In this powerful episode, Carol Ofori sits down with Travis Warwick-Oliver, also known as Turbo Trav - a South African amputee athlete, motivational speaker, and founder of Rejuvenate SA. Travis shares the story behind the motocross accident that led to the amputation of his right leg below the knee, and the mental, physical, and emotional hurdles he faced on the road to recovery. Within just 14 months, he returned to the trail, competing in the Ultra Trail Drakensberg UTD 160 and later completing his first Comrades Marathon. But Travis’s story is about more than endurance. It’s about finding purpose in the face of loss and using his platform to bring mobility aids and hope to others through his non-profit organisation, Rejuvenate SA. Whether you're an athlete, someone facing a tough season, or simply in need of inspiration, this episode will move you.

Illness. Trauma. Self-doubt. Michelle Chetty faced it all and turned it into purpose. Growing up, Michelle faced major challenges early on. She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of eight and survived a serious car accident just a year later. But Michelle refused to be defined by her circumstances. Instead, she set out to find purpose, a journey that would lead her to establish Epic Youth Matters, an organisation focused on empowering young people and tackling gender-based violence. Her commitment to helping others is deeply personal, rooted in her own struggles with health and self-image. She has since turned those experiences into a powerful drive to create change. Michelle’s work has touched countless lives, reminding us that true wealth isn’t measured in possessions but in the impact we leave behind. In this conversation, she reflects on how life’s setbacks can become stepping stones to something greater. Her story is a moving reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is a path to meaning, love, and fulfilment - a true comeback.

In a heartbeat, everything changed for Jodi Kroone. At just 22, a devastating car accident left her paralysed from the chest down. But Jodie's story didn’t end there; it was merely the beginning of an extraordinary comeback. In this episode, Jodie takes us back to the day her life changed forever. Rather than succumb to despair, she embraced her new reality with an indomitable spirit. A significant part of Jodie's story revolves around her finding strength in unfamiliar places, a theme that runs through her tale of recovery and rediscovery. Despite the initial shock and fear of the unknown, Jodie chose to focus on what she could accomplish rather than dwell on the limitations imposed by her condition. Her journey through rehabilitation was marked by a series of personal victories, each one reinforcing her resolve to reclaim her life on her terms. Now a national-level adaptive surfer and rally driver, Jodie uses her experiences to advocate for disability inclusion and resilience. Through this newfound voice, she empowers others to see beyond their circumstances and embrace life's possibilities. In this episode: 00:00 A Life-Altering Accident 00:20 Introducing Jodi Kronner 01:24 Life Before the Accident 03:07 The Day Everything Changed 04:16 The Aftermath and Realization 05:52 Adjusting to a New Reality 07:56 Coping with the Unknown 09:43 Challenges and Silver Linings 14:49 Navigating Daily Frustrations 15:45 Reflecting on Life Before and After the Accident 17:28 Discovering and Excelling in Para Surfing 19:41 Participating in Unique Challenges 20:46 Changing Perceptions of Disability 23:52 Finding Silver Linings and Future Dreams 26:37 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

When corporate restructuring left Vinay Hansraj without a job in early 2020, he had a decision to make: start over or stay stuck. With no clients and no backup plan, Vinay launched his own bond origination business from scratch — just as the country was heading into lockdown. In this moving episode of The Comeback, Vinay joins Carol Ofori to talk about navigating rejection, building a business from the ground up, and overcoming a life-threatening six-way heart bypass. Along the way, he’s picked up six industry awards and a renewed sense of purpose. Vinay’s story is a powerful reminder that setbacks don’t define us — but how we rise does.

*Content warning: This episode contains descriptions of violence and trauma.* In 2011, Zoe Solomon survived a brutal home invasion that left her physically injured and emotionally shaken. It was a terrifying ordeal, but Zoe didn’t let it define her. In this powerful episode of The Comeback, she speaks to Carol Ofori about the long road to reclaiming her life after that night. From her initial recovery to the ongoing impact of trauma, Zoe’s story is one of quiet strength, determination, and resilience. Over a decade later, Zoe is not only living with the scars of her past but actively shaping the future. Now a ward councillor and community leader, she continues to serve others with empathy and courage, not because of what happened to her, but because of who she has always been. In this episode: 00:00 – Trigger warning and introduction 00:24 – Meet Zoe Solomon: a story of resilience 01:21 – Zoe's early life and career 03:58 – The night of the home invasion 06:25 – The struggle and escape 14:28 – Aftermath and immediate response 18:38 – Physical aftermath of the attack 19:28 – Chiropractic and medical treatment 22:06 – Emotional and mental support 22:43 – Returning home and family support 25:27 – Struggles with daily life 31:57 – Rebuilding and community involvement 35:21 – Unresolved trauma and moving forward 36:02 – Conclusion and reflections

