Tuks FM presenter and University of Pretoria student Tshegofatso Makola has earned international acclaim after being named Best News Broadcaster by the International Student Broadcasting Championship (ISBC), a prestigious recognition celebrating excellence among emerging media talent worldwide.

Makola, a BA student and rising voice in South African radio, described the award as both affirming and professionally motivating.

“Being recognized by the International Student Broadcasting Championship is an honour,” she said. “The broadcasting space, like many creative environments, is sometimes filled with doubt, so this recognition is assurance that I am on the right path.”

Judges praised Makola’s authentic delivery, something she believes sets her apart. “If I had to guess, it would be how I don’t try to sound like someone I’m not,” she noted.

Makola is also passionate about making news accessible to all listeners. She avoids jargon and strives for clarity, especially for young audiences who often feel alienated by complex news formats.

“Accessible news is news that can be understood by all—no fancy jargon and as simple as possible. Often, it’s the complicated delivery that pushes young people away, not a lack of interest.”

She credits her win to meticulous preparation and a deep personal connection to the stories she reads, and draws inspiration from seasoned news broadcasters, studying different storytelling angles and techniques while maintaining her unique voice.

Participating in the ISBC broadened her understanding of broadcasting beyond South Africa’s borders.

“It’s given me perspective of what’s outside,” she said. “It allowed me to observe what broadcasting looks like globally and how I can draw from that to become a more diverse broadcaster.”

Makola acknowledges the challenge of connecting with different audiences while maintaining the seriousness of the news.