The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast

The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast #51 – Gugulethu Ndebele: From Failing Grade 11 to Principal

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

The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast #50 – Jabu Stone: Why I Don't Like The Term "Dreadlocks"

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.Our conversation explores the origins of the natural hair movement in South Africa. Jabu reveals the shocking ingredients people used to use on their locs—from brown bread and Coca-Cola to Sunlight soap—and shares the fascinating story of how he began working on his products.He reflects on his travels through West Africa and the US, and his mission to rebrand "dreadlocks" into simply "locks," removing the fear and stigma associated with natural African hair. He shares the heartwarming and humourous story of how he met his wife on the street and drops a powerful gem on the secret to their long-lasting 35-year marriage.We also dive into the spiritual significance of hair as an "antenna" to the divine, his resilience in business, and the importance of self-love and African pride.This is an episode filled with history, heritage, and wisdom—a masterclass in building a legacy against the odds and reclaiming identity through entrepreneurship.#RelebogilePod

The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast #49 – Devi Sankaree Govender: It's Difficult To Age On Television

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 reality of the "gig economy" in media, and how she balances her hard-hitting on-screen persona with her true self.She opens up about her unique parenting journey raising a professional golfer daughter and an academic son, navigating the cultural nuances of her Indian heritage, and her spiritual philosophy that bridges her Hindu roots with a universalist worldview. Devi shares a raw and vulnerable look into her personal life, discussing the deep grief of losing her mother to breast cancer and the emotional complexities of caring for a father with advanced dementia. She speaks on the difficult decisions adult children face when parenting their parents and the resilience required to keep showing up when your personal world is crumbling.With her trademark wit and no-nonsense attitude, Devi proves that you can be a fearless crusader for the truth while remaining deeply grounded in spirituality and family.#RelebogilePod

The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast #48 – Clement Manyathela: I Was Threatened Live On Radio

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 university for an MBA to combat professional stagnation and candidly discusses the imposter syndrome he faced when offered the prime-time slot at 702, revealing that he initially turned the job down multiple times before finding his confidence.He opens up about his transformative journey as a runner, having completed over 15 marathons in four years, and describes his current phase of life as a "seeking era"—a time dedicated to spiritual growth and understanding his purpose beyond his career.Clement also shares a raw and heartbreaking look into his recent grief following the sudden loss of his close friend and colleague, Tshidi Madia. He speaks vulnerably about the heaviness of mourning while in the public eye and the importance of allowing oneself to simply sit in the pain rather than distracting from it.From hilarious anecdotes about almost fighting a taxi boss on air and a tense encounter with Elon Musk’s security, Clement proves that behind the serious broadcaster is a man deeply committed to honesty, growth, and the human experience.#RelebogilePod

The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast #47 – Donald: I Had A #1 Hit With No Label

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 decision to walk away from professional sports to pursue his true calling in music.Our conversation explores the symbolism behind his iconic "Red Mic" and how he built his career on independence and self-belief. Donald reflects on the risks he took, including leaving a major label to start D-Exclusive Sounds in 2011, and the financial and emotional sacrifices made to produce his legendary live DVD recordings. He shares the heartbreaking story behind his massive hit "I Deserve"—born from a near-death car accident and a realisation about loyalty and love while recovering in a hospital hallway.We also dive into his current state of mind, the importance of rest, and finding peace and contentment in his artistry after years of grinding.This is an episode filled with vulnerability, industry insights, and inspiration—a testament to trusting your gut and investing in your own dreams 110%.#RelebogilePod