As the famous and well-loved voice of the three-hour morning talk show on Radio 702 and Cape Talk, Tlhabi told FAIRLADY: “I always knew I was supposed to be a mother, so I never gave up hope.”

Now the proud mom of gorgeous daughter Neo (who also graces the cover), Tlhabi says her daughter has helped her to reclaim her life. “I’m far more efficient now. I still get 500 emails a day, but I answer them immediately, myself, instead of ‘parking’ them for a week. Even my cooking is speedy now. And I actually have time to read books I enjoy.”

Even before she was a week old, baby Neo made front-page news, being photographed with her mother and the legendary Oprah Winfrey. “Neo would’ve been the only six-day-old human being to say no to Oprah, and I couldn’t live with that. So we have had our moments when I get Neo out of her comfort zone to do something that’s a once-off,” recalls Tlhabi. The rest of the time, the youngest member of the Tlhabi family is surrounded by support, as her grandmother, two 20-something half-sisters and two nannies shower her with love and attention, apart from her proud parents.

Tlhabi also caused some controversy after some listeners complained when it became evident that the new mom was breastfeeding Neo live on air. However, Primedia Broadcasting (owners of Radio 702 and Cape Talk) stood 100% behind the personality, calling her a “groundbreaker”.

“We’re delighted that Redi agreed to be on our December cover,” says FAIRLADY editor Suzy Brokensha. “She’s a real woman of substance – smart, articulate, enquiring – and also really funny and warm. We loved the energy she brought to our Christmas cover: you can absolutely feel the love between her and Neo.”

For the full interview and article, including what Tlhabi’s colleagues and husband Brian has to say about how motherhood changed the radio star, get the December issue of FAIRLADY – on sale now.

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*Image courtesy of FAIRLADY.