Women Shaping the Future of Broadcasting: Thobekile Honono
Thobekile Honono’s journey into broadcasting and media is a testament to resilience, initiative, and passion. She began as a receptionist, yet even in that role, she consistently raised her hand to assist with marketing activities, demonstrating an eagerness to learn and contribute beyond her job description.
Her dedication and curiosity opened doors, and through persistence, she steadily worked her way up the ranks. Today, she holds the role of Project and CSI Specialist at East Coast Radio, where she combines her marketing expertise with her deep commitment to community development.
Her path reflects a remarkable blend of professional growth and personal purpose. Each step was driven not only by ambition but by a desire to use media as a platform for impact, whether through corporate social investment initiatives, or storytelling that inspires.
Her journey is not defined by titles alone, but by her ability to transform opportunities into meaningful change. From receptionist to specialist, she embodies the power of perseverance, proving that passion and hard work can carve a place in broadcasting for those who dare to dream and act.
Honono’s impact is defined by her ability to turn compassion into meaningful, measurable change. As the driving force behind East Coast Radio’s CSI initiative, The Big Favour, she develops and executes projects that restore dignity, create opportunities, and respond to the most pressing needs across KwaZulu-Natal.
She has led large-scale campaigns such as Season of Sharing, which mobilised over R2 million in donations, provided grocery hampers and delivered over 234 000 meals through strategic partnerships with organisations including Pick n Pay, SA Harvest, the Do More Foundation, and Gift of the Givers.
She has also championed initiatives supporting education, youth development, women’s empowerment, and disaster relief, ensuring every campaign delivers lasting community impact. Beyond her professional role, Thobekile is deeply committed to ensuring that every CSI initiative creates meaningful and lasting change.
Through The Big Favour, she has coordinated life-changing interventions for vulnerable families, including facilitating the building and furnishing of a two-bedroom home for a family displaced by the devastating KwaZulu-Natal floods, restoring their dignity and providing them with a safe place to call home.
She has also led initiatives that have enabled students to access financial assistance and educational support, helping them overcome barriers to completing their studies. Whether responding to disasters, addressing food insecurity, or creating opportunities through education and community partnerships, Thobekile's strategic leadership, compassion, and commitment to service continue to transform lives and strengthen communities across KwaZulu-Natal.
“Broadcasting is at its most powerful when it gives a voice to those who are rarely heard. As women, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to use our platforms to create opportunities, inspire hope, and drive meaningful change in the communities we serve,” says Honono.