Pearl Thusi and Thando Mokoena: bridging generations with laughter and real talk on their podcast

When South African actress and media personality Pearl Thusi steps into the spotlight, she brings more than just her star power. Known as “Mama Panther,” she’s a mother who looks out for her daughters.

Thusi and her daughter, Thandolwethu Mokoena, have just launched a YouTube show called Say Less with Pearl and Thando.

The show invites viewers into their lives, mixing generational banter, thoughtful conversations, and an honest look at what it means to raise and be raised today.

In their words, it’s a front-row seat to the ups and downs of a modern mother-daughter relationship as they work through the generational gap.

The show isn’t just entertaining, it’s easy to relate to. Their quick jokes and laughter highlight something we all know: relationships can be tough, but they’re also rewarding.

“Nobody’s getting left out. Welcome to our very first episode. We’re so excited to bring you this beautiful show, where we try to bridge the gap between millennials and Gen Z,” Thusi says warmly in the pilot.

Psychologists agree that the mother-daughter bond is one of the most influential in shaping emotional health and identity.

Studies show that mothers and daughters often process emotions in similar ways, which helps them understand each other better. This is why their relationship can feel so intense, whether they’re getting along or having disagreements.

Because of the emotional closeness, conflicts between mothers and daughters can also be more painful, says Dr Terri Apter, a family therapist and author of You Don’t Really Know Me: Why Mothers and Daughters Fight and How Both Can Win.

“But those very conflicts can be opportunities for growth if handled with care.”

On their podcast, Thusi and Thando use their show to help close the gap between millennials and Gen Z. In their first episode, they tackled a topic that often causes tension between parents and kids: dating.

For Thusi, it’s a subject laced with protective instincts. “As a parent, I realise how hectic this is what I put my parents through,” she laughs, half-wincing at the memory. Thando, in true Gen Z fashion, shrugs off the drama: “It’s not that deep.”

Their relationship shows what many parents and teens experience. Parents worry about safety, while kids want freedom. Finding a balance between these needs is tough, but it can also be one of the most rewarding parts of parenting.

While I admit I didn’t get to finish the pilot as a viewer, I got to laugh with them, learn from them, and reflect on our own family ties. And maybe, just maybe, their story will inspire more mothers and daughters to sit down and listen more.

The show is more than celebrity content; it’s a case study in how communication can strengthen relationships. Thusi admits that while she and Thando have worked together before on campaigns and shoots, this level of collaboration feels different.

“Every new level has its own devil,” she says, hinting at the challenges that come with evolving at each stage of life.

Her words ring true for anyone navigating family life. Each phase of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood presents its own trials. Not every mother-daughter relationship is this open, and many are fraught with silence or misunderstanding.

It’s easy to see their podcast as just another celebrity venture. But in truth, it offers a mirror to families everywhere.

Whether you’re a single parent, co-parent, or part of a blended family, Pearl and Thando’s dynamic reminds us that healthy mother-daughter relationships aren’t built on perfection; they’re built on presence and patience.

Coping with the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship requires a thoughtful and empathetic approach.

Here are some insights and strategies to help navigate and strengthen this bond:

1. Communication is key: Open, honest, and respectful communication is essential. Both mothers and daughters should strive to express their thoughts and feelings without judgment or defensiveness.

2. Create healthy boundaries: Healthy boundaries are crucial in any relationship. Mothers and daughters should respect each other’s need for space and autonomy.

3. Empathy and compassion: Recognising the other's perspective and showing understanding during conflicts can ease tensions and promote healing. It's important to strive to see the situation through each other’s eyes and respond with kindness and patience.

4. Acceptance: Acceptance is key in any relationship. This means recognising and respecting each other’s individuality and choices, even when they differ from one’s own expectations or desires.

5. Seek professional help if needed: Exploring mother-daughter wounds in therapy can provide an opportunity for healing as well as a safe space for mothers and daughters to discuss their issues, improve communication, and develop healthier patterns of interaction.

6. Focus on the positive: Despite the challenges, it’s important to focus on the positive aspects of the relationship. Celebrating the joys, achievements, and shared moments can strengthen the bond and create a reservoir of positive experiences to draw upon during difficult times.