Leigh-Anne Williams

Babalwa Mentjies is a highly talented and versatile jazz vocalist, composer, and music educator hailing from the vibrant community of Makhanda in the Eastern Cape. With a profound passion for music and a dedication to the arts, she has established herself as a prominent figure in South Africa’s jazz scene and beyond. She is also the winner of the Art & Entertainment Award at the 2025 Warrior Woman Awards, and she sits down to share her incredible story with Leigh-Anne Williams and words of encouragement for those wanting to follow in her footsteps. 

South African university students are facing rising levels of trauma and emotional distress, and university campuses need support to ensure they are fully equipped to meet their mental-health needs. This is according to Tammy Dicks, National Trauma Support Co-Ordinator at ER24, who chats to Leigh-Anne Williams and shares her insights into the challenges students face and the support ER24’s counselling services can provide to ensure students have the best chance of succeeding.

Finola Quarsingh is the Head of Communications & PR at Sanlam Investments. She is an award-winning communications strategist and architect with over 20 years of experience in shaping narratives that build reputation, influence and growth. At the end of 2025, she was the winner of the Media & Communications award at the Warrior Woman Awards, and she sits down with Leigh-Anne Williams to talk about her extraordinary career and shares some words of encouragement for those wanting to follow in her footsteps. 

Google’s recent decision to remove some AI-generated health summaries from its search results has reignited an old but important conversation about how people seek and interpret medical information online. Following an international investigation, the technology giant confirmed it had withdrawn AI Overviews for certain health-related searches after inaccuracies were identified in its responses. At the heart of the issue is a fundamental limitation of artificial intelligence (AI) when applied to healthcare – something AI tools and providers themselves acknowledge. Dr Jess Morris, General Practitioner (GP) at Mediclinic Morningside, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about how many people are increasingly turning to AI to help interpret symptoms or test results before consulting a doctor, which causes unnecessary stress, and can create false reassurance, delaying professional care when early intervention could make a critical difference.

It’s time to stampede into the Year of the Horse. Lunar New Year, widely considered the most important event of the year in China and Chinese communities around the planet, is here. Leigh-Anne Williams and the team talk about how this year is all about the year of the Fire Horse, which can bring more intense emotions and faster results, making it a powerful year for ambition but also potentially chaotic.

Sleeping with one foot outside the blanket can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper rest. Your feet contain specialised blood vessels that release heat quickly, so exposing one foot helps lower your core body temperature more efficiently. 

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide, affecting around 50 million people, yet in South Africa it remains underdiagnosed, misunderstood and severely stigmatised. Dr James Butler, Executive Board Member of the Neurological Association of South Africa, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about how the Neurological Association of South Africa (NASA) says up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could live seizure-free if properly diagnosed and treated. He shares more about how in South Africa, while the Constitution addresses health rights, there is no specific mention of epilepsy or neurological disorders, and reflects the ongoing need for recognition, treatment access and public education.

Iziko Museums will be celebrating love in all its forms: tender friendships, lifelong partnerships, chosen families, and the quiet acts of care that often go unseen. Traditional Valentine’s Day can feel exclusive - too romantic, too couple-centric, too “perfect.” Phumzile Zonke, Director Advancement at Iziko Museums of South Africa, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about their Love Is Love campaign and how people can get involved.

In honour of World Radio Day and Valentine's Day, The Morning Show visits Travel With Flair where Leigh-Anne Williams chats to Bernadine Branford, Conference Manager at the company, about what they do and how people can reach out to them for incredible travel deals.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s worth asking an uncomfortable question: what happens when the feeling of being ‘seen and heard’ doesn’t come from a partner, but from a machine? Designed with distinct personalities and an affirming tone, artificial intelligence (AI) companion chatbots can blur emotional boundaries and foster romantic attachment. Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy & CISO Advisor at KnowBe4 Africa, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about the concerns for both individuals and organisations seeking to prevent emotional dependency, manipulation and data leakage, especially ahead of World Radio Day, which is centred around AI and its rise in all industries. 

Aditi Radhakrishna is a Chartered Accountant, Finance and Technology Leader and Social entrepreneur. As Co-Founder of Ruby Rose Feminine Hygiene SA, one of South Africa’s few SABS-approved sanitary pad manufacturers, she leads efforts to eradicate period poverty through sustainable, biodegradable products and women-led economic empowerment. Aditi also serves as Director at Akhile, driving financial sustainability and digital transformation in local government. She chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about her incredible career and how she won the Pioneer In STEM award at the 2025 Warrior Woman Awards. 

