The Anele Podcast

Anele Mdoda

Inspired by the First For Woman's - Her and Now report, Anele has decided to invite some of her friends to sit down and have bold and candid conversations about their own lives covering a variety of issues that connect with many woman across the continent and South Africa.

Season 1

  1. Episode 1

    Lynn Forbes (AKA's Mom) and Pilani Bubu

    Lynn Forbes, widely known as AKA’s mom, joins Anele Mdoda alongside her best friend of 25 years, Pilani Bubu. Together, they open up about the profound loss of loved ones. Sharing the things left unsaid, the weight of grief, and how these experiences have reshaped their lives. The conversation also turns to independence and entrepreneurship. Unpacking the realities of being your own boss, the highs and lows that come with it, and the kind of spirit it takes to leap into the unknown and build something on your own terms.

    40 min

  2. Episode 2

    The Burden of Strength: How Control Drains Your Soul

    “Beef or oxtail bouillon cube for the stew?” can you think of a more frivolous question to answer while choosing a coffin for your mother’s funeral? Today’s guest, Nozipho Tshabalala can answer that – and how this moment illuminated her relationship with control. A relationship that began at the tender age of 5. Imagine surviving a petrol bomb, being smuggled off to another family, having to change your name and appearance, and then trying to normalise your life. Nozipho did it all, without even realising the incredible feat she had achieved. But also, without realising (until that bouillon cube moment) how control had become a default response to everything. Control was the safety net she depended on for survival. In today’s episode, Nozipho shares how her formative years shaped the woman she is today and the many lessons she’s learnt along the way. As a conversation strategist, she finds herself in perfect company, with two esteemed conversationalists – Anele and Mantshoe. Together the three travel down memory lane, sharing the moments that shaped their lives. Anele will have you in stitches with her pre-school shenanigans, which led to an intoxicating sense of control. Mantshoe shares her performative nature as a child, how it led to her own desire for control – and its detrimental effect on her adult relationships. Like 67% of South African women, they’re exhausted from having to “keep it all together” all the time. Yet another insight revealed by the 1st for Women Her & Now 2025 Report. Stay tuned for a whole new perspective on control and how to harness it. You won’t want to miss this one! Read the full First for Women Her & Now Report here: Welcome to First for Women Insurance | Comprehensive Coverage Powered by First for Women Insurance Learn more about car insurance made for women Car Insurance with 24/7 Safety & Dedicated Roadside Fleet | First for Women Home insurance made for women First for Women Foundation | Empowering Women | Supporting Communities Business insurance made for women Business Insurance for Women: Tailored & Affordable

    58 min

  3. Episode 3

    The Price of Joy: From Surviving to Thriving

    Why is joy so expensive? And why does it feel so hard to come by? If you’re in this predicament, you’re not alone. 96% of South African women say joy doesn’t come easily (First for Women Here & Now Report). For most, it takes a lot of planning, effort, and even permission. And when we have the financial freedom to activate that joy, we still feel the need to explain ourselves. Today we unravel the deep-seated cultural and societal beliefs that have shaped how we perceive, receive and harness joy. Leading the conversation is multi-award-winning host, and one of South Africa’s most dynamic media personalities, Anele. She is joined by her co-host and friend of 24 years, Zimkhita, and today’s guest Tumi Morake. Tumi, South Africa’s First Lady of Comedy, is one of the country’s most sought-after comedians. She is an actress, businesswomen and writer. But beyond that, she is also a woman navigating a post-divorce journey that is both liberating and costly, on every level. She talks about ‘Tumi Time’ and the hefty price she’s paid for it. Zimkhita, a PR maverick and communications expert shares the joy she derives from spending money on herself and the ‘small little pleasures’ that make all the difference. Considering that 64% of South African women feel guilty spending money on themselves (First for Women Here & Now Report) this is quite a feat. Together the conversation naturally moves from their upbringings to their friendships, personal relationships and careers, sharing inspirational insights that reveal their own understanding and experience of joy. Stay tuned for a no-holds-barred conversation that will have you listening, learning and laughing. Powered by 1st for Women: car, home, business, and pet insurance designed for women. Read the full First for Women Her & Now Report here: Welcome to First for Women Insurance | Comprehensive Coverage Powered by First for Women Insurance Learn more about car insurance made for women Car Insurance with 24/7 Safety & Dedicated Roadside Fleet | First for Women Home insurance made for women First for Women Foundation | Empowering Women | Supporting Communities Business insurance made for women Business Insurance for Women: Tailored & Affordable Pet insurance made for women Pet Insurance | Purrfect Cover for Cats & Dogs | 1st for Women Insurance The First for women Foundation #GenerationNone First for Women is a licensed non-life insurer and FSP. Ts & Cs online. 📲 Follow the conversation: 1st for Women Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stforwomen?igsh=dmJ5ZWF6aWF5ZXVm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stforWomen?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr X: https://x.com/firstforwomen?s=11 Anele Mdoda: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zintathu?igsh=ZXd4dTdwODZrODRp X: https://x.com/anele?s=11 Tumi Morake: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tumi_morake?igsh=NGZuYXpuOTFmZG5i Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TumiMorakeSA?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr Zimkitha: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zimkhita_mafanya?igsh=NjJ4aG11ajA3b3o= Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1P9hsz9MhB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

