The Motherhood Network

What would it take to turn Johannesburg around, and what would that mean for the families who call it home? Helen Zille joins The Motherhood Network for a candid conversation about her plans for Johannesburg, her political journey and the experiences that have shaped her as a mother, grandmother and leader. From the city’s billing system and water infrastructure to jobs, investment and housing aff...

As South Africa approaches the local government elections, one important question remains: Do we really understand what we're voting for? 🇿🇦In this episode of The Motherhood Network, political commentator Amahle-Imvelo Jaxa joins us for an insightful conversation about South Africa's democracy, the political landscape, and the importance of making informed decisions at the ballot box. From underst...

What will it take to build a better South Africa, and who should be held accountable for the challenges facing our communities? In this episode, we sit down with Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about leadership, immigration, political accountability and the future of South Africa. As the country prepares for the local governm...

The Motherhood Network’s Election Series begins with ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba. In this wide-ranging conversation with Nandi Madida, Herman Mashaba reflects on his journey from growing up during apartheid to building Black Like Me, entering politics and serving as Mayor of Johannesburg. The conversation then turns to some of the issues facing South Africans ahead of the Local Government Elect...

Motherhood can change how you see your family, your dreams and even yourself. In this Heritage Day special, we sit down with LootLove, mother of twins, broadcaster and media personality, for an honest conversation about motherhood, identity, grief and navigating life when things don’t go according to plan. LootLove reflects on her journey into the media industry, becoming a mother to twin girls, l...

In this Motherhood Network Book Club special, we sit down with Ntando Rambani for an honest and deeply personal conversation about motherhood, healing, identity, love, and the experiences that have shaped the woman she is today. Through the stories explored in her book, Ntando takes us back to her childhood, opening up about complicated love, emotional abuse, growing up with limited support, and t...

Motherhood can be beautiful, overwhelming, messy and deeply rewarding, sometimes all at once. In this episode, we sit down with Bonolo, mother of three, content creator, entrepreneur and founder of Mama & Co, for an open conversation about the realities of modern motherhood. Bonolo reflects on being raised by her father, becoming a young mother, experiencing judgement, struggling with breastfe...

In this episode of The Motherhood Network, we sit down with Dr Mpume for an open and honest conversation about sex, intimacy, pleasure and the conversations women are often taught to avoid. Dr Mpume unpacks how intimacy can change through pregnancy, postpartum, motherhood and menopause, while also exploring communication between partners, sexual health, changing desire and why fathers experience t...

In this episode of The Motherhood Network, we sit down with acclaimed actress Gugu Gumede, star of the Netflix series The Polygamist, for an honest conversation about the woman behind the characters audiences have come to know and love. Gugu opens up about navigating fame, building a career in the entertainment industry and the realities that exist behind the spotlight. She also reflects on mother...

In this episode of The Motherhood Network, we sit down with entrepreneur, strategist and visionary, Nomndeni Sethole, for an honest conversation about motherhood, healing, faith and having the courage to build what only you can see. Nomndeni reflects on her journey from launching Fuse Academy and shaping some of South Africa’s earliest influencer campaigns to building Agenda Woman—a platform born...

With election season around the corner, conversations around leadership, service delivery, education, and accountability are more important than ever. In this episode of The Motherhood Network, we sit down with Ms. Siviwe Gwarube, South Africa’s Minister of Basic Education, for an honest conversation about the state of education in South Africa. Minister Gwarube opens up about the challenges facin...

In this Motherhood Network Book Club special, we sit down with Dr Mzamo Masito, author of This Country Hates Our Men & Boys, and Dr Khosi Jiyane for a powerful Father’s Day and Men’s Mental Health Month conversation. Together, we unpack the realities many men and boys carry quietly: father wounds, emotional pain, absent fathers, abusive patterns, shame, healing, therapy, and the pressure men o...

In this episode of The Motherhood Network, we sit down with Pearl Thusi for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about her life, her journey, and the experiences that have shaped her. Pearl opens up about her background, family, motherhood, and the path that led her into the entertainment industry. She reflects on the highs and challenges of living in the public eye, navigating fame, dealing wi...

