Sakina Kamwendo (born 26 September 1978) is an award-winning South African radio presenter and television broadcaster who has become one of the most respected voices in South African media. She is currently the host of the SABC’s flagship show Morning Live on SABC 2 and SABC News channel, and also hosts Update at Noon between 12:00 and 13:00 weekdays on SAfm, South Africa’s biggest talk radio station.
Early Life and Background
Sakina Kamwendo was born on 26 September 1978 in South Africa. Growing up in South Africa, she developed an early interest in communication and media that would eventually shape her career path. Despite facing various challenges, her determination and passion for broadcasting would lead her to become one of the country’s most influential media personalities.
She attended Stanwest Secondary School, where she laid the foundation for her future career in media and broadcasting. Her educational background provided her with the skills necessary to navigate the competitive world of journalism and broadcasting.
Early Career and Radio Beginnings
Community Radio Roots
Sakina’s radio journey started at Radio Eldos, a community station in Eldorado Park. This grassroots beginning provided her with valuable experience in understanding local communities and their needs, skills that would prove invaluable throughout her career.
Her early work at the community radio level allowed her to develop her broadcasting skills and understand the power of radio as a medium for connecting with audiences on a personal level.
Talk Radio 702 Breakthrough
Her big break came when Talk Radio 702 allowed her to screen calls for the overnight show. This opportunity opened doors for her career advancement, and she soon progressed to producing weekend shows and then early breakfast shows while still holding down her day job.
During her time at Talk Radio 702, she gained experience in various aspects of radio production and presentation, building the expertise that would make her a sought-after broadcaster.
Traffic Reporting
She also worked as a traffic reporter at the David O’Sullivan show, where she honed her skills in live broadcasting and real-time information delivery. This role taught her the importance of accuracy and timing in broadcasting, qualities that would define her professional approach.
Career Progression and Major Roles
Metro FM Success
Sakina’s career reached new heights when she joined Metro FM, where she hosted the popular show “Metro FM Talk with Sakina.” This program became a significant platform for her to showcase her interviewing skills and ability to tackle complex social and political issues.
Her show, Metro FM Talk with Sakina, won the Best News & Actuality Show at the MTN Radio Awards in 2013 and 2014. These awards recognized her expertise as a broadcaster and her ability to use her position to entertain, inform, and engage with important social issues.
SABC Television Career
Morning Live
Sakina currently serves as the host of Morning Live, the SABC’s flagship breakfast television show that airs on SABC 2 and the SABC News channel. This role has established her as one of South Africa’s most recognizable television personalities, reaching millions of viewers daily.
Morning Live has become a trusted source of news, current affairs, and lifestyle content for South African audiences, with Sakina’s professional approach and engaging personality contributing significantly to the show’s success.
Partnership with Leanne Manas
Working alongside co-host Leanne Manas, Sakina has helped create one of South Africa’s most successful breakfast television partnerships. Their chemistry and professional collaboration have made Morning Live a must-watch program for South African audiences.
SAfm Radio Presence
Update at Noon
Sakina also hosts “Update at Noon” between 12:00 and 13:00 weekdays on SAfm, South Africa’s talk radio station. This midday news and current affairs program allows her to provide audiences with essential information and analysis during the busy workday.
Her work on SAfm demonstrates her versatility as a broadcaster, successfully transitioning between television and radio formats while maintaining her high professional standards.
Awards and Recognition
Sakina Kamwendo’s exceptional work in broadcasting has earned her numerous prestigious accolades:
MTN Radio Awards
- 2013: Best News & Actuality Show for “Metro FM Talk with Sakina”
- 2014: Best News & Actuality Show for “Metro FM Talk with Sakina”
These consecutive wins demonstrated her consistency and excellence in radio broadcasting, particularly in the challenging news and actuality category.
Social Impact Recognition
In August 2023, Morning Live presenters Sakina Kamwendo and Leanne Manas were honoured at the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute’s “Bring Her Up” Excellence in Social Impact Awards in Sandton, Johannesburg. This recognition highlighted their contribution to social awareness and community development through their broadcasting work.
Industry Recognition
Sakina is recognized as an award-winning anchor and has been described as one of the Top 200 Most Influential African Women on Twitter, demonstrating her impact beyond traditional broadcasting mediums.
