The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast

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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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 figure and a trusted ally on her journey.Our conversation explores comedy as an intimate art form, her commitment to uplifting fellow comedians, and the constant challenge of setting boundaries as a natural giver and perfectionist. Celeste reflects on the blood, sweat, and tears that went into organizing her own comedy shows — from selling tickets herself to curating experiences that truly connect with her audience. She shares her deep love for the craft, the pressures women face, and how she continues to grow by embracing purpose and self-awareness. We also dive into her career milestones, her thoughts on the so-called “biological clock,” singlehood, and the pursuit of happiness on her own terms.This is an episode filled with gratitude, liberation, and courage — a celebration of chasing ambition unapologetically while living in your purpose.#RelebogilePod #Connect with us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576572680415

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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 the soul cards on herself, asking the question, "Am I consistently showing up?" The answer leads to a powerful reflection on fear, self-sabotage, and the courage it takes to be your own hero.This isn't just a reflection; it's a commitment. Relebogile makes a public promise to confront a deep fear she has never shared publicly before and invites you to join her. She asks the community to stand with her and face their own fears, whatever they may be.This is an intimate look behind the curtain, a thank you to the community, and a powerful call to conquer fear together.#RelebogilePod Connect with us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576572680415

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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 on how these early experiences shaped the digital landscape and his own career.We delve into his high-stakes marketing journey, from learning global lessons at Coca-Cola and Heineken to the humbling experience of saving a failing brand. Khaya pulls back the curtain on his time as CMO at Rain, revealing the intense pressure of launching 5G in South Africa before almost anyone else in the world and navigating the bizarre conspiracy theories that followed.In a moment of profound vulnerability, Khaya opens up about the devastating loss of his brother to suicide. He speaks with raw honesty about his brother's struggle with a gambling addiction, the painful decision to fire him, and the heavy burden of guilt that followed. He shares the heartbreaking final words his brother left behind and how his mother, in her own immense grief, made a chilling prophecy about her own life, leading Khaya to believe she ultimately died of a broken heart.This episode is about resilience in the face of unspeakable tragedy, the courage to be vulnerable, and the complex journey of understanding grief, success, and self-worth.#RelebogilePod Connect with us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576572680415

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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 independence that continues to influence the decisions she makes today.

We delve into her academic journey and her father’s unwavering commitment to ensuring his daughters received the best education. Nicolette opens up about her challenges at Rhodes University, where she eventually left without a degree, and her first taste of navigating life in Johannesburg. From coaching netball as a side hustle to proving she was more than just a dropout, she shares how these experiences built her resilience and drive.

Nicolette shares how studying communication, instead of economics, set her on the path of financial literacy education. After making her own financial mistakes, she found her voice in financial education using storytelling to unpack her own experiences while teaching others. Now a leading voice in financial literacy, Nicolette urges young people to build portfolios for themselves instead of squeezing into existing roles.

This episode is about learning from her story to make better financial decisions, to understand how financial systems work, and to discover how to make your money work for you.

#RelebogilePod

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*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 presidency. She explains the deeply personal reasons behind her "great pivot" from the world of politics to her true calling in psychology, and how her own family dynamics ignited a passion for building healthy family units for others.

Thabang opens up with incredible vulnerability about the grief that reshaped her life. She shares the story of losing her mother and grandmother on the exact same day during the pandemic and the harrowing trauma of discovering her best friend had been murdered. She explains how this profound pain became the ultimate catalyst, teaching her the difference between pain that breaks and pain that builds.

Thabang pulls back the curtain on her experience as an expert on #MarriedAtFirstSightMzansi. She addresses the intense viewer feedback, clarifies her "harsh" approach with the cast, and reveals the behind-the-scenes truths. She shares the unseen context of the participants' deep-seated traumas and the immense pressure of filming a reality show that deals with real human hearts.

Looking ahead, Thabang shares her powerful philosophy on healing. She discusses why she champions alternative therapy methods, from aromatherapy to ancient rituals, and explains the critical link between our unresolved emotions and our physical health.

She leaves us with her powerful mission: to heal together, one person at a time.

Experience all the twists, love, and lessons from Married at First Sight Mzansi. Watch the full current season and revisit Season 1 on Mzansi Magic Catch Up or Showmax.

#RelebogilePod

*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 complex relationship she had with her biological father. She speaks candidly about her first marriage, why it ended, and the emotional and controlling abuse she says she endured.Portia pulls back the curtain on her experience on #MarriedAtFirstSightMzansi Season 2, revealing how she ended up on the show. She shares the turning points in her relationship, what drew her to him, and what ultimately led to their separation before the reunion. Portia addresses the drama with the other cast members and clarifies the infamous Porsche conversation.Looking ahead, Portia shares how she has moved forward. She talks about her successful career as a flight attendant, her aspirations to become a pilot, and the upcoming relaunch of her skincare line. She discusses her healing journey, what she's learned about love, and what it truly means to be okay.#RelebogilePod

*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 deep Christian upbringing and the painful breakup that led him down a dark path for a decade, and shares the powerful testimony of his return to faith.Nkululeko pulls back the curtain on his experience on #MarriedAtFirstSightMzansi Season 2, addressing all the controversial moments head-on. He explains the real reason behind his two-month no-sex rule, revealing it was about building a spiritual and mental connection first. He addresses the constant drama, the men's clinic conversation, and sets the record straight about the infamous "cheating tracker" story.Nkululeko speaks candidly about the verbal and alleged physical abuse he says he endured during the experiment, explaining why he chose to react with grace and silence on the show, and what finally pushed him to speak up at the reunion.Looking ahead, Nkululeko shares how he has moved forward. He talks about his beautiful relationship with his 12-year-old son, his healthy co-parenting dynamic with his ex, and the heartwarming story of how he met his new fiancée through a chance encounter with her father. He discusses his brotherhood with the male cast members and what he's learned about love, faith, and finding peace.#RelebogilePod

*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 the record straight.

We journey back to her childhood in Soweto, where Palesa describes herself as a "feisty bookworm" growing up in a full and loving household. She explains how being one of many children shaped her personality, creating a drive to perform and excel, and reflects on how those early dynamics have influenced her adult life and relationships.

Palesa pulls back the curtain on her first marriage, a bombshell story she's never shared publicly. She reveals she got married within three months to a pastor, driven by her Christian faith, and opens up about the painful reality of being in a "loveless marriage" for years and the moment she was finally ready to walk away.

She speaks on her experience on #MarriedAtFirstSightMzansi Season 2, addressing everything from the staged apologies and the infamous car scene to the constant drama. Palesa explains what she believes was a "mask" of confidence and discusses the difficult moments that led to their explosive arguments. And yes, we finally get to the bottom of the last lemon cream!

Looking ahead, Palesa shares how she is using her past experiences to fuel her future. She talks about her beautiful business, Dose of Petals, which was born from her own separation, and her journey of self-discovery through therapy as she reclaims her narrative and embraces a new chapter.

#RelebogilePod

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*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 conversation with Makoto Phumodi, one of the most talked-about brides from #MarriedAtFirstSightMzansi, Season 2.

We delve into her story, starting from her childhood in Ficksburg and her early start in the world of performance, from leading drum majorettes in grade school to landing her first radio gig in Grade 10.

Makoto shares how her ambitious spirit and love for the spotlight shaped her journey into acting and behind-the-scenes production work long before her reality TV debut.

Makoto opens up about what really happened in her marriage to Nkululeko. She addresses the big questions head-on: Was she acting? Why was sexual compatibility such a major issue? And what did she really think when she walked down the aisle? She gets candid about feeling mismatched by the experts, confronting Nkululeko's past, and dealing with what she describes as controlling behaviour.

She reflects on the immense personal challenges she was navigating, sharing a deeply emotional account of her mother's passing and the grief that followed. Makoto also speaks on the complicated family dynamics with her father and how that conflict has impacted her life and relationships.

Finally, we talk about her future. Makoto shares her powerful declaration to become an executive producer, her plans to tell her own story, and how she is applying the lessons from her past to heal, grow, and be the best mother she can be for her son.

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