COVER FEATURE appearance sparks conversation, yet she insists her sense of style didn’ t come from magazines or social media. Instead, it started with the women who raised her.
“ 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 biggest inspiration has always been her mother.“ She instilled in us at a young age that when you step out of the house, always look well put together.”
That philosophy has stayed with her throughout her career. Today, Bonang describes her personal style as“ very elegant, very minimalistic, quite conservative, but always very elegant.”
While trends come and go, she believes timeless style is about confidence rather than excess.“ 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 love for African creativity also remains unwavering.“ 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.
“ I want to be remembered not necessarily by my name, but by how I’ ve changed the conditions.”
THE CEO ERA Bonang may still be one of the country’ s most recognisable faces, but today she spends more time making business decisions than standing in front of cameras.“ 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.”
It’ s a transition she speaks about with excitement. Her entertainment company manages her projects internally, while much of her focus is on growing
House of BNG, the luxury beverage brand she founded.“ 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.”
Ownership, she believes, changes everything.“ I learned from the likes of Jay-Z and Oprah Winfrey how to turn influence into ownership. It’ s quality versus quantity now.”
OPENING DOORS BEHIND HER In view of Women’ s Month celebrating those making an impact, Bonang is quick to point out that success means little if it isn’ t shared.
Through the Bonang Matheba Foundation, she mentors young women entering broadcasting and media while creating opportunities for emerging 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.”
Whether she’ s mentoring broadcasters, producers, or videographers, her mission is simple: create opportunities she wishes had existed when she started out. It’ s a reminder that behind the glamorous public image is someone deeply invested in the next generation.
HOME IS FOR RECHARGING Considering her jet-setting lifestyle, it’ s easy to imagine Bonang constantly surrounded by flashing cameras and luxury hotels.
In reality, 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 also plays a huge role.“ 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 sacred, while church continues to be an important part of her routine.“ I’ m a big Catholic church girl.”
As she’ s grown older, she’ s also learned the importance of slowing down.“ I’ m a high-energy person, so I’ m teaching myself to rest and slow down.”
AUGUST 2026 / INBOUND SA 9