Sex and Sexuality: What women wish they’d been taught
How do you talk about sex when no one ever taught you how?
*Content warning: This episode contains adult themes and is intended for listeners aged 18 and older.*
In this episode, Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba is joined by Johannesburg-based gynaecologist and sexologist Dr Nompumelelo “Mpume” Zenda (AKA Dr Gynae). Together, they unpack how to approach first-time experiences, body confidence, and open conversations in relationships. They also explore the importance of teaching children about sexuality using age-appropriate, honest language.
Dr Zenda is the founder of We See You and a respected voice in women’s health and public education.
This episode is about breaking the silence, offering clarity, and helping women feel more confident in their own skin.
In this episode:
00:00 Introduction to the Taboo of Sex
01:26 Meet the Guest: Dr. Mpume
03:29 The Importance of Early Sex Education
09:08 Personal Experiences and Cultural Norms
11:03 Consequences of Lack of Sex Education
14:36 Diagnosing Sexual Dysfunctions
16:13 Reprogramming Your Mindset
16:31 The Brain: The Biggest Sex Organ
17:06 Understanding and Loving Your Body
19:20 Society's Influence on Body Image
20:56 Rapid Fire Questions
22:20 Sex Education and Parental Guidance
25:02 Communicating with Your Partner
28:02 The Importance of Self-Discovery
33:20 Final Thoughts and Farewell
More about Dr Nompumelelo Zenda
Dr Nompumelelo Zenda is a Johannesburg-based OB-Gynae and medical sexologist, widely recognised for her work in advancing sexual and reproductive health in South Africa. She is the founder of We See You, a consultancy focused on innovative, inclusive approaches to wellness. As a Fellow of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine, Dr Zenda brings both medical expertise and cultural sensitivity to her work. Through her media presence, published work, and public health advocacy, she helps young South Africans make informed, confident decisions about their bodies, health, and relationships. Catch up with our host Nozibele · More information about this podcast · The 77 Percent (DW Africa)
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Breaking the Silence: Men & Mental Health
Content Warning: Sensitive Topics
South African men are silently suffering. Many are dying inside, and some are taking their own lives. In this deeply personal episode of Don’t Hold Back, author, poet, and social activist Zonwabele Zola “Blackie” Tshayana opens up about his experience with depression, suicide attempts, and growing up without a father.
He and Nozi speak openly about absent fathers, the hunger for validation, and the silent struggles facing South African men, including the heartbreak and identity crisis rooted in broken homes and systems.
From stigma and suicide to hope, healing, and raising the next generation, this is an essential conversation for anyone invested in the well-being of men, boys, and families.
This episode is about breaking cycles, building identity, and finding truth.
We’re talking truth, pain, healing, and how women can better understand and support the men they love.
In this episode:
00:00 Introduction: Men and Mental Health
00:45 Welcome to Don't Hold Back
00:58 Raising Boys: A Mother's Perspective
01:29 The Crisis of Male Vulnerability
01:53 Shocking Statistics on Male Suicide
02:14 Introducing Today's Guest
03:18 Personal Struggles with Depression
05:43 The Impact of Absent Fathers
08:09 Identity Crisis and Validation
12:30 The Urgency of Men's Mental Health
21:21 Initiating Self-Awareness
22:01 The Stigma Around Counselling
22:36 Breaking the Cycle of Violence
23:45 Normalizing Vulnerability
26:49 Humour as a Coping Mechanism
30:33 Rapid Fire Questions
32:16 Final Thoughts on Vulnerability
37:12 Closing Remarks
#DontHoldBack #MensMentalHealth #NoziTalks Catch up with our host Nozibele · More information about this podcast · The 77 Percent (DW Africa)
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Overcoming the Odds: Sibulele’s Inspiring Story
From loss to twin motherhood. From rural roots to boardrooms.
In this inspiring Season 3 launch episode, powerhouse speaker and mother of twins, Sibulele Sibaca-Nomnganga, joins Nozibele to unpack what it really means to overcome the odds.
