On Saturday morning, 30 August 2025, eNCA hosted the Women in Media event at The Cradle Boutique Hotel near Lanseria, Gauteng — a beautiful spot nestled in the Greater Cradle Nature Reserve.
This special gathering celebrated the trailblazing women of South African media, honouring their courage and dedication during Women’s Month. It was also a space to openly discuss the real challenges these incredible women face every day — how they overcome them, and how they keep shaping the stories that keep us informed.
From studio to safari vibes–how we got there
Everyone met at the eMedia studio first, where a comfortable (and safe) bus picked us up for the trip to the venue. Jorja Wilkins, our event host and eNCA’s Marketing & Communications Manager, made sure everything ran smoothly — and yes, she made an excellent “captain of the ship” for our media adventure.
Nature, warm welcomes, and snack o’clocks
Arriving at The Cradle Boutique Hotel felt like stepping into a little piece of paradise — trees all around, monkeys doing their thing, birds chirping, and the kind of calm that makes introverts like me instantly feel at home.
We were warmly welcomed by eNCA’s news anchors — including familiar faces like Slindelo Masikane, Heidi Giokos, Abigail Visagie and Masego Rahlaga — who were already there as part of the panel. The hotel staff greeted us with refreshments and snacks, and we made our way to the venue, where beautifully decorated tables were waiting.
Meet the organisers and the powerhouse panel
The event was led by media industry veterans — Jorja Wilkins (Marketing & Communications Manager), Faith Daniels (Assignment Editor), and Mmanaledi Mataboge Mashetla (News Editor) — all of whom played key roles in putting this day together.
The panelists, made up of news anchors, editors, and other media pros, brought their lived experiences to the forefront, offering stories that were raw, inspiring, and incredibly real.
Conversations that hit home
This wasn’t your typical panel discussion. It was honest. It was emotional. It was powerful. Speakers shared their journeys — from reporting in tough conditions to dealing with newsroom pressure and finding balance in their personal lives.
For me, the most powerful takeaway was how these women juggle everything while still showing up strong, smart, and ready to report the truth. It reminded me that behind every headline, there’s a human story — and often, a woman pushing through challenges to tell it.
Future journos get a front-row seat
Some of the 33 guests included journalism students from Boston College — in their second or final year — who were invited to learn, connect, and soak up the energy of the industry.
It was great seeing them interact with the panelists, asking questions, taking notes, and getting a real glimpse into the world they are about to step into. This kind of exposure is gold for anyone about to launch their media career.
Group pics, big smiles, and unforgettable moments
As the event wrapped up, the vibe was warm and full of positive energy. We took group photos (of course), shared more laughs and chats, and it honestly felt like a mini media family reunion — minus the egos.
What stood out most was the spirit of real womanhood. There was no competition in the room — just respect, encouragement, and connection. Whether you were a student or a seasoned editor, you could feel the support in the air.
Final thoughts
The Women in Media event was more than just a celebration — it was a reminder of the power of community. That even in a high-pressure, fast-moving industry, there are women willing to share, support, and uplift each other.
My biggest takeaway
Stay passionate. Stay grounded. And know that you are not the only one facing tough moments in the industry. There are women out there ready to hold the door open for you — and that, to me, is the real headline.
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