The SABC has been a key player in nurturing young talent and giving them a platform to showcase their skills, whether on radio, TV, or digital platforms. It’s impressive how they’ve consistently helped elevate fresh voices, particularly in an industry that requires both skill and creativity.
Some of these young faces go on to become household names, and it’s exciting to see how they bring new perspectives and energy to broadcasting.
We’ve seen the likes of Lebo Motsoeli and Carol Tshabalala start their careers as very young ambitious teenagers and today they are counted amongst sport’s broadcasting greats.
Ledwaba was first noticed at a Presenter Search competition: “It took almost 2 years and I then got the callback, I didn’t really have hope that I’d get the job!”She always wanted to do television presenting, but the idea of sports presenting came from Ledwaba’s twin brother.
This time around we shine the light on a future star presenter Karabo Ledwaba, a young, super talented presenter on a fairly new show called G.O.A.Ts Like Us airing every Friday at 15:00, powered by SABC Sport.
Ledwaba got the opportunity via a Presenter Search competition. “I entered a talent search competition back in 2022 as SABC Sport was in search of young, new presenters for the show.”
“It took almost two years and I then got the callback, at the time I had given up and didn’t really have hope that I’d get the job. So it all came unexpected but I was truly happy when I got the call.”
Rising Sports Broadcaster, Karabo Ledwaba
Her presenting style is energetic and captivating and that is what helped her stand out.
“There’s no denying that there are a lot of talented presenters out there however I try to always remain as authentic as possible. I do not want to just be another broadcaster but one that will be recognised for the love and passion they have for sports broadcasting both on and off camera. So doing my job the best way I know how and keeping true to who I am is what makes me stand out.”
From a young age Ledwaba has always been captivated by the concept of TV Presenting, from practicing in front of the mirror to going around the country profiling young people like herself doing amazing things in sport.
“It has always been a dream of mine to get into presenting. I used to spend majority of my time pretending that I’m a TV host and I’d practice my links and interviews in front of the mirror. I used to be part of the public speaking and debating team in High School, so anything that required me to speak and engage with people has always been something I loved doing.”
“However, Sports Broadcasting was an influence from my twin brother. He used to make me watch matches of different sporting codes and would explain the rules of the game to me in detail, if it meant we stay up to watch a Basketball match at 2am then that’s what we were going to do and I’d then practice that type of broadcasting with him.”
The show G.O.A.Ts Like Us profiles prolific athletes across all South Africa’s 9 Provinces, from grassroots level to professional.
“We travel across the country to meet the young talent, cover their sport story and the beauty of it all is how we personally get touched by these stories. Not only do we get inspired but we use that to motivate the young viewers to also get involved in sport, get the parents and community members to nurture and support the young talent in their communities. We are trying to enforce the notion that sport is not just another extramural activity or hobby.”
From a very young age, Ledwaba knew that Broadcasting and Media is a world she’s destined for and since then she watches a few established and experienced broadcaster that have inspired her.
“I am still a firm believer of traditional sports broadcasting, and I think the following women are steering this ship impeccably without fail. I unfortunately could not narrow it down to just one so the likes of Xoli Zondo, Lonwabo Nkohla, Motshidisi Mohono, Lindiwe Dube and Carol Tshabalala have been a huge inspiration to me, and still are. Their work ethic just stands out, and I’m always just watching, taking notes, to better my skills as well.”
Top of her list of highlights is attending the most sought- after invitation on the sporting calendar in South Africa.
“One that truly stands out for me is when I attended the gsport Awards last year. Never in my wildest dream did I think I’d be in such a space and it was truly amazing to see women in sports at their best, being celebrated like that. It validated why I am here and why this means so much to me. I immediately knew that I’m here to stay, and this is exactly where I want to be.”
The rise of female sports presenters and analysts is evident across major networks globally. Women are no longer confined to sideline reporting but are taking on lead roles as anchors, commentators, and panel experts in sports traditionally dominated by men—such as football, cricket, and rugby.
Behind the scenes, there’s a growing presence of female producers, directors, and editors who are shaping the narrative and coverage of sports events.
Ledwaba agrees: “Yes absolutely, with a platform like gsport, women’s contribution in sport is seen, celebrated and acknowledged. This is why monthly women in sport make headlines for breaking records and getting international accolades. The exposure and recognition has grown that we see the work that is being done however there’s a lot more that can be done to ensure that opportunities, in fact endless opportunities are brought forward for women in sport.”
Ledwaba says: “My biggest dream is to do touch-line broadcasting for big matches, like a derby and cup final.”On the G.O.A.Ts Like Us show, she profiles athletes across SA’s nine Provinces, from grassroots level to professional. “We get touched by these stories.”
The question remains however, how do we keep this trend going and support more young females breaking into the space. For the ones that are already occupying presenters and editors seats, how can they be better supported in their roles.
“Had it not been for the talent search competition I entered, I still would have not known how to get into broadcasting. I think it’s high time sports broadcasting companies extend a hand by creating more of these talent search competitions, create mentorship programs and make information easily accessible so one knows how to get there.”
“Talent is there but information is not accessible so it makes it very difficult for one to know about getting into broadcasting.”
It’s early days in her career but it is evident Ledwaba is destined for great things in broadcasting and she knows the sky is the limit.
“My biggest dream is to do touchline broadcasting for big matches, like a derby and cup final. I always envision myself in the buzz and noise of a stadium covering a match and in due time we will make it happen.
“I do not want to limit myself, so both TV and Radio sports broadcasting is where I see myself and it is where I am headed.”
Main Photo Caption: Presenter on the SABC Sport show ‘GOATs Like Us’, Karabo Ledwaba, is making waves as a fresh face, bringing energy and talent to the game. Her goal is to be a pitch-side presenter and an anchor during derbies and finals. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Ledwaba was first noticed at a Presenter Search competition: “It took almost 2 years and I then got the callback, I didn’t really have hope that I’d get the job!”
