“Empowering stories, one headline at a time”
By Lesedi Mothapo
Wendy Mothata is not just working in media, she’s quietly taking over. A journalist, social media strategist, and digital storyteller, she’s built a byline across print, broadcast, and online spaces without asking for permission or waiting for validation, and yes, she can run a media campaign!
Who is Wendy Mothata?
Wendy Mothata describes herself as a bold, bubbly, sometimes sassy, always purpose-driven woman. “Personally, I’m the friend who’ll gas you up before a presentation, cry during a stage play, and find the perfect caption for your Instagram.”
Professionally, she’s a fusion of excellence and innovation – a digital journalist, strategist, storyteller, and mentor all rolled into one. “I lead with empathy, speak with clarity, and work with a sense of urgency. And yes, I will deliver your campaign, write your headline, and still have energy left to host a masterclass. That’s the level I operate at.”
If ambition had a ZIP code, it would probably be Ga-Mokgokong, a small village outside Polokwane where media firecracker Wendy Mothata first learned how to dream in headlines and sign off her future in full stops and flair. Today, she’s not just a digital journalist- she’s a master weaver of words, a strategist with a story to tell, and a media mentor who’s ready to ignite the spark in others, as it turns out, your future favourite keynote speaker.
Where it all began
Wendy Mothata’s journey to stardom started taking shape at Maseala Progressive School, where she knew from Grade 10 that journalism was her calling. “I remember telling myself I needed to sharpen my English and maintain high grades, and I did exactly that,” she recalls.
With legends like Sophie Mokoena as her inspiration, Mothata worked towards her dream, and her hard work paid off when she secured a spot at the University of Limpopo (UL).
At UL, Mothata didn’t just attend lectures – she thrived academically. She made it to the Faculty of Humanities Top 10 and bagged an ambassadorship jacket, a moment that solidified her potential and confidence.
“I realised I wasn’t an average student. I was destined to take up space, in the boldest, most meaningful way,” she says.
This recognition was a turning point, affirming her abilities and fuelling her ambition. Being named “Most Promising Student in Media Studies” at UL further boosted her confidence, reminding her that she was “seen” and had a gift.
Mothata’s media journey gained momentum when she job-shadowed at Daily Sun in Polokwane during her second year. However, it was at Keyaka Student Magazine where her storytelling voice found its rhythm. Under the guidance of Editor-in-Chief Moses Moreroa, Wendy experimented with lifestyle journalism, long-form storytelling, and profile writing – a skill she still uses today.
“Keyaka was the cherry on top,” she says. “It gave me room to experiment, make mistakes, and learn how to tell stories that matter.”
After graduating from UL, Mothata set her sights on Johannesburg and enrolled in an Honours in Journalism at Wits University, majoring in Television. The intense program gave her the “newsroom grit” she needed, and by the end of the year, she was newsroom-ready. “Wits opened my eyes to the real world of journalism; it gave me the edge I needed,” she says.
The plot thickens
Wendy’s career as a journalist spans stints at TimesLIVE, Sowetan, SABC, Channel Africa, Newzroom Afrika, and now, Social media Manager at Wits University. From campus protests to presidential inaugurations, every assignment has sharpened her instincts and strengthened the journalist she is today.
“The stage is bigger now, and so are the stakes, but I am building something beautiful”
With a passion that’s palpable, Wendy approaches journalism with presence, empathy, and a dash of humour. “I show up; not just physically, but emotionally. I bring the human side to headlines. I tell stories wholeheartedly.” Whether she’s covering protests or producing current affairs segments, she respects each platform’s tone and language.
As a woman in media, Wendy learned to thrive in spaces not always designed for female leaders. “Every byline, every interview is a win for the little girl from Ga-Mokgokong who dared to dream.”
Being part of the Duke University Menell Media Exchange program was a game-changer for Wendy, exposing her to brilliant media professionals from across Africa and the globe. “It pushed me to think beyond South African borders and reminded me that journalism is global, and our impact can be too.”
Finding Balance
But even the most driven journalist needs to slow down sometimes. “Burnout isn’t a badge of honour, it’s a fast track to mediocre storytelling,” Wendy laughs. To recharge, she indulges in slow mornings, theatre nights, solo trips, and the occasional digital detox. “Self-care isn’t a trend. It’s my survival kit,” she says with a smile.
Wendy’s purpose is fuelled by everyday South Africans – the gogo at a pension queue, the protesting student, the single mother running a spaza. “Their stories matter. That’s what keeps me going.”
“Burnout isn’t a badge of honour, it’s a fast track to mediocre storytelling,”
Wendy mothata basking in her balance, on vacation.
She stays sharp by staying curious – reading, listening, reflecting, and asking questions. “I invest in short courses and digital tools that help me stay ahead of trends. But most importantly, I stay connected to the people and communities I report on.”
To make a story stick online, Wendy emphasizes emotion, relevance, and timing. “A story that resonates with someone’s lived reality is the one that goes viral.” She bridges traditional journalism with social media by packaging substance in a way that clicks – literally and emotionally.
In today’s fast-paced media landscape, Wendy emphasizes the importance of digital agility, resilience, curiosity, integrity, and a lifelong learning mind-set. “This industry evolves by a second,” she notes.
To aspiring journalists, especially women, Wendy advises building their brand and investing in their craft. “Start writing, pitch that story, and post that opinion piece. Don’t overlook campus media – those platforms will shape you, stretch you, and open doors you didn’t even know existed.”
“Keep showing up, even when your voice shakes. That’s how you grow”
Looking back, Wendy wishes someone had told her that rejection is just redirection, imposter syndrome is wrong, and her voice is valid and powerful. “Keep showing up, even when your voice shakes. That’s how you grow,” she advises.
Journalism might be evolving, but so is Wendy. And trust, she’s not done writing.
On a lighter note — five things Wendy Mothata cannot live without in the field!:
1. My noise-cancelling AirPods — Every sound matters, from a breaking news quote to Beyoncé hitting that high note mid-commute.
2. Lip gloss — hydrated lips are a must.
3. Power bank — a dead phone is a journalist’s worst nightmare. No juice, no receipts.
4. Sanitiser/wipes/lotion — Essentials that every queen should have, but again soft hands can still type hard-hitting stories.
5. Sunglasses — because I’m always camera-ready. The slay? Non-negotiable.
