Leleti Khumalo on resilience, recognition & representing SA
Legendary actress Leleti Khumalo opens up to Carol Ofori about international acclaim, living with vitiligo, and the reality of life in the arts.
She’s one of South Africa’s most recognisable talents, with a legacy that continues to grow.
Leleti Khumalo joined Carol Ofori on East Coast Radio to reflect on her latest international accolade: a prestigious Monte-Carlo Television Festival award, often likened to the TV world’s Oscars.
Speaking candidly, Khumalo shared what the honour means for the country and why her journey from Sarafina! to Imbewu still resonates globally.
She also opened up about living with vitiligo in the public eye, describing it as “a skin condition, but again, it affects your life. It affects the way you think about yourself, about life in general.” She added that “people need to be schooled about it. It doesn’t end there. It’s a lot.”
Khumalo didn’t shy away from hard truths, pointing to the lack of long-term support for South African artists.
“The government should extend a hand,” she said.
With home in KwaMashu and her influence felt far beyond our borders, Leleti Khumalo remains a symbol of pride, purpose and perseverance.
Listen to the full conversation with Carol Ofori at the top of the page, or directly below:
HOW TO LISTEN TO EAST COAST RADIO
- Listen to East Coast Radio on the FM (frequency modulation) spectrum between 94 and 95 FM on your radio.
- Listen live to ECR by clicking here or download the ECR App (iOS/Android).
- Listen to East Coast Radio on the DStv audio bouquet, channel 836.
- Switch to the audio bouquet on your Openview decoder and browse to channel 606
- Listen to us on Amazon Alexa.
Follow us on social media: