'Culture starts within': Gcina Mhlophe on belonging and heritage
For Gcina Mhlophe, culture is more than rituals. It's the heartbeat of who we are, and a responsibility every generation must carry forward.
Storytelling icon Gcina Mhlophe joins host Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba in the latest episode of Don’t Hold Back to talk about culture, identity, and the responsibility of passing traditions to future generations.
For Mhlophe, culture is more than rituals - it’s a living expression of who we are. “Culture evolves,” she says, “but belonging remains. You cannot live without your own culture.”
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In this thought-provoking conversation, Mhlophe shares childhood memories, the lessons of her parents, and her work through the Gcinamasiko Arts and Heritage Trust.
She also speaks directly to young parents about their role as the “first teachers” of culture, and why asking for guidance and learning by doing is essential.
The episode highlights how African languages, indigenous games, and everyday habits all play a role in keeping culture vibrant, even as times change.
Watch or listen to the full conversation below:
Meanwhile, in an earlier episode, online fitness coach Kopano Mokhele joined Nozibele to share his personal journey of deliberately gaining 25 kilograms to try to better understand his clients' struggles with food addiction. He revealed that the experiment led to elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, liver strain, and sleep apnea.
“Food addiction is a real thing. I never thought so until I experienced it myself,” he told Nozibele. Watch/listen to the full episode below.
Don’t Hold Back is an internationally recognised podcast co-produced by Jacaranda FM, East Coast Radio, and Deutsche Welle. Each episode tackles taboo topics and real-life challenges faced by South Africans under 35 - from identity and culture to mental health and relationships.
MORE ABOUT NOZIBELE QAMNGANA-MAYABA:
Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba is an award-winning author, HIV activist, certified life coach, and TV presenter. She is best known for her bestselling book I Am Still Me and for hosting the groundbreaking docu-series #YesIHaveHIV, which earned critical acclaim for its impact on HIV awareness in South Africa. A respected public speaker and social commentator, Nozibele uses her platforms to challenge stigma, empower young people, and lead honest conversations about identity, health, and personal growth.
Don’t Hold Back has received international and local recognition, including:
- Bronze Winner - 2023 Anthem Awards (Education, Art & Culture / Podcast or Audio)
- Finalist - 2023 New York Festivals Radio Awards
- Shortlisted - 2023 Publisher Podcast Awards (Best Health & Wellbeing Podcast)
- Finalist - 2023 AIB Awards (Presenter of the Year: Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba)
- Spotlight of the Year (Podcast) - 2023 African Podcast and Voice Awards
- Gold Winner - 2024 South African Podcasting Awards (Wellness & Relationships)