Zanele Mthombeni, the presenter of popular lifestyle show, Ikas’Lami, which airs on SABC 1, is living her childhood dream.

A dream dating back to her primary school days at Pholosho Primary School in Alexandra. Even from an early age, her dream to become a presenter was vivid and clear. She recalled a fond memory of making a speech for former Minister of Education Angie Motshekga. It was there that Mthombeni, a little girl with big dreams in a township choked by socioeconomic struggles, knew she wanted to become a presenter.

After completing her studies at Tshwane University of Technology in 2018 and returning to Alexandra the following year, she swiftly landed on her feet, securing employment at Pop Art Theatre.

The disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic

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Like millions of South Africans, who found themselves stranded when the labour market shed over 2 million jobs as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Mthombeni recalled being equally affected.

Even when Covid-19 regulations started to ease up and things gradually returned to normal, the impact of the pandemic on her life and career aspirations was enduring.

Then, in 2021, she got an opportunity to work for Alex FM. “That is where I have been honing my skills and talent as a presenter.”

Still, her perseverance and commitment to her dreams were yet to be tested. She kept knocking on multiple doors of opportunity, but not even one opened. Even when she joined an agency and auditioned for gigs, she could not get any. She said, it got to a point where the owner of the agency notified her that they could not keep her on their books anymore, because she was not getting any gigs. “In that moment, I felt I wasn’t good enough. I felt like I wasted my four years, [and that] I could have studied something else.”

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Friend’s support and the courage to continue

A spark of hope glimmered during her darkest phase. A friend told Mthombeni to audition to become the face of Married At First Sight. “I did that, and it was the only thing that made me realise that I still have a fighting chance in this industry. Now, I want to fight more.”

It was that resuscitated spirit to fight that led her to participate in SABC 1’s online presenter search in 2024. Now, in 2026, her childhood dream became a reality, when she was selected to become the host of the vibrant Ikas’Lami.

Looking back at her journey, Mthombeni said she learned that God has his own timing. “I understand that sometimes, just because you want something, it does not mean you will get it there and then. God will answer you when he answers you. All you need to do is practise patience.”

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