Professional Style and Approach
Interviewing Excellence
Sakina is known for her incisive interviewing style and ability to tackle complex subjects with clarity and professionalism. Her approach combines thorough preparation with natural curiosity, allowing her to extract meaningful insights from her guests.
Social Awareness
Throughout her career, Sakina has used her platform to address important social issues affecting South African communities. Her work demonstrates a commitment to using media as a tool for positive social change and community engagement.
Multilingual Broadcasting
Her ability to communicate effectively with diverse South African audiences has made her a valuable asset in the country’s multilingual media landscape.
Personal Life and Privacy
Sakina Kamwendo is known for preferring to keep much of her personal life private, maintaining a professional focus in her public appearances and interviews. This approach has allowed her to maintain credibility and focus attention on her professional achievements rather than personal matters.
She has been described as someone who has risen from humble beginnings to become a renowned media personality, inspiring many with her success story and professional dedication.
Digital and Social Media Presence
Twitter Influence
Sakina maintains an active presence on social media platforms, particularly Twitter (@SakinaKamwendo), where she has over 267,000 followers. Her social media presence enables her to connect with her audience beyond traditional broadcasting mediums and extend the reach of her professional work.
Her recognition as one of the Top 200 Most Influential African Women on Twitter reflects her impact in the digital space and her ability to engage with contemporary media landscapes.
Professional Networking
Through platforms like LinkedIn, Sakina maintains her professional network and continues to build relationships within the media and broadcasting industry.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Sakina Kamwendo’s net worth is estimated to be between $100,000 and $500,000 dollars. This includes her assets, money, and income generated through her successful broadcasting career. Her primary source of income comes from her work as a radio and television presenter.
Her financial success reflects her value as a broadcaster and her ability to maintain relevance in the competitive South African media industry over many years.
Multiple Income Streams
Her diverse career spanning radio, television, and public speaking engagements has provided her with multiple income streams, contributing to her financial stability and professional security.
Impact on South African Media
Breaking Barriers
Sakina’s success in South African broadcasting represents the achievement of excellence in a competitive industry. Her career demonstrates the opportunities available for dedicated professionals in the country’s evolving media landscape.
Mentorship and Industry Development
Through her visible success and professional approach, Sakina has served as a role model for aspiring broadcasters, particularly women seeking to establish careers in South African media.
Community Connection
Her work, from community radio to national television, demonstrates the importance of staying connected to grassroots communities while achieving mainstream success.
Current Projects and Ongoing Work
Daily Broadcasting Responsibilities
Sakina continues to balance her dual roles as television host on Morning Live and radio presenter on SAfm’s Update at Noon, demonstrating remarkable consistency and professionalism in managing multiple demanding schedules.
Public Speaking and Events
Beyond her regular broadcasting duties, Sakina is available for bookings as an MC and keynote speaker, extending her influence beyond traditional media into corporate and community events.
Legacy and Future Outlook
Sakina Kamwendo’s career represents the evolution of South African broadcasting from community radio to national television. Her journey illustrates the possibilities for media professionals who combine talent with dedication and maintain connection to their communities.
Her continued success in both radio and television demonstrates the value of versatility in modern media careers and the importance of adapting to changing audience needs and technological developments.
Professional Philosophy and Approach
Commitment to Excellence
Throughout her career, Sakina has maintained high professional standards that have earned her respect from colleagues, industry leaders, and audiences alike.
Community Service
Her work consistently demonstrates a commitment to serving South African communities through informative, engaging, and socially conscious broadcasting.
Continuous Growth
Her career trajectory shows a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, evidenced by her successful transitions between different media formats and roles.
Conclusion
Sakina Kamwendo stands as one of South Africa’s most accomplished broadcasting professionals, with a career spanning community radio, commercial radio, and national television. Her awards, recognition, and continued relevance in the industry demonstrate her exceptional talent and professional dedication.
From her humble beginnings at Radio Eldos to her current position as host of one of South Africa’s flagship television programs, Sakina’s journey represents the potential for excellence in South African media. Her continued success serves as inspiration for future generations of broadcasters and demonstrates the vital role of dedicated media professionals in South African society.
Her impact extends beyond entertainment to include social awareness, community engagement, and professional mentorship, making her not just a successful broadcaster but a significant contributor to South African media development.
Sakina Kamwendo continues to be one of South Africa’s most trusted and respected media personalities, representing excellence in broadcasting and commitment to serving South African audiences through quality programming and professional journalism.