Summer is in full swing, and for those of us who are prone to body acne, this may be a tricky time of year. Globally, adult acne is gaining momentum. Regular breakouts are becoming more and more common among men and women in their 20s, 30s, 40s and even beyond. But as many of us already know, it’s not just facial skin that’s at risk of breakouts. Dr Judey Pretorius, Founder of Biomedical Emporium, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about how body acne, also sometimes referred to as “bacne," is commonly experienced by men and women in their teens and adulthood and how people can get help if they need it. 

“Love Is Love” is more than a campaign — it’s an invitation to visit and explore Iziko Museums on Valentines Day. This Valentine’s Day, Iziko Museums of South Africa will extend the operating hours of the Iziko South African Museum, Iziko South African National Gallery and Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome, keeping the doors open until 21:00. Melody Kleinsmith, Communications and Marketing Manager at Iziko Museums of South Africa, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about their incredible initiative and how people can get involved.

Children’s Mental Health Week shines a spotlight on young people’s wellbeing. KC Lowther, Founder of The Heartwood Foundation, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about why building emotional intelligence skills early in childhood is so important, and how parents and caregivers can make small but meaningful changes to in their lives to support their children’s emotional health at home. 

SABC2 proudly unveils its brand-new telenovela, Pimville - a gripping, heartfelt drama set in the vibrant township of Soweto. More than a story of love, ambition, and betrayal, Pimville celebrates resilience, community, and the power of hope in the face of adversity. Jason Willemse, who plays Kevin Kruger in the show, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about what people can expect watching the series and how the story is poised to become one of South Africa’s most compelling television experiences.

SABC2 is pleased to announce the introduction of a new, vibrant, must-watch afternoon talk show, "Eintlek Let’s Connect", which will be broadcast live Mondays to Fridays, 16:30 to 17:30, starting 9 February 2026. Hosted by two powerful voices, Penny Lebyane and Fran-Rico Lucas, this fresh, feel-good show dives straight into the heart of what South Africans are talking about right now — blending trending topics, uplifting and inspirational stories, deep, meaningful conversations, and those heartwarming, in-depth feel-good features that leave you smiling.

Over the years, sugar has gained a reputation as public enemy number one when it comes to holistic health. Its overconsumption has been linked to a range of chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and obesity. For many, the solution lies in switching to sugar substitutes, but not all sweeteners are created equal. Understanding the differences is key to choosing the right alternative, and as is often the case, consuming these in moderation is also important. Marlene Ellmer, a registered dietitian from Mediclinic Vergelegen, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about the truth about sugar substitutes. 

Razaan Bester, Chartered accountant and the Head of Financial Management at Wesgro, Founder of the She CAn NPC & Winner of the Young Achiever Award at the 2025 Warrior Woman Awards, sits down with Leigh-Anne Williams to chat her extraordinary career while she shares a powerful message for young girls wanting to be the best version of themselves.

At Langa Cheshire Home, the organisation is dedicated to providing compassionate care and life-enhancing support to adults and children with severe, permanent disabilities. Siphamandla Lembethe, Langa Cheshire Home Manager, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about how the home helps those with disabilities and provides support.   

With hot temperatures persisting nationwide, Lifesaving South Africa urges the public to exercise extreme caution when exploring the outdoors and when swimming. Winston Meyer, President Lifesaving SA, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about how should only take place at beaches, rivers, and swimming areas that are actively patrolled by lifeguards, especially as we head into the final stretch of summer. 

Suraya Williams, Director of Design26 Pty Ltd and Founder of Design26 Foundation, is a passionate social entrepreneur and community leader from Mitchell's Plain. Through her foundation, she empowers young women by providing free sewing skills training and promoting sustainable upcycling in the textile industry. She is also the winner of the Business & Entrepreneurship Award at the 2025 Warrior Woman Awards, and chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about the positive impact that it had in her life. 

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spotlight an issue that remains one of SA’s leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women, despite being preventable and treatable when detected early. Vuyo Mjekula, Director of External Affairs, sub-Saharan Africa at MSD South Africa, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about how this is not merely a health agenda; it is a moral and socioeconomic imperative that requires decisive policy action, sustained funding, and coordinated action across sectors.

The fifth Cape Flats Book Festival will take place on 31 January - 1 February 2026 at West End Primary School in Lentegeur, Mitchells Plain – the festival will feature 90+ speakers with 50+ sessions (for children, young adults and adults) including poetry and writing workshops, a puppet show, giveaways, books, food and exhibitors. The free festival is open to the public and is hosted by literacy NGO Read to Rise. Roscoe Williams, Read to Rise programme director and co-founder of the Cape Flats Book Festival, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about the event and how people can get involved.

