Media personality, and entrepreneur, Dineo Ranaka has worn many hats in her dynamic career — from hosting some of South Africa’s biggest radio shows to producing reality TV, building a food venture, and even stepping into the world of spiritual healing.

I caught up with her for a candid Q&A about mental health in the media industry, spirituality, family, and what’s next on her radar.

Given your vast experience in many radio stations, would you say mental health is considered a serious issue?
I don’t believe it is taken as seriously as it should be, and this is not only limited to the radio industry but many industries across the board. There is not sufficient support for employees in this regard, and there’s not much understanding of how broad the subject is. I’ve learnt that HR has a role to play in not only serving to protect organizations, but also in being a healthy bridge of communication between employers and employees — not a weapon to destroy the morale of employees.

What have you learnt about your spiritual journey during your initiation?
Never neglect God in your expression of your free will. I never did in any season or experience, and that’s helped me a great deal in discerning the best path to travel.

On TV, you went from presenting Club 808 to now producing The Ranakas. Are we going to see it back on the screens anytime soon?
Time will tell…

From The Ranakas we learnt that your mother was a great cook, and you embarked on a restaurant venture. How is it going and what’s the biggest lesson you took from the food business?
The food business/industry carries a lot of waste. It is heartbreaking, it is exhausting, it’s an expensive one to enter into, and it is not easy — but like many other ventures, it is worthwhile, especially if you are passionate about it.

Depending on how people view The Ranakas, what I saw was unity. How important is family’s love and support?
It is EVERYTHING!!!

You had a stint in podcasting. What stopped you from continuing, considering the first episode had so many views and was met with messages of encouragement?
When the message has been delivered, close the textbook. When the conversation has been had, take your silence. Or you will throw pearls to swine.

Now that you are back on the airwaves, what can we expect from your show?
High energy and pure music entertainment.

Three things you are currently living by — what makes you happy and makes your day?

• MIND – Look after it
• SPIRIT – Feed it well in solitude and with truth
• CULTURE – Be careful with your personal habits behind closed doors; they have a way of following you into public spaces

Dineo continues to live life out loud — boldly, spiritually, and unapologetically. Whether she’s behind the mic, in the kitchen, or walking a sacred path, she remains a powerful voice in South African media, unafraid to tackle truth and transformation.