When Akahlulwa Radana introduces herself, she does so with warmth and quiet confidence. “You can call me Aka,” she says — a name that now carries weight in student media circles and the fast-evolving digital broadcasting space in Gqeberha.
But long before the awards, internships, and television studios, Aka was simply a young woman with a dream: to become an author.
From Business Studies to a Calling in Communication
In 2021, Aka began her academic journey at Nelson Mandela University, enrolling in a Higher Certificate in Business Studies. Though business sharpened her analytical thinking, her heart was set elsewhere. Writing had always been her first love.
When the opportunity came to change her qualification, she made a decisive move — enrolling for a Diploma in Public Relations Management. It was a turning point that would align her studies with her passion for storytelling and communication.
“I have always wanted to be an author,” she reflects. That desire to tell stories would soon find new platforms and audiences.
The Power of Student Media
Aka’s transformation from student to media practitioner began on campus. Writing articles for Madibaz News, the student newspaper, refined her voice and reporting skills. Simultaneously, she spent eight months completing in-service training at Madibaz Radio — the university’s youth campus radio station.
There, she discovered another layer of creativity: curating sound. In 2024, her dedication paid off when she was awarded Best Music Compiler — recognition that affirmed her eye (and ear) for quality content.
These student media spaces did more than fill her CV. They shaped her career trajectory. Through them, she developed practical skills in videography, mobile photography, poster design, and content production — tools she would later carry into the professional world.
First Steps Into the Industry
In November 2024, Aka secured her first professional role through the Youth Employment Service (YES) Initiative. She was placed at Atlega For Women Projects Enterprise as a Marketing Intern.
At Atlega, her creativity matured into strategy. She sharpened her videography and graphic design skills and received training on how to responsibly and effectively use AI tools in social media management — an increasingly vital skill in modern communications.
It was here that she began to see how digital storytelling and technology intersect, and how she could position herself within that space.
A Manifested Moment at Mpuma Kapa TV
Sometimes, the seeds of our future are planted quietly.
The first time Aka walked into Mpuma Kapa TV — formerly known as Bay TV — she wasn’t there for herself. She was accompanying her manager to an interview on a show called The Hangout. Standing in the studio, she had a simple thought: I wouldn’t mind working here one day.
Eight months later, that thought became reality.
Today, Aka serves as a Digital Content Producer at Mpuma Kapa TV. She is learning the inner workings of a television station — from digital broadcasting and podcast production to covering major events such as the annual ICT Summit 2025 and the first Fan Nation event of 2026.
Her role places her at the intersection of traditional broadcasting and digital innovation — a space where content is immediate, visual, and constantly evolving.
Choosing Passion Over Pay
One of the most defining moments in Aka’s journey was the transition from Atlega to Mpuma Kapa TV. The move presented a difficult choice: financial security or creative passion.
“By all means, I was ecstatic when I got the call,” she says. “However, I had to make a choice between money and passion.”
She chose passion.
It was not merely a career decision, but a statement of identity. For Aka, fulfillment outweighed comfort. The risk became the catalyst for growth.
Building Beyond Employment
In February, Aka added another title to her growing list — entrepreneur. She launched Lighthouse Digital and PR, her own business venture aimed at providing digital and public relations services.
The move signals both confidence and vision. She is not only building her career; she is building platforms for others.
Lessons from Nelson Mandela University
Reflecting on her years at Nelson Mandela University, Aka highlights three pillars that continue to guide her:
Hard Work – Talent opens doors, but discipline keeps them open.
Experience – Practical exposure is invaluable, especially in creative industries.
Social Networking – Relationships create opportunities.
These lessons extend beyond textbooks and lecture halls. They are principles she actively applies in her professional life.
Words to the Next Generation
For students hoping to follow a similar path, Aka offers heartfelt advice:
Put Christ at the center of your life.
Seek guidance from your lecturers.
Start building your CV now — whether through volunteering at Madibaz News, Madibaz Radio, or any media house in Gqeberha.
“Having experience is crucial in every industry, especially in the creative space,” she emphasizes. “Trust in God, have a clear vision for your career, and surround yourself with people who will elevate you.”
A Story Still Being Written
From a business student with a dream of becoming an author to a Digital Content Producer shaping narratives on television screens, Aka Radana’s journey is proof that passion, preparation, and faith can align in powerful ways.
Her story is not just about career progression. It is about courage — the courage to pivot, to choose purpose over pay, and to believe in a vision before it fully materializes.
And if her journey so far is any indication, the best chapters are still to come.