Team Vuvu 2020

Laura-Anne Hunter

Laura-Anne Hunter

Current WITS Journalism Honours student and BA Undergraduate with majors in International Relations and Media Studies. Survived my fourth open heart surgery, making me a scar-lover, pint-sized and kind of fiery. Book-enthusiast and coffee devotee. Aiming for a career filled with fervent researching and reporting.

Vetiwe Mamba

Vetiwe Mamba

Hailing from the Kingdom of eSwatini, I’m a mix-mash of tradition and “new age” thinking. Creating worlds with words alone has always fascinated me and is what I’ve been chasing since I can remember. I hope to create a world, whether through words or other media, that is a peaceful & invigorating escape from our fast-paced reality

Anna Moross

Anna Moross

My name is Anna Moross. I have been a ‘Witsie’ for the past three years and have just finished my undergraduate degree at the University in a Bachelor of Arts. My majors were Psychology and International Relations. I am currently doing my honours in Journalism at The University of Witwatersrand. The hope I have for the year is to grow and learn the imperative skills that one needs to be a skilled journalist.

Emma O’Connor

Emma O’Connor

Having had a passion for the profession of journalism for as long as I can remember, I am excited to carry on my journey of academia through Wits. I have recently completed my Bachelor of Arts undergraduate degree, specialising in Communication Sciences and English Literature. In the words of Henry Luce: “I became a journalist to come as close as possible to the heart of the world”.

Leah Wilson

Leah Wilson

My name is Leah Wilson. I am 22 years old, navigating my space on earth with a desire to learn and grow in my capacity as a young woman, aspiring writer and member of the born-free generation. As a student of life, I hope to exchange my lessons for meaningful connections with the experiences of others. I am proud of my ability to be honest yet compassionate and hope that this can be an advantage in exciting ways going forward as a future journalist. I’m also committed to the cause of learning about African and worldwide innovation.

Palesa Mofokeng

Palesa Mofokeng

I am Palesa Mofokeng, 21 years of age and I’m from the Vaal. I have recently completed my undergraduate degree in Media and Writing at the University of Cape Town and I am currently in pursuit of my BA Honours degree in Media studies and Journalism at Wits university. I’m passionate about news media, writing and research. My future plans are to go into news production, investigative journalism and to work as a News Anchor.

Catia De Castro

Catia De Castro

Zinhle Belle

Zinhle Belle

My name is Zinhle Belle, I’m a 21 year old student journalist from Johannesburg; who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Psychology. I developed my interest in the media through exposure to Fashion, Lifestyle and Political trends. I was particularly interested in how different topics have been translated into news of value; and how engagement with information can allow for the visibility of diverse communities. Lastly, I think an informed mind is the basis for a responsible and evolving society and therefore, I intend to contribute to this by sharing current affairs matters which can be accessed by the public.

Akhona Matshoba

Akhona Matshoba

Akhona Matshoba is a student journalist at the University of Witswatersrand’s student newspaper, Vuvuzela. As the former deputy editor in chief of UCT’s Varsity Newspaper, she together with her team won the best team in student media award in 2019 which was awarded by Investec. Akhona’s interested in working as a political journalist and hopes, through her work, to uphold the principles and values that ensure media freedom and public development.

Dylan Bettencourt

Dylan Bettencourt

I am a highly committed and loyal individual, whether that to be my struggling sports team or achieving a near impossible fitness goal. My name is Dylan Bettencourt and I am extremely passionate about the journalistic arts and expressing different ideas and opinions that may inform the public. I recently worked with a sports writing company based in the United Kingdom as an intern. My aim is to keep improving at all times in order to be the best possible version of myself.

Niall Higgins

Niall Higgins

A proud Witsie and aspiring journalist – my name is Niall Higgins and I’m proud to be a part of the student Vuvuzela Team! When I’m not writing (or talking a lot), I am a musician at heart, as well as a singer-songwriter who loves to perform, record songs and play the guitar. Beneath my playful and positive nature however, is a strong dedication to the art of self-improvement, and I believe that happiness and balance is found by living in the present moment and by being grateful for every second that life has to offer.

Zainab Patel

Zainab Patel

Zainab is a young dynamic individual with a strong moral compass which has allowed for a balanced perspective and the need to understand both sides of a story. She has always enjoyed capturing moments, as well as experiencing them and reporting on them. She has a Degree in Media Studies and Psychology and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. She recieved the top student in media studies in her final year which showcases her dedication and passion for journalism. She has a strong pull towards investigative journalism and uncovering the truth. She also has a need to give a voice to the voiceless as many times she feels people’s struggles aren’t heard or noticed. Journalism is her way of achieving that.

Zikhona Klaas

Zikhona Klaas

Zikhona Klaas is a young passionate journalism student who obtained a degree in the field. She studied her undergraduate degree at the University of Johannesburg and currently doing her Honors degree at the University of Witwatersrand. Her enthusiasm for storytelling started when she discovered authentic African stories that was sidelined by the media landscape. She was an author and assistant content editor for a student blog called Inkanyezi. She joined Wits Vuvuzela to pursue her specific interests on beats that are based on social economic and political values.”

Thobekile Moyo

Thobekile Moyo

My name is Thobe. I’m a music and literature enthusiast. I make a lot of Ice Cube, Fresh Prince and Spike Lee references. I enjoy writing and intended on improving. I’m the opinionated person you may want to think twice about talking politics with.

Tshepo Thaela

Tshepo Thaela

If you’re looking for a team player that isn’t afraid of getting his hands dirty to get the job done, look no further. I’m always looking for new ways to improve and contribute to the big picture. I believe that there is always something to learn wherever I go, thrive in social situations and am an asset when it comes to networking.

Khuleko Siwela

Khuleko Siwela