The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast

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 wh...

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 d...

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...

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...

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 ex...

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,...

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 pe...

*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...

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 o...

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...

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...