It’s been one hell of a ride so far, but media sensation Jamie-Lee Domburg still finds joy in the journey every single day.
The South African media space is fast-paced and competitive, and Jamie-Lee Domburg stands out as a personality who has been riding the wave seemingly effortlessly. Starting out on SABC 3’s Presenter Search in 2019, the Master of Ceremonies quickly stole the hearts of viewers, becoming a household name and member of the Expresso Show family.
Today, as the vibrant voice that brings us daily traffic updates, and Heart 104.9 FM’s Drive Show and ‘The Tea with Jamie-Lee’, the bubbly babe has the power of engagement and genuine warmth. Her charismatic conversation, intellect and cheeky humour adds to her knack for keeping listeners wanting more.
But who is she really? Well, she’s one powerful woman with so much love for life, her son, family, and all that’s still to come…
FINDING HER HAPPINESS
Growing up in the close-knit community of Steenberg, Cape Town, Jamie-Lee always knew she wanted to be in the entertainment industry. So, it’s no wonder why she eventually became a ‘Jill of All Trades’.
“I actually started out as a dancer, drama student and public speaker during my teenage years. I expanded my dance career to national and international level, taking part in various competitions,” she recounts.
“After taking a gap year in Dubai, where I was working as a lifeguard at a water park, I had the opportunity to train in the Marketing field, which ultimately led me to my decision to come back to Cape Town to continue my passion and further my studies in speech and drama at the Cape Academy of Dramatic Arts (CADA)… Later I decided to jump aboard a cruise ship, as part of the entertainment staff, while travelling the world.”
While she dabbled here and there, taking in all the experience and wisdom that came with each adventure, Jamie-Lee eventually found her way on screen and on air, as we all know. Her beautiful smile and infectious energy has made her one of the most sought-after speakers, be it a community gathering, digital stream, or glamourous social event. When she speaks, everyone listens.
“There’s certain things in life that you just can’t explain, and being in this space always felt right, like I was meant to do it,” she enthuses. “I always knew my purpose was to inspire, and I think these mediums of communication allowed me to do just that. Showing people that it wasn’t about where you come from, but to never give up on your dreams and speak up for yourself, and I continue to live out that dream daily,” she continues.
“Aside from being an MC, I honestly love both TV and radio, so I cannot decide on a favourite. Right now, I love that I can rock up in an oversized tracksuit and slippers to radio because there’s not much emphasis on the way that I look, but I’m blessed to be able to have done both, and I’m definitely not done with TV yet!”
THE BOSS-MOM
Beyond her professional achievements, Jamie-Lee is also a dedicated mother, balancing the demands of her career with the joys and responsibilities of parenthood. Her role as Luca’s mom brings an added depth to her on-screen and on-air persona, as she often shares relatable and heartfelt insights into her family life, resonating with many of her audience members who are parents themselves.
“Motherhood has been a transformative journey. My son is thriving, and I’m constantly in awe of how big he is and how independent he has become,” she gushes.
“As for his father and my co-parenting arrangement, it has fostered a supportive environment for Luca, and I’m truly proud of the resilience and love that we share. Seeing him grow into a kind, curious individual makes it all so worthwhile.”
With such a busy schedule, Jamie-Lee tries to find balance and manage the many hats she wears as a working mom and media maven, but it’s often easier said than done.
“I don’t always get it right. I’m very grateful to have a tribe and a village that keeps me accountable to find that balance. I’m a workaholic and don’t always know when to click that off switch, but I’m surrounded by incredible people who remind me that I need to reset,” she encourages.
“My faith has literally carried me through everything, though… Life is about seasons and it’s in the challenging times that we learn the most and are tested.”
FETCHING HER BODY
Jamie-Lee’s commitment to her health and fitness is another interesting facet of her dynamic life. She actually got the hashtag #FetchYourBody trending on social media, as everyone began to follower her personal weight loss journey after giving birth to Luca. As a fitness enthusiast, she advocates for a healthy and active lifestyle, often sharing her workouts, hikes and diet tips across various platforms. Her dedication to wellness not only inspires her followers, but also underscores her belief in the importance of maintaining a balanced life and being responsible for your own true, authentic happiness.
“Happiness starts with you and no one can decide what that looks like,” she exclaims.
“My philosophy on health and happiness centres on mindfulness. I prioritise a healthy diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and nurturing relationships, while also practicing gratitude and staying present in the moment. This approach helps me maintain both physical well-being and emotional fulfilment,” she continues.
“My workouts and diets are constantly changing; there’s no such thing as ‘a same day in my life’, which I love. I enjoy working out early in the morning and setting intention for the day ahead. And because I’ve kickstarted my day with moving my body, I automatically want to fuel my body with food that nourishes me and is good for my system.”
Over the years, Jamie-Lee has lost weight, defined and toned her body, and has grown to become a woman who is in the best shape ever – physically and mentally. She admits that it all starts and ends with that inner monologue and self-couching:
“I’m learning to embrace my imperfections and understand that they make me unique. Accepting that I don’t need to be perfect to be worthy of love has been liberating. As for achieving self-acceptance, it’s an ongoing process rather than a final destination. I have moments of deep self-acceptance and others where I struggle. The key is to keep striving, celebrating progress, and being gentle with myself through the ups and downs.”
In May this year, Jamie-Lee spoke out about finally having breast reduction surgery after enduring many years of back pain, body image issues, and just feeling uncomfortable in her body.
“I had a mini mommy makeover surgery, which is basically breast reduction, and I also had a lot of loose skin after pregnancy and weight loss,” she told TshisaLIVE.
“Breast reduction surgery is something I wanted to do since I was very young because I’ve always had big breasts. It is something I have been suffering from since I was 16 so I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to do it.”
LOVE & TRAVEL
Jamie-Lee is all about manifesting the future she’s always dreamed of, and just going for it. But she’s also all about protecting her peace, first and foremost. That’s why she tries to maintain as much privacy when it comes to her personal life and loved ones.
“My goal for the rest of 2024 is to continue to serve my audience with authenticity. It’s so easy to get caught up and lost in this industry, but if you stay true to who you are, you’ll never be able to pour from an empty cup,” she says.
The jet-setting babe also can’t wait to travel again, and show her son new places and cultures too, after her recent getaway to North Africa.
“It was my first solo travelling trip, and it was an incredibly enriching experience, offering me the chance to explore Morocco. Ultimately, I discovered so much about myself. It was such a unique opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures, meet new people, create unforgettable memories, all while developing a deeper sense of independence and self-reliance,” she expresses.
Media personalities come and go, but Jamie-Lee Domburg has established herself as a lasting and influential figure. Her multifaceted career, grounded in authenticity, passion, and a genuine love for her work, continues to inspire and entertain. As she navigates the ever-evolving landscape of broadcasting, Jamie-Lee remains a true embodiment of the spirit and vibrancy that is SHE POWER.
FOLLOW HER
IG: @jamie_domburg
TIKTOK: @jamiedomburg
Words: Charndré Emma Kippie
Photographs: Zhann Solomons
