Motswako is SABC2’s flagship women’s talk show, now in its 19th season. It showcases compelling, empowering stories that are about and for South African women.
Same format, same show, just a different presenter.
Known as Sechaba G to her Cape Town audience, Sechaba Gqeba is a big hit with radio listeners in the Western Cape, presenting her own show on Kfm. Now she’s taking her great, big personality to a national audience as new presenter of Motswako.
The self-confessed foodie and lover of all things fashion discovered her love for radio when she was 18 after a field trip to the Grahamstown National Arts Festival in 2005. There she was selected for a radio workshop. Her big break came in 2008 when taking on a job as news intern at EWN.
But the road to success, even though paved with good intentions, is a trying one. “I stood in long lines for various presenter searches, recorded demos for voice over opportunities on numerous radio stations. I’m very familiar with the taste of disappointment,” says the mother of one.
And look at her now!
The talk show connects to mainstream audiences while attracting the versatile, technology savvy and sophisticated new SA woman - Gqeba is the embodiment of this woman.
In an effort to get to know Gqeba better, and as a way of introduction to her national fans, I had a quick Q&A session with her.
lYou’ve been in radio for 10 years and have become a household name, what do you think has contributed to your longevity?
It all feels like it is just the beginning. I attribute my longevity to knowing that nothing in life comes easily; hard work, perseverance and consistency are a winning combination.
lCongratulations on being named presenter on Motswako. It sounds like your life is a non-stop roller coaster, how do you manage it all?
The Motswako opportunity is definitely this year’s highlight for me. I’m so excited to be part of a brand that has been around for so long (going on 19 seasons) and speaks to a long-standing passion of mine - giving women the platform to come forward and share their incredible stories with the nation.
When people say balance I wonder if I manage to get it right? I believe in taking it a day at a time and wearing all the hats with an equal amount of passion and purpose.
lBeing a mom to a son, do you sometimes find it overwhelming, considering the business that you are in?
Yes I do. The work and parenting balance can be tough, but that’s just the nature of the beast.
lWhen it comes to romance, how do you and hubby find the time to take a time out?
We actually have a blog called The Date Night Blog
www.datenightblog.co.za/ We’ve always enjoyed dining out and sampling new restaurants and different cuisines.
* Career and family: Do you sometimes feel that women are being judged for picking the one over the other?
I think in previous years, yes. I would never judge a woman who picked her family life and decided to not have a career at all.
My career and independence have always meant a great deal to me, but never at the expense of my family.
lWhat’s next in store for Sechaba G?
My television debut is finally here! I want to really do well and know that other opportunities will develop as a result of my radio and TV work. Next on the cards would be ticking the entrepreneur box. Stay tuned!
* Catch Sechaba Gqeba every Wednesday on Motswako, SABC 2 at 8.30pm