Building the Future of African Media with Thabile Ngwato (Newzroom Afrika)

In this powerful episode of the Mashstartup Podcast, we sit down with one of South Africa’s most formidable media entrepreneurs — Thabile Ngwato. As the founder and CEO of Rapid Innovation Group, the force behind Newzroom Afrika, Ray Content Hub, Bluestream Technologies and Emerge, Thabile is not just telling the story — she’s rewriting the rules of who gets to tell it.

From her start in radio and television to launching Newzroom Afrika, Thabile has carved out a bold path in the African media and tech landscape. She opens up about the transition from being a broadcaster to building sustainable businesses, and what it truly takes to lead in an industry that’s constantly evolving.

We talk about:

• Her early career in radio and TV, and how it shaped her entrepreneurial mindset

• The fast-paced journey of launching Newzroom Afrika in just five months

• Why purpose, people, and innovation are central to how she builds

• Her long-term vision for media and tech in Africa

• What legacy means — and why she’s making space for the next generation of Black women leaders

If you’re building something meaningful, navigating change, or just want to learn from someone shaping the future of African media — this one is for you.

WATCH & SUBSCRIBE for more real stories from South Africa’s opportunity creators and builders.