Opinion Booth: Recent Episodes
CliffCentral.com
Challenging the status quo with thought-provoking conversations that rock the boat. Sonia Booth is a wife, mother, author of 'How To Reinvent Yourself and Stay Relevant' and 'Surviving ICU', trustee and director of The Booth Education & Sports Trust (a non-profit public benefit organisation), and an inspirational speaker.
OBie Mavuso - a filmmaker, musician and curator - unpacks abandonment issues and domestic violence in LGBTI relationships.
Sonia looks at peer pressure, instant gratification, vulgar consumerism, and the challenges facing the youth through the eyes of Itumeleng Modiba - author and motivational speaker.
Sonia Booth chats to Lauren Jacobs - a social justice journalist, author, poet, TED speaker, and minister - about the impact and influence of female leaders, pioneers and visionaries.
Mara Glennie, founder of TEARS, shares her survival story... and Mark Jurgens explains his reasons for supporting the NPO, at a time when there is a threat to close their doors due to lack of funding.
Sonia chats to Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala about the balance of creating a powerhouse, without losing a sense of self.
Sonia is in conversation with serial entrepreneur and motivational speaker Lebo Pule on all things controversial and acrimonious. From mistresses being labelled home-wreckers to honeytrap, papgeld and more.
The Smoking Dragon Festival is a project of the non-profit company R.A.I.S.E, aimed at bridging the gap between the heteronormative world and the LGBTQIA community. Sonia chats to DJ Taya Heath, and Ilsa Roberts - founder of the Smoking Dragon Festivals.
Sonia talks to Godfrey Madanhire, a life coach, motivational speaker, serial entrepreneur, and author about The Passport Showcase, which aims to help encourage Africans to unite and celebrate their diversity through, art, fashion, and dance.
Sonia chats to Teko Ntimane and Matthew Booth about their selfless acts geared towards raising awareness and raising funds for various causes. Teko Ntimane is a BSc graduate, self-taught fashion designer, and seamstress. Matthew Booth is a former professional football player (now football analyst), Drug Free Sports & Premier Soccer League Disciplinary Committee Panelist, and a Political Science student.
How is the current generation of matriculants dealing with the pressure of school and exams, and what can their parents do to help? Sonia is in conversation with Ann Falkov, a registered counseling psychologist and lecturer.
Sonia chats to musician, worship leader and singer-songwriter Collen Maluleke on all things 'Blessed & Highly Favoured'.
Samuel John Frederick Platt only lived for 15 and a half months, but he made an impact and left a legacy. Sonia chats to his dad, Fred Platt, about his meaningful footprints.
Why is Afrikaans still compulsory in 2018? What motivates and determines the choice of a First Additional Language? Sonia unpacks this highly charged, emotional decision.
Sonia chats to toastmaster, student, and founder of the Woman Enough Project Jessica Rudzani Raliphada about the societal pressures that contribute to the high suicide rate among university students.
Sonia is in conversation with an award-winning mountaineer, a Mandela libraries ambassador, a social entrepreneur and business executive - Saray Khumalo. Saray plans to build more libraries through her mission to summit 7 highest peaks on the 7 continents around the world.
Ex-footballer, entrepreneur, football analyst and motivational speaker Stanton ‘Stiga’ Fredericks talks about lessons learnt from 3 generations, the 3 leading ladies in his life.
Sonia chats to football coach and analyst Simphiwe Dludlu about her plans to coach in the USA, age cheating, and more.
One is a doula and the other had 22 failed fertility attempts. There is no such thing as coincidence, the universe has a greater plan. Meet Sherry-Ann James and Adele Koolen.
Research shows that 85% of South Africans are heavily indebted and they retire poor. Sonia asks Wealth Management expert Buile Sarah Mashiane how we can turn the tide.
Sonia is joined by DJ, MC, Social Media entrepreneur, brand influencer, club promoter and artist manager, Nkanyezi Kubheka to unpack this narrative.
She refers to herself as 'Ubabes we HIV', she underwent 3 abortions, her church declared that she was healed and so she stopped taking antiretrovirals. She survived full-blown AIDS and she is here to enlighten, inform and educate. Sonia speaks to inspirational speaker and HIV activist Lebogang Motsumi.
The author of Blessers & Side Chicks, Alfie Phokobye schools Sonia on The Land of Coprophilia, Mavuso, the term “Finding Nemo”, and how to spot the difference between a 'khaphela' and the real moneyed blessers.
Sonia explores unconventional parenting and self-love with Wanita Sparrow, an Entrepreneur, Destination Marketing Specialist, Founder of the Magalies Meander & Inaugural GM of the COH World Heritage Site Tourism Association.
HR practitioner Lerato Thabe enlightens us on what it really takes to succeed and the motivation behind her book.
How not to get exploited as a composer and music creator. Sonia quizzes, Nothando Migogo - Copyright and Entertainment Law practitioner, and CEO of SAMRO.
