Carol Tshabalala is a sports news anchor at Super Sport despite her many childhood dreams. Courtesy Photo
In Summary
PASSION DRIVES MY CAREER. . Carol Tshabalala, a Super Sport anchor is vocal, vibrant and eloquent. Tshabalala loves sports and she has worked as an anchor for 15 years. She shares a bit about her life with Justine Juliet Rukundo.
Carol Tshabalala is a stickler for time and believes any woman can make it if they pursue their passion. She is strong willed and praises her workmates for being supportive. Bubbly with blushed cheeks, big hair, clad in a red dress which accentuates her body shape, and green suede heels, she smiles in between every two words as we get talking.
What time do you wake up?
Given that I go to bed very late, I wake up at 10am. When my boys are not on holiday, I wake up a bit early (6am) to prepare them for school.
What inspires you?
The fact that I have children and responsibility keeps me focused. Not only that but also the fact that I’m a mentor of some young girls as well as taking care of some. This gives me reason to stay on course.
If you were not an anchor…
I have had a number of dreams from childhood. At one point I wanted to be a doctor and heal the world but given my loud nature, I could not take that path. I then hoped to be a zoologist because of my love for animals but I did not live to that . Then came a time when I wanted to nurture my acting and singing talent but hey, I also had this much love for sports. So, it over powered me. Here I’m 15 years later.
How do you manage this male-dominated career?
I am passionate about my work, I read a lot and I never rehearse what I have to say to the audience. Sports is part of my life and I keep tabs with the latest developments. I give off the best I can and compete with the best. It is quite some work.
Were you bullied at work?
Yes and no. There were naysayers who looked at me as a young black woman but because of my outgoing nature and dedication to work, respect was born.
How do you deal with anger?
When someone rubs me the wrong way, I first think through what they have said to me; breathe in and out then keep calm. You can never get my outburst even if you provoked me to the edge.
Your pet peeves?
I hate traffic and it tests my patience. You would want to do something in time but traffic stands in your way.
Also, I cannot stand judgemental people because we are different, who are you to judge others? Such people tend to make everyone’s life their business which is terrible.
What are your low moments?
The journey of my life. My childhood was not rosy. Whenever I remember when we were broke- did not have enough money to go to school or buy good clothes, I feel sad. Later, I get thinking that I made it for better.
How do you spend your free time?
I do sports with my boys. I love my play station and do not believe in virtual sports. While my sons play NBA and FIFA, I do boxing to keep my body toned and yes, I love my African woman body shape.
What is your must-carry item?
My iPad. It is what I use to research, check my schedule and keep tabs with the world’s happenings. Knowledge is power.
What about makeup?
Much as I’m not a makeup person, lipgloss is a must because of the nature of my job. I have a very good skin and if it were not for events especially international events, makeup would not make the list.
Any stalkers?
Of course, when you are in the spotlight, it is inevitable. I am very accessible and outgoing. How do they do it? I receive mugs that have personalised messages; they bear photos of my family portraits, my face and other photos from my social media pages. I also receive bundles of love letters but I smile it off and keep my cool.
Tshabalala’s tips for any young working woman…
Believe in your abilities and prove yourself to others. Have unwavering support for yourself and the rest will fall in place.
With the many platforms for women, rise up and be heard. Do not let the so called privileged keep benefitting from them.
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