Women Shaping the Future of Broadcasting: Dr Kina Nhlengethwa
Dr Kina Nhlengethwa is a trailblazing female leader who has made a lasting impact in South Africa's radio broadcasting industry. With more than 21 years of experience in the media and broadcasting industry, Dr. Nhlengethwa has built an exceptional career defined by visionary leadership, strategic thinking, and operational excellence. Throughout her journey, she has consistently broken barriers, overcome challenges, and delivered measurable business impact.
Having dedicated her career to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Dr. Nhlengethwa has progressed through the organisation with determination, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. She joined the SABC in 2005 as the Marketing Assistant at Metro FM after completing her internship. She credits the SABC for exposing her to the transformative power of media as a platform for informing, educating, entertaining, and inspiring millions of South Africans.
She progressed through various leadership roles, gaining experience in strategy, marketing, partnerships, audience engagement, and commercial growth across multiple radio brand and now serves as the Acting General Manager: Radio PCS, Fortune Combo and Channel Africa. In her current role, she provides strategic leadership across eight radio stations: Metro FM, 5FM, Good Hope FM, Radio 2000, SAfm, Lotus FM, RSG, and Channel Africa. Dr Nhlengethwa says working in media has given her the opportunity to shape conversations, create opportunities for others, and contribute to South Africa's social and cultural development.
Obtaining her doctoral qualification strengthened her leadership and challenged her to think beyond day-to-day operations and examine the systemic factors that shape organisational performance, accountability, ethical decision-making, and long-term sustainability. In addition to her executive leadership role, Dr. Nhlengethwa was recently appointed as a Board Member of the BASADI in Music Awards, an organisation dedicated to recognising, celebrating, and empowering women in the music industry. Her appointment reflects her passion for advancing female leadership, championing transformation, and creating opportunities for women to thrive across the creative and media sectors.
Through her leadership and work with SABC radio stations, Dr. Nhlengethwa has contributed to Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives that have strengthened communities across South Africa. The stations under her leadership have also supported Mandela Day outreach programmes, blanket drives, soup kitchens, and have participated in visits to children's homes and elderly care centres.
Being part of these initiatives has reinforced her belief that leadership is about creating meaningful impact beyond the workplace. She believes that women’s leadership contributes to a stronger industry, saying: “a truly inclusive broadcasting sector creates space for every perspective to inform, inspire, and influence. When women lead and diverse voices are amplified, the entire industry becomes stronger.”