Designers and labels need PR to establish their brand values in the minds of their target market and the wider fashion industry. Allow Leon Haasbroek to enlighten you.
It's highly likely we won't have gynaes in the private sector come 2020. Dr Tshiamo Nakanyane (Dr Naks) enlightens Sonia on the main cause/reason. He's a man in a woman’s world... find out what it really takes to specialise in Gynaecology and Obstetrics.
She survived 3 miscarriages, numerous suicide attempts and 2 divorces. This Phoenix has been through the fire! Sonia chats to Tivania Moodley.
Sonia and Thuli Mashaba talk pantypreneurs, personal development, investing in one’s career, and disrupting industries - especially the male-dominated ones.
Today is World Ovarian Cancer Day and Sonia quizzes sangoma Refiloe 'GogoMoyo' on the myths, perceptions and superstitions surrounding illnesses and diseases.
Sonia is in conversation with closet comedian Thabo 'Sir Bluebird' Mafisa, a fashion creative and television presenter.
Very few realise their dreams and even fewer find their passion and are brave enough to pursue it. Sonia chats to Bhoza Mphela - artist manager, speaker, MC and lifestyle influencer.
Felicity Shiba is a nomad, which means you cannot box her into one category. Sonia quizzes her about her love for golf, Alabama, and all things fashionable.
An all-rounder, a high achiever, an academic, a lecturer, a tutor, a marketing guru, an author and a mother… Sonia is in conversation with Kelebogile Ramokgopa.
Sickness and illness is your body's way of saying, "Stop neglecting me, stop violating me!". Sonia chats to John McInroy - author of 'Butterfly Man', Change Agent, Social Entrepreneur, ultra-endurance athlete, philanthropist, social activist, international field hockey player, model, actor and public speaker.
Redefining masculinity through the #NotInMyName movement... Siya Jentile - Social Entrepreneur and Speaker - discusses Social Injustice and Socio-Economic issues with Sonia.
There are many ways to create generational wealth... one is by creating sustainable businesses and empires. Sonia chats to Hilton Ramolefe Rakumakoe, Founder and Director of Brink Media ZA.
Sonia talks to Africa Teen Geeks founder and CEO Lindiwe Matlali about her mission to expose kids to computer science, and helping to inspire Africa’s future generation of technology entrepreneurs and innovators.
Ageism is real, body shaming is real... and so is depression. Sonia speaks to magazine editor and publisher Mia Ziervogel, and businesswoman and supermodel extraordinaire, Elize Gazaar Yed.
What do you do when your child is admitted to hospital for a life-saving operation or medical intervention, in a different town/city, province or country... and you have no friends or family nearby to accommodate you? Sonia speaks to Reggie Skhosana and Pat Thekisho from RMHC... plus moms Busi Khumalo and Sibongile Masemola.
The joys and challenges of raising opinionated, expressive and self-assured children. Sonia speaks to Hlobsile Manzini - Industrial Psychologist, Executive Coach, Public Speaker, MC and Author.
From herding livestock, to prison, to performing on world stages alongside international superstars and writing masterpieces... Sonia chats to Serame Sediti. Singer, songwriter, and founder/chairperson of Sediti Entertainment - an independent record label.
Music was her first love but she prioritised her acting career, only for the music bug to take centre stage... pun intended. Sonia chats to actress, musician, songwriter and businesswoman - Miranda Mokhele Ntshangase.
She is as sharp as a razor, as witty as a fox, as funny as a clown - but she is petrified of Black Twitter. Ladies and gentlemen, presenting... Kwanele Ndlovu.
Terry and Barbara Bell decided to paddle 11,000km from England to Dar es Salaam in a five-metre glass fibre kayak. A challenge issued by a friend that led to a book: A Hat, A Kayak and Dreams of Dar. Terry is a political and economic analyst, columnist and investigative journalist. He authored the book and Barbara contributed the recipes contained therein. She is a former educator.
Swazi-born singer, songwriter and actress Nomzamo Zamo Zaza Dlamini broke away from the shackles of an abusive relationship to allow her to focus her attention on her most favoured and preferred title, working mom.
She started out as a fashion model and ended up as an academic. To her family and close friends she is Thabi... but to the rest, she is Dr Thabi Leoka - an economic strategist who was recently honoured with the Economist Of The Year award by ABSIP (The Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals).
She didn't make Top 7 of The Voice singing competition, but that didn't block her shine and immense talent. Get to know Zoe Modiga...
Sonia gets to know the co-founder of the Feather Awards and founder of the Global LGBTIQ+ Network, Thami Kotlolo. They touch on subjects like dealing with homophobia, and the decriminalising of homosexuality in Africa.
Ottilia Anna Maunganidze is a human rights advocate, international criminal law expert, plus head of special projects, legal analyst, strategist and senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies. She joins Sonia to unpack the difference between xenophobia and afrophobia, leadership and dictatorship.
