CheckPoint host and award-winning correspondent, Nkepile Mabuse, talks to us about the best and worst parts of her job.
CheckPoint is a weekly investigative show which focuses on issues that matter to ordinary people across racial and class lines.
Watch CheckPoint Tuesdays at 9.30PM.
Born and raised in Mamelodi, Pretoria, Nkepile first studied civil engineering before moving to broadcasting and says she thought she was “an introvert who would only survive in an office with drawings.”
She’s covered a wide range of domestic and international stories including the London terrorist attacks in July 2005, Barack Obama’s first election victory in 2008, and his first visit to sub-Saharan Africa in 2009.
“South Africa is a complex country where shocking and sensational news unfolds far too rapidly for most of us to analyse and absorb. In our haste to cover the next big story, journalists are finding little time to stay with an issue long enough for their work to effect change. At CheckPoint our primary mission is to tell stories in a way that empowers our viewers, reinforcing the true meaning of democracy - supreme power vested in the people, not the powerful,” says Nkepile.
1. Tell us about CheckPoint, what is the show about?
Checkpoint is a half hour current affairs show featuring thought provoking journalism that goes to the heart of the issues that impact all of us by focusing on the personal stories of those affected.
2. What can viewers expect to see on CheckPoint?
Whether it’s politics or crime, if it matters to the average South African you can be sure that it will be on Checkpoint.
3. Why do you think a show like CheckPoint is important in SA today?
eNCA is a leading news brand in South Africa and our existence as its investigative unit is aimed at further enriching an already trusted and successful product. What you see on our show you will not see anywhere else. We invest in original content and perspectives.
4. What is the one thing you’ve learnt that you wish you could teach everyone?
Hard work pays handsomely albeit after a very long time. Far too many young people today believe they are entitled to a job and a good salary. Many would rather abandon a dream than sacrifice everything to achieve it.
5. You studied Civil Engineering, how did you then move to broadcasting?
I thought I was an introvert that would only survive in an office with drawings. When I left boarding school I realised that I actually like people and I’m very concerned about their well-being. Journalism is not a job for me, it’s my life. I’m genuinely concerned about the issues that we cover on the show and I truly believe that journalists can shape and change their worlds.
6. What would you say was the toughest/most awkward interview you had?
Djimon Hounsou by far. He played a Rwandese fisherman forced to work in a diamond mine after being captured by rebels in the movie Blood Diamond with Leonardo DiCaprio. When I went to LA to interview the cast I was of course most concerned about the DiCaprio interview, but Djimon turned out to be much more difficult. Firstly I found him sleeping or meditating in the room where I was to do the interview with lights and cameras on already. I wasn’t sure whether I should wake him up or wait for him to notice that I had arrived. When he did open his eyes he gave me answers that were so esoteric they made writing the piece rather tricky.
7. What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?
Arriving home too exhausted to be a good wife and mother.
8. Where’s the most interesting location your job has taken you?
Mogadishu, Somalia where taking the wrong turn could get you killed.
9. What is it about the industry that you love?
I love learning and people and you get both in abundance in this industry.
10. What’s the best part of your job?
I’m very proud to be associated with the eNCA brand. I find it authentic.
Watch CheckPoint Tuesdays at 9.30PM. Catch the repeat on Thursdays at 11.30AM.
