South African radio personality Lethabo “LeJoy” Mathatho is embracing an exciting new chapter in her personal life while inviting audiences to discover another side of her through her appearance on "Come Dine With Me South Africa".
For Mathatho, food has always been about more than what is served on a plate. It is about family, culture, memories and the connections people build around a table.
These values were evident during her recent Magadi celebration, which brought together both her and her husband's families to celebrate their union and mark the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Reflecting on becoming a bride, Mathatho described herself as overwhelmed with gratitude, admitting that saying “my husband” still feels surreal.
One of the most meaningful moments of the celebration was looking around and seeing both families gathered together.
“It reminded me that this was bigger than a celebration; it was the beginning of a new family,” she said.
A Magadi celebration rooted in tradition
When planning the celebration, Mathatho wanted the food to reflect the cultural significance of Magadi and evoke the warmth of home.
She enlisted the services of chef Nomvula to bring her vision to life, with a menu that celebrated traditional South African cuisine and the memories associated with family gatherings.
“I wanted the menu to honour the heart of a Magadi celebration, which, for me, meant serving traditional food that reminds people of home, family and where they come from,” she explained.
“Food is such an important part of our culture; it carries memories, tells stories and brings generations together around one table.”
The spread featured familiar favourites, including pap, samp and beans, signature rice and dumplings, alongside beef stew, mogodu, trotters, fish and marinated braai chicken.
Traditional spinach with peppers, pumpkin and seasonal vegetables accompanied the main dishes, while guests could also enjoy an assortment of salads.
Dessert included malva pudding served with custard and assorted cheesecakes.
For Mathatho, however, the celebration was about more than putting together an impressive menu. It was about creating an experience that felt authentic to her family and their traditions.
She was also grateful that everything went according to plan, crediting her service providers and coordinator for helping bring the day together.
The occasion was preceded by a month of prayer, during which she and her family fasted and prayed two days each week.
“God answered,” she said.
The way to her heart is through good food
It seems food has also played a special role in Mathatho's love story.
Asked whether the way to someone's heart is through their stomach, she recalled how her husband made an impression during the early weeks of their relationship.
“In the first few weeks of meeting my husband, he turned my home into a restaurant and florist!” she said.
“He would spoil me with good food and make sure my table was always full, and he always brought me flowers. So he was feeding my stomach and winning my heart.”
For someone who appreciates thoughtful gestures, a perfect date night does not necessarily require an elaborate restaurant reservation.
Mathatho would happily opt for dinner under the stars, provided the setting is beautiful and the company is right.
“I love good food and beautiful settings, but what truly makes a date memorable is the company and the conversation,” she explained.
She values those moments when conversation flows naturally, laughter comes easily and the evening passes without either person noticing how much time has gone by.
“When the laughter flows, the conversation comes naturally, and you don't want the evening to end. For me, that's the real magic of a perfect date night.”
And while she enjoys being spoiled, the kitchen is also a space where she and her husband get to share their interests.
Mathatho describes herself as someone who enjoys experimenting with recipes she discovers online and trying her hand at new dishes.
Her husband, meanwhile, has his own speciality.
“Oh, his oxtail? I know I can't compete!” she joked.
She believes she is a good cook, although she suspects her husband would confidently nominate her as the better cook between them.
“He has his signature dishes, and I have my adventurous moments. Together, we make a pretty good team in the kitchen!”
Still, there is one kitchen-related matter on which she is willing to protect her reputation.
Asked who is more likely to burn dinner, she playfully blamed her husband.
“I'll say my husband, just to protect my reputation,” she laughed.
Seven colours, Sunday lunches and family traditions
For Mathatho, certain dishes are inseparable from memories of home.
Seven colours immediately takes her back to Sunday lunches after church, surrounded by family.
Mala mogodu, meanwhile, carries its own special significance.
She explained that it is a tradition in her family to gather on the Friday before a Saturday family occasion, share a meal and enjoy good conversation.
They continued the tradition ahead of her Magadi celebration, making time for family and familiar food before the main event.
“Some traditions are just too beautiful to let go of!” she said.
Her love for these shared experiences also helps explain why hosting is about more than cooking a good meal. It is about making people feel comfortable, creating an inviting atmosphere and giving everyone a reason to linger around the table.
These are qualities audiences can expect to see when she opens her doors on "Come Dine With Me South Africa".
Bringing LeJoy to "Come Dine With Me South Africa"
Mathatho joined the televised dinner challenge because she wanted an opportunity to express herself beyond what people already know about her.
“I love experiences that allow me to express myself beyond what people already know. I saw this as an opportunity to showcase my personality, creativity, and love for bringing people together,” she said.
However, hosting a televised dinner comes with its own pressures.
Balancing food preparation, time management and the different personalities around the table requires more than simply knowing one's way around the kitchen.
“Absolutely! It taught me that entertaining is about more than food. You have to manage your time, make people comfortable, and still enjoy the moment,” she said.
“Yho, it can be a lot but also so damn fun.”
Although she likes things to be well put together, the experience has also taught her to embrace the unexpected.
Mathatho admits that she is learning that not everything needs to be perfect and that sometimes the best approach is to trust the process, improvise and enjoy the experience.
Navigating different personalities is another part of the challenge.
Rather than expecting everyone to approach things in the same way, she focuses on remaining present, being herself and ensuring her guests feel welcome, even when things become difficult.
When asked to describe her hosting style in three words, her answer was simple: “Warm, intentional, and unforgettable.”
Viewers can expect laughter, good food, beautiful energy and, above all, an experience that reflects who she is.
Who would make her dream dinner guest list?
If Mathatho could invite three South African personalities to her dinner table, her guest list would bring together entertainment, relationship advice and politics.
First on her list is radio personality Anele Mdoda.
As two women leading breakfast radio shows, Mathatho believes they would have plenty to discuss, particularly given how uncommon it remains for women to occupy these positions in the industry. She would also like to hear more about Mdoda's experience as a television producer.
Next would be musician and chef J'Something and his wife.
Mathatho would welcome the opportunity to hear their perspectives on marriage and relationships, hoping for a few heartfelt conversations and, perhaps, a musical performance from the Mi Casa frontman.
She described him as someone who comes across as genuine.
Her third choice might surprise some people: President Cyril Ramaphosa.
For Mathatho, the invitation would offer an opportunity to have an honest conversation about the country's challenges and the concerns she shares with other citizens.
“Like any other citizen, I have concerns about our country, and what better way to address them than over a good meal?” she said.
It is a guest list that reflects her interests beyond the kitchen, from conversations about women in broadcasting and the realities of marriage to the political issues affecting South Africans.
Whether she is celebrating a milestone in her personal life or entertaining guests on television, Mathatho's approach remains consistent: a memorable gathering is not simply about the food on the table. It is about the people around it, the conversations that unfold and the memories they create together.