In a country where sports media has long been dominated by men, Itumeleng Banda is quietly, yet boldly, rewriting the rules. Hailing from Alexandra, her journey reflects the resilience, talent, and determination that define a generation of young South African women demanding space in industries that once sidelined their voices.
From Alexandra Streets to National Screens
Growing up in Alexandra, Itumeleng navigated what she calls “two lives.” At school in Rivonia, she spoke English, while back home, she embraced isiZulu, a duality that shaped her perspective and strengthened her adaptability.
Her first foray into broadcasting came at just 19 on Alex FM, where she anchored news segments. It wasn’t long before she was hosting Feminine First Touch on Massiv Metro, a show that won awards and began to cement her presence in South African media.
Her childhood, filled with street games and big dreams, seemed worlds apart from her current role as the pioneering female anchor for the African Football League on SABC. “I always wanted to be on YoTV growing up,” she recalls. Summer holidays often found her part of YoTV’s Summer Splash audience, and when offered the chance to do a link, she grabbed it. While she had to decline the opportunity due to her mother’s advice to focus on school, the spark for broadcasting was already lit.
She later honed her skills studying Film and Television at the University of Johannesburg and has gone on to present for SuperSport Schools and Soweto TV. Banda credits shows like Zaziwa and presenters like Pearl Modiadie for inspiring her unique style—relatable, insightful, and unapologetically authentic.
A Defining Moment in Sports Media
Banda’s credibility in sports media was cemented when she won the 2020 Momentum Gsport Woman in Radio award. “Standing alongside women I admire and look up to showed me I belong in sports media,” she says. It was more than recognition—it was validation that talent, not gender, dictates worth in the industry.
Interestingly, sports broadcasting wasn’t her original plan. “I just wanted to work… and I happened to be really good at it,” she admits. What began as a seemingly accidental path quickly became her destiny, transforming into a career larger than she had imagined.
Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry
The sports media landscape has historically been male territory. Banda’s approach is both strategic and empowering: “Sometimes in life, you don’t necessarily get what you want, but what you don’t want is possibly what you need.” Through persistence, she has shown that dedication and skill break barriers, setting a precedent for other women to claim their space.
Why Representation Matters
For Banda, visibility in sports is more than just personal success. “It allows women to dream beyond the boundaries and just to be seen,” she says. By elevating women’s stories, she ensures athletes, fans, and future broadcasters recognize that equality starts with representation.
Her work with SuperSport Schools ties directly into this vision. “Kids covered today are tomorrow’s stars, and documenting their journey inspires me too, reminding me that my dreams are valid,” she says. In doing so, she connects the energy of youth with the transformative power of media storytelling.
Lessons from Trailblazers and Loved Ones
Banda’s advocacy for women goes beyond her own story. She honours pioneers like Carol Tshabalala, who paved the way for women in sports broadcasting, and her mother, whom she describes as “my rock, my heartbeat.” She also champions a culture of support: “Clapping for another woman takes nothing away from me.”
A Future Without Limits
Looking ahead, Banda’s ambitions are continental. “I want to cover African football. I want to do World Cups. That’s definitely on my list,” she shares. Her vision is expansive, aiming to elevate not just her career, but the standard and inclusivity of sports media across Africa.
Itumeleng Banda’s journey reminds us that talent, persistence, and authenticity can reshape industries. From Alexandra to national screens, she continues to inspire women to find their voice, own their space, and dream without boundaries.
{Source: The South African}
Featured Image: Gsports4girls
