Don't Hold Back: say it loud!

Instagram shows us flowers, holidays, and perfect couple selfies. But what’s really happening behind those posts?

In this season finale of Don’t Hold Back, Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba sits down with her husband, Skhu Mayaba, for a real, funny, and honest conversation about what love looks like when no one’s watching.

They unpack the truth behind curated couple content and explore how real relationships require growth, patience, and quiet acts of love. If you’ve ever wondered whether your relationship measures up, this one is for you.

Production credits:

A DW Africa vodcast created in collaboration with Jacaranda FM and East Coast Radio.

Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba – Host

Wanjiku Mwaura – Lead Producer (DW)

Silja Fröhlich – Lead Producer (DW)

Asumpta Lattus – Executive Producer (DW)

Diane Macpherson – Executive Producer (Kagiso Media Radio)

Ntsikelelo Khanyile – Production Assistant (Kagiso Media Radio)

Wandile Langeni – Production Assistant (Kagiso Media Radio)

Thandiwe Nkoana – Lead Videographer and Editor

Ronnie Nkoana – Assistant Videographer

#DontHoldBackPodcast | #LoveUnfiltered | #MarriageInRealLife | #CoupleConversations | #NoFilterRelationships | #SkhuAndNozi | #SayItLoud Catch up with our host Nozibele · More information about this podcast · The 77 Percent (DW Africa)

What happens when your first heartbreak is your mother?

In this deeply personal episode, author and coach Moshitadi Lehlomela joins Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba to talk about the quiet pain many people carry --the mother wound.

Moshitadi shares how she first recognised her own wound at university, when anxiety and depression began to surface.

“I realised that I had a mother wound in varsity,” she says. “I felt alone. I felt defective.”

Nozi opens up with empathy and honesty, creating a safe space for a conversation about pain, forgiveness, and self-discovery. Together, they unpack how childhood wounds resurface in adulthood, how to unlearn toxic patterns, and what it means to mother yourself with compassion.

“You’ve already done great work so far,” Moshitadi reminds listeners. “Maybe the coping mechanisms you developed are not healthy, but you’ve been doing your best trying to protect yourself.”

This conversation is about healing, identity, and finding peace -- even when the love that shaped you also left a scar.

More about Moshitadi Lehlomela

Moshitadi Lehlomela is a writer, coach, and entrepreneur who helps people heal from the mother wound — the deep emotional scars left by maternal pain. She’s the author of The Girl Who Survived Her Mother and Healing the Mother Wound, and through her work she guides others toward self-love, emotional freedom, and breaking generational patterns.

Core production team:

Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba – Host

Wanjiku Mwaura – Lead Producer (DW)

Silja Fröhlich – Lead Producer (DW)

Asumpta Lattus – Executive Producer (DW)

Diane Macpherson – Executive Producer (Kagiso Media Radio)

Ntsikelelo Khanyile – Production Assistant (Kagiso Media Radio)

Wandile Langeni – Production Assistant (Kagiso Media Radio)

Thandiwe Nkoana – Lead Videographer & Editor

Ronnie Nkoana – Assistant Videographer

#DontHoldBack #HealingTheMotherWound #MoshitadiLehlomela #SelfLoveJourney #NozibeleQamnganaMayaba Catch up with our host Nozibele · More information about this podcast · The 77 Percent (DW Africa)

* Content warning: This episode contains adult themes and is intended for listeners aged 18 and older.*

You wanted more candid conversations about sex, so here it is: Nozibele reconnects with gynaecologist and sexologist Dr Nompumelelo "Mpume" Zenda, aka Dr Gynae, for an open, no-holds-barred talk on everything from libido and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to first-time sex experiences. They debunk myths, explore female pleasure, and discuss why honest conversations around sexuality are essential to health and happiness.

This episode explores topics many shy away from: celebrating body confidence, understanding hormonal health challenges like PCOS, and affirming that your sexual journey is valid at every stage of life. Whether you're curious, confused, or ready to break free from silence, this episode offers insight, support, and truth without judgment or taboo.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:14 Guest Introduction and Popular Demand

01:00 Diving into Sex and Sexuality

02:46 First Time Sex: Expectations vs. Reality

06:10 Understanding Vaginal Tightness

08:44 Self-Pleasure and Masturbation

15:30 Contraceptives and Libido

17:22 The Importance of Lube

18:17 Postpartum Sex Drive

19:45 Intimacy and Communication

20:08 Debunking Myths About Women's Sex Drive

21:32 The Role of Romance

22:08 Initiating Intimacy

26:15 Maintaining Sexual Chemistry

30:39 Stimulating the Senses

32:55 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

About Dr Nompumelelo Zenda

Dr Nompumelelo Zenda is a Johannesburg-based OB-Gynae and medical sexologist, renowned for advancing sexual and reproductive health in South Africa. Founder of the innovative wellness consultancy We See You, and a Fellow of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine, Dr Zenda blends medical expertise with cultural awareness. Through her media work, advocacy, and teaching, she empowers young South Africans to take confident control over their bodies, health, and relationships.

Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share to keep breaking the silence.

This show is a collaboration between DW and leading South African radio stations, Jacaranda FM and East Coast Radio. Catch up with our host Nozibele · More information about this podcast · The 77 Percent (DW Africa)

In the latest episode, legendary storyteller, poet and author Dr. Gcina Mhlophe reflects on what it means to preserve culture in a fast-changing world.

Dr. Mhlophe shares her journey from a childhood “house of song and prayer” to becoming one of South Africa’s most respected custodians of heritage. She explains why storytelling remains the heartbeat of cultural identity - and why younger generations must learn to balance tradition with modern life.

“Culture starts within,” she says. “It’s about having a sense of belonging, of respect, and of knowing who you are, even as the world changes.”

The episode explores practical ways families can pass on rituals, the importance of African languages, and the risks of letting global influences dilute local traditions. Catch up with our host Nozibele · More information about this podcast · The 77 Percent (DW Africa)

What does “healthy” really mean? In this episode of Don’t Hold Back, Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba talks to fitness coach Kopano Mokhele, who deliberately gained 25 kilos — and is now losing it again — to better understand what his clients face.

Kopano shares honest lessons about food cravings, mental health, and why BMI doesn’t always apply to African body types. He also reveals five simple steps anyone can take to start a healthier lifestyle - from moving in ways you enjoy, to making one food change, to tracking progress and staying motivated.

Authentic, funny, and packed with practical advice, this is your reminder that health is a journey, not a deadline. Catch up with our host Nozibele · More information about this podcast · The 77 Percent (DW Africa)

When Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba revealed on the podcast that she’s turning 35 later this year, she admitted she was struggling with questions many women ask themselves: Have I achieved enough? Am I where I should be at this age?

It was the perfect moment to bring in a mentor figure. Sitting across from her was Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp – a household name on radio and TV, an author, leadership coach, and mother – who knows about navigating milestones and expectations. Elana’s message? Stop panicking. Whether you’re in your twenties, thirties, or beyond, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and empowering reminders that it’s never too late to reset, grow, and thrive.

This show is a collaboration between DW and leading South African radio stations, Jacaranda FM and East Coast Radio. Catch up with our host Nozibele · More information about this podcast · The 77 Percent (DW Africa)

How do you live proudly when the world still carries stigma? In this episode of Don’t Hold Back, Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba sits down with Phenyo Moletsane - a proud Black, gay man living openly with HIV in 2025 - for a powerful conversation that goes beyond labels, fear, and silence.

From navigating HIV stigma in South Africa to redefining what it means to love and live openly as a Black queer man, Phenyo shares the realities many never see. He talks about the micro-moments where visibility feels like both liberation and risk, the ongoing mental health journey, and the changing nature of relationships.

This episode breaks down misconceptions around HIV, embraces identity with power and pride, and explores the courage it takes to challenge social norms. Phenyo also speaks candidly about the joys and challenges of dating while living openly with HIV, and the vital support LGBTQIA+ youth need beyond the usual “be yourself” message.

Whether you’re living with HIV, part of the queer community, or an ally ready to support without shame or saviourism, this conversation is real, raw, and full of heart.

In this episode:

00:34 Welcome to Don't Hold Back

00:50 Introducing Today's Guest

01:19 Catching Up After Years

02:07 The Snack Tradition - a Teaser

02:43 Living Positively with HIV

03:10 The Impact of Sharing My Story

05:24 Challenges of Public Disclosure

05:53 Personal Relationships and HIV

07:52 The Journey to Healing

10:03 Advocating for the Next Generation

13:04 Navigating Conversations About Safe Sex

15:35 Coming Out to Family

16:18 Navigating Safe Conversations

17:34 Seeking Help and Counseling

19:11 Finding Love and Disclosure

24:49 Rapid Fire Question Section

25:52 Addressing Stigma and Discrimination

30:04 Message to Young People and Parents

33:11 Final Thoughts and Farewell

#DontHoldBackPodcast | #LivingPositively | #PhenyoMoletsane | #HIVAwareness | #LGBTQIAPlusSA | #BreakTheSilence | #DifferentFacesOfHIV Catch up with our host Nozibele · More information about this podcast · The 77 Percent (DW Africa)

How do you talk about sex when no one ever taught you how?

