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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, Business Day, BusinessLIVE 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 @Sowetan1981 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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Why bargaining council cannot intervene in alleged abuses at Malibu Spur

Why bargaining council cannot intervene in alleged abuses at Malibu Spur

Council says the employer is not registered under its collective agreement

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EXPLAINER | Avoid using imbawula indoors and stay safe this winter

EXPLAINER | Avoid using imbawula indoors and stay safe this winter

Carbon monoxide gas released by burning coal or wood is an odourless killer in a poorly ventilated room

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Ratanda's dry taps see residents walk 45 minutes to fetch water from cemetery

Ratanda's dry taps see residents walk 45 minutes to fetch water from cemetery

Ratanda residents face water shortages, long walks for water, and rising municipal bills

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LISTEN | EXPLAINER: Aarto introduces elective options ahead of the proclamation of licence demeri...

LISTEN | EXPLAINER: Aarto introduces elective options ahead of the proclamation of licence demeri...

The driver points demerit system is not yet in effect.

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Municipalities under pressure to balance rising electricity costs with residents' ability to pay

Municipalities under pressure to balance rising electricity costs with residents' ability to pay

Residents in 176 municipalities supplied with electricity by their local councils paid higher electricity tar…

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LISTEN | Here's why a UJ master's graduate chose to walk the stage in her JMPD uniform

LISTEN | Here's why a UJ master's graduate chose to walk the stage in her JMPD uniform

JMPD operations director Angela Mokasi says artificial intelligence, CCTV and body-worn cameras could strengt…

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Articles

EXPLAINER | What is Sadc Vision 2050, and why does it matter?

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By Michelle Banda Verified
| Sowetan Verified
Story audio is generated using AI Southern Africa has the resources to produce much of what its people need, but countries in the region still rely heavily on goods, energy and markets outside the continent. That is one of the challenges President Cyril Ramaphosa said the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) must address as the region works to turn its Vision 2050 into action.
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R250k up for grabs for entrepreneurs with circular economy ideas

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By Michelle Banda Verified
| Sowetan Verified
Business owners in Southern Africa are invited to enter a challenge that will help them scale up their businesses. They stand to win R250,000 investment, mentorship, if needed, according to the needs of their business up to the value of R100,000, and an opportunity to test their product or innovation at the V&A Waterfront, which represents significant exposure.
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Murdered EMPD whistleblower’s name surfaces during Mkhwanazi bail bid

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By Michelle Banda Verified
| TimesLIVE Verified
Story audio is generated using AI Jaco Hanekom, who was killed not long after blowing the whistle on alleged corruption within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, has emerged as a key figure in the events leading up to the alleged torture and murder of businessman Emmanuel Mbense.
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See all 1,167 licensed articles (1,460 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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