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The power of healing: Kayise Ngqula on embracing her scars

Kayise Ngqula’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, and unshakable authenticity. From her early days on South African television to becoming a voice of empowerment through her platforms like After Dark with Kayise, she has consistently used her influence to foster connection and inspire others. Her partnership with Dove is not just a campaign collaboration, but a meeting of values, rooted in inclusivity, purpose, and redefining beauty on one’s own terms.

Surviving a life-altering car accident that left her with visible scars, Kayise has bravely shared her story of physical and emotional healing. What could have been a narrative of loss and limitation became one of courage, acceptance, and self-love. Today, she stands as a beacon for many, proving that true beauty lies in embracing every part of one’s journey, even the scars.In this candid conversation with GLAMOUR, Kayise opens up about how she was chosen for the Dove beauty campaign, the battles she’s faced in the aftermath of her accident, and the powerful lessons she’s learned about self-worth, healing, and showing up unapologetically as herself.

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GLAMOUR: Can you share the story of how you were selected for the Dove beauty campaign, and what factors influenced your decision to participate?

Kayise Ngqula: We had been in talks with the agency representing the brand, aligning our values and vision, especially for the Kayise brand and the platforms I manage, like my online talk show and podcast, After Dark with Kayise. which embodies authenticity, personal growth, and human connection, sharing real people's stories, struggles, and triumphs to foster community and unity.

I was deeply humbled to partner with Dove, a brand dedicated to driving meaningful impact and sparking essential conversations. Society's perceptions are evolving, and we're reframing discussions around beauty to prioritise purpose and inclusivity. Throughout my life's transformations, I've remained true to myself within the entertainment industry. Dove's mission resonates with me, as they champion inclusivity and self-acceptance, ensuring everyone has a place.

GLAMOUR: Could you tell us about the car accident that left you with scars ? How has it impacted your daily life and routines?

Kayise Ngqula: the car accident, I faced so many challenges. The scars made me question my self-worth, especially when it came to my body. I was grateful that my face was untouched and that most of the scars eventually faded, but for a long time, I believed certain things—like wearing swimsuits or crop tops—were no longer for me. My journey toward self-acceptance, however, has been truly transformative. After undergoing emergency surgery and battling internal bleeding, I had to shift my mindset completely. Prioritising my mental well-being helped me rebuild my confidence. Today, I’m proud to share my story. I’ve come a long way—from hiding my body to embracing it. I believe that everyone is here for a reason, and maybe mine is to affirm that young girl with a scar or the mother with a C-section mark from bringing life into the world. My story is one of survival, and I wear it with immense pride.

Kayise Ngqula, Image: Instagram/@kayisengqula

GLAMOUR:Can you share your mental healing journey after the accident? How did you come to terms with the scars that weren't a part of your life before?

Kayise Ngqula: It was incredibly tough. I remember waking up the day after the surgery to find a long incision on my stomach, held together with staples. I couldn’t help but think, What happened to me? I didn’t fully understand the extent of my injuries since I had no memory of the accident. At first, I wanted to hide away, ashamed of my stomach. I hated myself. Even simple things like getting undressed felt overwhelming. I questioned my beauty and self-worth, and I feared intimacy and relationships. But therapy changed everything for me. Embracing my scars helped me see myself in a new light. I allowed the pain to guide me through the healing process. And when I reached the point where I realised I didn’t want to feel that way anymore, I took every bit of help I could get. From therapists and life coaches to spiritual guidance from priests, I worked on reviving myself both mentally and spiritually. I learned to be patient with my journey, accepting that healing takes time

GLAMOUR: Have you faced challenges in the media industry due to your appearance, especially after the car accident?

Kayise Ngqula:. I’ve never fit the traditional mold of a magazine cover girl. I’ve always been a bit curvier, but that never stopped me from loving and accepting my body. Growing up, my mom constantly affirmed my beauty, instilling confidence in me from a young age. She would remind me that I was beautiful, and I’d confidently respond, “I know I am.”

As I stepped into mainstream television, I felt accepted for who I was—beyond just my physical appearance. My personality, talent, and charisma have always been my greatest strengths. But as life changed—becoming a wife and a mother—my body transformed, too. Despite those changes ,my sense of self-worth has never wavered. I’ve learned to embrace my uniqueness and the beauty that comes with it. My journey has shown me that true beauty isn’t just about how we look—it’s about who we are.

GLAMOUR: Was there a pivotal moment where you fully started letting go and embracing the new you?

Kayise Ngqula: wearing a crop top for the first time at a friend's birthday. I took a picture, posted it, and immediately thought, "Oh my God, what am I even doing?" I just knew I was going to trend. But at that moment, I felt beautiful—truly beautiful—for the first time since the accident. Then there was the famous swimwear moment during my holiday in Zanzibar. It took me a year to find the courage to post that picture. I was terrified of the mockery that might follow because social media can be harsh, even cruel. When I finally posted it, I immediately switched off my social media, afraid to see the reactions. But when I came back, I was met with an overwhelming outpouring of love. Not a single negative comment. That moment reassured me that even those of us in the public eye have insecurities, and it’s those vulnerabilities that truly connect us.

Kayise Ngqula, Image: Instagram/@kayisengqula

GLAMOUR: Your mother seems to play a significant role in your life. Could you tell us more about your relationship with her?

Kayise Ngqula: mother always says she was born to be a mother, and it’s been her purpose in life. She still cares for me and my sibling, though in different ways now that we're older. She’s incredibly involved in our lives and often asks, “If I’m being too much, tell me.” She’s a loving, attentive mother who wants to understand what we’re going through. She’s faced her own challenges, and we've been there to support her through them.

As a grandmother to my son, it’s even more beautiful to witness. Raising a child with autism has been a journey, and my mom accepted the diagnosis long before I did. After losing his dad, it took me time to process everything, but my mom embraced him from the start, loving him for who he is ,not for who she thought he should be.

GLAMOUR: What has your son taught you about yourself?

Kayise Ngqula: taught me that I can handle anything I set my mind to, and that I can push myself further than I ever thought possible. Raising a non-verbal child brings out a side of you that you didn’t know existed. You have to stretch your mind, thinking for him and understanding how he feels, even before he tries to express it. It’s emotional when I think about it because some of the challenges God puts us through are never meant to harm us. I’m so proud to be Zuko’s mom—raising a superhuman who is here to change the world in his own unique way. My journey through motherhood is truly encouraging. Doing it on my own can be tough, but I’m taking it one day at a time.

Kayise at Woman of the year awards 2025, Image: Instagram/@kayisengqula

GLAMOUR: How has your definition of beauty evolved over the years?

Kayise Ngqula: For beauty has evolved to symbolize freedom—the freedom to be myself, to become whoever I aspire to be, and to pursue my passions without limitations. The changing beauty standards are truly inspiring, as seen in this cover feature with two remarkable women who boldly embrace their unique physical traits. What resonates with me is that, unlike my own scars, theirs are visible for all to see. Yet, we are united in our journey to celebrate the raw beauty of nature, unfiltered and untouched by society’s expectations. Dove's commitment to championing inclusive beauty resonates deeply, and I'm grateful for this opportunity to share my story alongside these incredible women.

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kayise ngqula | beauty | wellnes

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