Mbali Mbatha
Verified
(She/Her)
As seen in:
Daily Dispatch (South Africa),
The Herald NMB,
City Press,
The Herald Port Elizabeth,
Media24
Covers:
Arts, Culture, entertainment, women and children
Doesn't Cover:
politics
Interview
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, typing was one of my subjects in Grade 9.
How is social media changing news?
No fact checking, too much fake news, people no longer do research. It's mostly a mess but there are some good things.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
If I answer this I will most likely be accused of bias. Skip!
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Very little sleep, discipline, integrity, giving a voice to the voiceless and being hated regularly.
Who do you wish followed you?
Dr John Kani
Why did you become a journalist?
I wanted to write and the idea of 50 000 word novels was intimidating.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I was actually the only Black individual at the time in the school paper and I did gossip mostly.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Women's wins
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
If you only want to follow this path for vibes, please re-evaluate your career options because the environment is extremely high pressured.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
It was about a 10 year old gymnast. I was so proud it was as if she were my own kid.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
There have been a few, the worst thing really is when people write one liners and you have to dig their own pitch out of them.
What's your favorite drink?
Savanna, coke and gin. Wait, am I only allowed one?
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Inside a theatre, witnessing stories unfold.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.