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 out to a jazz musician for guidance as she found her way in the industry. She reflects on the experiences and people that have shaped her sound, creative process and the artist she has become.

Describing herself as a hopeless romantic, Zoë opens up about love, relationships and the key lessons she has learnt from her parents, whose love, openness and support have helped shape the woman and artist she wants to become.

Her creativity extends beyond music, with her distinctive fashion sense becoming an extension of her artistry and personal brand. She speaks about drawing inspiration from the people around her and how those influences find their way into her work, while navigating how others have interpreted and framed her words and creative expression.

A conversation with a creative who continues to define herself on her own terms.

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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 how early exposure to representation in the field proved to him that his dreams were valid.Bringing his technical expertise to the conversation, Lungelo offers a candid perspective on South Africa's ongoing electricity crisis. He discusses the systemic and administrative challenges within the sector, explaining why he views the country's power struggles as a man-made issue rather than a lack of physical resources or engineering capability.In a raw and deeply personal segment, Lungelo opens up about the sudden loss of his mother during his third year of university. He reflects on the painful way he received the news, the insensitivity often found in modern social media culture around grief, and his long journey toward healing. He also discusses his intentional decision to rebuild his relationship with his father over the last five years, offering a thoughtful perspective on what it truly means to raise healthy children.Lungelo traces the rapid rise of Engineer Your Life, which he launched from his garden in 2022 with zero subscribers and built into a respected platform. With his characteristic warmth, intellect, and self-awareness, Lungelo’s story is a compelling testament to the power of resilience, consistency, and staying anchored to one's foundation.#RelebogilePod

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

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

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

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

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

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 gap between traditional media and the new wave of influencers.He opens up about his longtime insecurity regarding his voice, how he overcame societal expectations of masculinity, and the moment he finally surrendered to his authentic self to find his true power.Alphi also shares a raw and vulnerable look into his personal life, discussing the deep grief of losing his sister and grandmother. He speaks on the reality of managing personal loss while maintaining a public persona and shares heartwarming stories about spoiling his mother and his spiritual journey as a Seer.With his signature infectious laughter mixed with profound wisdom, Alphi proves that you can be both the life of the party and a person deeply processing the complexities of life.

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*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 unfolding behind the scenes. She opens up about surviving an abusive marriage, experiencing homelessness, confronting long-standing trauma, and rebuilding her life while raising two daughters alone. Pebetsi also talks about writing her book, her passion for mental health advocacy, domestic violence awareness, and empowering women, as well as her transition into radio, coaching, and studying psychology to help others heal. With raw honesty and hard-earned wisdom, she reminds us that growth is possible even after the deepest pain.To get Pebetsi's book, contact: [email protected]#RelebogileMabotjaPodcast #RelebogileMabotjaPod #RelebogilePod

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 different cultures has enriched both his life and his music. He speaks candidly about his battle with depression, experiences with childhood bullying, and the courage it took to marry outside his community.Today, one of his greatest joys is seeing his students thrive, knowing he played a role in shaping the next generation of talent.With honesty, vulnerability, and wisdom, RJ reminds us that music isn’t just a career — it’s a calling. One that heals, challenges, and transforms.#RelebogilePod Connect with us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576572680415

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