METRO FM presenter, Lerato Kganyago, recently shared a deeply personal side of her life during an emotional interview with DJ Fresh on his podcast. The 42-year-old TV and radio host, who is known for her shows like The LKG Show on Soweto TV and The Link on SABC1, opened up about childhood trauma that still affects her today. According to Daily Sun, Lerato discussed how her past relationships with family, friends, and colleagues shaped the person she became.
Lerato revealed that her journey through life was marked by a sense of isolation and distrust. “I built up walls, pushed so many people away,” she said, reflecting on her earlier years. She admitted that she lost friends and distanced herself from family members and colleagues, who could have potentially helped her during tough times. In retrospect, she recognised how this distancing affected her life.
“I started thinking everyone was against me and no one stood up for me or protected me,” Lerato explained. Over time, this perception turned into a belief that the people around her were not on her side, which led to deeper feelings of loneliness and disillusionment.
Therapy, she revealed, played a vital role in her healing journey. Reflecting on her childhood, Lerato recognised the significant role her parents played in shaping her emotional state. She mentioned unresolved feelings of abandonment from her mother, especially during her school years when she was the only child. “Things that I’ve blamed my mum for, that my mum didn’t stand up for me in school,” she shared. Adding to this, she explained how her father’s absence further contributed to her sense of being unsupported.
Lerato’s late grandmother, however, was someone who always had her back. The loss of her grandmother left Lerato feeling more alone in the world, and she struggled with this sense of abandonment for years after.
Her high school years also contributed to her feelings of inadequacy. Although Lerato was not an A-student, she often felt like a disappointment compared to her high-achieving cousins. This lack of academic success planted the seed for her drive to prove herself, leading to a relentless pursuit of success later in life.
Despite these struggles, Lerato has worked hard to build the successful career she enjoys today. However, her journey of self-discovery and healing continues, and she encourages others to address their past traumas, just as she has done.
