From the bustling township of Umlazi in the south of Durban to the global newsrooms of the BBC, Lethiwe Mdluli has always believed in the power of storytelling — not just as a career, but as a calling. Her journey from a quiet bookworm to an accomplished journalist is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the unshakable belief that one’s beginnings never determine their ending.
Born in Pietermaritzburg on July 14, 1992, and raised by her late mother and grandmother, Lethiwe describes her childhood as simple yet nurturing. “I was very quiet as a child,” she recalls. “I spent most of my time at home, reading books or magazines.” It was through these stories often about independent women chasing dreams in big cities that the seeds to her own ambition were planted.
When the time came to choose a career, journalism wasn’t the obvious path at first. “I didn’t always know I wanted to be a journalist,” she admits.
“I just loved books, and many of the stories I read were about women who worked in publishing or writing. I wanted that life. I thought journalism was the same thing which it isn’t but I’m glad I ended up here. I think I landed exactly where I was meant to be.”
Her studies at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) cemented that feeling. She excelled in practical modules like media production and reporting, eventually majoring in broadcast journalism. “I really loved being out there, talking to people,” she says. Her passion for telling human-centered stories particularly those that give voice to underserved communities became the hallmark of her work.
But behind her drive lies a story of loss and resilience. Losing her mother at a young age shaped not only her perspective but her purpose.
“After losing her, I knew I wanted to do great things not just for myself, but for my siblings and family,” she reflects. “Every decision I’ve made since has been influenced by that.”
After nearly a decade in the field, she felt the pull to grow once again – this time academically. Her dedication to community-focused journalism earned her a prestigious Chevening Scholarship, which allowed her to pursue a Master’s in Journalism and Media Studies at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom.
“I’ve always been a big dreamer. It didn’t seem impossible to me that I could end up in England,” she shares.
At Sussex, she immersed herself in a world of new ideas, exploring advertising, law, and media theory.
“I loved how media law showed me how different countries handle media and promotion. It really opened my mind to how global the industry truly is.”
That global perspective expanded even further when she was offered an opportunity to work with the BBC Africa Eye team, one of the network’s leading investigative journalism units. “Every day, I have to pinch myself. I get to learn from seasoned BBC journalists and contribute to real investigations happening across the continent. It’s an incredible experience.”
Despite her achievements abroad, Lethiwe remains deeply connected to home.
“I miss the weather, the people, and the food. Once you’re away from South Africa, you really realise how great our country is.”
The 33-year-old plans to return soon to pursue a PhD and continue building her career possibly in investigative journalism or even corporate communications.
When asked what advice she would give to aspiring journalists, her words are both grounded and heartfelt:
“Always stay true to who you are and always strive for excellence in your work. Journalism is such a public job when you put your all into a story, people can tell.”
For Lethiwe, success isn’t just about bylines or breaking stories; it’s about impact. “The reward is seeing people get justice. The media is the voice of the people and that’s what keeps me going.”
From Umlazi to the BBC, her story reminds us that dreams – no matter how far-fetched they may seem- are always within reach when driven by purpose and passion.
