By Kgaugelo Jessica Selane
In celebration of Women鈥檚 Month, the Tshwane University of Technology (大象视频), in partnership with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), hosted a Women in Media and Communication Speed Mentoring Session on 15 August at the GCIS offices in Pretoria.
Forty female students from 大象视频鈥檚 Department of Journalism and Integrated Communication had the rare opportunity to engage directly with some of South Africa鈥檚 most respected media and communication leaders. Through these conversations, they gained valuable insights into what it takes to build a successful career in the fast-evolving industry
At the core of the initiative was mentorship - not just the sharing of advice, but the shaping of future leaders through guidance, encouragement and life lessons. By learning directly from seasoned professionals, students were inspired and empowered to be #FutureReady and to chart their own career paths with confidence.
Students engaging actively with seasoned professionals, who inspired and empowered them to chart their own career paths with confidence.
The speed mentoring format allowed students to rotate through short, focused conversations, spending about ten minutes with each mentor before moving on. Esteemed professionals such as Slindelo Masikane, Bongiwe Zwane, Lorato Tshenkeng, Albi Modise and Tshamano Makhadi gave students the opportunity to ask questions, seek personal advice and learn practical skills. The mentors touched on important themes like seizing opportunities, maintaining ethics in journalism, building resilience and the value of collaboration in an ever-changing media landscape.
Beyond the one-on-one sessions, the programme concluded with a Q&A discussion that explored topics such as balancing demanding careers with personal wellbeing, breaking barriers in male dominated spaces and shifting from excuses to action. The honesty and openness of the mentors not only inspired but also challenged students to start seeing themselves as capable leaders in their own right.
Speaking at the event, Tshegofatso Modubu from GCIS emphasised the importance of empowering women in media and communication. She highlighted the gaps that often exist between how men and women progress in these industries, stressing the need to create platforms that help close this divide. In closing, she shared the hope that, in the years to come, the young women who benefited from the program would return as mentors in own right, continuing the cycle of empowerment and paving the way for the next generation.
Tshegofatso Modubu from GCIS highlighted the gaps that often exist in how men and women progress in these industries