The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast

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 d...

On this episode of The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast, I am joined by Jabu Stone. We talk about his incredible journey from an electrical engineer working in a factory during the apartheid era to becoming a household name. Jabu opens up about his early entrepreneurial spirit and the bold decision to take unpaid leave to assist his sister in a salon, where he learnt the trade and perfected his craft. O...

In this episode, I sit down with award-winning investigative journalist Devi Sankaree Govender. Best known for her 18-year tenure chasing down criminals on Carte Blanche and now hosting The Devi Show, Devi reflects on her bold journey from freelance radio in Durban to becoming a media powerhouse in Johannesburg. She candidly discusses the risks of leaving a legacy show to build her own brand, the...

In this episode, I sit down with award-winning television and radio broadcaster, Clement Manyathela. Best known for holding politicians accountable and driving the nation's conversation, Clement peels back the layers to reveal a side of himself the public rarely sees: the shy, conservative introvert who prefers solitude to the spotlight. He reflects on his intense decision to return to univers...

On this episode of The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast, I am thrilled to be joined by multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, and musician, Donald. We talk about his journey from a shy child in Rustenburg to becoming a powerhouse in the South African music industry. Donald opens up about his early life as a talented footballer playing for Jomo Cosmos and Wits University, and the difficult, spiritual de...

In this episode, I sit down with content creator, host, and MC Sipho Alphi Mkhwanazi. Best known for his viral skits that perfectly capture the essence of African mothers and aunts, Alphi reflects on his bold journey from a government communication role to full-time show business. He candidly discusses the anxiety of leaving a steady pay slip, the realities of the "gig economy," and bridging the g...

*This video includes sensitive mental health content. Viewer discretion is advised.*In this episode, I sit down with Pebetsi Nolo Matlaila — a true multihyphenate and one of the most resilient voices in South African entertainment. Best known for her role as Mokgadi on Skeem Saam, Pebetsi reflects on herunexpected rise from a cameo role to a beloved character, and the intense personal journey unfo...

In this episode, I sit down with celebrated musician, songwriter, and vocal coach RJ Benjamin — a powerful force in South African music. Known for his rich voice and infectious sound, RJ has also mentored some of the country’s biggest talents, shaping the industry in countless ways. Beyond the spotlight, RJ opens up about growing up Jewish in a diverse school environment and how working across dif...

On this episode of The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast, I am thrilled to be joined by stand-up comedian and actress, Celeste Ntuli. We talk about her childhood growing up as one of eight siblings, learning independence early, and finding inspiration from the ambitious women around her. Celeste opens up about how standing up for herself in school shaped her comedy and how her sister became both a mother...

In a special and deeply personal episode, Relebogile Mabotja sits down for a different kind of conversation—speaking directly to you, the viewer. Relebogile reflects on the journey of the podcast, from humble beginnings to building a growing community. She reveals the core intention that has emerged from these conversations: healing and human connection. In a moment of raw vulnerability, she turns...

I speak to celebrated author, marketing guru, and one of South Africa’s original digital pioneers, Khaya Dlanga. He takes me through his incredible journey as a “YouTube Ancestor,” starting 18 years ago from a dark room with a cheap phone. Khaya reminisces about the early days of the internet and the story behind the viral #ThingsDarkiesSay hashtag that sparked a global culture clash. He reflects...

I speak to award-winning financial literacy content creator, business owner, and author, Nicolette Mashile. She takes me through her journey of growing up in an all-girls household, where she was the last born and her older sister naturally stepped into the role of a “deputy parent.” Sent to boarding school at a young age, Nicolette reflects on the independence that shaped her early on — an indepe...

*The official recording date of this episode was 10 October 2025.* In an interview that is as profound as it is revealing, renowned therapist and #MarriedAtFirstSight expert Thabang Mashigo joins me in the studio for a conversation that peels back every layer. We journey through Thabang’s incredible past, uncovering her surprising career as a political scientist and diplomat working within the pre...

