- Samora Mangesi has been sober for six months after a personal wake-up call.
- The TV and radio host says alcohol contributed to financial losses and work troubles.
- His new lifestyle includes gym workouts, better focus, and improved mental clarity.
Radio and TV host Samora Mangesi is celebrating a milestone, six months without alcohol. The 32-year-old presenter, best known for his work on Khumbul’Ekhaya and Umhlobo Wenene FM’s Iqonga Labatsha, says quitting booze has completely transformed his life.
For years, Mangesi admits, he was curious about what it would be like to attend social gatherings without drinking. But his turning point came after a wild night out in April this year, which ended with him losing his phone and a run-in with the law.
“Too many of my problems stemmed from alcohol,” he said.
Realising the Cost of Drinking
While on holiday in Rustenburg, Mangesi had an eye-opening moment during a Black Motion performance. He decided then and there that once back in Johannesburg, he would give up alcohol and join the gym.
A quick review of his finances also revealed that he was losing large amounts of money every month, what he now calls “drunken generosity.”
Past Struggles in the Spotlight
This is not Mangesi’s first break from drinking. In the past, he had taken a forced six-month pause due to an incident, but this time he chose sobriety for himself.
In 2022, his career faced turbulence when he was pulled off air at Umhlobo Wenene FM after allegedly sounding intoxicated on radio. Mangesi later clarified that flu medication was to blame, but admits the incident nearly cost him his job.
“Even though I wasn’t drunk, alcohol’s name came up again. That was another wake-up call,” he explained.
Life After Alcohol
Since putting the bottle down, Mangesi says his life has improved in ways he never expected.
“I always thought I had anxiety. But I’ve realised I was just constantly hungover,” he shared. “Now I’m sharper, more focused, and operating at my best.”
For Mangesi, sobriety has been more than just quitting booze — it’s a lifestyle shift. With regular gym sessions and a clear head, the broadcaster says he is finally living at “optimal performance.”