{"id":19480,"date":"2025-08-01T00:35:57","date_gmt":"2025-07-31T22:35:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=19480"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:07:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:07:48","slug":"lerato-kganyago","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/lerato-kganyago\/","title":{"rendered":"Lerato Kganyago: South Africa&#8217;s Multitalented Media Maven"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Lerato Kganyago stands as one of South Africa\u2019s most influential and versatile media personalities. Her impact spans across multiple industries. From her rise as a model and beauty queen to her career as a television and radio presenter, entrepreneur, DJ, and MC, Lerato has proven her talents know no bounds. Best known for her win as Miss Soweto in 2002, she is often hailed as the &#8220;Queen of Soweto.&#8221; Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a national icon continues to inspire many.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Curious how he evolved from local stand\u2011up to global stage and influential media figure?<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/trevor-noah\/\"><strong>Trevor Noah: South African Comedy Icon and Influential Media Personality<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong> <em>Click to read his journey, impact, and story!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-early-life-and-career-beginnings\" data-level=\"2\">Early Life and Career Beginnings<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-career-achievements-and-recognition\" data-level=\"2\">Career Achievements and Recognition<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-recent-developments-and-personal-life\" data-level=\"2\">Recent Developments and Personal Life<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-lerato-kganyago-s-impact-on-the-industry-and-society\" data-level=\"2\">Lerato Kganyago&#8217;s Impact on the Industry and Society<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-an-inspiration\" data-level=\"2\">An Inspiration<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-early-life-and-career-beginnings\">Early Life and Career Beginnings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Born on <strong>July 22, 1982<\/strong>, in <strong>Soweto<\/strong>, South Africa, Lerato Kganyago grew up in a community that symbolizes South African heritage and the fight against apartheid. From an early age, she displayed a passion for the arts and a keen interest in media. After completing her schooling, Lerato worked as a <strong>flight attendant<\/strong>. This experience played a crucial role in shaping her self-confidence and social skills, which later became invaluable in her entertainment career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lerato\u2019s breakthrough came in <strong>2005<\/strong> when she was crowned <strong>Miss Soweto<\/strong>, after winning <strong>Miss Jam Alley<\/strong> in <strong>2002<\/strong>. This title not only earned her <a href=\"https:\/\/afternoonexpress.co.za\/guests\/lerato-kganyago\/2784#:~:text=Born%20and%20bred%20in%20Soweto,later%20Miss%20Soweto%20in%202005.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">local recognition<\/a> but also paved the way for her future in modeling, acting, and ultimately, television. This win marked the beginning of a glittering career in the spotlight and established her as one of the country\u2019s rising stars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-4127108431\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-career-achievements-and-recognition\">Career Achievements and Recognition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lerato Kganyago\u2019s career trajectory is a testament to her remarkable versatility and charisma. She made her television debut as a presenter on <strong>SABC 1&#8217;s<\/strong> <strong>The Link<\/strong>. The show became <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvsa.co.za\/actors\/viewactor.aspx?actorid=15007\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">immensely popular<\/a> and showcased her effortless ability to connect with audiences. Her hosting skills, engaging personality, and natural on-screen presence quickly earned her a loyal following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As her star continued to rise, Lerato was handpicked to host the South African edition of the international fashion series <strong>Project Runway<\/strong>. This opportunity further solidified her standing as a leading figure in the entertainment industry. Her exceptional talent has not gone unnoticed. Lerato won <strong>Best TV Presenter<\/strong> at the <strong>15th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs)<\/strong> and was named <strong>Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year<\/strong> in <strong>2022<\/strong>. These accolades serve as clear markers of her impact and recognition within the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CHGQF93ppGy\/\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\"width:100%; max-width:540px; margin:auto;\">\n<\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond her television and radio success, Lerato has also made waves as a <strong>DJ<\/strong>. In a male-dominated field, she has earned nominations among the <strong>Top Female DJs<\/strong> in the world. This is a remarkable achievement that reflects her ability to thrive in diverse spaces of the entertainment world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-recent-developments-and-personal-life\">Recent Developments and Personal