Thembisa-born communicator takes her voice from local stages to global platforms
Selokela is a proud social worker who works for the community and represents in at a global stage.
From community radio and event stages to international diplomacy platforms, Boinette Mittah Selokela is using her voice to inspire others and prove that local talent can reach global heights.
Selokela is a social worker, radio personality, television presenter, professional master of ceremonies (MC) and public speaker whose work has seen her engage with audiences across different sectors.
At the heart of her success is her ability to communicate with confidence and connect with diverse audiences. As a professional MC, she has hosted high-profile events, bringing energy, professionalism and composure to the stage.
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Her growing reputation as a speaker was further recognised when she delivered the official welcome address at the fourth edition of the Africa Women Summit in Cape Town, where she addressed influential women leaders, policymakers and changemakers from across the continent.
Beyond the media and entertainment space, Selokela has developed a strong interest in international relations, global politics and macro-economics.
Her passion for diplomacy has taken her beyond South Africa’s borders. In 2022, she represented the Grenada delegation at the Arab Youth International Model United Nations (AYIMUN) in Dubai, participating in United Nations General Assembly committee discussions alongside young leaders from around the world.
She also moderated a Model United Nations conference in Sri Lanka in February 2026, where she received a recognition award for her contribution.
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Selokela said her passion for diplomacy began in 2017 during a cultural exchange programme in Germany facilitated by the University of Johannesburg’s International Relations Office.
“During that trip, I recited the iconic ‘I am an African’ speech. Watching the audience become visibly moved by the power of those words was a watershed moment for me; it was then that my passion for diplomacy truly took root,” she said.
She said representing South African youth at the Model United Nations conference in Dubai was another defining moment in her journey.
“I further cultivated this calling in 2022 by representing South African youth at the Model United Nations conference in Dubai. Addressing delegates from 150 nations on the complexities of the Ukraine-Russia conflict was a deeply transformative experience.
“That momentum carried me to Sri Lanka earlier this year, where I was honoured to moderate an MUN conference and receive a recognition award.
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“These experiences uncovered a natural affinity for negotiation and public speaking talents I now cherish. Given the chance, I would relive every moment of that journey in a heartbeat,” she said.
However, Selokela said her journey has not been without challenges, particularly when it came to funding opportunities that allowed her to travel and participate in international programmes.
“The path was rarely paved with ease. I often faced financial barriers that threatened my ability to travel, but my commitment never wavered. I learned that when you possess an unwavering will, the way eventually reveals itself; through the generosity of those who believed in my vision, I was able to turn obstacles into opportunities,” she said.
For Selokela, becoming a confident public speaker has been a journey built through dedication and continuous growth.
“I had to consciously reprogramme my mindset to speak with conviction and forge a genuine connection with my audience. Even on days when the nerves are high, I step onto the stage because I know this is my purpose. It feels as though this stage was set for me long before I ever stepped onto it,” she said.
Through her work in media, public speaking and diplomacy, Selokela hopes to encourage young people to embrace their talents, pursue opportunities and believe that their voices can make an impact beyond their communities.
