“What’s The Story” Goes Live: Banele WJLM Brings Penuel Mlotshwa Back

What began as a childhood dream is now growing into one of Eswatini’s most exciting storytelling platforms. Banele WJLM, the creator and host of What’s The Story, is taking his podcast to the next level with its first-ever live audience edition, featuring the outspoken and thought-provoking Penuel Mlotshwa.

 “Growing up I wanted to be a TV presenter. I’ve always loved giving people a platform to tell their stories in real time,” he says. “Eswatini has so many great people, but we often only hear about them after the fact. With my YouTube platform, I wanted Emaswati and the world  to tell their stories themselves while they’re still here.”

Now, the podcast is taking a bold new step, moving from digital screens to a live audience experience, and the featured guest for this milestone edition is none other than the outspoken, thought-provoking figure Penuel Mlotshwa.

Penuel Lungelo Mlotshwa, known as “God Penuel” or “Penuel The Black Pen”, is a public figure: a podcaster, social media commentator, author, and speaker. He travels around South Africa giving talks to stokvels, families, schools, business groups addressing “life, love, money & business.

He has written 13 books, spanning fictional works, business advice, diaries, parenting guidance, and what he calls “Penuelism Principles”. He positions himself not just as a content creator, but as a kind of social adviser/commentator, aiming to influence people on family, culture, finance and societal issues.

Penuel’s first appearance on the podcast sparked conversations long after the episode ended. Viewers felt the dialogue was too short and left many questions unexplored. Banele agreed and decided it was worth bringing him back, but on a bigger stage.

“People felt like we didn’t have enough time with him,” Banele shares. “So we made the decision to bring him again, this time in front of a LIVE audience. Penuel is very opinionated, he has a lot of life lessons, and he forces people to think about things differently. That’s exactly the kind of energy we want.”

Taking the podcast live is more than a format change, it’s a long-held dream finally taking shape.

“It’s something I’ve been saying since last year,” Banele says. “The main reason is to connect with people and create something that has never been done before. That’s what Banele WJLM is all about, pushing limits.”

He also gives credit to IKLERI Store, the partner helping bring this vision to life.

This live episode won’t shy away from bold topics. Banele is eager to dig into some of the most talked-about aspects of Penuel’s life and philosophy like why he believes he is “a God”, why he walked away from a high-paying corporate job to become a full-time content creator, and of course, the unpredictable and compelling questions that will come directly from the audience.

The hope is to create an honest, unfiltered space, the kind of conversation that sparks reflection, debate, and maybe even inspiration.

.For Banele, What’s The Story has become more than a creative project but a personal dream unfolding, one episode at a time.

“Living my dream. I get to travel, meet people with incredible stories, and document conversations that matter. It’s truly amazing.”

Those attending the live event can expect much more than just a recording session: a meet-and-greet with Penuel Mlotshwa, an IKLERI Store clothing stall and entertainment and a full “good day out” experience. 

With this leap into live storytelling, What’s The Story is not only growing, it’s redefining what a local podcast can be. And for Banele WJLM, it’s just the beginning of even bigger chapters to come.