The plague outbreak in Madagascar has killed 102 and over 1,200 are infected. Should we start prepping for doomsday? Sonia chats to Prof. John Frean, who is an associate professor at the Parasitology Reference Laboratory Centre for Emerging, Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases and Deputy Director at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), a division of the National Health Laboratory Service.
He has been labelled Digital God, Digital Whiz and Digital Marketing Guru. Get to know the man behind these titles as Sonia speaks to Mikey Mashila.
It is 2017 and we are still discussing homosexuality as a sin, as a curse, as a disease. TK, like many others, never chose his sexuality and sexual orientation. He was born this way! Tinyiko 'Teekay TK Goldfish' Mathebula is a presenter, brand influencer, stylist, socialite, and party/events planner.
Want to know if your manuscript will be tossed out or published? Sonia chats to Melinda Ferguson who is an award winning author, publisher, writing coach, motoring columnist, inspirational speaker and recovery coach about the makings of a bestseller.
Sonia chats to Obakeng Augustin Leseyane about the makings of a leader/leadership qualities. Obakeng is the co-founder and executive director of EdConnect, a contributing writer at Forbes, director of administration for the African Leadership Academy Model African Union 2018, Youth Ambassador for SAIIA (SA Institute of International Affairs) and the International Relations Council (IRC).
It takes more than talent to find your true potential and build a music career. Lira shares her insights on building a sustainable career, and about longevity and staying power in the cut-throat music industry.
Dr Gary Sudwarts is an interventional radiologist and founder of the Fibroid Treatment Clinic which specialises in Uterine Fibroid Embolisation. Having worked for many years as a general radiologist and training doctors in radiology, he now devotes most of his time to the micro-invasive treatment of uterine fibroids. Tanika Gray Valbrun is a CNN Content Producer, Journalist and Founder of the US-based non-profit organisation, The White Dress Project: We Can Wear White. Sonia speaks to them to find out more about how this health issue can be managed.
Phil Mphela is an entertainment commentator, blogger, brand influencer, media consultant, and content creator activist. He chats to Sonia about longevity and how to stay relevant in the industry. Find out which celebs Phil thinks have the most staying power and more.
Keitumetse Khensani Pule is a 17-year-old blogger of Dinner Table Conversations - a platform to engage and connect people across age, gender, sexuality and race on topical issues, by sharing their diverse perspectives.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka... known as Princess of Africa - singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, humanitarian, United Nations Goodwill Ambassador and a philanthropist. She joins Sonia to discuss the joys of parenthood, and raising boys to be responsible men.
Samantha le Roux is the founder and inspirational leader of Cornerstone Woman, an NGO born out of her own personal experience of domestic abuse. She unpacks how her organisation is geared to help women and children escape the clutches of abusive behaviour in the home.
Sonia quizzes Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng on the legalisation/decriminalising of sex work, age and body shaming, and women defending cheating partners. Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng is a reproductive doctor at DISA clinic, Deputy Chairperson - Sexual Health & Reproductive Justice Coalition (SRJC), and has a lifestyle column called 'Let’s Talk About Sex' in the Sunday Times.
Joska 'Mataozen' Maswanganye: socialite, image consultant, fashion stylist and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder of a clothing brand with the focus being on menswear. He is passionate about charity work and is the secretary of a non-profit organisation called Makapanstad Recreational Centre which promotes sports, arts and cultural activities.
Sonia has a conversation with Amanda ‘Toki’ Dlamini, a Banyana Banyana athlete and football analyst.
Sonia is in conversation with social entrepreneurs and philanthropists Dr Judy Dlamini and Sizwe Nxasana.
Sonia is joined by Dr Lusanda Shimange-Matsose, a gynaecologist and obstetrician, to discuss the HPV vaccine, vaginal: steaming, bleaching, rejuvenation, and more.
Sonia is in conversation with Charley Pietersen, author of Growing Up Without A Father: Are We A Fatherless Nation?
Sonia is joined by her son Nathan and his friends Jonathan, Dylan and Jarrod to discuss all things ‘Born-Free’ and Generation Z.
Counselling Psychologist Debbie Bright joins Sonia to discuss all the issues associated with taking your partner's name - what it means in today's times, the patriarchy and more. They also look at the divorce selfie trend.
Sonia looks at Quick Ways to Unveil your Career Tombstone. Her guest to discuss this topic is Phindile Xaba - a Media, Brand and Communication Strategist.
Can girl and women empowerment end femicide? Can matriarchy and patriarchy co-exist? Sonia is joined by media mogul Marang Setshwaelo to discuss.
The infamous ticks, the status update, ‘online’, ‘last seen’, the group chat, etiquette... Sonia is joined by blogger and digital girl Anne Dolinschek.
Does the Ivy League education guarantee success in life, or is it a social status symbol? Do private schools give you a head start and does your public education qualification place you at the bottom tier in the job market?
What was your first job and how much did you earn? Sonia shows youngsters and mentees that it's not how you start... your first job doesn't necessarily determine your future career.