Women’s Month: Bonang Matheba on ownership, freedom and legacy

For more than two decades, Bonang Matheba has understood the value of visibility.

Beyond the red carpets, designer fashion and champagne is a woman building a life around purpose, family and freedom. Her next phase is focused on ownership.

Speaking to Inbound SA, Bonang reflects on the life she is creating away from the cameras. The glamour remains, but her attention has shifted towards business, legacy and creating opportunities for others.

Style begins at home

Few South African personalities have influenced local fashion in the way Bonang has.

Her appearances regularly attract attention, yet she says her style was shaped by her family rather than magazines or social media.

“I’m a Tswana woman, which means I’m surrounded by matriarchs,” she explains. “Both my mum and father had five sisters. I grew up around a lot of women who dressed very, very well.”

Her mother remains her greatest style influence.

“She instilled in us at a young age that when you step out of the house, always look well put together.”

Bonang describes her personal style as “very elegant, very minimalistic, quite conservative, but always very elegant.”

She prefers simple outfits with carefully chosen details.

“I love any outfit that’s quite glamorous, but on a simpler level. Whether I’m wearing a simple pair of jeans and a shirt, I always love to add a little jewellery to it.”

Her support for designers from the continent has also remained consistent throughout her career.

“I’m a big fan of African and South African designers. I’ve supported them all my career and will continue to do so,” she says.

Bonang enters her CEO era

Bonang remains one of South Africa’s most recognisable media personalities, but much of her work now happens away from the camera.

“What started off as on-air talent quickly evolved into an executive producer, a CEO,” she says. “Now everything that I do is owned by Bonang.”

Her entertainment company manages her projects internally, while House of BNG has become a major focus.

“I’ve taken the CEO hat. I’m involved in every decision that has to do with Brand Bonang, House of BNG, and my foundation.”

She says Jay-Z and Oprah Winfrey influenced the way she thinks about business and ownership.

“I learned from the likes of Jay-Z and Oprah Winfrey how to turn influence into ownership. It’s quality versus quantity now.”

Using influence to support young women

As Women’s Month recognises women making an impact, Bonang says success should also create opportunities for others.

Through the Bonang Matheba Foundation, she mentors young women entering broadcasting and media. She also supports emerging producers, videographers and other creatives.

“I like to describe myself as being in the Basetsana Kumalo era of my life,” she smiles. “I’m using my influence, platforms, and connections to uplift creatives.”

Her aim is to provide opportunities she wishes had been available when she entered the industry.

The work adds another dimension to her public identity, placing the development of younger creatives alongside her media and business interests.

Home provides space to recharge

Bonang’s work involves regular travel, public appearances and major events. Away from that schedule, she describes herself as a “homebody”.

“I love beautifying my house. I love taking care of my family. I do a lot of cooking.”

Community remains important to her.

“My mum has always emphasised community,” she says. “So I spend a lot of time with my own community, friends, and family.”

Sunday lunches remain an important family tradition, while church is part of her regular routine.

“I’m a big Catholic church girl.”

Bonang is also learning to make more time for rest.

“I’m a high-energy person, so I’m teaching myself to rest and slow down.”

Travel remains a source of inspiration

Bonang’s personal approach to work and travel is captured in one sentence: “You need to work hard, make money, and travel the world. Repeat.”

“Seeing the world for me is paramount. I’m a lover of exploring cultures because that’s where I get my inspiration,” she says.

She has visited Paris almost 10 times and lived in New York for two years. Prague, though, remains one of her favourite destinations.

“The history, the buildings, the food, the people… Prague will always be a standout.”

She also enjoys travelling within South Africa.

“My favourite trip is to take a five-hour drive up to Mpumalanga and spend a weekend at the Kruger National Park.”

The Garden Route is another regular choice when her schedule allows.

Luxury means control over her time

Bonang’s definition of luxury has changed.

For her, it is no longer centred on handbags, jewellery or champagne.

“Luxury is freedom. The freedom to make your own decisions and to experience and use your own time any way you wish,” she says.

The answer reflects the position she has reached after more than two decades in the public eye. Ownership gives her greater control over her work, businesses and time.

Creating better conditions for African creatives

Bonang wants younger African creatives to enter an industry with more opportunities available to them.

“The world is ready for African creatives. Take up space, but discipline will help you keep that space.”

After 22 years in the spotlight, she measures success through ownership, freedom and the opportunities she creates for others.

Her brands, platforms and foundation allow her to use her visibility in ways that extend beyond her own career.

“I want to be remembered not necessarily by my name, but by how I’ve changed the conditions,” she says.

Bonang unscripted

Champagne breakfast or candlelit dinner? Champagne breakfast

Private villa or five-star hotel? Five-star hotel

Paris or Milan? Paris

Designer handbag or statement jewellery? Designer handbag

Silk sheets or fluffy hotel robes? Fluffy hotel robes

Favourite city for food? Rome

One luxury you’ll never apologise for? My travel luggage

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