    46 min

  4. Episode 4

    A Gentle Rebellion: Redefining Power and Success

    In a hotel room in Spain, in a quiet broadcasting studio, on an international sabbatical, three women finally feel the right to exhale. The right to grieve the loss of a loved one or the loss of themselves. Because for days, months or even years, they’ve been holding it altogether. Continually pouring into others. But no one was pouring back into them. This is an experience shared on today’s episode, and one that 94% of South African women* share too. Sinenjabulo Zungu is one of them. A prominent South African business leader and CEO of AmaZulu FC, Sinenjabulo is a quiet trailblazer. With measured eloquence, she recalls the loss of her grandmother and her beloved husband. She reflects on a moment of exhalation, all the way in Spain. Similarly, globally acclaimed media personality, Anele, shares how she too finally ‘exhaled’ while on sabbatical. And Anele’s friend and renowned podcaster, Mantsoe, shares the moment she exhaled, after losing her mother. The three women effortlessly shift from loss to leadership and loved ones. Sinenjabulo shares her soft power leadership style, which comes naturally to her. She speaks endearingly about her father, and with wit and adoration about her son, Lelo. Join us for another captivating conversation, filled with feel-good moments, inspiration and insight. Read the full First for Women Her & Now Report here: Welcome to First for Women Insurance | Comprehensive Coverage Powered by 1st for Women Insurance Learn more about car insurance made for women Car Insurance with 24/7 Safety & Dedicated Roadside Fleet | First for Women Home insurance made for women First for Women Foundation | Empowering Women | Supporting Communities Business insurance made for women Business Insurance for Women: Tailored & Affordable Pet insurance made for women Pet Insurance | Purrfect Cover for Cats & Dogs | 1st for Women Insurance The First for women Foundation #GenerationNone First for Women is a licensed non-life insurer and FSP. Ts & Cs online.

    53 min

  5. Episode 5

    Motherhood in 2026: Where’s the Guidebook?

    From eyebrows and edges, to conversations and conflict. From putting on a brave face, to putting down boundaries. From taking the hard knocks to finding the soft spots. Navigating motherhood in 2026 is a constant learning experience. The tests are hard, and the lessons can be even harder. While there’s so much information out there, many women still wonder if they’re getting it right. And what does ‘right’ look like anyway? In today’s episode we explore the universal, and more personal challenges, facing moms today. Award-winning media personality, MC, and radio host, Anele, is joined by her good friend, Cindy Poluta. Cindy’s is a renowned Sports Broadcaster, MC, keynote speaker and podcaster. The two welcome Rachel Kolisi, humanitarian, business owner, author, director and speaker. While they have varied careers, and their lives have taken different paths, they have one thing in common. They are all mothers, trying to raise well-rounded children, in a world that throws constant curve balls. Today, they open up about their journeys, and the many challenges facing mothers today. From the ongoing social media debate, to untapped trauma. How to lead by example, when you don’t feel you’re setting the best one. From their own powerful revelations to strength, resilience and bouncing back. Join us for an episode that will have you nodding and laughing along. And one which will leave you saying ‘wow, I am a good mom!’. Powered by First[LM1] for Women: car, home, business, and pet insurance designed for women. Read the full First for Women Her & Now Report here: Welcome to First for Women Insurance | Comprehensive Coverage Learn more about car insurance made for women Car Insurance with 24/7 Safety & Dedicated Roadside Fleet | First for Women Home insurance made for women First for Women Foundation | Empowering Women | Supporting Communities Business insurance made for women Business Insurance for Women: Tailored & Affordable Pet insurance made for women Pet Insurance | Purrfect Cover for Cats & Dogs | 1st for Women Insurance The First for women Foundation #GenerationNone First for Women is a licensed non-life insurer and FSP. Ts & Cs online. [LM1]I realised I didn’t change ‘1st’ to ‘First’ in this section so have done so now.

