Modise dedicates VJOY 2022 Regional Award to Unisa Radio

Former Unisa Radio newsreader Kgomotso Modise proudly displaying her VJOY 2022 award in the EWN newsroom

Former Unisa Radio newsreader, Kgomotso Modise, recently won the Vodacom Journalist of the Year 2022 (VJOY 2022) Gauteng Regional Award in the category Live Reporting and Breaking News for her work covering the Senzo Meyiwa case and the Rosettenville shootout between police and cash-in-transit robbers.

“I am grateful for Unisa Radio for being a stepping stone to launch my career in the broadcast industry” says Modise. “Winning the award is a reminder of the hard work and commitment I have put into my craft and also an acknowledgement of those who believed in me during my training at Unisa Radio.”

Modise, now an Eyewitness News (EWN) reporter, joined Unisa Radio in 2014. She says that her love for news reporting began when she was requested by a former Unisa Radio Head of News to join the news reading team. “All I wanted when I joined Unisa Radio was to be a DJ,” she adds. Modise says that winning the award is a form of affirmation for her. She further adds that it feels good to know that her hard work has been recognised and rewarded. She thanks Unisa Radio for playing a vital role in her career. “This award goes to all those who played a part in my career, especially the members of Unisa Radio management, Tali Munzhedzi and Martina Jege, for their work ethic and commitment to training me when I didn’t believe that I was a good newsreader.”

Modise encourages Unisa students to use Unisa Radio as a stepping stone to launch their careers in the broadcast industry. “This,” she says, “is a great opportunity to learn, perfect your craft and build your character.”

As to her plans for the future, Modise says that she would like to stay in journalism for now. “Of course, I’m a field reporter, but who knows what the future holds? I have learnt that this road is a rollercoaster. While I’m wise enough to know the value of planning, I do not undermine the joy of sitting back and enjoying the ride.”

Professor Danie du Plessis, Former Chair of the Department of Communication Science and Unisa Radio’s project leader in 2014, has also congratulated Modise. Du Plessis said it was good to hear from a Unisa Radio alumnus and that the award was a confirmation that Unisa Radio assisted a tiny bit on Modise’s road to greatness. He further explained that when Unisa Radio was established, one of its mandates was to serve as a breeding ground for future achievers and also as a training facility for students who have an interest in the broadcast industry. “We are grateful that Modise continues to fly the flag for Unisa Radio wherever she goes, and that she still remembers where it all started.”

Modise will be competing with other field reporters in the upcoming VJOY 2022 National Awards.

* By Ledile Jege, Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Human Sciences