Relebogile Mabotja Recognised for Outstanding Talk Radio
Relebogile Mabotja has once again captured the attention of South Africa’s media landscape with a Telkom Radio Awards nomination for Best Talk Show in the Commercial category for her acclaimed weekday programme, 702 Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja. The recognition marks yet another moment in her remarkable two decade journey across radio, television, production and storytelling, reaffirming her place as one of the country’s most influential and trusted media voices.
Every afternoon at 1 pm, listeners are welcomed into a space that feels both intimate and expansive. What sets 702 Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja apart is its ability to hold the weight of South Africa’s lived reality while still offering warmth, curiosity and humour. Relebogile Mabotja has mastered the art of balancing serious conversations with the softer textures of daily life, creating a rhythm that resonates with audiences who want to feel informed without feeling overwhelmed. Her signature Open Line has become a cornerstone of this connection, a moment where the “702 Afternoons family” gathers on air to share their thoughts on the evolving shape of modern living, from the complexities of parenting to the ripple effects of global tech shifts.
Relebogile Mabotja | SUPPLIED
This nomination reflects the depth of the show’s content as much as its heart. The Parenting Segment offers an empathetic look at family challenges, while the Masterclass feature invites listeners into conversations that sit at the crossroads of psychology, culture and lived experience. Whether unpacking the emotional weight of survivor’s remorse or spotlighting the creative brilliance of guests like Zapiro, each conversation is crafted with intention. Even the show’s lighter moments carry meaning, such as the touching reflections shared by comedian Donovan Goliath during the Upside of Failure feature, where personal setbacks become pathways to growth.
What makes 702 Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja compelling is its variety. One moment listeners are exploring the psychology behind identity, the next they are immersed in the subculture of stance cars, or listening to South Africa’s most influential personalities revisit the stories that shaped them. Relebogile Mabotja’s approachable style invites every listener in, creating a space where no topic is too complex to understand and no story is too small to matter. Her show is a home for South Africans who want to think, feel and connect.
The nomination also stands as a testament to the team behind the mic. From meticulous research to seamless production, the collective effort ensures that every broadcast delivers the quality and insight audiences have come to expect. Together they have created a show that not only informs but uplifts, reminding listeners that even in difficult times, community remains a powerful force.
“This nomination is a shared achievement. 702 Afternoons is a living, breathing community, and I am only one part of it. I am carried every day by my incredible producers, Pachida Mabisi and Abel Mabelane, whose talent and dedication shape the show behind the scenes,” shares Relebogile Mabotja.
Relebogile Mabotja | SUPPLIED
She adds: “Our listeners are equally central to this honour. Their willingness to question, share, laugh, cry and engage is what creates the spirit of the “702 Afternoons family”. Being recognised in the Best Talk Show category affirms the effort we pour into making every conversation meaningful and human, and I am deeply grateful for this acknowledgement.”
With this recognition, Relebogile Mabotja continues to expand her legacy as a storyteller, creator and leader whose work consistently champions meaningful dialogue. 702 Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja is a living archive of the country’s shifting landscape, a reflection of its people and a reminder of the value of conversations that bring us closer to understanding ourselves and one another.
As she celebrates this latest achievement, Relebogile Mabotja remains focused on deepening the connection she has built with listeners and using her platform to spotlight the stories, voices and experiences that shape South Africa. This nomination is not only a well-deserved honour but also a powerful affirmation of her impact on the national airwaves.