Before 35: Life Lessons You Can’t Skip! | Don't Hold Back

Are you approaching 35 — or already there? 💫 This episode of Don’t Hold Back is your grown-woman playbook! Host Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba chats with powerhouse Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp — TV and radio presenter, author, leadership coach, and speaker — about the five essential lessons every woman needs before 35.
Turning 35 doesn’t have to be a crisis — it can be a powerful checkpoint. In this inspiring episode of Don’t Hold Back, host Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba sits down with author, speaker, and leadership coach Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp to unpack the five most important life lessons every woman should know before 35.
From building financial confidence and making smart career moves, to cultivating self-worth, emotional intelligence, and health habits that truly last, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and grown-woman energy. Elana shares what she’s learned about relationships, leadership, and balance — and why clarity and purpose matter more than perfection.
Whether you’re in your 20s, stepping into your 30s, or reflecting beyond 35, this episode will give you tools to thrive with intention. Tune in for real talk, laughter, and insights that every African woman — and every woman everywhere — can relate to.
Turning 35 isn’t about panicking. It’s about owning your power, living with joy, and embracing the lessons that shape a confident, purposeful life.

#DWAfrica #the77percent #DontHoldBackPodcast #DWAfricaWomen #DWAfricaSocialMedia #LifeBefore35 #ElanaSpeaks #WomenWhoLead #GrownWomanEnergy #DWAfricaWomen #DWAfricaSocialMedia #DWDontHoldBack
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Core Production Team:

Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba – Host
Wanjiku Mwaura – Lead Producer (DW)
Silja Fröhlich – Lead Producer (DW)
Asumpta Lattus – Executive Producer (DW)
Diane Macpherson – Executive Producer (Kagiso Media Radio)
Ntsikelelo Khanyile – Production Assistant (Kagiso Media Radio)
Wandile Langeni – Production Assistant (Kagiso Media Radio)
Thandiwe Nkoana – Lead Videographer & Editor
Ronnie Nkoana – Assistant Videographer


This show is a collaboration between DW and leading South African radio stations, Jacaranda FM and East Coast Radio.
More information about this podcast: https://www.dw.com/en/dontholdback/a-...
You can also check out more of our shows:
• The 77 Percent (DW Africa): /@dwthe77percent
• Jacaranda FM: https://www.jacarandafm.com/podcasts/
• East Coast Radio: https://www.ecr.co.za/podcasts/
Catch up with our host Nozibele: / Nozibele Qamngana


77 percent of Africans are younger than 35. Africa's youth holds the key to shaping the continent’s future. On our platforms we share their stories, their dreams and their challenges. Are you part of the 77 percent? Join the debate here on YouTube, and on the following platforms:
facebook.com/dw.africa
instagram.com/dw_the77percent
dw.com/77
dw.com/africa