I’m responsible with money, but I do have a lot of shoes - Redi Tlhabi

Redi Tlhabi, formerly a presenter on 702 and CapeTalk, is one of South Africa’s most respected journalists.

She holds honours degrees in Political Economy and English Literature.

Tlhabi is married and has two children and a famous stepchild, comedian Lesego Tlhabi (better known as Coconut Kelz).

The Money Show’s Bruce Whitfield interviewed Tlhabi (on 27 September 2021) about her attitude to money, hopes and fears, successes and failures, etc.

* What is it that Tlhabi believes about money?

* Does it keep her up at night?

* Does she spend like crazy or save compulsively?

* How did her childhood experiences shape her views on money?

“I am [responsible with money]. But I wouldn’t say I’m conservative. I do save… but I like to spoil myself… I have a lot of shoes… On several occasions, I’ve come home with a brand-new pair of shoes only to find that I already had the same pair!”

- Redi Tlhabi

“My mom provided enough, but there was no extra… It was a tough upbringing… losing a dad at age 9 in a violent, traumatic way… but I had a happy childhood… I fared better than my counterparts… I was given every tool to chase my dreams…”

- Redi Tlhabi

“You [Bruce Whitfield] gave me an internship when I was 20 years old. You were a slave driver, but I live to tell the tale… The SABC took care of me. I was happy with what I was earning… I interviewed former President Thabo Mbeki. The powers that be weren’t happy that I challenged him on HIV… It was the first time in my career that I felt the chills…”

- Redi Tlhabi

"I’m anxious about the future… like a lot of South Africans… I don’t want my children to inherit this anxiety… I’m investing in their education… They are pupils at a local private school… I will spend every cent to make that [allow them to study anywhere] happen… A whole lot of my loved ones would not be here today had they not had private medical aid care. And extra to pay for the gaps…"

- Redi Tlhabi

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.