Second cookbook on the way for popular home-cooking presenter
Bibi Aysha Laher never planned on becoming a familiar voice and face in SA media, but a childhood love for public speaking has grown into a career that now spans radio, television, writing and motivational coaching.
Laher, who is 50, says she was often invited to speak at events when she was young, addressing topics “we often sweep under the rug”.
The response, she says, made her realise she needed “a much bigger platform to reach out to a wider audience”.
A friend then encouraged her to try radio, and in April 2017 she produced and presented her first show, Youth Talk, a parenting programme on Radio Islam International.
The show grew a local and international following, which opened more doors.
In March 2023, she was headhunted by Radio Al Ansaar, where she now produces and presents Phenomenal Family every Monday and Wednesday, and Cooking With Bibi Aysha on Thursdays.
Her long-held goal of moving into television has also been achieved.
Her new show, Phenomenal People, which profiles “unsung heroes and heroines making a difference around South Africa”, will be broadcast on Hilaal TV (DStv 347) and the station’s YouTube channel from January 2026.
Laher, who goes by the full name Bibi Aysha Laher — “Ayesha in Arabic means to live, lively” — grew up in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg.
She now lives between Durban and Gqeberha, with plans to relocate to Durban permanently.
She says balancing multiple shows is possible because “every show has its own niche”, which allows her to draw on different interests, experiences and ideas.
Her work, she says, is rooted in her passion “for educating, empowering, motivating and inspiring others”.
Her cookbook, Cooking With Bibi Aysha, has also gained a strong following.
Laher says the book is a tribute to her mother, Zubeida Laher, whom she calls “the best cook in the world”.
She says she hopes the book encourages families to reconnect through simple, budget-friendly meals.
“Food brings people together… I want to bring back that family unity,” she says.
Before entering broadcasting, Laher spent 25 years as a foundation-phase specialist teacher.
She says this experience is what pushed her toward coaching.
“I realised that many adults and children needed a coach to direct them into following their dreams,” she says.
She studied multiple courses locally and internationally and now works as a motivational speaker and emotional-wellness and confidence coach with clients “from all over South Africa and around the world”
One of her most personal projects is her Bag of Love initiative, which began after she was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2023.
She says she has always felt better when giving to others. One day, she filled a handbag with small items — “a chocolate bar, a small hand cream, a packet of sweets and a thank-you note” — and gave it to a woman who greeted her outside a mosque every Friday.
“The joy that gave me encouraged me to hand out more Bags of Love,” she says. She now distributes them almost every day.
Laher says teaching and mentoring have shaped the way she communicates today.
“It has given me the ability to communicate with adults and children around the world,” she says.
Helping people become confident speakers “has taught me about the importance of effective communication, whether it be verbal or non-verbal.”
She has received several awards in recent years, which she describes as humbling.
“I greatly appreciate the recognition, hoping it will motivate and inspire others as well,” she says.
But the honour she treasures most, she adds, is when people tell her they pray for her. “That’s what I am striving to do: leave a heartprint wherever I go.”
Despite working across different provinces and managing health issues, she says she remains committed to her projects.
Next year she plans to release Cooking With Bibi Aysha Book 2, continue further studies in Islamic psychology, expand her radio and TV audience and collaborate with several NPOs.
Her advice to young people is simple. “Make your passion your career and you will never have to work a day in your life,” she says. “Whatever you do, be authentic… Never forget the power of prayer and kindness.”
IOL News