Itumeleng Banda: Changing the Game in Sports Broadcasting
Growing up in the heart of Alexandra Township, Itumeleng Banda’s journey was shaped by the spirit of resilience and community. Alexandra, affectionately known as “Alex,” is a place where neighbours feel like family and where young people learn the value of belonging. But it is also a township marked by poverty, where living a decent life often feels out of reach. For Banda, those challenges became fuel for a bigger dream.
Our sports reporter, Tebogo Motebejane, had a chat with Itumeleng about her journey, challenges, and ambitions in the world of sports media. From her roots in Alexandra Township to breaking barriers on national and continental stages, Itumeleng opened up about her passion for women’s sport, her growth in broadcasting, and the legacy she hopes to build for the next generation.
Growing up in Alexandra Township, how did the vibrant culture and community
shape your passion for sports and broadcasting?
Growing up in Alexandra township was fun, very community oriented, like your mom is my mom, we’re all family. However I can’t ignore the fact that in terms of standard of living the township is a poverty stricken environment which kind of made living a decent life far fetched or even impossible but for some reason I always wanted to change the narrative in proving that one’s background should never limit their ability to dream or even diminish their courage to go after that dream I didn’t know how it was going to
happen but my plan was to do this through the media industry, primarily by becoming a visible representation of what we believed was impossible
What drives your enthusiasm for promoting youth sports and women’s football in
South Africa, and how do you see yourself making a positive impact in this
space?
Women have been marginalized for the longest time, denied opportunities, and as a result, support for women in sport has been minimal, almost nonexistent. That doesn’t just limit the athletes themselves, it also limits the next generation watching them. What drives me is knowing that today, visibility and opportunity can change everything. Supporting women in sport means validating their dreams, reminding them that their stories matter, and showing that their performances deserve the same respect. But
beyond that, it’s all about fairness because when we support women in sport, we’re not just promoting them, we’re growing the game as a whole.
How do you balance your personal and professional life, especially considering
the demands of working in sports broadcasting?
I don’t really think of it as balancing, because I genuinely love what I do. Of course, sports broadcasting can be demanding, but I’m blessed to have a supportive community that wants to see me succeed so they never make me feel guilty for the moments I miss. For me it’s about being present where I need to be, prioritizing what matters most at that time and just believing that everything else will fall into place.
What’s the most challenging experience you’ve faced in your career so far, and
how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge for me has been not coming from a sporting background. In the beginning, I really struggled to find my voice in the space. But I’ve learnt that confidence comes with credibility and understanding, so I’ve made it a point to stay a student of the game, to keep learning and even upskill myself, like doing my SAFA D coaching license. I know I still have a long way to go, but I’ve built a solid foundation and I’m a lot more comfortable in my voice now
As a sports broadcaster and advocate for women’s sports, what message do you
hope to convey to young girls and women who aspire to pursue careers in
sports?
I want them to know that if you really want it you can have it. The idea of succeeding in this space isn’t far fetched, yes it won’t come easy but it’s possible if you really play yourself and be intentional.
How do you stay connected to your roots and community, and what initiatives or
projects are you involved in to give back to your community?
At the moment I’m not formally part of any organization, but I always try to lend a helping hand where I can. One of the ways I stay connected though is through my social media I use it to engage and share as much knowledge as I can with girls who reach out, because sometimes that guidance makes all the difference. I’m also really looking forward to being part of projects that make a real impact, especially ones that empower women and support people from disadvantaged communities, because I know that
journey personally as someone who grew up in a township.
What’s your approach to event hosting, and how do you ensure that you bring
energy and excitement to the stage?
I love being on stage, so the excitement comes naturally for me. I never take any production for granted, from how I show up, to what’s needed on the day, and most importantly, the preparation. I fully immerse myself in the prep, because once I’m confident about what’s required of me, I know I can step on that stage and bring the energy it deserves
Looking back on your journey so far, what are you most proud of, and what do
you hope to achieve in the next chapter of your life and career?
I’m proud of so much, honestly there are a lot of things I’ve done that I once thought I’d only achieve much later in my career. But if I had to pick standout moments, I’d say anchoring The African Football League for SABC in 2023, hosting my first SuperSport production recently, and presenting an African football show on SABC called Fut Afric will always hold a special place in my heart. Looking ahead, I’m excited about growing my brand into a household name in broadcasting, expanding it beyond South Africa’s borders, and being intentional in every step I take.
How do you prioritize self-care and maintain your physical and mental well-being,
especially during busy periods?
I love sleeping, so whenever I get the chance, I make sure I SLEEP! Apart from that, I really enjoy staying active because it centers me so whether it’s hitting the gym, going for a run in the park, or even just taking a day to stay home and do absolutely nothing. Those moments of intentional rest and movement really do wonders for my physical and mental well-being, especially when life gets busy
What’s the most important piece of advice you’ve received, and how has it
impacted your life and career?
“Stay hungry, never get full.” I received this recently actually but it’s a piece of advice that has really stuck with me. It reminds me to keep going, not to get too comfortable, and to always show up and give my best no matter the size of the production. I honestly believe that mindset is what will keep me going strong in this industry for many many more years.
From Alexandra’s dusty streets to national and continental screens, Itumeleng Banda is rewriting the narrative for women in sport, creating pathways for the next generation, and proving that no dream is too big when pursued with courage and intent.
For young girls aspiring to follow in her footsteps, her message is simple yet powerful:
“If you really want it, you can have it. It’s not far-fetched. It won’t be easy, but it’s possible, if you back yourself and stay intentional.”