eye. Known for her powerful voice and contribution to South African music, she joins Relebogile Mabotja to reflect on the experiences behind the woman audiences know today.Brenda takes us back to her childhood, growing up in a house marked by trauma, and shares how some of those early experiences stayed with her into adulthood. She also speaks about navigating the loss of both her grandmother and her mother, and finding her way through her relationship with her father.She reflects on love, marriage, and motherhood, including the choices she made while trying to hold onto a relationship and what it took to eventually choose a different path for herself and her children.The conversation also explores Brenda’s relationship with faith and mental health, and a moment when her struggle became public in an unexpected way.This is an emotional conversation filled with moments of vulnerability, reflection, and self-discovery.#RelebogilePod

Known for his work in branding, behavioural psychology and neuroscience, Timothy Maurice Webster has built a career exploring what drives human behaviour and how we understand ourselves and others. From his work as an author and researcher to his role as the host of Brands and Brains, Timothy has spent years unpacking the psychology behind influence, identity and human connection.In this episode, I speak to Timothy about some of the beliefs and behaviours that shape how we relate to one another. We explore the psychology behind men and women, sex and attraction, how we date, and what influences the way we see ourselves and others. He also shares his perspective on genetics and identity, including the ongoing conversation around Tyla’s self-description as “Coloured”.Timothy also reflects on his own journey, from growing up as a pastor’s kid in North Carolina to building a life and career in South Africa. He speaks about his relationship with faith, culture and identity, as well as his experiences of marriage, personal growth and the lessons he has learnt along the way.From neuroscience and branding to the complexities of human connection, this conversation goes beyond how we present ourselves to explore why we think, feel and behave the way we do — and what that reveals about us.#RelebogilePod #RelebogileMabotjaPod #RelebogileMabotjaPodcast #TimothyMauriceWebster

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition that affects people in very different ways, yet many of its symptoms are not immediately visible. In this episode, I speak to specialist neurologist Dr Taniel Townsend about understanding MS, from what happens in the central nervous system to the early signs people may overlook.We explore the importance of recognising symptoms such as persistent pins and needles, changes in vision, and more. We also unpack some of the common misconceptions around MS, while exploring what it means to live with an illness that is not always visible and the importance of having the right support system.This is a conversation about understanding what we cannot always see, listening to our bodies, and recognising that while MS may be part of someone's journey, it does not define who they are.#RelebogileMabotjaPodcast #RelebogileMabotjaPod #MultipleSclerosis #MSAwareness#RelebogilePod

*THIS EPISODE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS OF ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES, CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE, AND ADDICTION IN THE CONTEXT OF LIVED EXPERIENCES. THESE CONVERSATIONS ARE INTENDED TO INFORM AND RAISE AWARENESS, AND DO NOT ENCOURAGE OR PROMOTE ILLEGAL DRUG USE.*Known for making audiences laugh, comedian and actor Trevor Gumbi sits with me to tell his story of addiction, loss, choices, and rebuilding. We speak about how his experiences have influenced him personally and professionally, and the journey of finding his way through some of life’s most difficult moments.As someone who has spoken openly about his addiction, we delve into the realities and roots of addiction as Trevor unpacks what recovery looks like for him. Trevor reflects on the experiences he faced as a child, the role they have played in his journey, and his ongoing path towards healing, using what he has learnt along the way to help others navigate their own journeys.Trevor also reflects on his first marriage, fatherhood and the conversations he has had with his children.As his work continues to capture audiences, we chat about some of his most loved characters and the stories behind the man who brings them to life.Trevor’s story is ultimately one of starting over, finding a new sense of purpose, and learning how to move forward. It’s a conversation about accountability, growth, and what it means to rebuild your life — a story we can all learn and grow from.Watch 'Sober Companions' here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJa-7cBFzosClick here for more information on Trevor's 'Boys To Men' Foundation: https://todaysfuture.org#RelebogileMabotjaPodcast #RelebogileMabotjaPod #RelebogilePod #TrevorGumbi

In this episode, I am joined by Palesa Nomthandazo Phumlele Modiga, better known as Zoë Modiga. Born in Durban and raised in Pietermaritzburg, this National School of the Arts alumna has carved out a distinctive space for herself in music and the creative world, taking her artistry from South Africa to the world. Zoë takes us back to the beginning of her journey, including the moment she reached out to a jazz musician for guidance as she found her way in the industry. She reflects on the experiences and people that have shaped her sound, creative process and the artist she has become. Describing herself as a hopeless romantic, Zoë opens up about love, relationships and the key lessons she has learnt from her parents, whose love, openness and support have helped shape the woman and artist she wants to become. Her creativity extends beyond music, with her distinctive fashion sense becoming an extension of her artistry and personal brand. She speaks about drawing inspiration from the people around her and how those influences find their way into her work, while navigating how others have interpreted and framed her words and creative expression. A conversation with a creative who continues to define herself on her own terms. #RelebogilePod

For the first episode of #RelebogilePod Season 3, I sit down with presenter, podcaster, and professional electrical engineer, Lungelo KM.Best known as the host of the popular podcast Engineer Your Life, Lungelo steps into the guest seat to reflect on his journey. He shares how being raised by a single mother, a dedicated teacher who encouraged him to pursue his goals, shaped his path, and explains how early exposure to representation in the field proved to him that his dreams were valid.Bringing his technical expertise to the conversation, Lungelo offers a candid perspective on South Africa's ongoing electricity crisis. He discusses the systemic and administrative challenges within the sector, explaining why he views the country's power struggles as a man-made issue rather than a lack of physical resources or engineering capability.In a raw and deeply personal segment, Lungelo opens up about the sudden loss of his mother during his third year of university. He reflects on the painful way he received the news, the insensitivity often found in modern social media culture around grief, and his long journey toward healing. He also discusses his intentional decision to rebuild his relationship with his father over the last five years, offering a thoughtful perspective on what it truly means to raise healthy children.Lungelo traces the rapid rise of Engineer Your Life, which he launched from his garden in 2022 with zero subscribers and built into a respected platform. With his characteristic warmth, intellect, and self-awareness, Lungelo’s story is a compelling testament to the power of resilience, consistency, and staying anchored to one's foundation.#RelebogilePod

In this episode, I sit down with education powerhouse and Executive Director of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, Gugulethu Ndebele.Best known for her extensive work in both government and the private sector, Gugu reflects on the fascinating journey to landing her current role—including the rigorous eight-interview process and flying to New York to meet Oprah Winfrey. She candidly discusses the critical state of South Africa’s education system, the disconnect between policy and implementation, and why she believes in "preparing the soil" before planting the seed of education.She opens up about her own academic setbacks, revealing the humbling experience of failing Grade 11 twice and being expelled during the apartheid era for leading student protests. Gugu explains how these failures dismantled her ego, taught her resilience, and shaped her belief that academic success is not the only measure of a child's worth.Gugu shares a raw and vulnerable look into her upbringing, discussing how her mother instilled in her a deep respect for education as a basic human right. She speaks on the heartbreaking reality of children dying in pit latrines, the lack of basic services in schools, and the urgent need for leadership that holds itself accountable to the youth.With her profound wisdom and no-nonsense approach to leadership, Gugu proves that fixing education requires more than just a curriculum—it requires restoring dignity, safety, and hope to every child.#RelebogilePod