Mpumalanga media practitioner wins award in Beijing

A local member of the media, Gift Mona, has put Mpumalanga on the map and is flying the South African flag high.

Mona recently won an award in Beijing, China. Born in White River, he was recently honoured for the outstanding achievement in media award at the Pride of Africa Asia Pacific Awards. The awards ceremony celebrates Africans doing exceptionally well in their respective fields in the Asia Pacific region.

According to him, the award is a great recognition and now he gets to add a new title to his résumé. “I will add ‘internationally acclaimed and recognised media personnel’ to my CV. I have received an internationally certified document and a trophy that recognises my work and contribution to the media industry globally. The awards are backed up and supported by the various embassies, ambassadors and diplomats of various African countries, some of whom are part of the panel of judges for the nominations,” he said.

Mona currently works as a director in the new media division of China Global Television Network in Beijing. He is a TV host, copy editor and content producer. “While I was working at StarTimes, I was approached by a representative of China Global Television Network to come and work for their company,” he explained. StarTimes is a Chinese electronics and media company.

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Mona attended high school at Penryn College and matriculated in 2011. He studied a double major in performance arts and media and communications at the University of Pretoria.

This 30-year-old got a job opportunity in Beijing after being referred by a friend. “I applied and did an interview via Skype. I was accepted by the company and worked for them for a year. I then auditioned and applied to work for StarTimes (which is part of Sida Group) and became a project manager, producer, TV presenter and voice-over artist,” said Mona.

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His message to young people is that they should continue to break barriers. “Take up space in various fields. Change the negative narratives of the African continent and its people by showcasing our talents and intellect. It is evident that you should never give up on your dreams and go beyond reaching for the stars. The universe is always watching and will eventually align you with the path of your dreams. Do the research and put in the work. If you are truly passionate about it, it will be recognised.”

The last time Mona was home was in March. “This visit came after not being able to come back home for three years due to Covid-19. I had missed my family, the food and the South African culture of ubuntu the most,” he said.