WATCH: Zanele Potelwa Bids Emotional Farewell to Selimathunzi

Last Updated: September 23, 2026By Viwe Ntlebi

Zanele Potelwa has closed an important chapter in her television career, saying an emotional goodbye to Selimathunzi, the SABC entertainment show she credits with helping her find her voice and embrace exactly who she is.

The much-loved presenter shared an emotional farewell video on Instagram, taking viewers through some of her most memorable moments on the show. The montage featured clips from red carpet interviews, award shows, outdoor segments and behind-the-scenes moments, offering a glimpse into her journey with the programme.

Running throughout the video was the message, “The sweetest Goodbye to My first TV Love, Selimathunzi”, before it ended with a heartfelt tribute: “Thank you for EVERYTHING, my beautiful forever family.”

For Potelwa, Selimathunzi was more than simply another television presenting job. It became an important part of her development as a broadcaster and gave her the space to explore her personality on screen.

Reflecting on what the show has meant to her, Potelwa opened up about the impact it had on both her career and her confidence.

“Selimathunzi gave me a voice and allowed me to BECOME. Selimathunzi believed in me and allowed me to be my LOUD, Silly, unconventional self.”

Her words capture the relationship she developed with the show and the people behind it, particularly during a period in which she was establishing herself as one of South Africa’s recognisable young television personalities.

Known for her bubbly personality, energetic presenting style and ability to connect naturally with people, Potelwa has built a career across television and radio. Her time on Selimathunzi gave audiences the opportunity to see those qualities come through in a variety of settings, from entertainment interviews to live events and outdoor features.

The farewell video also served as a visual reminder of just how much ground she covered during her time on the programme.

Rather than focusing solely on the sadness of leaving, Potelwa used the moment to celebrate what the experience gave her.

Her tribute comes as Selimathunzi prepares to enter another chapter with new presenters taking over the entertainment show. Potelwa also extended her congratulations to the incoming hosts, signalling her support for the next generation who will now have an opportunity to make the programme their own.

For viewers who have followed Potelwa’s journey, her farewell marks the end of an era, but her words suggest that she will carry the lessons and memories from Selimathunzi into whatever comes next.

The presenter has not forgotten the platform that allowed her to grow, experiment and show audiences the person behind the polished television persona.

And while saying goodbye to a first television love is never easy, Potelwa appears to be leaving Selimathunzi with gratitude for the memories, the opportunities and the confidence it helped build.