Karabo Mokgalagadi made the successful transition from radio presenter to well-respected communications manager. Having spent 16 years on radio, Mokgalagadi took a leap of faith and joined Netball South Africa as its Media Officer. She made great strides during her time, shining the spotlight on the sport and helping to grow it to its current level.
Mokgalagadi had a full circle moment as she was one of the presenters for this year’s gsport Awards. She was the recipient of the Woman in Radio Award in 2019, and reflected on what a huge milestone it was and that she will fondly remember the experience.
She recently shared that she has left her position at the netball body and is taking some much-needed time off as she reflects on her time at NSA and is now considering various options as to where her career path will go next.
Karabo, thank you so much for chatting to gsport. Firstly, how are you enjoying your much-deserved break?
“I am loving every moment of my much-needed break! After travelling extensively during my time at Netball South Africa (NSA), I’m using this time to bond with my family, catch up on missed moments, and reflect on my journey. It’s been great to unwind and recharge after an incredible journey with Netball South Africa.”
“I’m grateful for the experience and memories, and I’m excited for what’s next. I’ve also been able to focus on my personal growth and well-being, which has been amazing. Overall, I am feeling refreshed and ready for new challenges.”
Are you able to tell us what you will be up to next as you are no longer with NSA?
“I am taking some time to reflect on my career and explore new opportunities. I’m passionate about sports and storytelling, so I’m looking forward to staying involved in the industry in some capacity. I’m excited to see where my skills and experience can make a meaningful impact.”
“I am considering various options, including potentially taking on new roles in communications or media. I’m also looking forward to continuing my personal development and learning new skills. Whatever the future holds, I’m excited to take on new challenges and pursue my passions.”
What are some of your best memories of being with the National Netball body?
“I have many amazing memories from my time at NSA, but one that stands out is the opportunity to work with an incredible team to promote netball and empower women and girls through sport. I’ve formed strong bonds with staff, coaches, players, administrators, umpires, technical officials and management.”
“The love and support was amazing and made my job so much easier. I admire the passion netball people have, and I’m grateful for the experience. One of my favourite memories is the camaraderie and teamwork that existed within the organisation. We all worked together towards a common goal, and it was an incredible experience to be a part of.”
You had a long and successful career in radio. What made you make the switch to communications?
“As a broadcaster, I struggled to get sufficient information about women’s sports/athletes. When the opportunity arose to be on the other end, I jumped at it. I wanted to be the link that the media needed to gain access to tell women’s sports stories. I’ve always been passionate about storytelling, and communications allows me to tell the stories of amazing athletes and teams in a more behind-the-scenes way. I enjoy crafting compelling messages and stories that inspire and educate. I’m grateful for the opportunity to use my skills and experience to make a positive impact in the sports industry.”
What was the transition from radio presenter like, going from the one reporting to the one behind the scenes?
“It was a big change, but I loved the challenge! As a radio presenter, I was used to being in the spotlight, but in communications, I got to focus on crafting stories and messages that inspire and educate in the background.”
“It was a great opportunity to grow and learn. I had to adapt to a new way of working, but I enjoyed the process of learning and developing my skills in communications. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, and I’m excited to continue growing and learning in my career.”
What are some of the lessons your radio career taught you that helped you when you moved into communications?
“My radio career taught me the importance of strong communication skills, creativity, and adaptability. These skills have been invaluable in my communications role, and I’m grateful for the experience. I learned how to think on my feet, engage with listeners, and tell compelling stories. I’ve also learned the importance of building relationships and networking, which has been helpful in my career. Overall, my radio career provided me with a solid foundation in storytelling and communication, which has served me well in my role at NSA.”
You were a winner on the gsport stage in 2019. What did that win do for your career?
“Winning on the gsport stage in 2019 was an incredible experience! The recognition boosted my confidence and career; it opened doors and gave me a platform to share my passion for sports and storytelling with a wider audience. I was humbled by the recognition (still am), and it motivated me to continue pursuing my passions.”
