In the world of broadcasting, few journeys are as powerful and deeply rooted in purpose as that of Lisa Dumezweni, the newly appointed face of SABC’s isiXhosa News prime-time bulletin.
Hailing from the rural heart of Dutywa in the Eastern Cape, Lisa’s rise is nothing short of remarkable—a story woven with hardship, resilience, and unshakable passion.
Raised by her late grandfather in a village marked by poverty and loss, Lisa grew up an orphan but not without hope. “Life was very hard,” she reflects. “I was a sad child growing up because of so many challenges.”
As much as her home situation was supposed to discourage her will to dream, Lisa still found reasons to smile because she had her late grandfather as her anchor, who believed in her and saw the great Dr Noxolo Grootboom in her granddaughter. Little did she know she would one day stand on the same premises as Dr Noxolo, delivering news to millions across South Africa.
From those humble beginnings, Lisa carved her own space in the world of media, starting in community radio and TV, sharpening her skills at spaces such as Ngqushwa FM as a news presenter.
Through determination and countless rejections, she proved that it’s not always education, privilege, or connections that open doors—it’s work ethic, faith, and purpose.
Now stepping into the national spotlight as part of the SABC isiXhosa news team, Lisa brings not only her voice but also the soul of her people to the airwaves. “I am so honoured to be joining the SABC family as a news anchor and producer. My passion is storytelling, especially when it comes to my native language,” she says.
Lisa doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the weight of her new role, as she is following in the footsteps of the beloved and legendary veteran, Dr Noxolo Grootboom. As a former news anchor, Dr Noxolo marked her path perfectly, so that her name is remembered forever.
Lisa states, “Dr Noxolo Grootboom is a legend. I don’t think I could ever fill her shoes, but I aspire to at least be like her one day.” Dr Noxolo’s legacy of excellence is both an inspiration and a guidepost for Lisa, who is determined to stay rooted in truth and service.
Despite the many odds she faced to get to where she is, Lisa never gave up. “I surrounded myself with supportive people, kept my faith and stayed resilient. Plus, I had no backup plan nor a choice to give up on myself, because at the end of the day, I only got me.”
Her story resonates with many young South Africans who dream beyond their circumstances.
She offers this advice to them: “Stay curious, be persistent, and never lose sight of why you started. Build your skills, network, and always be open to learning. Most importantly, stay true to your voice and values.”
Looking ahead, Lisa sees herself expanding her storytelling, possibly through documentaries or talk shows, while continuing her anchoring role. Her goal is to keep telling authentic stories that reflect the strength and spirit of South Africa’s communities, especially those often overlooked.
In Lisa Dumezweni, South Africa has not only found a news anchor but also a symbol of possibility, pride, and purpose. From the dusty fields of Dutywa to the dazzling lights of national television, her journey is proof that dreams rooted in truth and perseverance do grow—even in the toughest soil.
Also see: Bontle Chauke’s journey to self-acceptance and purpose through writing
