“If you live your life with purpose, the true purpose of your life will come to you” – Sheetal Schneider Cross (2009).
I grew up with three siblings in Durban, South Africa, and later lived in New Zealand and Namibia, flying to many other countries while travelling and working.
My interest in media, writing and photography led me to a National Diploma in Journalism (2006) from the Durban University of Technology (DUT), which became a B-Tech degree in 2012 at the same institution.
Throughout my years of media experience, I have sharpened my skills in writing, sub-editing, research, occasional photography and reporting for Independent Newspapers in Durban. Since 2005, the Sunday Tribune has been my main platform, as a freelancer.
Broadcast
I have been involved with broadcast since my early teens, presenting for the SABC on occasion, such as on their TAKE 5 show, where I explained the cultural origins of certain dance styles. I have also appeared in a few corporate videos and contributed to an international sports show.
From August 2014 to January 2015, I filmed a show called TOPS for Trace Sports Stars International. It aired in 135 countries, except in the USA, and repeat episodes were shown in South Africa on DStv, but the show is no longer on air. The show looked at athletes at various stages of their personal lives and careers. The cast and crew of Siyabonga Media were exceptionally brilliant during production.
Freelance leadership
From April 2015, I served as Regional Chair for KwaZulu-Natal of the South African Freelancers’ Association (SAFREA), a role I no longer hold. I helped the organisation provincially and benefited from a strong network of resources from other freelancers. More information is at http://www.safrea.co.za.
Columns
In July 2015, I began writing my own Sunday Tribune column, SPORTMatters, taking over from the legendary Tommy Ballantyne, who wrote the same column under the name SPORTFolio for 31 years. SPORTMatters has continued to gain popularity, focusing on and promoting sports events across KwaZulu-Natal. Under the guidance of the Sunday Tribune, the column also features a detailed weekly interview that introduces readers to a local sportsman or woman, with a focus on women in sport. Each feature has created an opportunity to highlight the achievements of dedicated athletes who might not otherwise have received recognition in the media.
I have also contributed to the Sunday Tribune Herald column Let’s Talk, which addresses social issues and sparks conversation around important topics. Writing from personal experience for Let’s Talk showed me a different dimension of journalism and sparked new creativity in me.
Training and facilitation
Another passion of mine is training facilitation. Throughout 2007, I lived and worked in Namibia, first as an assistant facilitator and then as main facilitator with the team contracted to Namdeb (Namibia/De Beers Diamond Mining).
I originally settled in the mining town of Oranjemund and travelled to various towns between Oranjemund and the capital, Windhoek. After travelling back and forth between Durban, Cape Town and Namibia, I returned to South Africa later that year.
New Zealand
From 2008 to 2009, I lived in New Zealand, working as a ghost writer, researcher and understudy to Dutch-born American bestselling author Dr Jeannette Vos, whose book The Learning Revolution sold millions of copies.
Today
I contribute to several publications locally and abroad, writing for print and online platforms. I hold a Master’s degree in Journalism from the Durban University of Technology (DUT), completed in 2021.
Best interviews
My most memorable interviews include former Olympian turned businessman Ryk Neethling, former Olympian turned businesswoman Penny Heyns, former rugby legend turned businessman Mark Andrews, sports presenter Kass Naidoo and Olympian Chad le Clos.
To find out more about me, follow the social media links below or contact me through the Contact page.