For years, SABC Sport has championed women sports broadcasters. Think back to trailblazers like Cynthia Tshaka, Carol Tshabalala, and Xolelwa Majeke who opened the door for the rest of us to follow.
So, it was no surprise last year when SABC broke new ground by having an all women commentary team for the 1 December MZansi Super League T20 encounter at Centurion.
Many were nervous but we went ahead and enjoyed the historic occasion while valuable lessons were learnt.
We made cricket & broadcasting history with the first ever all women commentary team. Thank You @KassNaidoo for the opportunity! 🙏🏾 @MSL_T20 pic.twitter.com/D5FjoaAj7d
— Poppy Ntshongwana (@PoppyIsMyName) December 5, 2018
This year, we were given another opportunity to front an all women broadcast on 1 December at Newlands and it grabbed the attention of people from around the world.
👏🏽👏🏽 @OfficialCSA & @SPORTATSABC for addressing gender inequality as the key driver of violence against women. Visuals like this in the @MSL_T20 challenge the attitudes and behaviours that condone violence against women and deny women’s right to safety. #16Days https://t.co/oZxQICdKKL
— Mel 'MJ' Jones (@meljones_33) December 1, 2019
What was the aim of the all women broadcast? To stand up against gender based violence and show that with real support, women can achieve their wildest dreams.
This year, my long time commentary colleague, Natalie Germanos, and I welcomed Proteas stand-in skipper Sune Luus, into comm box for the first time while rising cricket anchor, Lesego Pooe was also given an opportunity to shine as a field reporter.
It was great to have experienced heads like former Proteas cricketer turned Match referee, Shandré Fritz on the team alongside Former England captain , Karen Smithies.
If we truly want women to thrive in largely male dominated environments, we need to empower them and reward potential with opportunities.
What I learnt from yesterday’s all-women broadcast on @SPORTATSABC is that our sports media must freshen up. Bring in new talent to add value to coverage across the board. Potential must be rewarded with opportunity. Thank you @MSL_T20! pic.twitter.com/nRfYmxfxoB
— Kass Naidoo (@KassNaidoo) December 2, 2019
It comes down to sincerity and wanting to truly change the game!
Salute SABC Sport and Cricket South Africa for championing women empowerment and giving us hope to rise even higher!
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