South African media personality Lerato Kganyago has left social media talking after an emotional livestream in which she opened up about the personal struggles she and her husband, businessman Thami Ndlala, have been facing behind the scenes.
The broadcaster, who recently hosted the Metro FM Music Awards, became emotional while reflecting on the pressure, criticism and scrutiny that have surrounded their names in recent months. During the livestream on 26 May 2026, Lerato admitted that the constant backlash has taken a serious emotional toll on their marriage and personal lives.
“I think life is even tougher for us because people just hate us. From the first day that we got married, I think that’s why we haven’t even had a white wedding,” she said.
Lerato also spoke candidly about feeling unsupported by people within the entertainment industry, claiming that many individuals who once benefited from her husband’s generosity have now disappeared during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.
The star reflected on how her success has often been overshadowed by criticism, saying she rarely receives recognition for her achievements despite years of hard work in the industry.
During the livestream, Lerato briefly addressed the controversy surrounding 12 on Hillel Villa and Spa, the luxury Johannesburg hotel linked to her and her husband, after it was previously mentioned during testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. An unnamed witness had alleged that the venue was used as a meeting point involving senior police officials and alleged criminals.
Adding another deeply personal layer to the conversation, Lerato revealed that she had also experienced a phantom pregnancy, describing the emotional trauma she has quietly carried while dealing with public attacks online.
She further dismissed allegations suggesting that her husband’s businesses benefited from government corruption, insisting that Thami built his success independently.
“If only y’all knew that my husband does not even like tenders, he doesn’t like the government. He will start from the bottom with the R1 he has and hope for a miracle; that’s how Ndlala Mall came about,” she explained.
The livestream quickly sparked intense reactions online, with some social media users sympathising with Lerato’s vulnerability, while others continued debating the controversies tied to the couple’s business dealings.
“Lerato Kganyago breakdown live revealing a lot about her husband, marriage, pregnancy and more 😭”
By:Sip & Relax pic.twitter.com/UyGJxL2wSg
— BelezaManifique (@BelezaManifique) May 27, 2026