She opens up about navigating miscarriage, fertility treatment, societal pressure, and the choice to tell her story — all while raising empowered children and supporting young girls through her work in the NGO world.
This isn’t just a motherhood story. It’s a womanhood story, full of truth, power, and purpose.
#DontHoldBack #OvercomingTheOdds #TwinMom #SibuleleSpeaks #EmpoweredWomen #NoziTalks #ModernMotherhood #GirlsEmpowerment Catch up with our host Nozibele · More information about this podcast · The 77 Percent (DW Africa)
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Former Miss SA: Anxiety once 'paralyzed' me
Did you know that former Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo ‘Shudu’ Musida only entered the competition to fulfill a promise to a friend? For our season two finale, host Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba talks to Shudu about how getting a grip on her mental health literally helped her achieve her potential. We also find out how experiences in Shudu's upbringing convinced her that raising awareness for mental health in South Africa has been life-changing - not just for her, but also for her peers.
00:00 Introduction and Highlights
01:02 Welcome to the Podcast
01:30 Special Guest: Shudufhadzo ‘Shudu’ Musida
02:56 Mental Health Advocacy
04:57 Personal Journey with Anxiety
09:42 Challenges in Black Communities
15:13 Practical Mental Health Tips
23:48 Fun and Games
27:48 Transition to Miss South Africa
31:32 The Importance of Boundaries
39:06 Closing Remarks and Gratitude
#dontholdback #mentalhealth #MissSouthAfrica #ShudufhadzoMusida Catch up with our host Nozibele · More information about this podcast · The 77 Percent (DW Africa)
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Fighting an invisible enemy
Imagine living with a disease that means you cannot eat most foods, keeps you out of school, blemishes your skin and forces you to move cities - but no one has a cure, and some doctors don't even believe you. This is the story of Princess Mahogo, a young South African woman who battled celiac disease for 19 years before she was diagnosed. She tells Don't Hold Back host Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba how she survived, and why she doesn't want other young South Africans to suffer a similar fate.
00:00 Introduction: Living with Celiac Disease
01:00 Welcome to the Podcast
01:32 Meet Princess Mahogo
02:33 Understanding Celiac Disease
03:35 Growing Up with Celiac Disease
06:58 The Struggle for Diagnosis
11:31 Journey to Johannesburg
13:55 Life After Diagnosis
17:07 Rapid Fire Questions
22:09 The Story Behind the Carrots
23:54 Conclusion
#dontholdback #celiacdisease #nutrition
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This show is a collaboration between DW and leading South African radio stations, Jacaranda FM and East Coast Radio. Catch up with our host Nozibele · More information about this podcast · The 77 Percent (DW Africa)
Money, sex, identity, mental health, relationships, culture and more -- nothing is off-limits in “Don’t Hold Back”, the award-winning video podcast hosted by Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba.
Imagine if there were a place where everyone could speak honestly about the things we often keep quiet. That’s what Don’t Hold Back is all about! South Africans under 35 talk about everything from navigating identity, social pressures, and mental health, to dealing with toxic relationships, finances and family expectations. Life feels lighter when you can listen and learn from other people’s stories.
Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba is a South African content creator, bestselling author and HIV activist. Join her as she chats — and shares a snack — with a different guest in each episode.
Don’t Hold Back has received international and local recognition, including:
- Bronze Winner – 2023 Anthem Awards (Education, Art & Culture / Podcast or Audio)
- Finalist – 2023 New York Festivals Radio Awards
- Shortlisted – 2023 Publisher Podcast Awards (Best Health & Wellbeing Podcast)
- Finalist – 2023 AIB Awards (Presenter of the Year: Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba)
- Spotlight of the Year (Podcast) – 2023 African Podcast and Voice Awards
- Gold Winner – 2024 South African Podcasting Awards (Wellness & Relationships)
This podcast is a collaboration between DW, Jacaranda FM and East Coast Radio.