HEALING HOUR: Overcoming addiction and finding your peace.

Loading player...
Born in Tembisa, he’s the eldest of three kids. Thabang entered the film industry when he was just 15 years old – he hosted the kids show K-TV on MNet. His love for TV and film took over his life, and made it an easy choice to attend the National School Of The Arts, where he majored in arts. The director has won multiple awards, including the Best Short Film at Sithenghi Film Festival (Jameson Award).

He’s directed some of South Africa’s most popular soapies, including Jacob’s Cross , Zone 14 and The Lab. His big break came when he directed his first feature film, Happiness Is A Four-Letter Word, which starred Khanyi Mbau, Renate Stuurman and Mmabatho Montsho. The film drew more than 45 000 viewers on its first three days at the cinema. The movie also went on to get him a nomination at the Africa Movie Academy Awards for Best First Feature Film by a Director.
24 Jan 2023 8AM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

International stories wrap

From Iran’s role in a joint naval exercise to Uganda’s election landscape and Donald Trump’s controversial Peace Board appointments, we unpack the global stories making headlines. Phemelo is joined by senior research fellow Thembisa Fakude for insight and context.
19 Jan 3PM 19 min

Goodman Gallery drops Venice Biennale artist Gabrielle Goliath

Just days after being chosen to represent South Africa at the 2026 Venice Biennale, acclaimed artist Gabrielle Goliath was dropped by her longtime gallery, a move that shocked the art world. As questions of censorship, power and artistic freedom collide, Phemelo unpacks the fallout with art historian and freelance writer…
19 Jan 3PM 21 min

SAHRC exposes systemic failure and R1 billion corruption in North West scholar transport

As learners return to class, a damning SAHRC report reveals how broken scholar transport in the North West is failing children daily. From unroadworthy vehicles and unsafe conditions to over R1 billion paid for services never delivered, the Commission says government departments violated learners’ rights at every turn. Phemelo speaks…
19 Jan 3PM 18 min

Madlanga Commission Phase One: Red flags for justice system integrity

An independent interim analysis of the Madlanga Commission proceedings warns of deep institutional risks, political interference and possible law-enforcement capture. While not ruling on guilt, the report raises urgent concerns about governance failures that could undermine South Africa’s criminal justice system. Phemelo is joined by Public Interest SA chairperson Tebogo…
19 Jan 3PM 16 min

Thirteen pupils killed in Vaal scholar transport crash

A routine school run ended in heartbreak in Vanderbijlpark, where 13 pupils lost their lives after a scholar transport minibus taxi was collided with a truck. As families mourn and survivors fight for recovery, Gauteng leaders admit long-standing loopholes in private scholar transport may have cost young lives. Phemelo speaks…
19 Jan 3PM 17 min