We’re thrilled to announce our new bubbly and multi-talented deputy editor, Gugu Mhlungu. She’s animated and sassy with a whole lot of wit. Get to know her better in our fabulous catch-up chat below.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself, upbringing, family and educational background.
I was born and raised in Jozi. I lived in Hillbrow with my mother until I was about seven. From there, I started spending midweeks living with my maternal gran who worked as a domestic worker in Rosebank so I could attend Rosebank primary school from grade three. Growing up mainly with gran means I was a spoilt and adored child (the mtwana ka gogo life is worth all the hype). I matriculated from St Teresa’s Mercy School and studied journalism at Rhodes University.
2. How did you break into the media industry?
When I was 17 I applied to be a producer and newsreader at Rhodes Music Radio- the campus radio station at the University currently known as Rhodes in Grahamstown. They hired me and let me pretty much do as much I could. Later,CapeTalk and City Press would also allow me to grow even further as a radio and print journalist respectively.
3. Describe yourself in 5 words.
Curious, funny, driven, softie(but don’t tell anyone that), isadlamlilo.
4. Share some of your hidden talents with us.
I am Beyoncé’s body double and I can eat 1kg of pork ribs in a sitting – that’s a hidden talent right?
5. What do you do in your spare time?
I try spend time at home or see my friends. But often I am reading or writing something or catching up on a few series.
Meet BONA’s new editor, Bongiwe Tshiqi
6. What went through your mind when you got the news of being the new BONA deputy editor?
I couldn’t believe it! The email came and I was still incredulous because I had been anxious about it. Then the giddiness came followed by anxiety because I realised this was a pretty big deal.
7. What do you love most about being part of the BONA team?
It’s a team of really great individuals who are serious about what they do, and working with a team of perfectionists is fabulous. It’s also pretty cool being able to work on one of the oldest and most trusted brands in the country.
8. What do you hope to achieve with being part of the fabulous, dynamic and young BONA team?
World domination!*evil laugh*
9. Share five lessons that you’ve learnt throughout your career that have literally been a saving grace to you.
1. If the immense privilege is available, find and do work you love so much that you would do it for free.
2. Do NOT work for free, no matter how much you love it.
3. Rest and hydrate. Burn out is not cute.
4. Call your mom and gran more often – it’s important to remember that work is not everything.
5. Say yes, especially to the stuff you think you are not ready for.
10. Share your inspirational message with young black women who may wish to follow in your footsteps.
I had immense confidence and bravado when I was young and I wish young women never have that beaten out of them. Believe in your own awesomeness! I wish we taught girl children and young women how amazing they are and affirmed them.
11. Should readers wish to connect with you online, what are your social media handles?
@GugsM on Twitter and Instagram.
