Chanley Wong's inspiring return to television on 'Expresso Morning Show'

In a stirring return to the screen, two-time SAFTA-nominated presenter Chanley Wong has rejoined the world of broadcasting as she takes her place on S3’s Expresso Morning Show. After a seven-year hiatus from traditional television, Wong made her debut on February 17, 2026, delivering live broadcasts from the show’s Johannesburg studio alongside co-host Zanele Potelwa.

Wong's re-entry into television not only reinforces Expresso’s Johannesburg footprint but also exemplifies the show's ongoing evolution in delivering feel-good and authentically South African storytelling. For both Wong and her loyal followers, this moment is not merely professional, it's deeply personal.

“Returning to television after seven years feels surreal but right,” Wong expressed. “Over that time, I’ve grown, learned, and explored other platforms, and now I get to bring all of that experience back to TV. It’s both humbling and exciting. It’s a reminder that growth isn’t always linear, but perseverance pays off.”

Born and raised in Benoni, Wong first captured the hearts of South African audiences through her work in children’s and youth programming. Over the years, her warmth and relatability helped her expand, allowing her to connect across various platforms as a content creator and member of an on-the-ground radio team in Johannesburg.

Wong's decision to join Expresso feels like a natural progression, albeit one filled with vastly different energies compared to her initial attempt to join the team back in 2018. Reflecting on that experience, she recalled anxiously waiting for 12 hours at the Presenter Search auditions, clutching hopes that the show she grew up watching would welcome her into its fold. “In 2018, I was auditioning with nerves and hope, not fully knowing where I stood or what I could bring,” she reflected. “Now, with years of journey and lessons behind me, I walk into that space feeling calm, prepared, grateful, and ready.”

The path to her return was anything but straightforward. The call confirming her appointment had Wong questioning reality, laughing about her disbelief. “What the heck?!” she recalled. “I kept thinking, ‘Are they sure they’ve got the right contact number? Are they messaging the right person?’” Once the congratulations from friends and colleagues started pouring in, the gravity of the moment truly set in. “I felt overwhelming gratitude that they saw something in me,” she shared, now fully embracing her leap back into traditional TV.

Her time away has significantly enriched her presenting style. “Multi-platform work forces you to evolve,” Wong explained. “It’s taught me to listen better, respond faster, and show up prepared, no matter the medium. They’ve shaped me into a presenter who is versatile and deeply connected to the audience.”

Nischette Willemse, S3 Programme Manager, hailed Wong as “a phenomenal presenter” whose excellent storytelling aligns seamlessly with the heartwarming approach of Expresso. Patience Stevens, managing director at Cardova TV, added that Wong represents “a new generation of presenters who understand how to connect across platforms while staying grounded in storytelling.”

As Wong embarks on this new chapter, she reflects on the intertwining themes of success and timing. “I don’t think timing is more important than talent,” she advised. “Talent is the foundation, it’s what allows you to seize opportunities when they come. Timing can be a bonus.”

When asked to encapsulate this new phase in her career, Wong described it in one word: “surreal.” “After waiting, working, and dreaming for so long, actually being here feels almost dreamlike,” she said. “It’s a moment that reminds me of the journey I’ve taken, the people who supported me, and the opportunities that have finally aligned.”

amahle.luke@africannewsagency.com

Saturday Star