In this episode of The Comeback with Carol Ofori, we meet Zamani Ndimande — the founder of Bayeni Holdings. His story is a raw and powerful reminder that where you start does not define where you can go. From cleaning toilets and pumping petrol to running with dangerous taxi routes in Umlazi, Zamani's early life was marked by hardship and risk. But a terrifying hijacking at gunpoint became the wake-up call he needed to turn his life around. He went on to build a career that has seen him consult for global music giants like Universal Music Africa and Def Jam Africa. Zamani shares the lessons he’s learned from mentors, the hustle behind his rise, and why his AfriMasterclass is so important for young creatives trying to break into the industry. This episode is a masterclass in grit, vision, and staying the course -- no matter the odds. In this episode: 00:17 Introducing Zamani Ndimande 01:26 Humble Beginnings in Umlazi 03:12 Early Jobs and Life Lessons 05:52 The Taxi Business: A Dark World 08:44 A Near-Death Experience 14:54 Transition to Business 16:53 Entering the Music Industry 21:29 Def Jam's Entry into Africa 22:01 Usher's Visit and Industry Jargon 22:44 Migos in South Africa 25:19 Power of Association 27:21 Birth of Bayeni and Business Ventures 32:05 Challenges and Successes of AfriMasterclass 37:15 Reflecting on Achievements and Giving Back 38:38 The Comeback and Final Thoughts

⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of pregnancy loss, miscarriage, and infant loss, which some listeners may find distressing. In this episode, Carol sits down with Devina Kowlas, a Durban-based teacher and mother who has walked a long road through loss - and come out the other side with powerful lessons in hope and healing. After experiencing ten pregnancies and enduring the heartbreak of eight miscarriages, Devina’s story is raw, moving, and deeply human. Through it all, she and her husband Lavine never gave up on their dream of becoming parents. Today, they’re raising two healthy children and Devina is sharing their story to support others facing similar heartbreak. Devina talks about breaking the silence around pregnancy loss, the importance of community, and what it takes to keep believing in your comeback. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and content warning 00:22 Meet Devina Kowlas: a journey of hope and heartbreak 01:50 The first pregnancy: joy and unexpected loss 07:11 Facing multiple miscarriages 08:26 The pain of full-term losses 09:10 Coping mechanisms and emotional strength 18:42 Finding resilience through grief 19:50 Breaking the silence around miscarriage 20:44 Considering adoption and an unexpected pregnancy 22:43 The rollercoaster of trying again 25:40 The birth of a miracle 32:25 Encouragement for those facing infertility 35:17 Lessons in hope and healing 37:02 What comeback means to Devina 37:53 Final thoughts and gratitude

Space science might feel galaxies away for most of us, but Dr Thabani Mazibuko’s story proves that big dreams can launch from humble beginnings. In Episode 2 of The Comeback with Carol Ofori, Dr Thabani Mazibuko -Chairperson of the South African Space Technology for Sustainable Development and author - opens up about setbacks, comebacks, and using knowledge to change lives. From rural KwaZulu-Natal to the global stage, Dr Mazibuko’s path is filled with moments that will leave you inspired. He talks about building rockets as a child, stepping away from university to support his family, and returning to earn a doctorate in space technology. Today, he’s leading projects that use satellite data to help communities better prepare for natural disasters. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever had to hit pause on your dreams - and needed a reminder that your comeback is still possible. In this episode: 00:45 Meet Dr. Mazibuko: From Humble Beginnings to Space Technology 01:23 Inspiration and Early Influences 05:27 Challenges and Determination 06:44 Socioeconomic Challenges and Solutions 08:25 Educational Journey and Achievements 11:44 The Importance of Space Technology 13:35 Giving Back and Inspiring the Next Generation 14:28 Overcoming Adversities 17:42 Future Aspirations and Reflections 22:33 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of rape and sexual violence, which may be distressing. Listener discretion is advised. In the premiere episode of The Comeback with Carol Ofori, we hear from Jes Foord - rape survivor, activist, and founder of the Jes Foord Foundation. In 2008, Jes experienced a brutal attack that changed her life forever. But what followed was a decision to fight -- not just for herself, but for thousands of others. Carol and Jes discuss the moment everything changed, the early days of healing, and the power of finding purpose in pain. This is a raw and powerful conversation about choosing courage, creating community, and building something meaningful out of the unimaginable. Key moments: • 00:00 – Introduction: A Story of Resilience • 00:55 – The Horrific Incident: Jes Foord’s Story • 06:27 – The Aftermath: Coping and Community Support • 15:09 – Healing and Advocacy: The Jes Foord Foundation • 24:31 – Final Thoughts: Strength and Moving Forward If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to the Jes Foord Foundation. They offer counselling, mentorship, and resources for survivors of sexual violence. 📱 WhatsApp: 066 440 3604 🌐 www.jff.org.za You are not alone. Help is available.

Extraordinary stories of resilience, told by the people who lived them. The Comeback with Carol Ofori—launching Thursday, 12 June.