*Content warning: This episode contains adult themes and is intended for listeners aged 18 and older.*

In this episode, Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba is joined by Johannesburg-based gynaecologist and sexologist Dr Nompumelelo “Mpume” Zenda (AKA Dr Gynae). Together, they unpack how to approach first-time experiences, body confidence, and open conversations in relationships. They also explore the importance of teaching children about sexuality using age-appropriate, honest language.

Dr Zenda is the founder of We See You and a respected voice in women’s health and public education.

This episode is about breaking the silence, offering clarity, and helping women feel more confident in their own skin.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction to the Taboo of Sex

01:26 Meet the Guest: Dr. Mpume

03:29 The Importance of Early Sex Education

09:08 Personal Experiences and Cultural Norms

11:03 Consequences of Lack of Sex Education

14:36 Diagnosing Sexual Dysfunctions

16:13 Reprogramming Your Mindset

16:31 The Brain: The Biggest Sex Organ

17:06 Understanding and Loving Your Body

19:20 Society's Influence on Body Image

20:56 Rapid Fire Questions

22:20 Sex Education and Parental Guidance

25:02 Communicating with Your Partner

28:02 The Importance of Self-Discovery

33:20 Final Thoughts and Farewell

More about Dr Nompumelelo Zenda

Dr Nompumelelo Zenda is a Johannesburg-based OB-Gynae and medical sexologist, widely recognised for her work in advancing sexual and reproductive health in South Africa. She is the founder of We See You, a consultancy focused on innovative, inclusive approaches to wellness. As a Fellow of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine, Dr Zenda brings both medical expertise and cultural sensitivity to her work. Through her media presence, published work, and public health advocacy, she helps young South Africans make informed, confident decisions about their bodies, health, and relationships. Catch up with our host Nozibele · More information about this podcast · The 77 Percent (DW Africa)

Content Warning: Sensitive Topics

South African men are silently suffering. Many are dying inside, and some are taking their own lives. In this deeply personal episode of Don’t Hold Back, author, poet, and social activist Zonwabele Zola “Blackie” Tshayana opens up about his experience with depression, suicide attempts, and growing up without a father.

He and Nozi speak openly about absent fathers, the hunger for validation, and the silent struggles facing South African men, including the heartbreak and identity crisis rooted in broken homes and systems.

From stigma and suicide to hope, healing, and raising the next generation, this is an essential conversation for anyone invested in the well-being of men, boys, and families.

This episode is about breaking cycles, building identity, and finding truth.

We’re talking truth, pain, healing, and how women can better understand and support the men they love.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction: Men and Mental Health

00:45 Welcome to Don't Hold Back

00:58 Raising Boys: A Mother's Perspective

01:29 The Crisis of Male Vulnerability

01:53 Shocking Statistics on Male Suicide

02:14 Introducing Today's Guest

03:18 Personal Struggles with Depression

05:43 The Impact of Absent Fathers

08:09 Identity Crisis and Validation

12:30 The Urgency of Men's Mental Health

21:21 Initiating Self-Awareness

22:01 The Stigma Around Counselling

22:36 Breaking the Cycle of Violence

23:45 Normalizing Vulnerability

26:49 Humour as a Coping Mechanism

30:33 Rapid Fire Questions

32:16 Final Thoughts on Vulnerability

37:12 Closing Remarks

#DontHoldBack #MensMentalHealth #NoziTalks Catch up with our host Nozibele · More information about this podcast · The 77 Percent (DW Africa)

From loss to twin motherhood. From rural roots to boardrooms.

In this inspiring Season 3 launch episode, powerhouse speaker and mother of twins, Sibulele Sibaca-Nomnganga, joins Nozibele to unpack what it really means to overcome the odds.

She opens up about navigating miscarriage, fertility treatment, societal pressure, and the choice to tell her story — all while raising empowered children and supporting young girls through her work in the NGO world.

This isn’t just a motherhood story. It’s a womanhood story, full of truth, power, and purpose.

#DontHoldBack #OvercomingTheOdds #TwinMom #SibuleleSpeaks #EmpoweredWomen #NoziTalks #ModernMotherhood #GirlsEmpowerment Catch up with our host Nozibele · More information about this podcast · The 77 Percent (DW Africa)