In a remarkable journey of growth and second chances, Expresso Morning Show presenter Kuhle Adams has made a powerful return. After leaving the show in 2022, Kuhle rejoined the popular morning program in 2023, and now, she’s celebrating her first-ever South African Film & Television Award (Safta) nomination for Best TV Presenter.
Speaking to Daily Sun, the 28-year-old presenter reflected on her exciting nomination and her belief in the power of perseverance. “I believe in the power of second chances,” Kuhle shared. “Our latest Miss South Africa went back to enter the competition after she hadn’t been taken previously, and she won it. And perhaps during that time, you would’ve learned the lessons you were supposed to learn, improved your skill and craft, and bring back something of substance. I came back better through self-development and learning through the industry.”
During her time away from Expresso, Kuhle didn’t stay idle. She honed her craft by working on various productions, each teaching her new lessons. “When I left, I had the pleasure of working on different productions with different teams. That, in itself, you learn from people in the spaces you occupy. In those different productions, because it’s different content, I got to learn much about myself, my personality, how far I can take it—and in that, I became a better presenter,” she explained.
For Kuhle, the Safta nomination has been a long-held dream. “It’s such a big deal because I’ve had the Saftas on my vision board for as long as I can remember,” she revealed. “I’ve had the privilege of presenting Expresso with Safta-nominated and winning presenters such as Graeme Smith and Katlego Maboe. And to be added to that list is honestly a surreal moment.”
Being nominated alongside industry icons like Nomalanga Shozi and Devi Sankaree is still sinking in for Kuhle. “It’s unbelievable. I still feel young, even though I’ve been in the game for eight years. I still feel like there’s so much more I need to learn. But seeing my name alongside incredible women who contribute positively to the industry, it’s a surreal moment,” she added.
The Best TV Presenter category is a public-voted award, and Kuhle made a heartfelt plea to her fans for their support. “Over the years, I’ve had an authentic support system. People have seen me from Roughing It Out on SABC2 when I was 19 years old and now as a 28-year-old presenter occupying different mediums of communication. I want to say this is a story of consistency. It’s a story of following through and staying the course and believing in yourself.”
In her final message, Kuhle encouraged her supporters to vote for her, while emphasising that, win or lose, the nomination itself is a victory. “If you believe in that narrative, I can only hope I inspire you through my work. If you’re inspired, we can just take it home. But it’s a win regardless of the win—it’s the cherry on top if we win,” she concluded.
