Renowned South African media personality Anele Mdoda, also known as Anele Mgudlwa, has entered the podcasting space with the launch of The Anele Podcast — Her & Now. The eight-episode series, produced in partnership with First for Women, aims to bring the voices, realities, triumphs, and challenges of South African women into sharp and honest focus. The podcast premiered on May 7, 2026.
Mdoda, who currently hosts the breakfast show on 947, expressed strong enthusiasm about the project. “I am really excited about this podcast because I have been waiting to have these impactful and important conversations about women. It’s about time. These conversations need to happen,” she stated. The initiative reflects her long-standing commitment to authentic storytelling and amplifying women’s experiences in contemporary South Africa.
The series kicks off with Episode One titled The Power Paradox, featuring Lynn Forbes — widely known as Glammy and the mother of the late rapper AKA. In this deeply personal conversation, Forbes explores themes of vulnerability, grief, resilience, and what it means to be truly seen in the public eye while navigating personal loss. Subsequent episodes are expected to continue highlighting diverse women’s narratives across various walks of life.
The Anele Podcast — Her & Now forms part of a broader First for Women podcast initiative and positions Mdoda among other prominent South African media figures venturing into long-form audio content. The format allows for intimate, unfiltered discussions that go beyond surface-level celebrity interviews, delving into the complexities of womanhood, power dynamics, personal growth, and societal expectations in the country.
Mdoda has built a significant following over the years through her work in radio, television, and social media, where she is celebrated for her candid style, humour, and relatability. Her transition into podcasting comes at a time when the medium continues to grow rapidly in South Africa, offering listeners on-demand access to meaningful conversations that traditional broadcast often cannot accommodate in depth.
The launch has already generated considerable anticipation among fans and media observers, with many praising the choice of inaugural guest and the overall focus on empowering female narratives. Episodes are expected to be available on major podcast platforms following the premiere.
This new venture adds another dimension to Mdoda’s versatile career and underscores the increasing role of podcasts in shaping cultural conversations around gender, identity, and personal agency in South Africa.
