Kaizer Kganyago Biography
Kaizer Kganyago is a South African communications and media professional. He is currently the Head of Communications and Stakeholder Relations at the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), a government agency that investigates corruption and maladministration.
He was appointed to this position in November 2019. Before joining the SIU, he was the spokesperson for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) for 13 years, from 2005 to 2018.
He left the SABC after being demoted and replaced by Neo Momodu. He also worked at the Department of Justice as Head of Media Services for seven years.
Kaizer Kganyago Earky Life and Education
Kaizer Kganyago was born in Soweto, a township in Johannesburg, in the late 1960s. He grew up during the apartheid era, which was marked by racial segregation, oppression, and resistance. He witnessed the Soweto uprising of 1976, when thousands of students protested against the imposition of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in black schools. He also experienced the state of emergency that was declared in 1985, when the government cracked down on anti-apartheid activists and organizations. These events exposed him to the harsh realities of his society and the importance of fighting for justice and democracy.
Kganyago developed an interest in media and communications from a young age. He was fascinated by the power of radio and television to inform, educate, and entertain people. He also enjoyed reading newspapers and magazines, and writing stories and poems.
He was inspired by the likes of Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko, and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who used their voices and platforms to challenge the status quo and mobilize the masses. He decided to pursue a career in journalism, hoping to make a positive contribution to his country and the world.
Kganyago began his tertiary education at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he enrolled for a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and media studies. However, he had to drop out before completing his degree due to financial constraints. He then joined the University of South Africa (UNISA), where he obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1991.
He later completed a post-graduate diploma in management at the Wits Business School. He also attended various short courses and workshops on media and communications, both locally and internationally.
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Kaizer Kganyago Career and Achievements
Kaizer Kganyago is a renowned communications and media professional in South Africa. He has worked in various public sector institutions, such as the Department of Justice, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
Kganyago started his career as a journalist in the early 1990s, working for various print and broadcast media outlets, such as The Star, City Press, Sowetan, and Radio 702. He covered a range of topics, such as politics, economics, sports, and entertainment. He also interviewed prominent figures, such as Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, and Jacob Zuma. He developed his skills and reputation as a credible and versatile reporter and commentator.
In 1998, Kganyago joined the Department of Justice as the Head of Media Services. He was responsible for managing the department’s internal and external communications, as well as liaising with the media and other stakeholders. He oversaw the communication strategies and campaigns for various initiatives and programmes, such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Constitutional Court, the National Prosecuting Authority, and the Judicial Service Commission. He also handled the media relations and publicity for high-profile cases, such as the Lockerbie trial, the Schabir Shaik trial, and the Jackie Selebi trial.
In 2005, Kganyago moved to the SABC as the Head of Group Communications. He was in charge of the public broadcaster’s corporate communications, marketing, and stakeholder relations. He led the communication efforts for the SABC’s vision, mission, values, and objectives, as well as its policies, programmes, and services.
He also dealt with the media and public inquiries, complaints, and compliments regarding the SABC’s performance and conduct. He was the spokesperson for the SABC and its executives, and represented the SABC in various forums and platforms.
During his tenure at the SABC, Kganyago faced many challenges and controversies, such as the SABC’s financial woes, governance issues, editorial interference, censorship allegations, labour disputes, and legal battles.
He had to navigate the complex and dynamic media and political landscape, and balance the interests and expectations of various stakeholders, such as the government, the board, the management, the staff, the audiences, the advertisers, and the regulators. He had to defend and justify the SABC’s decisions and actions, as well as communicate and explain its challenges and opportunities.
Kganyago left the SABC in 2018, after being demoted and replaced by Neo Momodu. He then joined the SIU in 2019 as the Head of Communications and Stakeholder Relations. He is currently responsible for the SIU’s communication and engagement with the media, the public, and other relevant parties. He is also the spokesperson for the SIU and its head, Advocate Andy Mothibi. He oversees the communication of the SIU’s mandate, vision, mission, values, and objectives, as well as its investigations, outcomes, and impact. He also handles the media and public queries, feedback, and complaints regarding the SIU’s work and conduct.
Kaizer Kganyago Personal Life, Wife and Children
Kaizer Kganyago is a father of two children, a daughter named Mmabatho and a son named Kagiso. He is also married to a woman named Nthabiseng, whom he wedded in 2018.
He is a devout Christian and a member of the Zion Christian Church. He enjoys reading, writing, and watching sports, especially soccer and cricket.
Kaizer Kganyago Net Worth
Kaizer Kganyago has an estimated net worth of $450,000 as of 2024.
