We chat to the hard-hitting journalist and mom of two about feminism and her favourite movies.
Debora Patta has been working for e.tv since its inception in 1998 and is one of the most recognisable journalists in the country. She started her career in radio after graduating from the University of Cape Town. In the late 80s and early 90s she was a political activist teaching literacy in Cape Town's squatter camps. She’s co-authored two books and is the creator of the critically acclaimed investigative journalism show, 3rd Degree (Tuesdays at 9:30PM).
Patta is not only the hard-hitting journalist who’s interviewed everyone from the revered Oprah Winfrey and Nelson Mandela to the controversial Julius Malema and Eugène Terre'Blanche (who walked out of the interview), she’s also a mother of two daughters, and promises she’s much nicer than people think.
From your show, you get the impression your life is fast-paced and rushed and quite serious. Is this the case and what do you do to relax?
News is most definitely high-energy and fast-paced. No one day is ever the same as the next. This means I try and take it really easy in my downtime. I love movies, reading and hanging out with my two beautiful daughters.
When was the last time you laughed and what made you laugh?
Last night when I offered to help my daughter with her Grade 8 election campaign at school. She is running for the school SRC – I offered to help her with her speech - she said “no thanks mum, this is a kids’ school project – not a presidential election campaign!”
What are your mornings like?
I get up very early and the first thing I do is turn my coffee machine on and have a double espresso. I love being awake before everyone else is, the peace and quiet lasts a few minutes and then it’s chaos as I get my kids ready for school, drop them off, and then I go for an early morning run.
South Africa has come a long way since you entered the media field, in your opinion, what is the greatest challenge we are facing in this country now?
South Africa has come a long way and we shouldn’t forget that. However, we have excellent journalists in this country who are not afraid to do their work without fear or favour. We have many challenges, but education remains key to this country’s future. We need to ensure that every child has access to education and the tools, like textbooks, to study properly.
Another key issue is the abuse of women and children. We need better role models for our kids, men who teach us that real men don’t rape.
Your daughter was on a TV show for a while, it can be such a harsh environment, do you talk to her about how to deal with criticism?
Fortunately my daughter is no longer involved in media but who knows what the future holds. I do teach her to have self-confidence, know her own mind and use criticism in a way that helps her grow.
You need to have a strong self-image to deal with harsh criticism and not take things personally but at the same time it’s also important to listen to what people are saying and use that ring of truth appropriately.
Your show has covered a lot of very controversial topics, is there any show you’ve done that in retrospect you should not have done, or would do differently today?
I learn from every show, I always have more ideas when I see it on air, that is how we remain relevant –we never rest on our laurels as a team.
What are your views on social media?
As journalists, in order to remain relevant we have to understand and deal with social media. I do think it’s a game changer and a powerful tool when used appropriately. The incredible thing is that you don’t need a laptop to engage online as smart phones are becoming more and more accessible to even those in lower income brackets.
Women are in power, we are CEOs, we are independent, is there still cause for feminism today?
There is because too many women drop out of the workplace because it is not friendly to women with children. There are not enough women in powerful positions and we are often our own worst enemy – setting our own glass ceilings. The debate has not moved on in twenty years!
Do you watch TV, movies, and what are your favourite shows and films?
I love television and movies! My all-time favourite film is Shawshank Redemption. My most recent favourite was Lincoln– so sad it didn’t win an Oscar and was beaten by Argo! I consume all television – I love Homeland, The Hour, Modern Family and House of Cards.
And lastly, what is the biggest misconception about you?
That I am mean, tough and aggressive… I am only like that when the occasion demands it – in real life I am much nicer, but the great thing is I can always surprise people!
This week 3rd Degree investigates an illegal initiation school that is turning an age old African tradition into a money making scam. Watch 3rd Degree at 9:30PM
