Growing up in rural Limpopo, Rebecca Phala, 31, immersed herself in literature, driven by the belief that mastering language could open doors to a better life. She is the first woman and youngest person to serve as national spokesperson and communications manager for the South African National Taxi Council — the male-dominated governing body of South Africa’s taxi industry. Her job sees her shaping national discourse, managing crisis communication and representing about 250 000 taxi operators. Mmatshikhidi’s media journey began at the University of Limpopo, where she founded Turf Campus TV, a student-run channel still inspiring aspiring broadcasters today. Her early career included jobs as a radio presenter, news editor and print journalist, equipping her with an understanding of media and politics. In 2018, she launched #TheBigSisterConversation, an initiative encouraging education, reading and health among rural girls. Through school visits, sanitary pad drives and book donations she uplifts young women from the same communities that shaped her. Mmatshikhidi was named a 2024 Rising Star in Public Service Communications by the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa, Limpopo.
I look up to Ms Nozipho Tshabalala, who is a sought-after public speaker, conversation facilitator, programmes director and overall media personality with her own company, The Conversation Strategists. She is a big inspiration for me in my career as a media and communications practitioner with a dream to inspire other people to dream big, achieve their goals and hone their talents. Her extensive knowledge of various sectors whose conversations she facilitates, or with which she interfaces in different forms, always shows how well prepared she is before undertaking a task. I am also inspired by social media entrepreneur Mpoomy Ledwaba. From leaving her academic pursuits to building one of the biggest social media brands — which has branched into products and a public speaking career — she inspires me to continue chasing my dreams.