The art of holding space

Relebogile Mabotja holds space for loss and healing in her deeply empathetic series Untied

- Lesego Chepape

Relebogile Mabotja is no stranger to the spotlight. From radio to television, she has built a reputation for her sharp intellect, commanding presence and the gift of making the most delicate conversations feel like home.

But in her latest Showmax series, Untied, in which she is host and associate producer, she shifts the spotlight off herself and onto the experiences of women navigating the messy terrain of separation, heartbreak and healing. The result is raw, riveting and deeply human.

The show features Beverly Steyn, Nonku Williams, Dawn Thandeka King, Mona Monyane, Palesa Madisakwane, Zandi Nhlapo and Sonia Booth.

We meet through a video call. It’s one of those afternoon meetings that feel more like a catch-up with a cousin than a formal interview.

Before we dive into the depths of the show, I have to get this out of the way: the outfits in Untied? Absolutely breathtaking. “Oh, thank you,” she beams. “I wish I could take credit, but there’s an amazing stylist behind that. They made sure everything was perfect.”

But what Untied gets right beyond the aesthetics is its unwavering emotional honesty. It’s not just another heartbreak show. It’s a tribute to resilience. Each episode gives space to one woman's story of love lost, relationships redefined and the quiet courage it takes to begin again. At the centre of it all is Mabotja, a host who doesn’t posture or pry but gently holds space.

“What draws you to these kinds of stories?” I ask. Her answer is simple: curiosity. “I’m drawn to human experiences. I've always been curious about what we go through as people, and love and loss are something we can all relate to.”

She didn’t think she’d be chosen to host the show.