Kaunda ‘Kay’ Selisho
Mentors I have always been a huge fan of black women in media. I closely followed the careers of the True Love team that produced the magazine during my formative years – women such as Lerato Tshabalala, Sbu Mpungose and Mbali Soga, as well as the fashion and beauty editors they worked with. I also immensely respect women such as Gisèle Wertheim Aymes, Pnina Fenster, Danielle Weakley, Jane Raphaely and Asanda Sizani. Some of the women mentioned above have always been open to receiving career-related questions, sharing advice and allaying anxiety, which helped me immensely when navigating life in a newsroom.
“LIFE CAN ONLY BE UNDERSTOOD BACKWARDS; BUT IT MUST BE LIVED FORWARDS.”
Sipho Alphi Mkhwanazi
“I AM THE COMBINATION OF TRUE PURPOSE, CONSISTENCY AND
OPPORTUNITY ALL COLLIDING TOGETHER TO FORM A SHEER MOMENT OF GRACE.”
Profile
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayselisho/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ kaundaselisho/?hl=en Kaunda “Kay” Selisho, 33, is a sharp voice in South African media, helping redefine digital storytelling through her work at News24. As deputy lifestyle editor, she champions innovation – blending journalism with digital media. From Crowning Glory to Pride Pulse, her special multimedia projects amplify underrepresented voices and prove what’s possible when storytelling meets imagination. Beyond her writing, she invests in nurturing emerging talent, creating space for professional development and cultivating a collaborative newsroom culture. Originally set on a law career, Kaunda’s father encouraged her to pause and reassess. That gap year steered her into journal- ism, earning “story of the year” honours. A media literacy advo- cate and informal mentor, she believes in the power of inclusion, using journalism to bring more people to the table and democratise knowledge. Whether mentoring, writing or innovating, she’s driven by the urge to do better than her last milestone. Kaunda urges policymakers to consider bold, pro- poor interventions like a universal basic income, stressing that dignity starts with stability. She believes in compassion and the power of values-based storytelling. Qualifications • BA in Journalism, University of Johannesburg (majoring in politics and international relations) Achievements Winning several ‘most read’ and ‘story of the year’ accolades during my time atThe Citizen confirmed the right career choice and demonstrated a strong understanding of reaching and serving audiences. Feedback from aspiring young journalists, who still share when they have secured an opportunity, also warms the heart. Speaking to media practitioners admired from a young age set the right path, and it feels fulfilling to be that person for the next generation.
Profile Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alphi_sipho/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alphi_sipho?lang=en From TikTok sensation to Netflix star, Sipho Alphi Mkhwanazi, 32, is the definition of evolution in the digital era. From Daveyton, Alphi has always had a flair for the spotlight – his charisma leading him from church choirs and debating podiums to international screens and brand boardrooms. He is the chief executive of Isiphosethu Consultants and the force behind Brand Alphi. His client list boasts collaborations with Netflix, MTN, Savanna, Absa and SuperSport. In 2025 alone, he fronted four major television shows on Mzansi Magic, e.tv and Mzansi Wethu. Off-screen, Alphi is a community builder. His foundation, Believers Base, fed more than 200 families during the 2023 festive season and continues to uplift communities in the East Rand. Armed with qualifications in public relations, digital marketing and brand innovation, and now preparing for an MBA at Henley Business School, Alphi sees content creation not just as entertainment but as an engine for economic transformation. He advocates for formalising the content creation sector, calling on the government to lower data costs, invest in creator funds and embed digital media in education.
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