*The official recording date of this episode was 16 October 2025.*In a candid and revealing conversation, Portia Baloyi joins me in the studio to open up like never before. We journey through Portia’s dynamic past, from her childhood experiences with bullying and how her mother instilled unshakeable confidence in her. She opens up about growing up with a single mother who was a police officer and...

*The official recording date of this episode was 10 October 2025.*Nkululeko Mahlangu joins me in the studio today, and he's ready to share his full story. We journey through Nkululeko’s dynamic past, from his early days as a born performer involved in everything from gymnastics and dance crews to his established career in TV and advertising long before reality television. He opens up about his...

*This episode was recorded prior to recent events. The views shared reflect the guest’s personal emotional journey at that time. The purpose of this conversation is healing and understanding - not controversy or conflict. Since recording, the guest has taken positive steps toward growth, restoration, and professional rebuilding.* Palesa Mphaki joins me in the studio today, and she is ready to set...

*This episode was recorded prior to recent events. The views shared reflect the guest’s personal emotional journey at that time. The purpose of this conversation is healing and understanding - not controversy or conflict. Since recording, the guest has taken positive steps toward growth, restoration, and professional rebuilding.* In this episode of The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast, I am in conversat...

In this episode of the Relebogile Mabotja Podcast, I am in conversation with Lekau Sehoana, the founder of the iconic South African brand, Drip Footwear. We delve into his story, starting from his humble beginnings in Ivory Park and a childhood shaped by poverty. Lekau shares how these early struggles fueled his creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, leading him to design his first sneakers and ev...

In honour of October being internationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness and education about breast cancer, particularly early detection and treatment. I speak to Dr. Sithembile Ngidi about the vital work she does in this space. We explore how advanced educational platforms and treatments are helping to spread the word about breast cancer, a...

In this episode of the Relebogile Mabotja Podcast, I am in conversation with DJ Cleo, a legend in the music industry as well as a producer and radio host. We speak about his childhood, where his parents encouraged him to dream big, and explore how his journey began when he taught himself to play the guitar. DJ Cleo opens up about navigating fatherhood, learning from his mistakes, and trying to fig...

In this episode, I’m joined by Gogo Dineo for a heartfelt conversation about faith, healing, and embracing one’s true calling. We explore the relationship between African spirituality and Christianity, the importance of breaking generational cycles, and how inner-child healing can transform lives. Gogo Dineo also shares her personal journey, from the early signs of her spiritual path to the work s...

It’s National Wills Week, and I had the privilege of sitting down with Advocate Sankie Morata from Sanlam Trust (Legal/Fiduciary) and Behavioural Science Specialist Dr. Mavis Mazhura. We had an honest conversation about what really happens when a loved one passes away without a will. Together, we unpacked the 2025 Sanlam Legacy Wills Survey Report, which reveals the sobering reality that nearly 60...

In raising awareness about cardiovascular disease during Heart Awareness Month, I am joined in the studio by Dr Farai Dube, an accomplished physician and cardiologist with over 20 years of medical experience. He speaks to me about the direct connection between heart conditions and strokes as part of cardiovascular disease. Also joined by Mntuwabantu Musa Sodaba, a patient who shared his experience...

I am joined in the studio by South African comedy legend David Kau as we chat about his legacy in comedy, and he opens up about the friendships he has formed during his comedy career. David shares with me how fatherhood has changed him, why he doesn’t believe in the traditional school system, and his thoughts on Bantu education. We spoke about sexual education and what he learned about sex educati...

I am excited to be chatting with rapper and television presenter Moozlie. She truly is a gem and a sweetheart. We take it all the way back to her MTV and Vuzu days, where it all began. Moozlie tells me how she hustled hard, fuelled by blind faith and big dreams of simply being on TV. You might be surprised at the number of auditions she went through before finally landing her first TV gig. She bro...