Michelle Banda on Muck Rack

Michelle Banda

Verified
(She/Her)
Gauteng, Johannesburg
As seen in: Sowetan, MSN South Africa, PressReader, 30 years of democracy, Sunday Times, TimesLIVE, AllAfrica, Bizcommunity, Daily Maverick, BusinessLIVE, Business Day and
Covers:  Breaking news, Education, Health, Social Justice, crime, court, politics, investigations
Doesn't Cover: N/A
Award-Winning Journalist & Internationally Exhibited Photographer | Storyteller Capturing Impactful Narrative Journalist @Sowetanlive Rhodes University Alumni

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Michelle Banda’s Biography

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I am a versatile reporter who is hardworking, humble, with a zest for life, and a willingness to learn. I have almost ten years in the newsroom. While I enjoy reporting on general news, I also have an interest in special reporting(investigations) as it gives my work a longer shelf life than most notable fads. I hold a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Rhodes University, NQF8 (equivalent to an Honors degree).

Michelle Banda’s Journalist Portfolio

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WATCH | How damaged sneakers inspired Soweto business to create jobs for young people

WATCH | How damaged sneakers inspired Soweto business to create jobs for young people

What started as a small venture has since grown into a source of income for four men

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LISTEN | Deal with the root cause of SA's issues instead of blaming migrants - civic groups

LISTEN | Deal with the root cause of SA's issues instead of blaming migrants - civic groups

Organisations remain deeply concerned about the planned anti-migrant protest marches

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WATCH | How job loss birthed Neliswa Mntungwa's passion for business

WATCH | How job loss birthed Neliswa Mntungwa's passion for business

When Nelisiwe Mntungwa lost her job in 2018, she was forced to move back home in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Na…

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Ekurhuleni budget passed as DA and FF+ back revised R71bn plan to avoid administration and EFF ov...

Ekurhuleni budget passed as DA and FF+ back revised R71bn plan to avoid administration and EFF ov...

After months of opposing the City of Ekurhuleni's proposed R71bn budget, the DA and Freedom Front Plus have v…

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LISTEN | How to avoid being a romance scam victim

LISTEN | How to avoid being a romance scam victim

Romance scammers use emotional manipulation and urgent crises to exploit victims for money

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Ekurhuleni finally passes R71bn budget after four failed attempts

Ekurhuleni finally passes R71bn budget after four failed attempts

City of Ekurhuleni passes 2026/27 budget after four failed attempts, and several rounds of negotiations and a…

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Articles

Media freedom groups urge protection for journalists and migrants during June 30 marches

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By Michelle Banda Verified
| Sowetan Verified
Story audio is generated using AI A coalition of media freedom and human rights organisations has called for the protection of journalists and migrants ahead of the planned June 30 protests against undocumented foreign nationals. According to the coalition, recent anti-migrant protests have been accompanied by attacks on both foreign nationals and members of the media.
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LISTEN | Deal with the root cause of SA’s issues instead of blaming migrants — civic groups

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By Michelle Banda Verified
| Sowetan Verified
The spokesperson for the Nelson Mandela Foundation says South Africa’s challenges are best addressed by confronting their root causes rather than directing blame towards those identified as outsiders.
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WATCH | How damaged sneakers inspired Soweto business to create jobs for young people

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By Michelle Banda Verified
| Sowetan Verified
After paying someone to clean his sneakers only for them to be left in the bucket for days and later damaged, Tshepo Lebese, 47, decided there had to be a better way. In 2023 he opened Sneaker Zone Wash in Meadowlands, Soweto, where he offers professional cleaning, restoration and repair services for shoes and handbags. “What happened to my sneakers made me realise there was a gap in the market.
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See all 1,087 licensed articles (1,352 Total)

Interview

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What was your first job as a journalist?

Student Reporter at Grocottsmail

Have you ever used a typewriter?

No

How is social media changing news?

Taking over the work of traditional Journalism

Awards

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Vodacom Young Journalist of the Year Award

2022 - Young Journalist of the Year

This award emphasises the VJOY's(Vodacom's) commitment to furthering the career of a dynamic young rising star journalist in South Africa, who has worked in journalism for three years or less. According to Vodacom 2022 line-up of finalists was one of the best ever in the life of the competition and the judges had their work cut out for them in adjudicating the winner. I won an all-expenses paid overseas trip to work in an international newsroom for my body of work: “Determined survivors of apartheid-era atrocities describe their anguish of being forgotten and ignored”, “Body of Khayalethu Magadla found three weeks after six-year-old becomes latest casualty of country's uncovered manholes” and “Ready to retire, but not nearly finished yet: Meet the unsung heroes of South Africa – our teachers.” All articles were published online in Daily Maverick

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Vodacom Young Journalist of the Year Award for Gauteng Region

2022 - Regional Young Journalist of the Year

I was the Regional winner for the Gauteng province in the Vodacom Journalist Awards which made me an automatic nominee for the national awards.

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Juby Mayet Rising Star

2023 - Young Journalist of the Year

No entries are accepted for this category. Instead, the judges select a winner from the range of entries in all other categories. This candidate must have less than three years of experience in journalism. Judges will consider the potential shown for excellence, accuracy, story development and storytelling.

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Commended in the 2024 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards (Features Category)

2024 - Features

Received a commendation certificate in recognition of outstanding storytelling and reporting in the Features Category of the prestigious Vodacom Journalist of the Year 2024 competition.

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Vodacom Journalist of the year Awards

2025 - Life Style

My work was commended in the Lifestyle category of the Vodacom Journalist of the Year 2025 competition, in recognition of its quality, depth and impact. It stood out for strong storytelling, attention to detail and the ability to engage audiences on meaningful issues.

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