JOHANNESBURG – One of South Africa’s most recognised journalists, Sophie Mokoena, took to the airwaves on Radio 2000 as part of her farewell tour after 31 years of service at SABC News.
Mokoena, who served as SABC’s international news editor, joined the station’s “Life, Love and All” show, hosted by Chaba Qqeba, where she shared stories about her upbringing, career, and love for music. Her radio appearance coincided with the SABC News’ 75th anniversary celebrations.
Born in Frankfurt, Free State, Mokoena spoke about her childhood experiences, growing up in a poor family with her mother working as a kitchen helper and her father at a golf course reserved for white people. She recalled how jazz music playing from nearby shops became part of her school routine, laying the foundation for her love of music.
Listeners heard personal accounts of Mokoena’s transition from farm life to becoming a leading political journalist. She spoke about the hurdles she faced in education, her early ambition to be a teacher, and how a chance opportunity at Lesedi FM in 1994 launched her media career.
During the show, Mokoena reflected on key moments, including covering Nelson Mandela’s presidency, the fall of Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe, the death of Muammar Gaddafi, and political shifts such as Donald Trump’s election. She also opened up about her close ties with the Mandela and Madikizela-Mandela families, sharing regrets about not completing a documentary on Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
Music selections such as Brenda Fassie’s “Black President” and Lee Oskar’s “San Francisco Bay” accompanied her storytelling, connecting her memories to specific moments in her life.
Listeners flooded the show with voice notes, thanking Mokoena for her service to journalism, recalling how her fearless reporting gave a voice to the voiceless. Mokoena responded by thanking South Africans, the African continent, and the world for supporting her over three decades.
She revealed plans to write three books, including one focusing on her personal journey and another on Madikizela-Mandela, alongside pursuing other storytelling projects.
Though her official last working day is set for 31 July, Mokoena confirmed she would be working on the Nelson Mandela International Day coverage before signing off.
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