Carol Ofori is on cloud nine celebrating her new presenting role on parenting show Raising Babies 101 as one of her career highlights. Marchelle Abrahams chats to her.
Carol Ofori has the world at her feet. And now the seasoned journalist and broadcaster can add TV presenter to her list of accolades.
Many will know her as the voice behind the Coca-Cola TOP 40 on East Coast Radio and some of your favourite commercials. But this North West-born beauty refuses to sit idly and let life happen.
Now the host of SABC2’s new weekly talk series, Raising Babies 101, Ofori has carved out quite the career. From interviewing entertainment heavyweights to holding her own with political bigwigs, the Rand Afrikaans University (now University of Johannesburg) graduate’s star is fast on the rise.
She’s a woman of many talents. Here’s a little known fact: Ofori is a qualified make-up artist and motivational speaker.
To find out some of her other hidden talents, and what makes her tick, we fired off a few questions at the married mother of one.
What have been your career highlights thus far? Any lowlights to accompany those?
My current career highlight is my TV talk show Raising Babies 101 on SABC2 on Fridays at 10.30am. I have always wanted a talk show and to have been blessed with presenting one about raising your children is a definite highlight.
My radio career as a whole is another highlight for me. From being with national station, Metro FM, to currently hosting the chart show on East Coast Radio has been a fun and honourable experience.
You’ve had the privilege of interviewing some of the biggest names in entertainment. What was your most memorable interview?
I would have to say being a rookie journalist, and being sent to get a comment from former president Nelson Mandela is a definite highlight.
It was just after the SA swimming team won a gold medal in the Olympics, I think it was back in 2004. I remember arriving late, because I could not find the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s office.
As I arrived, I encountered Tata as he was leaving the building. I remember literally shoving a mic in his face and yelling “Tata are you happy about the gold?”
I don’t remember his answer, as I was just in awe of the man his height, his stature and his composure, and most importantly his humbleness.
It’s tough being a woman and black in the media industry, have you had your fair share of discriminatory encounters?
I have had discriminatory encounters, but I choose to focus on the things I have control over. I try to put my energy into positive things that will yield a positive outcome. Staying grounded in Christ keeps me sane, and having a supportive family keeps me together.
When do you find the time to relax? And how do you relax?
I ensure that I make time to relax, whether it’s a romantic dinner with my husband, a lunch date with my 3-year-old or good old girl time with my sister or friends.
I enjoy a good spa day when I have the time or just feet up, gown on, glass of wine in hand and an awesome TV show. That too is my happy place.
What is the favourite part of your job?
Meeting people, travelling and the once in a lifetime opportunities that come along. This keeps the vibe and fun going.
Raising Babies 101. Do you find that parents sometimes recognise you and ask you for parenting tips?
I have had a few encounters like that. It sometimes turns out to be a full-on conversation about parenting and babies. At times it’s funny and at times it’s just awkward, because some of the things parents do - one can just be shocked when they mention it.
What is your advice for young women who see all that you’ve accomplished?
Focus on loving yourself first. Invest in yourself, be it through counselling, therapy or spending alone time.