South African media personality Lerato Kganyago has sparked widespread conversation online after an emotional livestream in which she opened up about the personal struggles she and her husband, businessman Thami Ndlala, have allegedly been facing behind the scenes.
The broadcaster, who recently hosted the Metro FM Music Awards, became visibly emotional while reflecting on the pressure, criticism and public scrutiny that have surrounded their names in recent months.
During the livestream on 26 May 2026, Lerato admitted that the constant backlash has taken a serious emotional toll on both their marriage and personal lives.
“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.
Lerato also spoke candidly about feeling unsupported by people within the entertainment industry, claiming that many individuals who once benefited from her husband’s generosity have distanced themselves during what she described as one of the most difficult periods of their lives.
The media personality reflected on how her achievements and years of hard work in the entertainment industry are often overshadowed by criticism and controversy, saying she rarely feels celebrated for her success.
During the livestream, Lerato briefly addressed the controversy surrounding 12 on Hillel Villa and Spa, the luxury Johannesburg hotel linked to her and her husband, after it was previously mentioned during testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. An unnamed witness had allegedly claimed that the venue was used as a meeting point involving senior police officials and alleged criminals.
Adding another deeply personal layer to the conversation, Lerato revealed that she had experienced a phantom pregnancy, opening up about the emotional trauma she has quietly endured while also facing relentless criticism online.
She further dismissed allegations suggesting that her husband’s businesses benefited from government corruption, insisting that Thami Ndlala built his success independently and without relying on tenders.
“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.
The emotional livestream quickly sparked intense reactions across social media platforms. While many users sympathised with Lerato’s vulnerability and praised her for speaking openly about emotional struggles, others continued debating the controversies surrounding the couple’s business interests and public image.
The conversation has once again highlighted the pressures faced by high-profile public figures in South Africa, particularly when personal challenges unfold under constant public scrutiny.
“Lerato Kganyago breakdown live revealing a lot about her husband, marriage, pregnancy and more 😭”
By:Sip & Relax pic.twitter.com/UyGJxL2wSg
— BelezaManifique (@BelezaManifique) May 27, 2026
