Relebogile Mabotja has come a long way since her childhood days as family entertainer. She shares some of the insights she’s learnt on her exciting journey from mics to motherhood.
Actress. Producer. Composer. Presenter. Writer. Mother. Is there anything the super talented Relebogile can’t do? Yes, she answers candidly. While it may seem as though she is able to excel in anything she puts her hand to, it hasn’t all come easily. ‘It’s been difficult at times,’ she admits. ‘There have been loads of struggles and challenges.’ Not that she ever doubted her path for a second. Relebogile first started singing when she was just five years old, and from that moment, she knew there was nothing else she’d rather do.
‘Entertaining is all I know. I’ve always been an entertainer,’ she smiles. ‘My parents often share memories of how I used to read out loud, sing and perform for the family, and put on a show. At school, I was in all the plays and musicals. I loved it, but I didn’t think that I could really make a living from it until the opportunity presented itself.’
IT STARTED WITH FAME
That opportunity came in 2003, when Relebogile was to perform a lead role in Fame – The Musical at the State Theatre. A year later, she was asked to present BackChat on e.tv’s Craz-e, and her status as a rising star was cemented. Since then, she has appeared on almost every medium and channel in the local entertainment industry.
Given her passion, it’s not surprising that Relebogile feels every sacrifice and every struggle has been well worth it. The industry might be fickle, unstable, insecure and unkind, but she has managed to shine, consistently finding work and developing her talent as she takes on ever more complex and challenging roles.
Obviously, this makes the work satisfying from a personal perspective, but what Relebogile truly enjoys is the platform her work has given her for making a positive impact on other people’s lives. That, she says, is what has made all the blood, sweat and tears worthwhile.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Many of the opportunities Relebogile has to create change are behind the scenes, rather than in front of the cameras. For example, she has chaired the Southern African Music Rights Organisation, sat as director on the board of the National Eisteddfod Academy and has judged and adjudicated several reality talent shows and competitions. She’s also been in stage plays, has become a well-recognised voice over the airwaves and consults as a music expert and television producer. That’s in addition to her work as host of SABC 3’s Unpacked With Relebogile Mabotja.
That’s one packed schedule. So how does motherhood fi t into the mix? ‘Being a mother has grounded me and given me perspective,’ Relebogile answers. ‘It’s forced me to stress less about the things that aren’t that important or urgent.’
THE ROAD TO MOTHERHOOD
This may be because, having struggled with fibroids during her pregnancy, Relebogile understands just how precious it is to hold that longed-for bundle in your arms. She explains that she was put on hormones to try to starve the fibroids and keep the baby safe, which meant that not only was she trying to cope with the usual symptoms of pregnancy, she was also battling the side effects of medication and, of course, the fibroids themselves. That would have been difficult enough, but more taxing still was living in fear that she would lose her child, or even her own life, during delivery. It was extremely emotional and testing, she admits.
Her advice for other women living under this kind of stress? ‘You need a solid support system and medical team. I know this is a luxury many cannot afford, but therapy, specialists, family, friends and fellow new moms helped a lot! So did talking and sharing and realising how many woman have gone through this silently. Crying and journaling also helped me get my frustrations and feelings off my chest.’
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In the face of all that she and her son have been through, it’s understandable that Relebogile has made a conscious decision to be a present, hands-on mom – although she is determined that her career will not be affected. This is a tough juggle, to be sure, but one that is made more manageable as she hones her delegating skills, learns to be more strategic with her time and manages her energy more efficiently. And her efforts are paying off: Relebogile says that being a better mother has made her a better host, a better producer and a better businesswoman.
MIRACLES AND GRATITUDE
‘I’m incredibly grateful’ is a phrase that she has come to say with increasing frequency. She’s grateful for being able to maintain the delicate balance of working motherhood, and she’s grateful for the video calls that allow her to keep in touch with her little man when shoots take her away from home, even though she still finds it difficult to spend time away from him.
Most of all, she’s grateful for the never-ending miracle of being a mom. ‘It changes every day because he is growing so fast. One day, we’ll be bonding while breastfeeding, the next I’m enjoying baby cuddles and watching him fall asleep on my chest. My latest favourite thing is when he stares and smiles and then starts “talking”, and we get into a convo only the two of us understand.’
What’s next for the dynamo? More wonderful kids, God willing, she says. And definitely more in the entertainment space. ‘Motherhood has opened me up to so many possibilities and opportunities, and it’s reminded me of the dreams I may have neglected. There’s so much more of me!’
MORE ABOUT RELEBOGILE:
Favourite food – mogodu (tripe).
Best downtime activity – talking to and bonding with her baby.
Favourite destination in SA – Cape Town.
Favourite movie – Love Actually.
FOLLOW RELEBOGILE
RELEBOGILE MABOTJA: MORE THAN FAMOUS
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
September 20, 2021
Rating:
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
September 20, 2021
Rating:
