POLOKWANE – Sewela Mokoena, (27) considers herself an expert when it comes to marketing services. Originally from Ga-Kgapane, near Tzaneen, Sewela has since relocated to Limpopo from Gauteng and is a Marketing Services Executive for SABC Commercial Enterprises in the radio sales department.

My job basically comprises of two components, media strategy/marketing intelligence as well as marketing coordination for SABC radio sales.

“I chose this career path because of my love for the South African media landscape and research, I wanted to know more about how the world of advertising worked and to be exposed to different media within the industry,” she said.

As part of her daily duties, she also has to liaise with various stakeholders internally, such as radio station personnel as well as externally with our clients.

She plans, markets and executes various events for radio sales stakeholders, conducts presentations and does various marketing elements as needed to support her team, and ultimately optimises on anything that helps them achieve their revenue targets as a group.

Sewela says she loves books and enjoys reading anything from whimsical romances, autobiographies to self-help books. “I’ve cultivated a love for reading from a young age. I love local travel, currently discovering parts of our wonderful province I haven’t had the chance to explore, and general outdoor activities.” she said.

She has done her triple major undergraduate degree in media studies, English and anthropology, through the University of the Witwatersrand and graduated in 2012.

She has since entered the working world through experience gained by an internship with the SABC in 2013.

“I have gone on to study an honours degree in BA communication theory at the University of Johannesburg and I’m currently taking on an entirely new route this year to study business management through Unisa. I would ultimately like to see myself holding qualifications in media law and business, the road is long, but I’m getting geared up, the learning never ends.”

She says she has gone from being a budding intern in SABC Commercial Enterprises in Auckland Park, to being permanently appointed as a junior media strategist in radio the same year she graduated from my internship.

She says she is still growing within the industry and is looking to harness her entrepreneurial skills as she envisions herself owning her own media company in the future. “Since joining Business Women’s Association (BWASA), the organisation has helped me realise that being a young professional and having a nine-to-five job may be a great achievement and a cornerstone, but does not limit one’s ability to empower oneself and others through having a vision, activating it and working hard.

“I’m a feminist at heart so I appreciate the strong women in my life that have helped me get to where I am, especially my mother.”

Sewela says she’s passionate about learning and teaching, and would like to nurture the younger generations talents in media and marketing one day, she says community development is very close to her and she wants to edge in that direction over and above anything else.

anne@nmgroup.co.za