Sports Skills for Life Skills (SS4LS) has seen many of its alumni take different paths in life after their studies.
Ronald Masinda is one such individual who chose a career in the cut-throat industry of South African journalism. He says he’s indebted to SS4LS for being the springboard which allowed him to venture into media.
Before television fame, Ronald grew up in the Cape flats after he, his older brother and single mother left Port Elizabeth in the late 80s. Life was extremely difficult at the beginning of his journey. But, as in many cases in South Africa, sport certainly played a pivotal role to help change Ronald’s life.
He spent much of his adolescent years nurturing his talent as a cricketer. It wasn’t before long when his talent was recognised as he went on to play provincial and national youth cricket as well as represent the South African University team in 2004.
The turning point in his career was when he received a scholarship from SS4LS to study at the University of the Western Cape in 2003.
After graduating from media and communication studies, Ronald received his big break at eTV.
It just so happened that SS4LS don’t only scout cricket talent but also provide career guidance for their graduates.
And, it was not before long when Masinda was given an opportunity which saw him gain an internship at one of the biggest television news stations in the country.
That was back in 2008 and now almost 12 years into his career – Ronald says he’s counting his blessings. In that time, he has been a recipient of seven Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards including two national awards in the sports category. The Vodacom Journalist of the Awards is the highest honour for journalists in the country. Ronald has also been a recipient of four SAB Sports Media Awards in the television category.
The 36-year-old is currently based in Johannesburg having moved there in 2017 to further his career at eNCA.
For the future?
Ronald would still like to continue pursuing a career in journalism with a particular focus on general news where much of the focus is on the difficulties South Africans are faced with daily struggles such as corruption in government, murder, poverty and many social ills. Masinda says by telling these stories you become the voice of the people. And, ultimately he feels he would have done a lot for society in this regard.
