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Hello

Sawubona, and welcome! I’m Cebelihle Hlatshwayo, a South African journalist and student at Howard University. I’m passionate about inclusive storytelling that informs, inspires, and fosters change.

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My Story

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I matriculated from Crawford North Coast College in 2016. Driven by my passion for journalism, I pursued my dream of studying abroad, relocating from South Africa to the United States in 2018. I continued my education at Santa Monica College (SMC), despite a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Upon my return, I was determined and resilient, balancing full-time classes with multiple part-time jobs. I also had the privilege of working at The Corsair, SMC's award-winning student media outlet, where I was fortunate to be part of a team that earned several accolades for our compelling stories. In 2023, I graduated with an Associate degree in Journalism.

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I am currently a student at Howard University, where I am furthering and honing my skills in journalism and communication.

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Career Aspirations


My goal is to eventually create an inclusive news platform in South Africa that provides reliable, accurate information in multiple languages. I want to build a space focused on delivering facts, with minimal opinion pieces, and where any opinions shared are based on verified information. The publication will cover a range of topics, from media and fashion to politics, finance, and emerging industries reflecting the diverse realities of the world while adhering to high standards of journalistic integrity.

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My passion for journalism extends beyond reporting the news. I’m also dedicated to encouraging high standards of journalism among my peers. As the first Black female editor-in-chief of The Corsair, I had the opportunity to lead a team in covering significant campus protests and other important issues. It was an honor to be part of a team committed to ethical journalism, and I hope to carry that focus into any future projects I pursue.

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Unique Skills

I bring a diverse set of skills that reflect both my academic background and hands-on experience in journalism. I specialize in investigative journalism, multimedia storytelling, and digital media literacy, with a strong focus on delivering content that is both compelling and ethically sound. My ability to manage multiple responsibilities—such as balancing full-time studies with part-time jobs—has honed my time management and organizational skills, ensuring that I can meet deadlines and maintain a high standard of work under pressure.

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Fluency in several languages, including Swati, allows me to engage with and report on diverse communities, fostering deeper connections and a more inclusive approach to storytelling. My leadership experience as editor-in-chief of The Corsair has strengthened my skills in team management, content oversight, and strategic decision-making. In this role, I worked closely with a talented team of journalists to cover complex issues while upholding the integrity and ethical standards of the profession.

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In addition to my editorial experience, I am proficient in crafting engaging, informative content across a variety of platforms, including social media, where I work to build a professional and impactful presence I am committed to the continued development of my skills and to contributing to high-quality journalism that informs, educates, and empowers audiences.

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Personal Philosophy or Mission Statement

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I believe that the role of journalism is to shed light on truth, expose injustice, and give voice to those who are often overlooked. As Ida B. Wells once said, “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” I am committed to using the power of the press to uncover the realities that too often remain hidden, whether in the form of systemic injustices, overlooked communities, or untold stories. Journalism, when done with integrity, has the ability to inform and empower, helping society to confront its issues and work towards meaningful change.

 

Malcolm X’s assertion that “The media’s the most powerful entity on earth... they control the minds of the masses” is a constant reminder of the immense responsibility that comes with being a journalist. Media shapes public opinion, influences action, and can either uphold or challenge power. I strive to use this power responsibly, ensuring that the stories I tell are grounded in truth, accountability, and ethical reporting. I believe that “the people must know before they can act,” as Wells said, and it is the duty of the press to provide them with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and take meaningful action.

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My mission is to create a platform that reflects the diverse voices and experiences of my community and the communities I am privileged enough to experience, delivering information that empowers individuals to engage with the world around them. I am dedicated to journalistic integrity, aiming to offer clear, factual reporting with minimal bias, and to fostering a deeper understanding of complex issues through well-researched, truth-driven storytelling.

Resume & Accomplishments

I was honored as an Emerging/Outstanding Student by the Society of Professional Journalists Los Angeles (SPJ/LA) in 2024, recognizing my leadership as Editor-in-Chief of The Corsair.

 

My work also earned The Corsair a Top Ten ranking in the ACP Sweepstakes Clips & Clicks Awards and several accolades from the California College Media Association, including Best Breaking News Story, Best News Series, First Place for Best Special Issue/Section, and Third Place for Best Podcast.

Contact

I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.

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