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

Kgabi Johanna Meso promises to put community needs first in Ward 100

Independent Ward 100 candidate Kgabi Johanna Meso is seeking to become councillor for Cosmo City and surrounding areas ahead of the 4 November local government elections. Known as “Rakgadi wa Bana”, Meso draws on more than a decade of community work, with a focus on youth development, neighbourhood safety and…
29 Oct 2PM 21 min

ACCES 2026 connects African music to global markets

ACCES 2026 brings more than 700 music industry professionals from over 45 countries to Johannesburg from 28 to 31 October, creating opportunities for artists to build international audiences and connect with global markets. Phemelo is joined in studio by Your Weekly Touch Up co-founder ByLwansta and Star FM Head of…
28 Oct 3PM 25 min

DA’s Tyrone Gray targets Mogale City mayoral seat

DA Mogale City mayoral candidate Tyrone Gray joins Phemelo to discuss his candidacy and plans for the municipality ahead of the local government elections. His priorities include tackling corruption, improving law enforcement coordination, attracting investment, using infrastructure to strengthen service delivery and putting residents at the centre of local government.
28 Oct 2PM 34 min

Oliver and Adelaide Tambo memorial lecture

Phemelo speaks to Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation CEO Natasha Allie about the 2026 Oliver Tambo Memorial Lecture theme, The Mirror, Map and Compass, and how self-awareness, ethical leadership and strategic vision can guide governance, accountability and nation-building in uncertain times.
27 Oct 3PM 7 min

SAMWU vows to continue protest over R5.4bn in City of Joburg benefits

The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) says it will continue its fight for outstanding employee benefits linked to a 2016 agreement with the City of Johannesburg. The dispute escalated on Monday when protests disrupted parts of the city, including the M1 highway, and several union members were arrested. SAMWU…
27 Oct 3PM 17 min