Thabile Maphanga-Mbhele is no stranger to South Africa’s news audiences. The award-winning journalist is a firm believer in always pouring out her absolute best into her work. 

Over the years, she has made her mark in the media world and continues to serve in excellence.

Currently the Senior Anchor on Newzroom Afrika’s Nguni platform Izindaba Zethu, the broadcaster, mother, wife and friend shared parts of her life which have led to her current season. 

A grandmother’s good teachings 

Born and raised in a village in Bulwer, KwaZulu-Natal, she grew up alongside her brother and two sisters. 

“We were brought up mainly by my grandmother. Our parents were working as teachers. I always say we were never rich, but we were never poor. 

We had food, we played and we went to church. That was our life. We were not exposed to a lot of things and we were just content with that.”

Reflecting on her upbringing, she expressed her gratitude for the teachings which were instilled in her from a very young age. 

“We were brought up to be grounded. Just know yourself. Simply because there are other people who have this and that doesn’t mean you must start to feel insecure,” she shared. 

Indeed, being grounded is something which has carried her. She continues to live by the principle even today. 

“I am that girl who grew up in the village whose teachings have carried her through. Today I am 44 and I can safely say they are still applicable.  With all of the changes that are there in the world, I am still grounded as I was taught by my grandmother in the village.”

Maphanga-Mbhele is also an active member of the Catholic Church. Her faith plays a vital role in living a life that is Christ-centered, aligned and value-driven. 

Broadcasting – love at first sight 

Although her parents initially wanted her to become a teacher, broadcast journalism captured her heart. During her high school years, she stayed in Pietermaritzburg with her parents and received increased exposure to what was out there.

“We had a television, and our radio was always on. That’s when I fell in love with Khanyi Dhlomo. She was just perfect in every way. I saw myself in that lady. I started reading every article about her, and I knew everything about her that she had shared with us.”

In drawing inspiration from a media powerhouse who did everything so graciously and meticulously, young Maphanga-Mbhele took it upon herself to learn more about the world of Journalism and was even more convinced that it was the path for her.

“I knew I wanted to be a broadcast journalist, either radio or TV. I even said that if I do both then it’s a bonus. I would’ve made it in life.”

After completing her Journalism Diploma at Durban University of Technology, she got an internship opportunity at a production company in Durban. 

“I did my 6 months probation and before I finished it, they hired me permanently. My motto about work is to give it your best every single time. I ended up working for the company for two years.”

Feeling that she was still not where she wanted to be, she decided to spread her wings. 

“I applied to SABC in Durban, they wanted a news anchor for Ukhozi FM. I wasn’t accepted the first time around, but they kept my CV. When there was a gap, they hired me. My parents were just so excited that I’m working for Ukhozi and that they could hear me on the radio.” 

Since her days on Ukhozi FM, Maphanga-Mbhele has grown to occupy various positions and serve on different platforms. Her face became familiar to many during her time as a news anchor on SABC TV. She has also done some work in the field of Communications before joining Newzroom Afrika. 

Her career has received much-deserved recognition, and she has a number of awards under her belt. 

Although she has excelled in both radio and television, Maphanga-Mbhele highlighted radio as her chosen first love. 

“You can do a lot more on your own and you reach a lot more people in the most rural of settings. You can’t do TV on your own. You rely so much on everyone.”

The seasoned broadcaster also shared how heart-warming it was to be welcomed by her radio audience on-screen. 

“It was nice to see people connect the Thabile they heard on radio, with the Thabile which they see now on TV.”

Motherhood…a fulfilling challenge 

Maphanga-Mbhele is also a mother of two and views the beautiful journey of motherhood as both challenging and fulfilling. 

“Motherhood is hard. It is the most challenging thing I’ve ever done in my life. You are constantly thinking around these people who can’t think for themselves. Sometimes you don’t even know whether the decisions you’re making are actually going to be beneficial or not,” she expressed. 

The broadcaster further shared how the bond with her children has brought her so much joy and fulfillment. 

“You have these people who look at you and they think you are their world. I often ask myself, how can someone love me so much?”

Moreover, being a mother has come with many profound lessons. One of them is to refrain from being judgemental. 

“I used to judge mothers. Right now, I will not judge any mother because I know that there is so much more that goes on. Sometimes a child will misbehave in front of people, and what they’re doing is not something they’ve ever done at home.”

Ultimately, she has learnt that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting and that it is okay for each mother to raise their child in a manner that they feel is best.

Family, African pride and authenticity 

When she is not on our television screens updating us on the latest breaking news, the talented broadcaster can be found spending time with friends and family. 

She also enjoys working alongside her husband in his company, as well as giving back to the community and mentoring young girls. 

To those who aspire to succeed in the media world, Maphanga-Mbhele emphasised the importance of always doing one’s absolute best, as well as respecting one’s craft and audience. 

“When you get the opportunity, give it your all every single time. And also, respect your audience and your viewers. Whatever you do, have them in mind.”

Furthermore, she encouraged taking pride in African languages instead of undermining them.  

“Some young people feel embarrassed just speaking our African languages. Listen, we can all speak English. You need to find something that will make you stand out. 

There’s nothing to be ashamed of. I always say I am here because of isiZulu. If I was broadcasting in English, maybe I wouldn’t be where I am today.”