Timothy Rangongo

Category
Film & Media

Age
30

Organisation / Company
MoneyMarketing South Africa
Website

Profile

Timothy Rangongo is an award-winning financial journalist and editor-in-chief of MoneyMarketing. At 30, he is one of the youngest black editors of a business publication in South Africa.

Timothy, who has a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Economics and Law, a postgraduate diploma in Media Management and a certificate in Financial Journalism, started his career with an internship at Finweek, after which he joined the inaugural team of Business Insider South Africa.

He won an Editorial Innovation Award from Media24 and was named Best Newcomer at the Sanlam Financial Journalist of the Year Awards. At MoneyMarketing, he has launched special projects focusing on marginalised people in the finance sector, such as profiling a diverse array of leading women in financial services for Women’s Month.

Timothy is committed to promoting diversity and representation in the industry. He understands the importance of offering opportunities and mentoring to underrepresented groups, especially as an African and gay financial journalist in a predominantly white, male-dominated industry.

“If given the chance, I would advise my younger self to prioritise pursuing my passions and to remain focused on them despite any distractions or naysayers. I would also encourage my younger self to view failures as valuable learning opportunities and to persist in chasing my dreams, no matter how challenging they may seem,” Timothy says.

List your educational background - qualifications and institutions?

• Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Law,  Rhodes University
• Postgraduate Diploma/Honours in Media Management, Rhodes University
• Certificate in Investigative Financial Journalism from the Sanlam Summer School for Financial Journalists

Any awards or achievements in your field?

• Sanlam Awards for Excellence in Financial Journalism: The Best Newcomer Award went to Timothy Rangongo of Finweek, who demonstrated enthusiasm and candour in his storytelling on various topics covering the economy, financial markets, and personal finance, according to the independent judging panel
• International News Media Association (INMA) & Google News Elevate Scholarship: INMA and Google News awarded 50 news media professionals around the world with their debut Elevate Scholarship. The series features impressive media professionals who are shaping the industry. The scholarship equipped me with strong news industry business fundamentals that propelled my individual career. It also provided tools and a solid global network to face today’s challenging business landscape.
• Best Editorial Innovation Award by Media24: Media24’s digital division, 24.com, celebrated its top performers of 2018 at a gala awards event at Nasdak in Cape Town on 8 March 2019. The best editorial innovation award for Black Friday 2018 coverage was awarded to Business Insider South Africa.

One childhood memory that has spurred you to such levels of achievement?

My childhood memory of creating a play newspaper with cutout photos from magazines with my father as my number one reader has remained dear to me and has been a source of inspiration and motivation throughout my career as a journalist. The joy I felt in creating and sharing stories with my father ignited a passion for writing and storytelling that has stayed with me throughout my life. It also instilled in me a commitment to excellence in my work.

Advice to your younger self?

If given the chance, I would advise my younger self to prioritise pursuing my passions and to remain focused on them despite any distractions or naysayers. I would also encourage my younger self to view failures as valuable learning opportunities and to persist in chasing my dreams, no matter how challenging they may seem.

What would you like South Africa to look like in five years?

My vision for South Africa entails social harmony, economic progress and a renewed democratic spirit. This would involve a growing economy, leading to a significant reduction in unemployment. A tremendous improvement in education with an emphasis on civic education and more affordable access to university education. A public sector that is more competent and productive, increasing public trust. Last, land distribution that is more equitable and support for emerging farmers to increase agricultural production and food security.