Lisakhanya Pepe: SABC News broadcaster.

Cover page image: Lisakhanya Pepe

We had an informal dialogue with Lisakhanya Pepe, the humblest and phenomenal SABC NEWS Broadcaster. Lisakhanya was born in Alice Kwa-Ntselamanzi 36 years ago. She matriculated at Masibambane Senior Secondary Kwazakhele, Port Elizabeth in 2003 and furthered her studies at Fort Hare University doing IT before she went for Versatile Broadcasting at the Walter Sisulu University. Her zigzag studies journey is the reality most of us find themselves on, and at times in searching for your passion and what you love doing can require dropping what is seen as the most vital career, relationship or job.

Challenges you faced since inception of your broadcasting career? “The challenges I faced when I began my career – especially at the SABC, was the fact that I was being compared to legends so I had to prove myself, become myself and build my own brand. And that’s what makes me the Lisakhanya Pepe I am today”.

When we asked her about a moment she can remember that made her feel like she’s now on top of her game in TV broadcasting she giggled and said, “I wouldn’t say I am now on top of the game because honestly you don’t get used to live television, I get nervous all the time the moment they start counting down to go on air. But all I can say is that my biggest highlight was to share a bulletin with u”Mam Nox” (Noxolo Grootboom) during the passing of Mama Winnie Mandela. It felt so good and there was a voice that said to me “girl you’ve made it”. That made me realise that my bosses believed in me. And in the workplace nothing beats knowing that your superiors trusts you to deliver on huge tasks”.

Your feeling when you started working with your great colleagues and any lesson you learned from them? “Working with them became a total bliss, it was a dream come true. Thus far, I have learnt so much respect, humbleness and valuing my work from the team”.

If you were not doing broadcasting – what would be doing and why? “If I was not working as a News Anchor, I would be a Psychologist”, based on the experiences I’ve had growing up and the fact that most people young and old feel comfortable to share their highs and lows with me and feel better afterwards - I have that kind of gift”, she smiled brightly as she affirms.

What do you get up to when not working? “When I am not working I go to gym because it relaxes my mind or go shopping”.

Lastly – your message to a young girl out there about dreams? “To every girl child out there, don’t be afraid to follow your dreams. Never feel that you are less than the other gender. Most importantly don’t undermine your abilities and run after your dreams”.

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