She’s bold, bald, bubbly and the brightest start to your morning. Now, she’s entering a new era of motherhood with twins…
Fans of KFM Mornings know how infectious the laughter of Sherlin Barends is on a gloomy Monday. A beloved radio host, voiceover artist, writer and cherished figure in the local community, Sherlin’s journey is one of resilience and passion that has led up to the joy of motherhood. This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the strength and vigour of this driven careerwoman and new mom.
Her road to success
From Idas Valley, Stellenbosch, Sherlin went full steam ahead into the media industry, fuelled by a desire to uplift and inspire others. She always had a flair for connecting with people and her love for storytelling – and telling the stories that need to be heard – grew from there. But before we heard her voice over the airwaves, she was part of Top Billing’s 2012 Presenter Search.
“Growing up, I always watched shows like Top Billing. I looked at Jo-Ann Strauss and Jeannie D and thought, ‘Wow, these women are so beautiful and they get to travel for a living and they get to talk for a living. So, these are the women I looked up to, but I didn’t ever think that I would be on TV or on radio,” she told Grey Jabesi on the Survival Skills podcast.
“People are my passion. CONNECTING WITH THEM IS MY PURPOSE. The media industry allows me to do that”
She studied at Stellenbosch University more than 12 years ago, graduating with Honours in Journalism. This is where she found her passion for broadcasting. “My entire life, basically, had happened in Idas Valley, and my world view only really changed when I went to university and became a Matie. I met people from around the world and from around the country, and that was really magical for me.
“In my second year I joined MFM 94.5 (Stellenbosch University’s campus radio station) and I absolutely fell in love with radio. So, I call TV my first crush, but radio really became my first love.”
Sherlin’s first job was at Media24, where she spent time writing for a year at Sarie magazine. Her big breakthrough came when she entered commercial radio through Good Hope FM. “Everything sort of just fell into place – it just happened and flowed,” she said in a chat with Bizcommunity.
A brand new chapter
At 33, Sherlin has become a household name thanks to her tenure as co-host on KFM Mornings alongside Darren ‘Whackhead’ Simpson and Sibongile Mafu, becoming an essential part of the award-winning station.
“What I love about radio is that you get to be part of people’s lives. They welcome you into their cars and homes. Radio is immediate and has the power to lift moods and change lives.”
As a radio host on one of the top breakfast shows in the Cape, she has become a shining light of positivity, spreading laughter, knowledge and empowerment to her audience on a daily basis.
“People are my passion. Connecting with them is my purpose. The media industry allows me to do just that by creating content and telling and listening to stories,” she says. “Broadcasting is hard work, and a big business, but you can only do your best and be yourself. So be yourself! You need to be comfortable in your own skin if you want a sustainable career in media.”
While she may have a drive to succeed and leave a mark in media, Sherlin recently embarked on her most life-changing adventure yet: motherhood. Welcoming twin boys last December, she’s embracing the joys and challenges of raising two bundles of joy with grace and gratitude.
“I am making the transition from plant mom to actual mom, and I am feeling great,” she told her Instagram followers. “My baby shower was EVERYTHING I didn’t know I wanted and needed… I’m incredibly grateful for my tribe.”
Sharing sneak peeks into her motherhood journey with her loyal followers, Sherlin has become an inspiration to countless mothers around the country. Her candid reflections on the highs and lows of parenthood resonate deeply, fostering a sense of camaraderie and solidarity among fellow moms.
All for women’s empowerment
Beyond her role as a mother, she remains dedicated to empowering women and making a difference in her community. Sharing as much as she can online and getting involved with different organisations, Sherlin works to amplify the voices of marginalised groups and advocates for gender equality through projects like finance and investment platform Momentum’s #SheOwnsHerSuccess Workshop Series.
Having had her own battles with mental health, Sherlin also hopes to raise awareness about this struggle, and to encourage others to take care of their health and well-being .
She told Independent Online, “I’m not just bald, bold and bubbly. I’m also choosing to be vulnerable about my mental health. I know I’m not alone. I want others to know that they’re not alone either. Sharing my story is not only part of my personal healing, but it’s been encouraging to see how others are seeking help and opening up. When we help ourselves, we sometimes help others. When others help us, they sometimes also help themselves.
“It’s easy to talk about self-love and self-care, but my journey has taught me the importance of making it a daily practice. Ask for help. Seek help. You have nothing to be ashamed of. You are not alone. You are worthy of rest, assistance, support and love.”
We applaud Sherlin Barends for her unwavering commitment to her family, her career and the betterment of society. Through her vibrancy and compassionate spirit, she continues to inspire us to embrace life’s challenges with courage. Sherlin, here’s to you: a beacon of light in a world that could always use a little more love.
FAST FACTS
Birthday:
10 June 1990
Star Sign:
Gemini
Hometown:
Idas Valley, Stellenbosch
First TV Appearance:
Top Billing Presenter Search (2012)
Hobbies:
Hiking, yoga, eating good food, and napping
Keep up with Sherlin
Instagram: @sherlinbarends
Facebook: Sherlin Barends
X: @SherlinBarends
TikTok: @sherlinbarends
Words by: Charndré Emma Kippie
Photo: Balanced Life Magazine, supplied