In this episode of The Motherhood Network, we sit down with Dr Khanyile, a paediatrician, mother, author, health advocate, community-centered professional, and co-founder and Vice President of Mental Matters SA.She shares her journey into medicine, her passion for child health, and her commitment to educating and empowering communities. We also unpack important conversations around paediatrics, ch...

This Mother’s Day, The Motherhood Network brings you a very special and heartfelt episode as Nandi Madida sits down with her son, Shaka Madida, for a beautiful conversation about motherhood, family, love, and the special bond between a mother and her child. Special thank you to @Motherkindco HQ for the support in bringing these essential conversations to life. 🌸Don’t forget to subscribe and hit t...

April is Autism Awareness Month, but on this episode of The Motherhood Network, Nandi and the incredible Sisanda move the conversation from 'Awareness' to 'Acceptance.' Both autism moms to beautiful daughters, they share the raw, unfiltered reality of getting a diagnosis, the financial strain of therapies (the 'Ferrari' per month!), and why your child’s non-verbal status is...

This episode of The Motherhood Network features a powerhouse couple: Dr. Lawrence Mabasa, a leading nutritional scientist, and Dr. Kopano Matlwa Mabaso, a medical doctor, acclaimed novelist, and social justice advocate. Together, they bridge the gap between rigorous science and the lived reality of African motherhood. Special thank you to @Motherkindco HQ for the support in bringing these essentia...

This episode of The Motherhood Network, we are joined by the Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Dr. Nasiphi Moya. As mothers, we are the primary stakeholders in the state of our nation. While this conversation sits at the heart of the administrative capital, it is not a political debate it is a look at the household reality of South Africa. When governance works, our homes thrive; when it falters, our fa...

This episode of The Motherhood Network features Nandi Madida in a powerful, life-changing conversation with fiduciary specialist Zola Mbatha . Together, they demystify the legal foundations every family needs to secure their legacy and protect their children."Real love plans ahead". In this deep dive, Zola Mbatha explains why a Last Will and Testament is the most important act of love yo...

Today, we are joined by the incredible Dr. Bakhe Dlamini and his wife, Nokwanda Dlamini, for a powerful heart-to-heart on the reality of modern relationships. In this episode, we discuss:The psychology of settling: Why we accept less than we deserve. Defining "Real Love" vs. "Toxic Attachment."The role of accountability in a thriving marriage. How to build a relationship rooted in mutual respect a...

In honour of World AIDS Day, The Motherhood Network sits down with public health advocate Chiedza Chagutah for a powerful and eye-opening conversation about HIV in South Africa - past, present, and future. This World AIDS Day, we honour every life lost, every survivor, and every family affected — while celebrating the massive progress we’ve made as a nation. This episode is a reminder: HIV is no l...

In this episode of The Motherhood Network, we sit down with the ever-graceful and deeply loved Mpumi Mophatlane “Mrs Mops”.In this heartfelt conversation, Mpumi opens up about motherhood, identity, healing, and her deepest desire:✨ “I want my kids to remember me as the mom who tried her best.”She reflects honestly on the pressures mothers face, the private battles behind public smiles, and the co...

☕ Note: This episode was filmed in a coffee shop in partnership with Mugg & Bean so you may notice some background sounds. We chose this warm, authentic setting to keep the conversation real just like catching up with friends over a cup of coffee. In this powerful episode of The Motherhood Network Book Club, we sit down with multi-award-winning artist and new mom Sho Madjozi - back like you’ve ne...

In this special Round Table edition of The Motherhood Network, we dive into one of the biggest questions parents face where to put your kids. From private vs. public education to homeschooling and early childhood development, our guests share their honest experiences and insights to help every parent make more informed decisions. Join Nandi Madida as she sits down with:Siphokhazi MhlongoKeely-Shay...

The TMN Book Club is officially open! ☕📚In this very first Book Club episode, we sit down with the incredible Mpoomy Ledwaba to dive deep into her bestselling book “How Did We Get Here?” — a powerful reflection on faith, identity, healing, and the journey of becoming. This is more than just a conversation. It’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and turn the pages of your own story with courage. D...