Podcasts were gaining popularity in South Africa, much like in many other parts of the world. The rise of podcasts in South Africa can be attributed to several factors:
- Growing Internet Penetration: With increasing internet penetration and access to smartphones, more South Africans have been able to discover and listen to podcasts.
- Diverse Content: Podcasts cover a wide range of topics from news and politics to entertainment, lifestyle, technology, and more. This diverse range of content has attracted a growing audience in South Africa.
- Local Content: The emergence of podcasts offering local South African content, stories, and perspectives has helped to grow the medium’s popularity in the country.
- Convenience: Podcasts offer listeners the convenience of consuming content on the go, whether during commutes, workouts, or while doing chores.
- Engagement: Podcasts provide a more intimate and engaging form of content consumption compared to traditional media, as listeners often feel a personal connection with the hosts and topics discussed.
- Podcast Platforms: The availability of podcast platforms and apps that make it easy to discover, subscribe to, and listen to podcasts has also contributed to the rise of podcasts in South Africa.
Here are some highlights from the top South African podcasts of 2023 as revealed in a Spotify roundup of South African listeners’ favourites: Notable episodes in 2023 included Jordan Peterson’s appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Rorisang Thekiso discussing purity, faith, and being a child star on “Wisdom and Wellness with Mpoomy Ledwaba,” and Nomzamo Mbatha sharing insights on finishing, self-awareness, and representation in another episode of the same podcast.
Among the contenders for the best new podcast of 2023 are Spotify’s “What Now? with Trevor Noah,” “Popcorn and Cheese” hosted by Robot Boii and Mpho Popps, and “Outspoken Owls” hosted by Katie Mohammed and Lynne Forbes.
South Africa’s top podcasts include “Podcast and Chill with MacG,” “Ideas That Matter” hosted by Vusi Thembekwayo, and “Wisdom & Wellness with Mpoomy Ledwaba,” which focuses on personal development and holistic well-being. Hosted by Mpoomy, the podcast explores her journey to self-discovery following a challenging experience with postpartum issues.