As the world marks Valentine’s Day today, love once again takes centre stage, beyond the roses, romantic dinners and social media declarations.
For many, February is a time to reflect on connection, gratitude and self-love. Renowned South African personalities share what the day means to them, how they are spending it, and why the month of love continues to influence their lives and work.
Leading the conversation is media personality and singer Nandi Madida, who believes the essence of Valentine’s Day lies in celebrating love in all its forms.
“You know, my perspective on Valentine’s Day is just really and truly to celebrate something so important. And that is love and all kinds of love. You know, there’s self-love, and there’s motherly love and parental love as a whole. So fatherly love, mother love, family love, sibling love, Black love, you know, marital love. So just all the different forms of love, you know, and love is such a universal language. And I think now more than ever, the world needs love. So celebrating this day means the world to me. However you celebrate it, I love love. It’s time that we appreciate ourselves. But it all begins with self-love. And that’s what’s important. So once you have self-love, it’s easier to navigate other kinds of love.”
Madida has invited listeners into an affirming conversation about love in all its forms in a brand-new episode of The Motherhood Network, dropping on 14 February 2026.
Titled “A Celebration of the Love You Deserve”, the episode features respected marriage and family counsellor Dr Bakhe Dlamini alongside his wife, Nokwanda Dlamini, for an intimate and insightful dialogue on self-love, marriage, and Black love.
More than a conversation, she says this episode is a beautiful tribute to the kind of love that builds homes, nurtures families, and strengthens communities.
Award-winning singer LaSauce shares a similarly expansive view of the day.
“Valentine’s Day, for me, is not just about romance. It’s about connection, appreciation, and the energy that comes from loving someone, something, or even yourself. As someone who makes classic love music, I see it as a reminder of why I create. Love is the root of most songs, and it’s important to celebrate it in all its forms because love isn’t only for couples; it’s for family, friends, and the passion you carry in your heart.”
For the hitmaker, love fuels both life and music. She notes that February often brings a shift in energy.
“February always feels warmer in spirit, even when life is busy. In my daily life and in my music, it’s a time when people become more open about their feelings.”
Singer Rethabile Khumalo views the occasion as a moment of gratitude and intentional affirmation.
“Valentine’s Day, for me, is a beautiful reminder to pause and honour love in its purest form. It’s not just about romance; it’s about gratitude.”
Khumalo emphasises that love should never be confined to couples alone, highlighting friendship, family and community as equally powerful expressions of care. February, she says, is also a time to check in with herself and ensure she is grounded, aligned and practising self-love.
Meanwhile, artist Nkiyase is marking the day through performance.
“Valentine’s Day is a beautiful reminder to pause and appreciate love in all its forms: romantic love, self-love, family love, and the love we share with our communities.”
This year, she is promoting her single I Wanna Love You from the album I Am One In A Million and will spend 14 February performing live in Gaborone, Botswana, using music as her way of sharing connection and unity.
While Valentine’s Day may not hold personal meaning for Malawyer, he still stresses that love must be built on trust, respect and mutual understanding, values that transcend any calendar date.
“My advice this Valentine’s season is simple: love with intention. Don’t just say it; show it. Be present, be patient, and be kind. The strongest relationships are built on respect, trust, and consistency, not just big romantic gestures. And most importantly, learn to love yourself first, because that’s where real love begins.”
Adding another dimension is Mooketsi Kagiso Diseko, also known as Gwyza.
“To me, Valentine’s Day is a reminder to be intentional about love. Not only romantic love, but self-love, love for family, community, and purpose. Love is the fuel behind everything I do, music, carpentry, storytelling, and social work. Celebrating love in all its forms matters because when people feel seen and valued, they build better homes, better art, and better societies.”
Saturday Star