POLOKWANE – Laelo Mahlo, a Polokwane native and BA student in international relations, political science and media at Wits University, aims to promote healing and growth through her YouTube channel, ‘Controversial Conversations with Laelo Mahlo’.
Mahlo, also a radio presenter, has also added vlogging to her busy schedule.
“The concept for my YouTube channel, ‘Controversial Conversations,’ emerged in 2017 with the goal of highlighting controversial issues and creating a platform for everyone, especially the youth, to participate in the retrospective and prospective analysis of these topics,” she said.
Her experience includes participating in progressive panels with pioneering young men and women at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament, discussing daily challenges within the educational system and society.
“I realised it was only fair to share my knowledge and become an ambassador for change,” Mahlo said.
All of Mahlo’s podcasts are pre-recorded and uploaded to her channel in advance to manage her academic commitments. “I line up the episodes in advance, allowing me to focus on my studies,” she said.
Mahlo covers a wide range of topics on her podcasts. “The goal is to find comfort in discomfort. We discuss everything from childhood trauma, vision boards, self-love, and period talk to abortion and dealing with grief,” she said.
Mahlo encourages parents and children to subscribe and watch her channel.
“Childhood trauma can affect both parents and young people. It’s educational, and no one is ever too old or too young for education,” she added.
Mahlo acknowledges the financial challenges of running her YouTube podcast, saying it is entirely self-funded and equipment is expensive. “Fortunately, Royalskinny Studios is assisting with some of their services,” she said.
Drawing from her personal experiences, Mahlo hopes to inspire others.
“I’m healing through the channel and I hope to encourage others to begin self and societal introspection. I want to get people talking, educated, and healing too. I’m excited to have finally gathered the strength to begin this journey. I hope and believe everyone will grow with me,” she concluded.
Mahlo is also the founder of L Making A Real Mark Foundation, as well as a member of Ditsala Le Dinaletsana, which are both community-serving organisations where she volunteers as a peer counsellor/educator for the community of Moletjie and the province at large.
“My responsibilities as a child ambassador include motivating learners in schools and to provide the necessary assistance during exams. I’m also an ambassador for the John Lekgetho Morapama Foundation.”