Recent surveys, including data referenced from The Knot, indicate that approximately 90% of men are comfortable with a small wedding or even skipping a large wedding party altogether. Many of these respondents highlight financial practicality as a key factor, preferring to avoid the high costs associated with elaborate ceremonies, venues, and guest lists in favour of simpler, more straightforward celebrations.

Vampire horror film "Sinners" has broken the record for the most Oscar nominations received by a single film, after being nominated for 16 of Hollywood's most coveted honours. The film beat the previous record of 14 nominations, and emerged ahead of its nearest rival this year, Leonardo DiCaprio's thriller One Battle After Another, which is up for 13 awards.

Down Syndrome Association Western Cape (DSAWC) is a non profit organisation, which provides support to people with down syndrome and their families. Tineke Ganz-Malan, Manager at the DSAWC, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about what the incredible work the organisation does and how people can get in touch with them. 

National Pie Day is a celebration of pies that occurs annually in the United States on January 23. It started in the mid-1970s. In South Africa, however, garage pies have became a staple in every household. The real question is: what is the ultimate pie flavour? From steak and kidney to chicken and mushroom and everything in between, the team and listeners share what their go-to pie is. 

Following the sultry allure of "Obsession", Jerusha's brand-new song "Love Is Blind" dives deeper into love’s complexity, exploring the blindness that often follows passion. Produced by long-time collaborator Vally of Brotherhood Production, "Love Is Blind" blends her signature R&B and pop roots with a fresh, global edge that’s bound to get listeners moving. She chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about what the track means to her, especially as she's been living in Singapore for the past few years.

Dr Zorina Dharsey, Director at Western Cape Primary Science Programme (PSP) and Winner of the Excellence In Leadership Award at the 2025 Warrior Woman Awards, sits down with Leigh-Anne Williams to share more about how she has been committed to promoting practical, engaging teaching and learning. Guided by her belief that every child can enjoy and excel in Mathematics and Science, she continues to lead PSP with dedication to innovation, teacher empowerment, and unlocking every child’s potential.

Every January millions of South Africans set fitness goals, business targets, and personal-growth ambitions. It’s a way of asserting control following a year when they may have felt swept up by stress, falling short of wins, or not being able to control the world around them. Consistently, research has shown that anywhere from 80% to over 90% of people abandon their resolutions within the first couple of months. Neuroscience and mental fitness coach, hypnotherapist, and endurance athlete, Liezel van der Westhuizen, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about why this happens and what people can do instead to ensure that they achieve their goals by the end of the year. 

Minister David Maynier, Western Cape Provincial Minister (MEC) of Education, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about the importance of investment in education in the Western Cape to ensure the long-term growth of the economy in the province.

A better life for adults with autism is the motto of The Academy for Adults with Autism, a non-profit organisation, based in the southern suburbs of Cape Town, aiming to improve public awareness, support and opportunities for adults on the autism spectrum. Debbie Flugel, Project Manager at The Academy for Adults with Autism, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about how the organisation was founded with the intention of finding appropriate solutions to the dire lack of suitable occupation and care facilities for autistic adults in South Africa and globally, and how people can volunteer and donate to the home. 

This week on Warrior Woman, Leigh-Anne Williams sits down with DJ Roz, a Cape Town–based creative, PE-born pioneer, and true force on the dance floor. From her early days in the service industry to commanding global stages, Roz opens up about the courage it took to reinvent her life, trust her passion, and carve out space as a woman of colour in a male-dominated industry.

In South Africa, where over 4 million people live with diabetes, continuous glucose monitors can change and save lives. But not all of these devices are made equally, and their uptake as a lifestyle device has seen cheaper, less accurate devices flood the market. Kirsten de Klerk, Chairperson of SA Diabetes Advocacy, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about howSouth African diabetes advocacy groups are pushing for continuous glucose monitor (CGM) access and safety standards. 

If you’ve ever caught your partner doing something you find odd or different, you’ve likely come across a beige flag. Beige flags refer to the little idiosyncrasies that make each person unique. These often surface toward the beginning of a relationship when you’re still getting to know someone and learning their quirky rituals or traits. Leigh-Anne Williams, Delucia Daniels and the listeners chat about what their beige flags. 

Nthuse Foundation is a South African non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering youth with disabilities through education, community support and inclusion. Founded on the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of disability or background, Nthuse provides accredited education, skills development and vital community programmes that open doors to independence and long-term success. Kim Krynauw, Fundraiser & Administrative Director at the organisation, chats to Michaela Muller (who stands in for Leigh-Anne Williams) about what they do and how people can get involved.

