By Sitha Maliwa:
In the fast-paced world of media and communications, few professionals manage to balance versatility, credibility and longevity. For Cathy Malejane, wearing many hats is not just part of the job description – it is the foundation of a career built on passion, innovation and an unwavering commitment to connecting with people.
An award-winning radio anchor, master of ceremonies, podcaster, brand ambassador and public speaking mentor, Malejane has spent more than 15 years carving out a space for herself across Southern Africa’s media and communications landscape. Whether she is behind the microphone, on stage hosting a high-profile event, or mentoring aspiring speakers, she brings the same defining qualities: authenticity, energy and purpose.
At the heart of Malejane’s professional identity is her voice – powerful, polished and unmistakably engaging. As a seasoned broadcaster and voice-over artist, she has lent her talents to a wide range of productions, from commercials and documentaries to audiobooks and animations.
Her ability to interpret scripts and deliver them with emotion and clarity has made her a trusted voice for brands and producers alike. But Malejane’s work extends beyond narration. She is also involved in script editing, recording sessions using professional equipment, and post-production editing to ensure every project reaches its highest potential.
For Malejane, voice work is more than technical skill – it is storytelling.
Malejane’s impact in radio broadcasting has been equally significant. As the Business Anchor on the CRUNCHTIME programme on Gabz FM, she hosted the influential segment Doing Business in Botswana in partnership with Business Botswana.
The programme became an important platform for entrepreneurs, industry leaders and policymakers to share insights about the country’s economic landscape. Her work on the show was recognised in 2019 when it won Best Business Programme of the Year at the Media Institute of Southern Africa Awards.
Earlier in her career, Malejane also made a strong mark at Duma FM, where she hosted the mid-morning show The Cookie Jar. Not only did she conceptualise the programme, but she also helped turn it into the station’s most popular mid-morning show between 2012 and 2015, while simultaneously driving advertising revenue.
Interestingly, Malejane’s career did not begin in broadcasting but in technology. She started as an IT Manager at Mud Hut Studios, where she managed the graphics and duplication department.
During her five-year tenure, the studio grew its production capacity to 500 CDs per day and expanded its digital offerings. Malejane also helped pioneer an in-store radio concept that was piloted in several Choppies outlets and Riverwalk Mall – an initiative that blended retail marketing with broadcast innovation.
The experience gave her a rare combination of technical expertise and media knowledge, skills that would later prove invaluable as her career evolved.
Beyond the radio studio, Malejane has become one of the region’s most respected Masters of Ceremonies. Since 2013, she has hosted an impressive range of events, from corporate conferences and gala dinners to international summits and televised award ceremonies.
Among the highlights are live broadcasts of the BeMobile Awards, the prestigious President’s Day Awards, and global industry gatherings such as the De Beers Natural Diamond Summit.
Her natural ability to read a room, maintain energy and guide audiences through complex programmes has made her a trusted host for organisations, governments and private clients alike.
Malejane’s professional journey has also included work in brand communications and public relations. As a Brand Ambassador for Builders Warehouse, she played a role in promoting local content and strengthening the brand’s connection with its audience.
Her time as Public Relations Officer at VIB Mobile PRO saw her spearhead the promotion of the Diski Trivia initiative, an SMS-based sports quiz that boosted engagement while raising funds for corporate social responsibility projects.
Today, Malejane is equally passionate about empowering others. Through keynote speaking engagements and mentorship programmes, she shares insights on leadership, communication and personal growth.
Her public speaking mentorship programme focuses on helping individuals overcome stage fright, develop confidence and master the art of impactful communication. At the same time, her podcast provides a platform where thought leaders, industry experts and changemakers share ideas that inspire listeners to grow personally and professionally.
Behind Malejane’s diverse career is a strong academic foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Management Information Systems from Deakin University and a Diploma in Information Systems from La Trobe University.
The combination of technology, business and communication studies has helped shape the strategic mindset that underpins her work today.
For Malejane, success has never been about choosing a single path. Instead, it has been about embracing opportunity, evolving with changing industries and using her voice to influence, inform and inspire. In a media environment that constantly reinvents itself, Malejane continues to prove that versatility, authenticity and passion remain timeless assets. Whether she is on stage, on air or mentoring the next generation of communicators, one thing is clear – her voice is not only heard, it is felt.- @NewsSA_Online
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