Life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In <strong>2020<\/strong>, Lerato\u2019s personal life made headlines with her marriage to <strong>Gauteng businessman Thami Ndlala<\/strong>. Their relationship faced challenges, including a brief divorce. Nevertheless, it has evolved into a stronger, more resilient partnership. Thami Ndlala\u2019s business ventures, such as the acquisition and rebranding of <strong>Sterland Mall<\/strong> in <strong>Pretoria<\/strong> to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesouthafrican.com\/lifestyle\/celeb-news\/local-celebs\/new-sterland-mall-owner-a-look-at-thami-ndlala-net-worth-and-more\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ndlala Mall<\/a><\/strong>, have been a focal point for both of them. Lerato often shares the development of these ventures and their community impact with her followers on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lerato has also been candid about her personal struggles, including the emotional and physical toll of uterine fibroids and suffering <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/iol.co.za\/sunday-tribune\/entertainment\/2024-02-22-mzansi-shows-lerato-kganyago-some-love-after-she-admits-to-suffering-her-5th-miscarriage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">five miscarriages<\/a><\/strong>. Her openness about these deeply personal experiences has allowed her to connect with fans on a more intimate level. She provides comfort and solidarity to many women going through similar challenges. Through her social media platforms, Lerato has been vocal about reproductive health and women\u2019s empowerment. She uses her influence to advocate for change and inspire others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2553157493\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-lerato-kganyago-s-impact-on-the-industry-and-society\">Lerato Kganyago&#8217;s Impact on the Industry and Society<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Her journey embodies resilience, perseverance, and versatility, making her a role model for many aspiring South Africans. Her success story proves that with hard work, determination, and self-belief, anything is possible. Lerato Kganyago&#8217;s influence extends far beyond the entertainment industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As an advocate for <strong>women\u2019s empowerment<\/strong>, Lerato uses her platform to raise awareness about social issues affecting women. She focuses particularly on areas such as reproductive health and mental well-being. Her transparency about her own personal battles has created a safe space for discussions surrounding these important topics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, Lerato is actively involved in philanthropy. She supports causes that matter to her, including initiatives that uplift marginalized communities and promote gender equality. Her social engagement has cemented her reputation not only as a media mogul but also as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sowetanlive.co.za\/s-mag\/fashion-beauty\/2024-08-07-smag-women-of-the-year-issue-lerato-kganyago-wont-slow-down\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">positive force<\/a> for societal change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Curious how she rose from local presenter to global powerhouse?<\/em> <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/bonang-matheba-south-africa\/\">Bonang Matheba \u2013 South Africa\u2019s Media Queen and Cultural Icon<\/a><\/strong>. <em>Click to read her inspiring journey and lasting legacy.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-an-inspiration\">An Inspiration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lerato Kganyago is a beacon of talent, resilience, and hope. She has built a multifaceted career in the media industry while maintaining a strong commitment to social change. From her early days as <strong>Miss Soweto<\/strong> to becoming a beloved media icon, Lerato\u2019s career reflects the power of versatility and persistence in the face of adversity. She has demonstrated that true success lies not just in achievements, but in the power to inspire others on the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her continued success in various spheres of the entertainment industry, combined with her <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/flutterlkg\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">advocacy<\/a> for women&#8217;s rights and personal openness, make Lerato Kganyago one of South Africa\u2019s most influential and respected public figures. As she continues to break barriers and redefine what it means to be successful, she is a living example that, with tenacity and courage, nothing is beyond reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Johnnie Walker Highball Hour ft. Lerato Kganyago &amp; Mealyn Joyce\" width=\"755\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mejxRuh2UdM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/mejxRuh2UdM?si=Qz3lW_7DrZySSJ18\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YouTube<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lerato Kganyago is a South African media icon whose versatile career spans television, radio, DJing, and entrepreneurship. Learn about her journey, achievements, and advocacy for women\u2019s empowerment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":19805,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Lerato Kganyago is a South African media icon whose versatile career spans television, radio, DJing, and entrepreneurship. 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