Lara Kruger

Thapelo Lehulere (3 February 1987 – 3 January 2018), known professionally as Lara Kruger, was a South African radio personality and transgender rights activist. She was one of the first openly transgender radio presenters on a mainstream South African radio station, Motsweding FM. Early life and career Kruger was born on 3 February 1987 in Mogwase outside Rustenburg in the present-day North West Province of South Africa. Her father died when she was two years old and she was raised by her mother. She had two sisters. Career Kruger worked in the hospitality and beauty industry before becoming a radio presenter. She worked in different roles, including as a spa therapist, manager and consultant. She initially worked with radio DJ Tazzman Matasatasa as a co-host before hosting her own show, Di direga kae or Weekend Good Times Show, which aired between 9pm and 12am on Saturdays. Kruger was one of the first openly transgender radio presenters on a mainstream South African radio station. She was described as being a popular radio DJ by The Sowetan and as "one of the most-loved radio presenters in Mzansi" by DRUM.

Kruger died on 3 January 2018 in the Moses Kotane Hospital in Ledig outside Rustenburg after a short illness. Various celebrities, including Somizi Mhlongo, paid tribute to her. Her memorial service was held on 11 January 2018 and her funeral in Mogwase on 13 January.