South African media personality Lerato Kganyago has once again become the centre of online conversation after an emotional livestream in which she opened up about the personal challenges she and her husband, businessman Thami Ndlala, have been facing behind closed doors.
The radio and television star, who recently hosted the Metro FM Music Awards, became visibly emotional during the livestream held on 26 May 2026. During the candid session, Lerato Kganyago reflected on the intense criticism and scrutiny that she says have followed her marriage from the very beginning.
According to Lerato, the constant public backlash has had a serious impact on both her emotional wellbeing and her relationship with her husband. Speaking openly to her followers, she admitted that the negativity surrounding their lives has become overwhelming at times.
“I think life is even tougher for us because people just hate us. From the first day that we got married, I think that’s why we haven’t even had a white wedding,” she said during the livestream.
Lerato Kganyago Speaks About Feeling Unsupported
One of the most emotional moments during the livestream came when Lerato Kganyago discussed the lack of support she feels from people within the entertainment industry. She claimed that many individuals who once benefited from her husband’s generosity have seemingly disappeared during what she described as one of the hardest periods of their lives.
The media personality suggested that friendships and professional relationships often change when controversy arises, leaving many public figures isolated when they need support the most. Her comments sparked debate online, with some social media users sympathising with her situation while others questioned the couple’s public image.
Lerato also spoke about how she believes her achievements are frequently overshadowed by criticism. Despite spending years building a successful career in broadcasting and entertainment, she said she rarely receives recognition for her accomplishments.
Over the years, Lerato Kganyago has established herself as one of South Africa’s most recognisable media personalities, hosting major television shows, radio programmes and high-profile events. However, she explained that the negative commentary surrounding her personal life often dominates conversations about her career.
During the livestream, Lerato Kganyago briefly addressed the controversy linked to 12 on Hillel Villa and Spa, the luxury Johannesburg hotel associated with her and her husband.
The establishment previously came under public attention after it was mentioned during testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. During the proceedings, an unnamed witness alleged that the venue had been used as a meeting point involving senior police officials and alleged criminals.
Although Lerato did not go into extensive detail about the allegations, she appeared frustrated by the ongoing public discussions surrounding the matter. The controversy has remained a topic of conversation on social media, with many users continuing to debate the claims connected to the couple and their business interests.
Adding another deeply personal layer to the emotional livestream, Lerato Kganyago revealed that she had experienced a phantom pregnancy. She described the situation as emotionally traumatic and admitted that she had been silently dealing with the pain while also facing harsh criticism online.
Her revelation shocked many viewers and prompted an outpouring of support from fans who praised her for speaking honestly about such a sensitive experience. Others noted the pressure that public figures often face while dealing with private emotional struggles under constant public scrutiny.
The broadcaster’s emotional honesty during the livestream highlighted the mental and emotional toll that public criticism can have on celebrities and their families.
Lerato Kganyago also used the livestream to defend her husband against allegations suggesting that his business empire benefited from government corruption or tenders.
According to Lerato, Thami Ndlala built his success independently and has never relied on government contracts to grow his businesses. She insisted that many assumptions made about her husband online are inaccurate.
“If only y’all knew that my husband does not even like tenders, he doesn’t like the government. He will start from the bottom with the R1 he has and hope for a miracle; that’s how Ndlala Mall came about,” she explained.
Her comments quickly sparked mixed reactions online. While some social media users sympathised with Lerato Kganyago and praised her vulnerability, others continued debating the controversies tied to the couple’s businesses and public image.
The livestream has since become one of the most talked-about moments on South African social media this week, with many viewers discussing the emotional pressures that come with fame, public criticism and life in the spotlight.
Source- Fakaza
