#Newsmaker: Mzo Jojwana takes on role as 702 station manager

Congrats on your appointment. How do you feel about it?

I’ve gone through a range of emotions, from joy to trepidation. This is a seminal step in my radio career.. I’m eternally grateful for this opportunity to take my career to the next level.

How and when did this come about?

This development came because of our current station manager, Thabisile Mbete deciding to pursue a different career. For me, this moment is about a meeting of the minds with a commonly shared vision, and a primary interest in keeping 702 as the great platform it is and building on the great work that Thabisile and the team have put in place.

What excites you most about taking on this new role?

To be given the chance to work with and lead an amazing pool of talented content and technical producers, and some most talented presenters in South Africa. I look forward to carrying the baton of this 41-year-old media institution, called 702 to new and different heights.

Tell us about your journey into radio

Radio has been a love of mine since childhood. I remember listening to the legendary John Perlman in the car with my dad, and that is the foundation for my radio career. I am a graduate of Journalism and Media Studies at Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

Professionally I got my first radio job at CapeTalk, 702’s sister station in Cape Town, as a producer and as they say, the rest is history.

I owe a great deal of gratitude to many people who have contributed to my careers, not least Collin Cullis, who gave me a shot all those years ago and in recent years, my former CEO at Primedia Broadcasting, Terry Volkwyn is another individual who’s impact in my life is simply immeasurable.

What do you love most about your career, the industry and what you do?

I love the intimacy and the immediacy of radio. The ability of the medium to reach as many people as it does, as the original ‘social media’ and its ability connect people. 702 is currently playing a very significant role in facilitating conversations of national and local importance. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with amazing and hugely talented people who are purpose and mission driven to make a meaningful contribution in the advancement of South Africa.

What has been your biggest career highlight?

Without doubt, my appointment as 702 station manager, but there have many gratifying moments along the journey.

What is your biggest motivation in life?

I’m motivated by setbacks; they keep you in in check and teach you to remain grounded and can also be a major source of motivation.

You've been recognised as an industry innovator. What contribution will you be making to 702?

My intention is to make certain that 702 maintains its central role and relevance in the media landscape in South Africa. We will continue to consistently deliver on our promise to Walk The Talk with our listeners and deliver a responsive, premium audience for our commercial partners.

What career advice would you give to anyone entering the radio industry?

You need perseverance and an unwavering determination to succeed. I believe that working in radio is not job, but a labour of love and lastly, one needs to have a teachable spirit. I’ve been learning and continue to learn about our industry since the first day I started at Primedia all those 18 years ago.