By Boitumelo Mmakou.
Broadcaster, sports presenter and media personality Mpho Maboi is entering a new chapter professionally, personally and creatively, embracing a more intentional approach to her brand, her interests and the woman she has become.
With over 20 years’ experience across radio, television, sports broadcasting and entertainment, Maboi is currently working on a new brand and rebrand that reflects who she is today and the direction she wants to take next.
But this is not simply a professional rebrand. It is a reflection of the woman she has become.
“When I entered the industry at 24, I just wanted to have fun. There wasn’t much ambition or direction besides wanting to live in the moment,” says Maboi. “As one grows and becomes a mother, the focus changes.”
Motherhood, career growth and experience have shifted her perspective on ambition and success. As a single mother, Maboi has learned that being ambitious and being present for her child do not have to be opposing choices.
“I believe ambition and being a present mother can coexist,” she says. “In the beginning I dealt with a lot of Mom guilt for chasing a career while also being a mother, but one thing I was very clear about is that I will raise my own child.”
Her son has also become a source of motivation as she continues to build her career and create opportunities for herself.
“His drive is basically my driving force,” she says.
A Career Built On Evolution
Maboi’s broadcasting career has taken her across some of South Africa’s leading radio platforms. Her journey moved from YFM to Metro FM, which was one of the biggest breakfast shows, before she went on to Power FM, where she had her own talk show. She is currently on Kaya Breakfast, where she is in her fifth year.
Those experiences have helped her understand the importance of evolving with both the industry and the audience.
“Being able to find what I love has helped me remain relevant for a long time because my career has been ever evolving and growing with my audience as well,” she says.
Her professional interests have also expanded over the years. What began largely around football has grown to include motoring, golf and racing, reflecting a broader understanding of what excites and inspires her.
“I have allowed the Universe to dictate where my next move should come from,” she says.
Maboi moved seamlessly from entertainment radio into the sport space because of her passion for sport and her willingness to explore new opportunities. Her love of motoring has since become another important part of her professional and personal identity.
Redefining Success
For Maboi, success today is no longer only about professional achievement.
It is about having the freedom to make choices that work for her, spending meaningful time with her son and being able to pursue work that genuinely makes her happy.
“Success is having the freedom of choice,” she says. “Success is having the ability to do what makes me happy and call it work. That is a blessing and a half.”
Now in her 40s, Maboi says she has become more comfortable with knowing what she wants, what she does not want and where she is willing to invest her energy.
“Women in our 40s know what we want, what we don’t want and what we are willing to put our effort into. Everything is more intentional.”
Beyond The Broadcaster
Maboi is also embracing the interests that have become an important part of her life, including golf, motoring, Formula 1 and her newfound passion for racing cars.
“I’m such an easy human being. Yes, I have a very odd lifestyle in terms of what entertains me, cars, golf, F1 and my newfound passion of racing cars, but I just love life.”
Connecting With Women
A key part of Maboi’s next chapter is creating greater connection with other women and being more open about the realities of womanhood, motherhood and personal growth.
“I’m more about connecting with other women now. Finding a way of combining my interests towards connection. I’m more about leaning more into my interests.”
Maboi believes women should not feel pressured to choose between different parts of themselves. Her own journey has taught her that motherhood, ambition, career and personal interests can all exist together.
Telling Her Own Story
After spending years interviewing people and telling other people’s stories, Maboi is now more comfortable allowing audiences into her own journey.
She describes herself as a woman in her 40s who is proudly embracing her growth process, while navigating motherhood, career, golf, motoring and the everyday realities of raising a teenager.
“I’m more open about my growth journey now, more than ever before.”
Her rebrand represents this shift, creating space for the different parts of who she is and the conversations she wants to have with audiences.
The next chapter is about growth, connection, purpose and living life on her own terms.Her statement for this chapter is simple: “She lived… unapologetically.”