Naledi Nakuta
On the 1st of March 2024, Standard Bank proved yet again that it can be, by acknowledging and honoring media professionals with a special half day retreat.
A series of different media practitioners, from various media houses were invited including Afterbreak Magazine staff members, namely, Naledi Nakuta and Zoeey Smit. The occasion was hosted at the Out of Nature Country Lodge and Estates, just outside of Windhoek.
Upon arrival, the guests were pampered with warm greetings, refreshments and the beautiful scenic views. As they networked and eagerly awaited the day’s unfolding. The vibrant team from Secret Sunrise Namibia took them on a journey filled with musical expression, mindful mediation and fun ice breakers.
Standard Bank is known for making the impossible, possible and investing in potential. Unsurprisingly, “Unleash your power” was the theme for this event. This theme resonated throughout the day, as media icon and trailblazer, Devi Sankaree Govender, was the guest key note speaker. Mrs. Govender is an award winning South African investigative television journalist. However, her journey has not been an easy one.
Growing up in Apartheid South African, there were many rights she had been restricted, except the right to dream and her dream was to be a journalist and presenter on Carte Blanche. In her speech, she shared how her bold voice and free spirit led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Arts. A path considered unorthodox in her community at the time. Her journalism career began at the age of 21 with a freelance position at SABC Radio, where her segments often sparked controversy in Indian communities and the nation at large. Yet, she stood her ground, continued to challenge norms and spoke truth to power.
Post-Apartheid, she had the once in a lifetime opportunity to interview Nelson Mandela, a moment that solidified her passion for asking the difficult questions. Moreover, she encourages all journalist to embrace their individual strengths, amplify diverse perspectives, and continue to make the impossible possible in the world of media.
Her childhood dream materialised in January of 2002 when she started her 18 yearlong career at Carte Blanche, a South African investigative journalism program. As one of the presenters, she became the youngest investigative television journalists on the team and first Indian woman to cohost. Embracing her uniqueness in a landscape where no one on South African television looked or sounded quite like her, Mrs. Govender recognised the power of representation and individuality. “Your voice and uniqueness is your power in this industry.” She remarked. Mrs. Govender now hosts her own investigative television show, “Devi Show” which airs on Sundays at 18:00 on eTV.
Standard Bank’s commitment to nurturing talent and celebrating the power of unique voices in media was apparent throughout the retreat. As the event came to a close, it was evident that lifelong lessons were learned, connections made, and inspiration was shared.
