Facilitator | Phemelo Motene

Panellists | Siya Khumalo, Sipho Ellen Tshaka and Wesley Roodt

Phemelo Motene

With over 20 years in the media industry, Phemelo Motene began her career at Metro FM, where she was a newsreader and Saturday afternoon radio presenter. Phemelo achieved star status when she acted as Khensani Moroka on the popular SABC 1 soapie, Generations.

Following a brief hiatus to focus on her business interests . Phemelo returned to the media industry to begin her talk radio journey at Talk Radio 702, where she was executive producer of politics, lifestyle and business content. Motene has hosted weekend breakfast at 702, where she grew the audience to the highest it has ever been for the station at that timeslot.

Motene hosted lunchtime, Monday – Friday at SAfm and is currently the current affairs talk host at Kaya 959 weekdays 8 and 10 pm. She has been lauded by icons such Dr. John Kani, Sam Nhlengethwa and William Kentridge for her engaging, well-researched interviewing skills. “Best interview in years if not ever.” Prof Zakes Mda (SA Book Fair 2018).

Sipho Ellen Tshaka

Sipho Ellen Tshaka was born and bred in the dusty corners of Bizana in the Eastern Cape, where the idea of writing a book is only spoken of in folktales. A graduate turned award winner, Sipho Ellen Tshaka is an author who writes bold books that challenge silences, start conversations, and ask the cold questions society chooses to bury. Tshaka's journey has taken him from culprit to wiseman, from cold-hearted to warm poet, with words that heal the broken and challenge the cruel; from being a lazy student, to writing books and winning recognition for the impact of his words; and from loner to family man. 'My work seeks to start conversations about things that kill us all slowly, just because we're told not to say them out loud'.

Siya Khumalo

Siya Khumalo is an award-winning South African author whose work critically examines the intersections of religion, politics, sex, and technology. His publications include You Have to be Gay to Know God (Kwela Books, 2018), and The Queer Book of Revelation (2024). His socio-political commentary is regularly featured in major publications, including Daily Maverick and News24, where he unpacks systemic governance, civil rights, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy. He is a former member of the South African National Defence Force, a former Mr. Gay South Africa runner-up, and was selected as a Mandela Washington Fellow (2022). He continues to speak, write, and consult on systemic change.

Wesley Roodt

Wesley Roodt is a Chevening scholar with an MA in Film, Television and the Moving Image from the University of Westminster. He is a scriptwriter and director. His short film, Bear, inspired by national rugby captain and former Gqeberha resident Siya Kolisi, won AFDA’s annual online festival and was selected for screening at several international film festivals, from Italy to Zanzibar. He works at The Media Workshop as an educator and producer. All the Saints is his debut novel.