    55 min

  6. Episode 6

    All the business. None of the BS.

    Ladies, shut the door, set your phone to ‘do not disturb’ and put on your noise-cancelling headphones. You don’t want to miss a moment of this. Raucously funny and brutally honest, today’s episode is jam packed with truth bombs and golden nuggets as Anele sits down with two brilliant businesswomen, who are rocking their industries and the world. From calculating salaries at 12 years old, to selling clothes from her boot at varsity, to self-funding her own mega-successful empire, Amanda du-Pont is a powerhouse business mastermind. She is purpose driven and leads with grace, elegance and impact. Building the fastest-growing skincare brand out of Africa, she is research-obsessed, customer-focused and committed to diversity. Amanda is truly unapologetic, owning her success and putting naysayers in their place. Neo Nontso was creating business plans at the tender age of 5. She shares the sheer satisfaction of building her various businesses, the joy of generating her own wealth and the power of being underestimated. An internationally-awarded cookbook author, chef and beloved TV personality, Neo is driven by creativity and innovation. Stylish, sophisticated and super-talented, she is a force to be reckoned with. Anele, arguably the most iconic voice on South African radio, and a brilliant businesswoman in her own right, effortlessly guides this captivating conversation. She fires tough questions and drops truth bombs that leave even her well-articulated guests, speechless. But after an ‘eish’ here and a ‘yoh’ there, they snap back into conversation, with wit and wonderful words of wisdom. Buckle up for an unmissable episode, that will have you fired up and ready to take on the world. Powered by First for Women: car, home, business, and pet insurance designed for women. Learn more about car insurance made for women: https://www.firstforwomen.co.za/car-i... Home insurance made for women: https://www.firstforwomen.co.za/produ... Business insurance made for women: https://www.firstforwomen.co.za/busin... Pet insurance made for women: https://www.firstforwomen.co.za/pet-i... The First for women Foundation #GenerationNone First for Women is a licensed non-life insurer and FSP. Ts & Cs online. ________________________________________ Follow the conversation: 1st for Women Facebook: / 1stforwomen Instagram: / 1stforwomen X: https://x.com/firstforwomen Anele Mgudlwa Instagram: / zintathu X: https://x.com/anele Amanda du Pont Instagram: / amandadupont Facebook: / officialamandadupont X: https://x.com/amandadupont Neo Nontso Instagram: / neonontso_ X: https://x.com/neonontso

