Johannesburg – Today, Thursday, 5 February 2026, is National Weatherperson’s Day focusing attention on the voices that translate forecasts into everyday understanding.
For weather anchor Thabile Makapela, that connection begins with language, and February marks a special milestone.
A former children’s news presenter, Makapela has been delivering the weather on Iindaba Zethu, the isiXhosa news bulletin produced by Newzroom Afrika, since its launch in February 2023, marking three years of bringing weather updates to viewers in their mother tongue.
Broadcasting in isiXhosa is more than a professional achievement for Makapela.
It reflects a deep commitment to authenticity, cultural pride, and accessibility in news.
Hailing from Queenstown in the Eastern Cape, Makapela knew from an early age that television was where she belonged. That childhood ambition has come full circle as she now presents the weather in the language she grew up speaking.
“Presenting in isiXhosa makes the experience even more exciting,” she says. “It’s my mother tongue, so I’m able to work with the language while still being clear and informative.”
Iindaba Zethu forms part of Izindaba Zethu/Iindaba Zethu, the channel’s first isiZulu and isiXhosa language news offering.
The bulletin airs daily on DStv channel 163 at 19h00 and provides viewers with inclusive coverage of national stories, including critical weather updates that affect communities across the country.
From severe flooding across parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga to water shortages and renewed restrictions in the Western Cape and Nelson Mandela Bay, Makapela’s role ensures that vital weather and water-related information reaches audiences in a language they fully understand, helping communities navigate both extremes of South Africa’s climate.
One of the standout moments in her early career came while she was still a kids’ news anchor, when she interviewed former President Jacob Zuma during Child Protection Week in Pretoria.
“It was mind-blowing,” Makapela recalls.
“I was young, still finding my feet in broadcasting, and suddenly I was engaging with someone so high profile. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.”
Makapela credits much of her growth to working alongside veteran broadcaster Dr. Noxolo Grootboom, who was part of the channel’s launch three years ago, describing their relationship as deeply meaningful.
“She became more than a mentor.
“She’s like a mother and a friend. Working with her is something I’ll always treasure.”
Beyond the studio, Makapela is passionate about mentoring aspiring journalists and using her voice to uplift others, particularly those from communities where media is not always viewed as a typical career path.
“Where I come from, broadcasting wasn’t considered a profession people usually pursued,” she says.
“I was lucky to have a family and community that encouraged me to explore what I loved.”
Her message to young journalists is simple and powerful. “Embrace who you are. Understand that you are unique and enjoy what you do.”
When she is not on screen, Makapela continues to pursue her love for radio, public speaking, and mentoring, driven by the same passion that first drew her to broadcasting.
As National Weatherperson’s Day is marked during this milestone month, Thabile Makapela stands out as a broadcaster helping South Africans better understand the world around them, one weather update at a time, in the language of home.
