OPINION
One of the most memorable moments starting as a News Editor at /explain/ was in my second week on the job, sitting in a room full of young people ready to tell their stories. We had opened applications for our news influencer search, and almost 500 applicants raised their hands declaring “I have something to say.”
We were looking for people who could tell real stories in a way that actually connects.Out of all the applications, 106 candidates stood out by giving us glimpses into their communities, sharing stories about local realities that rarely make it to mainstream platforms.
We took a different approach to the auditions, skipping the stiff interview process. Instead, we created an “Idol-style” live audition. Some walked in nervous and found their voice mid-sentence, while others came in confident, turning the prompt into a story that stayed with us long after they left the room.
What stood out for me was how some of them were already thinking like news influencers, they all had the same topic but they told it from completely different realities. The auditions were filled with raw, young energy, each applicant realising that their voice actually holds weight.
And in between all of that, there was a sense of pride. Pride in where people come from, pride in the stories they chose to tell and pride in simply being given the chance to be heard.
Narrowing it down to our shortlist was no easy task. Not because there wasn’t enough talent but because there was too much. Each of the final six brought a distinct voice, a unique lens on their community and a clear sense of purpose.
This process reminded us that the future of storytelling in South Africa is in good hands, it just doesn’t always have a platform.
A new cohort of young people joins our agency to document, question, and amplify what’s happening around them. They don’t need to be taught how to care, what they need is access and the opportunity to grow.
As we move closer to selecting the final three, we’re building a new kind of voice in the media, one that is closer to the ground and more reflective of real life.
A key part of bringing this vision to life was our partnership with the National Youth Development Agency. They generously provided the space for us to host the auditions. Partnerships like this enable us to create opportunities that are impactful and accessible.
Keep an eye on our platforms to see who makes the top three!
Sinawo Bukani is a dynamic content and media professional with a strong foundation in advertising and content marketing, now transitioning into news and editorial storytelling. With substantial experience leading social media teams and shaping high-performing digital content strategies with a deep understanding of audience engagement.
