Television host Katlego Maboe made his much-anticipated return to The Expresso Morning Show this week after two years off air. Following a protracted legal process, the courts absolved Katlego against these allegations in January 2022.
In a sit-down interview with co-host Graeme Richards on this morning’s episode, Katlego opens up about the challenges he faced over the past two years and his excitement about getting back in front of the camera.
Considering that waking Mzansi up in the feel-good way Expresso has become something that the presenter has become synonymous with.
READ MORE: Katlego Maboe Returns To The Expresso Morning Show
Being welcomed and walking back into the studio came with mixed emotions as the host mentions that a lot has changed.
“I didn’t know what this would feel like – but the kitchen still smells good! I don’t even recognise the place anymore. It felt strange. It felt good. It felt welcoming, like home – just a home that you haven’t seen in a long time” said Katlego.
The past two years has changed the person that Maboe has become as the ‘new’ him is certainly not the ‘old’ him.
But, there are certainly elements of the ‘old’ me that remain that I think have stood me in good stead. No matter what has happened to me over the past couple of years, I never want to let go of this desire that I have to be a force of positivity in people’s lives. There have been many touch-and-go moments where my self-identity was questioned, but I worked my way through it with support from friends and family and people who I met in person or on social media who have constantly told me to ‘Get up and start again’”, said the presenter.
The personality’s darkest moment cropped up in the beginning where everything seemingly fell apart. “It didn’t matter if it was 10/15 years that you put into something, everything in one moment, became impermanent.”
There was a moment when he had the darkest thoughts, and thought that the whole dilemma would not come to an end.
In the interview he said, “I thought wouldn’t it be better if it was just done? Just quickly. Now. Done. My family wouldn’t have to worry about having to call me every day and deal with me. But, the reason for it all needs to come from somewhere and, for me, that was Phoenix”.
The hopes and dreams Katlego has have always been there and had are still there. However, he has a new perspective as well – especially the relationship he has with his son. A lot of people look at the last couple of years and the downside of it.
“They look at the loss and everything that came with that, but I look at the fact that I have had a solid two and a half years of quality time with my son and nothing can replace that. Not any amount of money or dream or ambition or achievement could ever replace that. But yes, I want to show him what the world is about, the importance of connection with human beings, to have empathy and understanding. Of course, I would still love to make a mark on the local broadcasting scene, knowing and understanding how important this platform is in shaping the country every day. There is my passion for music as well which excites me,” he expressed.
When asked what he missed the most about being on the show. He mentioned that he feels genuine love and warmth when he walks into the studio and it feels reciprocated. “The smiles are real. It’s family, and I missed that. No matter what was happening in my life around me, I was always able to walk through that door and know that there would be a surge of this welcoming feeling. I missed that.
I would always walk out of here feeling like I could conquer the world every single time. That was a natural part of the bubbly energy that I had and, for a long time, that flame was extinguished. It’s amazing to officially be back. I love that Expesso always has been, remains, and always will be about the South African viewer who chooses to tune in every single day. On some level, they depend on this show to give them that starting momentum to the day. It’s the kind of ethos in which I approach this job.”