The Anele Podcast

A Gentle Rebellion: Redefining Power and Success

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:00 +0200

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.

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The Price of Joy: From Surviving to Thriving

Thu, 21 May 2026 06:00:00 +0200

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.

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.

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The Burden of Strength: How Control Drains Your Soul

Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

“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

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

Lynn Forbes (AKA's Mom) and Pilani Bubu

Tue, 05 May 2026 06:00:00 +0200

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.