Photo 3 Caption: She always wanted to do television presenting, but the idea of sports presenting came from Ledwaba’s twin brother.
Photo 4 Caption: On the G.O.A.Ts Like Us show, she profiles athletes across SA’s nine Provinces, from grassroots level to professional. “We get touched by these stories.”
Photo 5 Caption: Ledwaba says: “My biggest dream is to do touchline broadcasting for big matches, like a derby and cup final.”
Rising Star: Karabo Ledwaba Sets the Stage for a New Era in Sports Broadcasting
The SABC has been a key player in nurturing young talent and giving them a platform to showcase their skills, whether on radio, TV, or digital platforms. It’s impressive how they’ve consistently helped elevate fresh voices, particularly in an industry that requires both skill and creativity.
Some of these young faces go on to become household names, and it’s exciting to see how they bring new perspectives and energy to broadcasting.
We’ve seen the likes of Lebo Motsoeli and Carol Tshabalala start their careers as very young ambitious teenagers and today they are counted amongst sport’s broadcasting greats.
This time around we shine the light on a future star presenter Karabo Ledwaba, a young, super talented presenter on a fairly new show called G.O.A.Ts Like Us airing every Friday at 15:00, powered by SABC Sport.
Ledwaba got the opportunity via a Presenter Search competition. “I entered a talent search competition back in 2022 as SABC Sport was in search of young, new presenters for the show.”
Her presenting style is energetic and captivating and that is what helped her stand out.
“There’s no denying that there are a lot of talented presenters out there however I try to always remain as authentic as possible. I do not want to just be another broadcaster but one that will be recognised for the love and passion they have for sports broadcasting both on and off camera. So doing my job the best way I know how and keeping true to who I am is what makes me stand out.”
From a young age Ledwaba has always been captivated by the concept of TV Presenting, from practicing in front of the mirror to going around the country profiling young people like herself doing amazing things in sport.
“However, Sports Broadcasting was an influence from my twin brother. He used to make me watch matches of different sporting codes and would explain the rules of the game to me in detail, if it meant we stay up to watch a Basketball match at 2am then that’s what we were going to do and I’d then practice that type of broadcasting with him.”
The show G.O.A.Ts Like Us profiles prolific athletes across all South Africa’s 9 Provinces, from grassroots level to professional.
“We travel across the country to meet the young talent, cover their sport story and the beauty of it all is how we personally get touched by these stories. Not only do we get inspired but we use that to motivate the young viewers to also get involved in sport, get the parents and community members to nurture and support the young talent in their communities. We are trying to enforce the notion that sport is not just another extramural activity or hobby.”
From a very young age, Ledwaba knew that Broadcasting and Media is a world she’s destined for and since then she watches a few established and experienced broadcaster that have inspired her.
“I am still a firm believer of traditional sports broadcasting, and I think the following women are steering this ship impeccably without fail. I unfortunately could not narrow it down to just one so the likes of Xoli Zondo, Lonwabo Nkohla, Motshidisi Mohono, Lindiwe Dube and Carol Tshabalala have been a huge inspiration to me, and still are. Their work ethic just stands out, and I’m always just watching, taking notes, to better my skills as well.”
Top of her list of highlights is attending the most sought- after invitation on the sporting calendar in South Africa.
The rise of female sports presenters and analysts is evident across major networks globally. Women are no longer confined to sideline reporting but are taking on lead roles as anchors, commentators, and panel experts in sports traditionally dominated by men—such as football, cricket, and rugby.
Behind the scenes, there’s a growing presence of female producers, directors, and editors who are shaping the narrative and coverage of sports events.
Ledwaba agrees: “Yes absolutely, with a platform like gsport, women’s contribution in sport is seen, celebrated and acknowledged. This is why monthly women in sport make headlines for breaking records and getting international accolades. The exposure and recognition has grown that we see the work that is being done however there’s a lot more that can be done to ensure that opportunities, in fact endless opportunities are brought forward for women in sport.”
derby and cup final.”
The question remains however, how do we keep this trend going and support more young females breaking into the space. For the ones that are already occupying presenters and editors seats, how can they be better supported in their roles.
“Had it not been for the talent search competition I entered, I still would have not known how to get into broadcasting. I think it’s high time sports broadcasting companies extend a hand by creating more of these talent search competitions, create mentorship programs and make information easily accessible so one knows how to get there.”
It’s early days in her career but it is evident Ledwaba is destined for great things in broadcasting and she knows the sky is the limit.
“My biggest dream is to do touchline broadcasting for big matches, like a derby and cup final. I always envision myself in the buzz and noise of a stadium covering a match and in due time we will make it happen.
“I do not want to limit myself, so both TV and Radio sports broadcasting is where I see myself and it is where I am headed.”
Main Photo Caption: Presenter on the SABC Sport show ‘GOATs Like Us’, Karabo Ledwaba, is making waves as a fresh face, bringing energy and talent to the game. Her goal is to be a pitch-side presenter and an anchor during derbies and finals. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Ledwaba was first noticed at a Presenter Search competition: “It took almost 2 years and I then got the callback, I didn’t really have hope that I’d get the job!”
Photo 3 Caption: She always wanted to do television presenting, but the idea of sports presenting came from Ledwaba’s twin brother.
Photo 4 Caption: On the G.O.A.Ts Like Us show, she profiles athletes across SA’s nine Provinces, from grassroots level to professional. “We get touched by these stories.”
Photo 5 Caption: Ledwaba says: “My biggest dream is to do touchline broadcasting for big matches, like a derby and cup final.”
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