SA actress Brenda Ngxoli makes us question work-life balance
An interview with South African actress Brenda Ngxoli, promoting her new film, turned into a candid discussion on work-life balance.
Award-winning actress Brenda Ngxoli recently gave a live interview with her daughter on her lap while promoting her new film, 'A Scam called Love'.
According to IOL, the interview, which aired on Newzroom 405, has sparked conversations about the appropriateness of bringing children into the workplace.
While many have tried to keep work and personal life separate, it’s a battle that often proves difficult to win. Even the most dedicated can find themselves struggling to balance both worlds.
However, embracing this balance can offer freedom, helping you set healthier boundaries between work and personal life.
The interview has sparked widespread disapproval from some viewers, who felt Ngxoli should have made alternate childcare arrangements for the interview. This has reignited the ongoing debate about the balance between work and life, while also raising questions about professionalism in the workplace.
On one side, some argue that parents have the right to bring their kids to work while fulfilling their parental duties. But should there be a limit on the child's age?
Opinions are divided – some support Ngxoli's decision to bring her daughter along, others find it inappropriate.
Watch the live interview below, courtesy of YouTube.
While many have criticised Ngxoli for bringing her daughter to the interview, we admired how news broadcaster Masechaba Mposwa embraced Ngxoli’s decision to prioritise her role as a mother.
Regardless of differing opinions, we see a mother who is placing her child’s needs first. It’s also important to note that the child was not a distraction during the interview, and Ngxoli managed to answer the questions professionally and enthusiastically.
As the saying goes, "It takes a village to raise a child." This rings true when considering Ngxoli’s recent personal challenges that she's openly shared with the public.
Following a heated exchange with her mother, which included allegations of abuse – something Ngxoli has firmly denied – the actress has received an outpouring of support, both emotionally and financially. This situation has even led her to move out of her family home.
Ngxoli's personal journey has highlighted the need for workplaces to find better ways for parents to balance their roles as both workers and caregivers.
Such shifts can create healthier work environments and support a stronger family dynamic. Children feel validated by being closer to their parents, while parents experience less guilt and are able to be present in their children's lives.
In fact, Ngxoli’s family dispute was even incorporated into an English Assessment in February 2025 (sourced from Facebook), with many appreciating how real-life examples are used to teach students in a more practical, life-centered way.
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