From newsroom storyteller to the President’s voice: Meet Vincent Magwenya

Vincent Magwenya has had a remarkable journey to becoming a key figure in the Presidency.

His path was marked by a passion for storytelling and a gift for communicating complex ideas.

Though his early career aspirations didn't initially align with his current role, he found his true calling in the newsroom.

“Up until Matric I actually didn't know what I was going to do… And I made a very grave mistake by choosing a technical stream of subjects; I had already seen that I had a gift in terms of storytelling. I was more interested in what was going on around the world.”

He recounts his early days as a sound technician in a news crew, the transition to camera work, and his eventual move into corporate communication and private consultancy.

Magwenya explained that his experiences highlight the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of change.

“I covered very historically significant moments of that time, and that kind of set me off on building a career in the newsroom.”

While balancing his demanding role with family life can be challenging, he credits his supportive wife and daughters for their understanding and encouragement.

“The job is quite demanding, it's very consuming. Your movements are determined by the principal's movements. And I'm fortunate that I have a very supportive family.

“There are moments where I do see that they take a little bit of strain due to my constant absence from home. But at the same time, I think they do find fulfilment because they recognise that it's not just a job, it's a contribution that one can at least make to the country in support of the President.”

To listen to Magwenya in conversation with 702’s Clement Manyathela, use the audio player below: