Multitalented, Multilateral & Proudly South African

Shado Twala is a multilateral media practitioner with over 15 years of experience as a print journalist, radio producer and presenter as well as a television producer and presenter.

With the years of experience in the media, her extensive media network inside and outside the borders of South Africa, Shado brings a wealth of knowledge in the development of communications strategies, designing implementation programmes of these on behalf of her clients as she serves as Client Services Director for African Projects.

1. What is a typical day in the life of Shado Twala?

My days vary depending on the various projects I am involved in, but mostly it's doing the "mom's taxi" schedule.

2. What do you like most about what you do?

I get to meet a lot of people in different industries and communities, so I learn a lot about who we are as South Africans and what occupies our minds on a daily basis - how much we care about our country.

3. Growing up, did you have a mentor or influential person, if so who was this and in what regard did they motivate you?

My parents both played important roles in my life, my mother taught me a lot about dignity and hard work and my dad taught me about the kinds of relationships to have with men in all areas of one's life. I also had great support from the community I grew up in - everybody had a lesson to teach, good and bad.

4. What does mentorship mean to you and what role does mentorship play in our community?

Phew, communities have changed from when I was growing up. We now live in a global village with varied sources of information that influence the lives of our communities.

5. Are you involved/have you been involved in community work and if so how?

I am currently involved in a project that will see us develop an Arts and Culture Academy for various communities. We hope to replicate the project in various areas around the country and create networks throughout the Continent.

6. What do you think is the importance of nation-building in our country today?

We need to acknowledge our commonalities and build on them, this should deal with the "fear" of the unknown. The current soccer spectacle is one where we celebrated what was common amongst us - and look at the result.

7. What motivates you everyday to do what you do?

The excitement of contributing to the growth of our people and our country - together with the sense of belonging

8. On your journey thus far, you have taken very specific routes to cultivate and reach success. What practical advice can you offer young people on your experience in that regard?

As cliched as this sounds, living in the now makes sure that you do not repeat yesterday's mistakes - and when you do miss that step again, your fall will be softer.

9. Name a goal that you still want to fulfil?

I would like to be able to speak as many languages as possible - now, that's freedom!