After Delucia Daniels revealed she ate fish eyes for the first time, the team and listeners share how they enjoy their fish. 

The team and listeners share some of the things that need to be normalised during the festive season. 

Cape Town is South Africa’s leading destination for wellness tourism with authorities and analysts reporting a 45.2% visitor engagement rate in the wellness activities offered by the Mother City. In line with global trends, demand for contrast therapy experiences in Cape Town is on the rise. This is being driven in no small part by One Flow Yoga and Wellness Social Club in Green Point, an industry leader in social wellness. Leigh-Anne Williams chats to Jeanae Dumas, Yoga teacher, sauna master and co-founder of One Flow Yoga and Wellness Social Club, about the rise in contrast therapy.

Newsha Tavakolian is an Iranian photographer and visual artist, and a member of Magnum Photos, recognised for her poignant descriptions of the human experience. Tavakolian's work addresses a range of themes, notably the challenges faced by women in Iran and elsewhere, and the consequences of conflicts. She sits down with Leigh-Anne Williams to share more about how her work blurs the lines between reality and imagination.

Zenande Duma, Crew Member on the Eclipse Luxury Catamaran, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about working on a yacht and what it's like to meet people from all works of life everyday.

Daniel Wolmarans, Senior Skipper, at Waterfront Charters chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about what it means to be a skipper of yacht and how people can get in touch with the company ahead of the summer season. 

As the world marks the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), RCS, a leading financial services provider, is issuing an urgent call to action against the fastest growing form of abuse: digital violence against women and girls. Aligning with the 2025 theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,” RCS is highlighting the acceleration of online harassment, often amplified by new technology like generative AI and deepfakes. Tali Anderssen, Legal & Compliance Executive at RCS, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about how “every woman deserves to feel safe wherever she chooses to exist. Digital platforms should be a space for empowerment, not exploitation. Each of us can help make it so.”

Rameez Cassiem is a motivational speaker, disability activist, former radio presenter, producer, comedian, entrepreneur, father, and husband who has turned his most painful challenges into a platform for inspiring others. Diagnosed with multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) with conduction blocks, Rameez’s story is one of survival, strength, and the enduring power of the human spirit. He shares more about his story and his upcoming theatre production, which celebrates his journey. 

As international funding for HIV programmes faces renewed threats, South African activist Yvette Raphael is sounding the alarm and demanding dignity, access, and truth for women living with HIV. In South Africa, where more than 7.8 million people are living with HIV, access to testing, treatment, and support has long been a matter of survival—not privilege. But for women like Yvette Raphael, it’s also a matter of justice. She sits down with Leigh-Anne Williams about how she has become a leading voice in the fight for HIV rights, and her role as the co-founder of Advocacy for the Prevention of HIV and AIDS (APHA) where she has spent more than two decades breaking down stigma, confronting systemic neglect, and ensuring that women—especially Black, rural, and marginalised women—are not left behind in the fight.

While diabetes is often seen as an adult condition, it’s increasingly affecting children and teens — both through the autoimmune form, Type 1 diabetes (T1D), and the lifestyle-linked Type 2 diabetes (T2D) South Africa has experienced a dramatic rise in diabetes rates, climbing from around 4.5% in 2010 to 12.7% in 2019 among adults, according to BioMed Central. Tania Joffe, Founder of Unu Health, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about the worrying rise in diabetes in both children and adults in South Africa.

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign (16 Days Campaign) is a United Nations campaign which takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). The theme this year is: “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls working together to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF)”. 

The Living Link is a non-profit organisation that caters for the intellectually disabled and learning challenged community regardless of race, gender and religious background. It aims to encourage, enhance and support the development of intellectually disabled adults, helping them attain a high quality of life. Nabeela Brown, Branch Manager & Occupational Therapist at The Living Link, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about the incredible work the organisation does and how people can get involved.

Known as Madam Cupcake on BookTok, Shavonne Bulmer started The Mzansi Cupcake Movement, which began as a safe, kind corner of the internet where women could talk about books, healing, and hope. But it has become a real-life community of women who remind one another that we are not too broken to rise, and not too small to be seen. She chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about the power of storytelling as a form of activism, especially ahead of the National G20 Women's Shutdown. 

South Africa’s most beloved lifestyle television show, Top Billing, made a glamorous return to the spotlight. Top Billing Reunion Special presenters Ryle De Morny, Jonathan Boynton-Lee, and Fezile Mkhize join the lineup, with Mkhize chatting to Leigh-Anne Williams about what listeners can expect from the show.