Cathy Mohlahlana is a respected South African broadcast journalist, news anchor, and radio host, widely known for her work on Newzroom Afrika, SAfm, and previously eNCA. With over a decade in journalism, she has built a reputation as one of South Africa’s most authoritative voices in news and current affairs.
Early Life and Background
Cathy Mohlahlana was born in South Africa, where she spent her early childhood before relocating to Polokwane at the age of six to attend boarding school. (1
Growing up, she developed a strong interest in communication, public speaking, and global affairs. Her participation in debating and public speaking competitions during her school years played a key role in shaping her confidence and passion for journalism.
Her early exposure to structured discussions and leadership platforms laid the foundation for her future career in media and broadcasting.
Education
Cathy Mohlahlana attended Capricorn High School, where she actively participated in debating and public speaking activities. (2)
She later enrolled at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University), one of South Africa’s top institutions, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Political Science.
During her university years, she was involved in the Model United Nations, which enhanced her understanding of global politics, diplomacy, and international affairs—skills that would later define her journalism career.
Career
Early Career in Radio
Cathy Mohlahlana began her career in media as a copywriter and radio anchor, quickly gaining attention for her voice and storytelling ability. She was soon discovered by Talk Radio 702, where she joined Eyewitness News as a reporter and radio anchor. (2)
She also worked at Kaya FM, further strengthening her presence in radio journalism and building credibility in news reporting.
Transition to Television
Her transition into television marked a turning point in her career. Cathy joined eNews Channel Africa (eNCA), where she became a prominent news anchor and presenter.
At eNCA, she:
- Anchored prime-time news bulletins
- Covered major national and international stories
- Reported on significant events such as the life of Nelson Mandela and the Oscar Pistorius trial (4)
She also hosted programs like #Africa and Week-In-One, further establishing her as a versatile broadcaster.
Newzroom Afrika and SAfm
In 2019, Cathy Mohlahlana joined Newzroom Afrika, where she became a senior anchor and one of the channel’s most recognisable faces. (5)
She hosted:
- Newz@Prime (prime-time evening bulletin)
- The Pulse alongside Stephen Grootes
At the same time, she anchored the popular SAfm talk show “The Talking Point”, where she led discussions on politics, society, and current affairs. (6)
Her broadcasting style is known for being sharp, analytical, and engaging.
Departure from Newzroom Afrika
In November 2023, Cathy announced her departure from Newzroom Afrika after several years with the channel. She confirmed the decision publicly but did not disclose the reasons for leaving. (7)
Despite her exit, she remains a highly influential figure in South African media.
Awards and Achievements
Cathy Mohlahlana’s excellence in journalism has earned her several prestigious recognitions, including:
- National Press Club Radio Journalist of the Year (2009)
- CNN Journalism Fellowship (2012)
- Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Fellow (2014) under former U.S. President Barack Obama (8)
- Named among Destiny Magazine’s Top 40 Women Under 40 (2015)
These accolades reflect her impact and leadership in the media industry.
Personal Life (Husband, Children & Family)
Cathy Mohlahlana is known for keeping her personal life relatively private, especially regarding her relationship status and husband.
However, it is publicly known that:
- She is a mother of twins (a boy and a girl), born in January 2023 (9)
- She briefly stepped away from work for maternity leave before returning to broadcasting
Motherhood has become an important part of her life, which she occasionally shares with her audience.
Other Work and Influence
Beyond journalism, Cathy Mohlahlana is also:
- A corporate MC and moderator
- A conference facilitator and panel chairperson
- An advocate for youth empowerment and education
She is involved in initiatives that support young people, especially women, and contributes to programs focused on socio-economic development.
Legacy and Impact
Cathy Mohlahlana has established herself as one of South Africa’s most credible and influential journalists. Her ability to handle complex political discussions, conduct tough interviews, and deliver breaking news with authority has earned her respect across the industry.
Her journey—from a young student interested in debate to a national news anchor—continues to inspire aspiring journalists across Africa.
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