How Sbu Shongwe went from Breyten to NBA Streets

BREYTEN – Sbu Shongwe’s (34) journey from this small town to the bright lights of NBA TV Africa was a slam dunk in pursuing his dreams.

He was recently announced as the lead presenter for NBA Streets, a weekly TV show that provides basketball news, highlights and updates. It focuses on the American and African basketball.

Raised by his mother and grandmother in KwaZanele, Shongwe attended Siyacathula and Siyazi primary schools before moving to Hendrina Combined, and finally completing his high school education at Carolina Combined School in 2007.

He then set his sights on Johannesburg in 2009, determined to build a career in the media industry.

“NBA Streets being a sports programme, about basketball in particular, was the icing on the cake. It’s been something I’ve been interested in for a long time,” said Shongwe.

Shongwe’s path to success wasn’t without its challenges.

“Challenges are always there. I’ve had to earn every single second I get on television and radio. It’s tough for a kid coming from where I come from, not knowing anyone or having family in the city. It’s a long, tedious process to get yourself recognised. I had to stay the course and fight for what I believe in.”
Despite the obstacles, Shongwe’s triumphs include hosting various TV shows and earning the respect of major brands and his peers in the media industry.
He credits his late mother, Thembani Hlatshwayo, a teacher by profession, as his primary mentor and inspiration.
“A lot of guidance came from her,” he said. “How to prepare, how to stand out, and how to continually be the best you can be. She taught me all that and more. I’m extremely grateful for her guidance.”
Shongwe’s passion for broadcasting and sports was ignited by watching television as a young boy.
“I thought to myself, one day I want to be like those people on TV,” he recalled.
Sport has always been a part of his life and his love for it began on the dusty streets of Breyten.
His television experience extends beyond NBA Streets, including hosting the McCafe Barista Search on eTV and presenting eTV’s Morning Show. He also recently led Ball’n All on SportsConnect.
Landing the NBA Streets role was a combination of hard work and opportunity.
Having expressed his interest in working with the NBA, Shongwe met with network executives who were familiar with his previous work.
“The meeting was basically my audition, but most importantly, the work I’d been doing was audition enough for them.”
NBA Streets showcases the best basketball action from Africa and the NBA.

Read the complete article in Highvelder.