Biography of Natasha Phiri
Natasha Phiri is a South African journalist known for her work in political reporting at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). She gained national attention in 2026 following allegations of misconduct that led to her dismissal.
Early Career and Education
Natasha Phiri was born on 19 March 1980, in Pretoria, South Africa. She is 46 years old. She holds a B-Tech degree in Journalism and has built over ten years of experience across radio, online, and television news broadcasting. Her career reflects a strong foundation in multimedia journalism and field reporting.
She is described as a dedicated and hardworking professional who values collaboration and continuous learning. In her reporting, she has consistently aimed to bring a human angle to the stories she tells, focusing on the lived experiences behind major news events.
Professional Journey
Afro World View / ANN7 (2014–2018)
Phiri worked as a news reporter at Afro World View (previously known as ANN7). During this time, she:
- Sourced and researched news stories
- Conducted interviews and attended press briefings
- Delivered live reports from the field
- Covered protests and human-interest stories
This role helped her develop strong on-the-ground reporting skills and experience in fast-paced newsroom environments.
Channels Television (2019)
In 2019, she served as a South African correspondent for Channels Television, an independent 24-hour news channel based in Lagos, Nigeria. This position expanded her international reporting exposure and strengthened her profile as a political journalist.
Freelance Work
Phiri also worked as a freelancer for the Pan African Chamber of Commerce under its media department, contributing to communications and media-related projects.
SABC News
She later joined the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC News) as a political journalist, where she covered:
- National political developments
- Government affairs
- Stories of public interest
Her work placed her at the center of South Africa’s political reporting landscape.
Bribery Allegations and Dismissal
In March 2026, Phiri became the subject of controversy after allegations emerged that she had accepted a bribe—reportedly around R500—in exchange for sensitive information.
The South African Broadcasting Corporation placed her on precautionary suspension while conducting an internal investigation. Following this process, she was reportedly dismissed from her position.
Reputation and Impact
The allegations and dismissal significantly affected Phiri’s career and public image. In journalism, ethical conduct is essential, and accusations of bribery can have lasting consequences, including:
- Loss of credibility
- Reduced career opportunities in mainstream media
- Public scrutiny and reputational damage
Professional Profile
Despite the controversy, Phiri’s career reflects:
- A decade of experience in broadcast journalism
- Exposure to both local and international media environments
- A reporting style focused on human-centered storytelling
Broader Significance
Her case highlights critical issues within the media industry, including:
- The importance of journalistic ethics and accountability
- The pressures faced by reporters in political journalism
- The need for transparency in news institutions
