‘gsport Reminds Us that Our Work Matters’ — Vusiwe Ngcobo
Vusiwe Ngcobo needs little introduction, the trailblazing broadcaster has graced our screens since she was a teenager and is now a mainstay in the industry. During her illustrious career, she has anchored matches at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, as well as several men’s competitions.
The talented on-air personality was rewarded for her exceptional talent when she walked away with the Woman in TV gong at the 2023 gsport Awards, and in a full circle moment, she hosted the 2024 edition of the event.
“The journey has been equal parts rewarding and humbling. I started quite young, so I’ve grown up in the public eye. There’ve been incredible highs—working with amazing teams, and covering major sporting events—but also moments of real learning and introspection. Broadcasting has pushed me to grow not just professionally but personally too,” says Ngcobo.
“It’s been a beautiful, sometimes challenging, but always a meaningful road. Everything I’ve been able to achieve on this journey has been through God’s grace!”
It can be said that Ngcobo is known as one of the hardest-working women in broadcasting as she hosts and anchors various programmes on the SABC. This work ethic is something she takes great pride in and is of the opinion that consistency is what will allow her to leave behind a positive footprint in the industry.
“It’s deeply affirming,” says Ngcobo. “For me, it’s never just been about visibility—it’s about impact and integrity. If people associate me with hard work, that’s the greatest compliment. I’ve always believed that showing up consistently and giving your best, even when no one’s watching, builds a true legacy.”
With years of experience on the big stage, there is no doubt Ngcobo would have made some key learnings in her career. She shared with gsport what those are and said keeping your focus can help you in many ways.
“One big lesson is the importance of staying grounded. The industry can be fast-paced and full of distractions, so it’s crucial to remember your ‘Why’.”
“I’ve also learned the value of evolving—whether it’s embracing new platforms or learning new skills. And finally, relationships matter. Treating people with respect, no matter their title, goes a long way.”
Given her status as a world-class broadcaster, Ngcobo recently attended the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy’s Career Day, where she had the opportunity to inspire its young women. She said that the experience was one that showed her that the country has a bright future with the exceptional youngsters she met.
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“It was incredibly special. Walking into that space and seeing such bright, driven young women reminded me why I do what I do. They asked the most thoughtful questions, and I left feeling so hopeful about the future of our country. It was less about me inspiring them and more about connecting and exchanging dreams and possibilities.”
She advised those who are looking to join the broadcasting industry to remain true to themselves and urged them to always be open to learning.
“Be clear about your purpose and stay authentic. The media space is evolving quickly, but there’s always room for voices that are genuine and informed. Also, do your homework—know your craft, know your audience, know your worth – be prepared to put in the hard work, let your work do the talking for you, and keep learning. And don’t let the fear of failure hold you back; that first “yes” often comes after a few “no’s.”
While Ngcobo is well-known for her talents onscreen, she also holds two degrees. She urged women and girls to work towards tertiary qualifications as this will allow them to steer their careers in the right direction.
“I have both an undergrad (LLB) and a postgrad (MBA). I think it’s incredibly empowering. While talent and passion are essential, education opens doors and equips you with tools to navigate the industry more confidently. It also gives you options—media is broad, and qualifying means you can shift lanes if you ever choose to. Knowledge is power.”
Ngcobo was part of another huge gsport milestone when she hosted the historic live broadcast of the announcement of the Finalists for the 2024 gsport Awards. This was the first time this took place live on SABC 1, as well as SABC Sport platforms. She says the impact that gsport is nothing less than positive.
“I think it’s phenomenal. gsport fills a critical gap in the narrative of South African sport. By celebrating women, they’re rewriting the story—making it more inclusive, more representative. Beyond the Awards, it’s the visibility and the sense of community that makes a difference.”
As a gsport Award recipient, Ngcobo knows just what it means to be seen by the #PowerOfRecognition.
“gsport has a way of reminding us that our work matters. Being recognised, even just being part of the platform, fuels a sense of purpose. It affirms that the long hours, the challenges, the breakthroughs—are seen. And that kind of recognition is so important, especially for women in spaces where we’ve historically been overlooked.
“The #PowerOfRecognition has had a profound impact on me, both professionally and personally.”
“In an industry where women often work twice as hard to be seen and heard, gsport has been a platform that doesn’t just acknowledge our efforts—it celebrates them. Being recognised by gsport validated my work in a way that traditional spaces often don’t. It reminded me that my voice, my journey, and my contribution to sports broadcasting matter.
“It also opened doors to new opportunities. I’ve connected with incredible women in the industry—athletes, journalists, broadcasters—who’ve become collaborators, mentors, and even friends.”
“That sense of community is powerful. It makes you feel less alone in your hustle and more inspired to keep pushing boundaries.”
“More than anything, it has deepened my sense of responsibility. Recognition brings with it a duty to keep showing up, to mentor the next generation, and to keep using my platform to uplift others. gsport has made me more intentional about how I show up in this space.”
This year will see the 20th edition of the gsport Awards take place, and being such an integral part of the event over the past few years, Ngcobo says the ceremony proves gsport is an industry leader.
“It’s a powerful moment. Reaching 20 years is no small feat, and it speaks to the consistent impact gsport has had. These Awards don’t just shine a light—they set a standard. They say to every young girl playing sports or dreaming of being on screen: “You belong, and your journey matters.”
“It’s incredibly meaningful. I’ve seen how far we’ve come in giving women in sports the recognition they deserve, and gsport has been at the heart of that journey. The 20th Awards aren’t just a milestone—they’re a celebration of progress, persistence, and purpose.”
“For young girls and women, it’s a reminder that their work matters. And for those of us who’ve been in the industry for a while, it’s a moment of pride—to know we’re part of a growing legacy changing the game for women in sport.”
Main Photo Caption: Vusiwe Ngcobo, a trailblazing broadcaster, reflects on her rewarding career, emphasising the importance of hard work, consistency, and staying grounded. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: During her illustrious career, she has anchored matches at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, as well as several men’s competitions.
Photo 3 Caption: Ngcobo needs little introduction, she has graced our screens since she was a teenager, and is now a mainstay in the industry.
Photo 4 Caption: Ngcobo highlights the positive impact of gsport in celebrating women in sports, providing recognition and a sense of community.
Photo 5 Caption: Ngcobo inspired learners at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy’s Career Day, emphasising the significance of education.
Crédito: Link de origem