A Role Beyond the Microphone – Yes Wena Girl Founder, Sebili Molefe

Sebili Molefe is committed to #CloseTheVisibilityGap for young women in sport. As a Lesedi FM sports presenter, she founded and organises the ‘Yes Wena Girl’ netball and soccer tournament. This year’s edition is taking place from 17-21 December in Qwaqwa, and hosts 280 participants in its dedication to advancing women’s sport.

Molefe explained how she hopes the event will impart to the young women taking part. 

“The tournament’s goal is to provide opportunities for girls to gain recognition both locally and nationally. Whilst addressing social challenges such as teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and limited access to sporting opportunities.”

Lesedi FM Presenter and ‘Yes Wena Girl’ Founder, Sebili Molefe

For the sports broadcaster, she hopes this tournament has a holistic impact on its participants and that they are able to stay away from social ills while being able to succeed as sportswomen. 

“It’s a known fact that women’s sports do not have the support as yet to grow it immensely, whether you talk of finance or resources. As a seasoned broadcaster with vast experience in sport, it has always been my desire to play a role beyond the microphone in advocating for women’s sport by putting action to the words. It’s always been a matter of when, and this is the right time. 

She added that the tournament is on the right path as it fulfilled what it set out to do. One of the event’s participants was scouted by former Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies coach, Jerry Tshabalala. 

“I also use my voice and influence in uplifting others through the ‘Yes Wena Girl’ tournament and had one of our girls, Pulane Moloi, scouted from the tournament by former Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies Coach, now Moroccan club TS Sporting Casablanca coach Jerry Tshabalala last year.”

“She went on to represent South Africa at the CAF African Schools Championship 2025, that were held in Ghana. This is a true testament that indeed this is the right time.”

‘Yes Wena Girl’ is now in its second year, and Molefe envisions the sports tournament will be in all nine provinces in South Africa in the future. 

“My dream is to see the tournament expand to every province in the country, bringing different girls from all walks of life to one stage nationally. In rural and urban areas, and opening international doors for our girls.”

Molefe explains that it’s important for the young women to be able to spend their time in a constructive way during the holiday period.

“This tournament is played during the festive season to also assist our girls in keeping occupied and not becoming victims of social ills. This is why we work together with the Local Football Associations and Netball Federations, whilst opening doors for very limited teams from the community to participate in the tournament.”

This helps in building and monitoring players’ progress, and allows the tournament to be run with the utmost order by further instilling the rules of the game, at a time when all games are on a break.”

Her radio career began when she started at Qwaqwa Community Radio in 2002. A few years later, in 2007, she joined Lesedi FM, and as they say, the rest is history. Molefe has become a trusted source of sports information and is now playing her part in the growth of women’s sport. She says that as a sports representative, it is her responsibility to tell stories that will inspire the next generation. 

“To tell and document our stories ensures that even future generations have the roadmap. This will therefore ensure generations to come know how to overcome challenges, reach great heights of success, and maintain that success beyond, and also create a sense of gratitude.”

She went on to say that she is pleased so many more women are entering the sports broadcasting sphere.

“It’s a wonderful time to see many women coming into sports broadcasting now. It’s one of the big signs that show women are more than capable, given a chance.”

Molefe hopes to “build a long-standing successful broadcasting brand, whilst mentoring and giving back to different communities through the Sebili Molefe Foundation.” 

She also paid homage to gsport for their relentless work in #ClosingTheVisibilityGap.

“gsport has done exceptionally well in #ClosingTheVisibilityGap by being the force that inspires and pushes many to get up and do it for themselves. A platform built and led by an inspirational woman, Kass Naidoo, a woman who encourages and celebrates others. gsport is one of the biggest mirrors the nation has in showcasing the excellence of women’s sport.”

Main Photo Caption: Sebili Molefe is committed to #CloseTheVisibilityGap for young women in sport. As a Lesedi FM sports presenter, she founded and organises the ‘Yes Wena Girl’ netball and soccer tournament taking place from 17-21 December in Qwaqwa and will host 280 participants and is dedicated to advancing women’s sport. All Photos: Supplied

Photo 2 Caption: Molefe explains that it’s important for the young women to be able to spend their time in a constructive way during the holiday period.