Podcasting has blown up internationally and it is slowly gaining popularity in South Africa and keeping mainstream media on its toes. However, podcasting still isn’t as sought-after as it should be in our country, thanks in part to the internet not being accessible to all.
With that being said, some young South Africans are taking podcasting by storm. To have first-hand experience at some of South Africa’s most amazing podcasts, here are voices you should be listening to. Consider this an introduction to voices you might not have heard before and voices you might be familiar with, doing new things.
Wisdom & Wellness
Nompumelelo ‘Mpoomy’ Ledwaba is a speaker, YouTuber, content producer and founder of her podcast Wisdom & Wellness. This platform has become an inspirational staple to many South African women.
In this podcast, Mpoomy builds deep connections with her guests as she dives into powerful and relevant conversations. Engaging in life lessons, unique journeys and inspiring listeners to become the best versions of themselves and continuously growing. Focusing on everything relationships, Mpoomy and her husband have another podcast, #Ourlovejourney. Whether you are at a crossroad or just about to end or start a new season in life, Wisdom & Wellness is a good way to begin.
Length: 10 minutes – 1+ hours
Video format: YouTube
Listen: Spotify, Apple Podcast
Podcast and Chill with MacG
Dubbed as SA’s number one podcast, Podcast and Chill with MacG takes the form of a chat cast, with main host MacGyver and co-hosts Sol Phenduka and the mysterious Ghost Lady. The Podcast and Chill Network comprises a diverse Team, that produces a broad range of on-demand audio and video content for a growing number of chillers tuning in locally and all around the world.
Though commonly under public scrutiny for their controversial episodes, the host also launched Chillers Market, a platform for businesses to promote products or services.
Length: 10 minutes – 2+ hours
Video format: Youtube
Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer
True Crime South Africa
This podcast, published in conjunction with Arena Holdings and hosted by Nicole Engelbrecht, deals with solved and unsolved crimes in South Africa.
The podcast covers both solved and unsolved South African true crime cases. The unsolved cases are often cold cases from which the audience can benefit awareness. The listenership formed around true crime podcasts becomes a community that advocates for victims and resolution for families. South African victims now have their own voice too.True Crime South Africa publishes weekly, alternating between full-length case episodes and shorter minisodes which discuss true crime cases that are currently in the media.
Length: 20 minutes – 1+ hours
Video Format: Youtube
Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
The Hustlers Corner SA
From the classic Friends like These to the marvelling The Hustlers Corner SA. South African singer-songwriter, record producer and entrepreneur, Sbusiso Leope, famously known as DJ Sbu, has created this podcast. Shining a light on upcoming and emerging artists as well as individuals, The Hustlers Corner SA has become a platform to inspire the new generation: focusing on talks with some of the world’s best hustlers; mavericks; game changers; founders and entrepreneurs sharing their stories of humble beginnings to revolting success, it has inspired a new world of hustlers.
Length: 40 minutes – 2+ hours
Video Format: Youtube
Listen: Spotify, Deezer
Equip and Elevate
Chief Operating Officer of award-winning tech startup, attorney and digital creator; Ayanda Vana, has opened a platform for women on her podcast, Equip and Elevate. In less than five years, Ayanda has grown her podcast speedily. Her platform is a place designed for women to cultivate the courage to own their: purpose, journeys and success, while providing tips and tools to help women thrive in their personal life, businesses and careers. Speaking to topics like mental health, cultivating dreams, leading women and more.
Length: 10 – 35 minutes
Video Format: Youtube
Listen: Apple Podcasts
Baby Brunch
South African TV & radio presenter, actress and momtrepreneur Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp speaks to parents. Synonymous with the saying ‘it takes two to tango’, it takes a village to raise a child. Elana features fun and insightful conversations with ordinary parents doing extraordinary things. Elana uses her platform to connect with fellow moms and dads. She uses this platform to support, inspire, give and get advice for parents and soon-to-be parents.
Length: 4 – 46 minutes
Video Format: Youtube
Listen: Apple Podcasts
Tell Us More
Hosted by comedian and TV personality Mojak Lehoko, Tell Us More started out as an audio-only podcast to become an interactive livestream during the peak of the pandemic, and back to audio-only in 2022.
The podcast tells the stories of South African artists and personalities. Mojak’s position in the industry gives him access to some of the biggest names in SA comedy, entertainment, and art: this is evident in the guests that have been featured on the show over the four years.
Length: 35 minutes – 1+ hours
Video Format: Youtube
Listen: Apple Podcasts