‘I Want to Inspire the Girl Child’ – SABC Sport Woman in TV Award Winner Gloria Brown
Gloria Brown won her first-ever award at the gsport Awards this year, and she feels…
‘A gsport Award Completes the Puzzle’ – 2025 Endeavour AV Woman in Social Media Winner, Potso Aphane
Potso Aphane has been a dynamic force in elevating women’s sport over the past few…
#GSPORT20: An Ode Fulfilled
The 20th gsport Awards on Saturday night was pure magic, the kind of night that…
‘More Than Just Recognition’ – 2025 Telkom Woman of the Year Akhona Ngcobondwana
Akhona Ngcobondwana says winning a gsport Award is more than just recognition, it’s a reminder…
Caster Semenya Hands Baton to 2025 Athlete of the Year Prudence Sekgodiso
South Africa’s 800m star Prudence Sekgodiso was crowned the 2025 Athlete of the Year at…
Rising Stars Karabo More and Rethabile Molefe Soak up gsport Award Wins
Karabo More and Rethabile Molefe are next generation of sportswomen, and the pair were celebrated…
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story and inspire others. The win also gave me the opportunity to connect with other amazing women in sports, and I’m grateful for the relationships I have formed.”
You also made a full circle moment as you were part of this year’s presenter squad. What was that experience like for you?
“It was a surreal moment, and I’m still pinching myself! Working with phenomenal women like Kass, Jessica, Lonwabo, Geraldine, Phumeza, and Melinda was an absolute dream. The highlight of the experience was definitely the adrenaline rush that came with a live TV broadcast on SABC, it was a huge milestone, and I’ll forever cherish the experience. I mean, who would’ve thought I’d be back on the gsport stage, and in such a capacity? It was a full circle moment, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back and inspire others.”
You are consistently trying to bring focus onto women’s sport to give them the recognition they deserve. How do you feel women’s sport coverage has improved and what you feel can be done to ensure it stays on the upward trajectory?
“I am thrilled to see the progress we’ve made in women’s sport coverage! There’s still work to be done, but I’m optimistic about the future. To keep the momentum going, I think we need to continue celebrating women’s achievements in sport and providing platforms for their stories to be told.”
“I believe that increased coverage of women’s sports can help to inspire and empower young girls and women to participate in sports, and can also help to challenge stereotypes and promote gender equality. I’m excited to see the impact that women’s sports can have on society, and I’m committed to being a part of the movement to promote women’s sports.”
“Some potential ways to improve women’s sport coverage include increasing the number of female sports journalists and broadcasters, providing more airtime and coverage for women’s sports, and creating more opportunities for women to participate in sports leadership and decision-making roles. By working together, I believe we can create a more inclusive and equitable sports landscape that celebrates the achievements of all athletes, regardless of gender.”
You have been an important driver of the increased coverage of women’s sport, why is this something that is so important to you?
“Women’s sport coverage is crucial for empowerment and inspiration. By showcasing women’s achievements in sports, we challenge stereotypes, promote gender equality, and pave the way for future generations. When women’s sports are covered, it attracts sponsors, bringing in vital support – not just financially, but also through resources like facilities, equipment, and kit.”
“This exposure can be a game-changer for women’s sports, enabling athletes to access what they need to succeed. I’m passionate about promoting women’s sports, and I believe that increased coverage can help create a more inclusive opportunities for athletes and fans alike.”
What are your career ambitions?
“I am excited to continue growing and learning, and I’m open to new opportunities that align with my passions for sports, broadcasting, and storytelling. Maybe a return to media space?”
“I’m also interested in exploring opportunities to use my skills and experience to promote women’s sports and empower young girls and women. Whatever the future holds, I’m excited to take on new challenges and pursue my passions.”
What is your message to other girls and women who are looking to join the media and want to make their mark?
“Go for it! Be bold, fearless, and true to yourself. You got this! Pursue your dreams and make your mark.”
Main Photo Caption: With the news that media guru Karabo Mokgalagadi (second from right) had concluded her appointment as Communications Officer with Netball SA, we caught up with the dynamic 2019 Woman in Media winner #GSPORT20 Presenter Squad member, seen in this memorable pic with (from left) Phumeza Langa, Jessica Nkomo, Lonwabo Miso and Geraldine Pillay-Viret, at the 2025 gsport Awards in Johannesburg, on Saturday, 30 August 2025. Photo: Sachin du Plooy Naran / gsport
Photo 2 Caption: On becoming a media officer: “It was a big change, but I loved the challenge! As a radio presenter, I was used to being in the spotlight, but in communications, I got to focus on crafting stories and messages that inspire and educate in the background.” Photo: Supplied
Photo 3 Caption: Discussing progress in coverage of women’s sport, she said: “I am thrilled to see the progress we’ve made in women’s sport coverage! There’s still work to be done, but I’m optimistic about the future.” Photo: Sachin du Plooy Naran / gsport
Photo 4 Caption: What does the future hold for Karabo? “I am excited to continue growing and learning, and I’m open to new opportunities that align with my passions for sports, broadcasting, and storytelling. Maybe a return to media space?” Photo: Supplied