    54 min

  7. Episode 7

    The Profile of Purpose: Owning Your Success

    From vices to victories. From legwork to legacy. From crowning beauty to cushions of compassion. From 9 to 5 to 24/7 thrive. We explore it all in today’s fantastic finale. Setting the scene is globally-award-winning media personality and show host, Anele and fellow media star, Mantsoe. Together they welcome two of the loveliest legends: double honours professional and founder of South African haircare brand, Love Kinks, Sinovuyo Mondliwa and internationally-acclaimed actress and prolific thespian, Masasa Mbangeni. The ladies take an inspiring trip down memory lane, sharing their fascinating journeys. Sinovuyo, the accidental entrepreneur, who blew up Instagram on her quest to create a hair-loving community. Masasa, who refused to believe she’d battle to succeed, landing a leading role on Scandal, fresh out of acting college. Both have taken every opportunity in life to embrace their true purpose. Get ready for aha moments and haha moments, love, learning and legacy. It’s all coming right up. Powered by First[LM1] for Women: car, home, business, and pet insurance designed for women. Read the full First for Women Her & Now Report here: Welcome to First for Women Insurance | Comprehensive Coverage Powered by First for Women Insurance Learn more about car insurance made for women Car Insurance with 24/7 Safety & Dedicated Roadside Fleet | First for Women Home insurance made for women First for Women Foundation | Empowering Women | Supporting Communities Business insurance made for women Business Insurance for Women: Tailored & Affordable Pet insurance made for women Pet Insurance | Purrfect Cover for Cats & Dogs | 1st for Women Insurance The First for women Foundation #GenerationNone 📲 Follow the conversation: First for Women Facebook: @1stforWomenSA Instagram: @1stforwomensa X: @1stforWomen Anele Mdoda Instagram: @zintathu X: @Anele Mantsoe Pout Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mantsoepout?igsh=YnR5a2thaWdudjQ0 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18nQdiLHx1/?mibextid=wwXIfr X: https://x.com/mantsoepout?s=11 Sinovuyo Mondliwa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sinovuyomondliwa X: https://x.com/sinovuyo001?s=11 Masasa Mbangeni Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madlomo2

    44 min

  8. Episode 8

    Charm vs. Competence & Other Great conversations

    Welcome to the inspiration station. Hop aboard as we ride full-steam ahead in Part 2 of our fantastic finale. Today, internationally-acclaimed media personality and show host, Anele, is joined by a dynamic group of guests, for a journey filled with lively debate, insights, anecdotes, LOL moments and much more. Here’s an idea of what to expect… The beautiful, bubbly and brilliant, Pearl Thusi, is as unapologetic as they come. This Netflix star, renowned model and TV and radio presenter, is feisty, fiery and very funny. The yin to her yang is her equally incredible daughter, the diplomatic, measured, multi-talented and multi-lingual, Thando Mokoena. Their relationship goes beyond that of mother and daughter, they are the best of friends. This is a rare privilege, as Anele’s good friend and much-loved radio host, Mantsoe, points out. Relationships, love and friendship are explored further, as we welcome back Sinovuyo Mondliwa, founder of South African haircare brand Love Kinks, and internationally-acclaimed actress, Masasa Mbangeni. Anele effortlessly steers the conversation, with thought-provoking questions that inspire robust debate. Get ready for an unmissable episode, that will surprise and delight, inspire and ignite. Powered by First[LM1] for Women: car, home, business, and pet insurance designed for women. Read the full First for Women Her & Now Report here: Welcome to First for Women Insurance | Comprehensive Coverage Powered by First for Women Insurance Learn more about car insurance made for women Car Insurance with 24/7 Safety & Dedicated Roadside Fleet | First for Women Home insurance made for women First for Women Foundation | Empowering Women | Supporting Communities Business insurance made for women Business Insurance for Women: Tailored & Affordable Pet insurance made for women Pet Insurance | Purrfect Cover for Cats & Dogs | 1st for Women Insurance The First for women Foundation #GenerationNone 📲 Follow the conversation: First for Women Facebook: @1stforWomenSA Instagram: @1stforwomensa X: @1stforWomen Anele Mdoda Instagram: @zintathu X: @Anele Mantsoe Pout Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mantsoepout?igsh=YnR5a2thaWdudjQ0 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18nQdiLHx1/?mibextid=wwXIfr X: https://x.com/mantsoepout?s=11 Pearl Thusi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pearlthusi?igsh=MTVqODhxbXRoOGtjZQ== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1E4WdcnGtP/?mibextid=wwXIfr Sinovuyo Mondliwa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sinovuyomondliwa X: https://x.com/sinovuyo001?s=11 Masasa Mbangeni Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madlomo2 [LM1]I realised I didn’t change ‘1st’ to ‘First’ in this section so have done so now.

    50 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Inspired by the First For Woman's - Her and Now report, Anele has decided to invite some of her friends to sit down and have bold and candid conversations about their own lives covering a variety of issues that connect with many woman across the continent and South Africa.

Information

  • Creator
    Anele Mdoda
  • Episodes
    8
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rose and Oaks Media
  • Show Website
    The Anele Podcast

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