Madam,

Today, I want to stray a little from the norm and from the issues I usually address. Today, I want to talk about leadership, inspired by an online publication (Swaziland News) about Thobeka Manyathela.

At first glance, this may seem like a public relations stunt or unnecessary praise, but it is not. It is about appreciating and acknowledging something refreshing and historic within Eswatini’s media industry. The article highlighted that Manyathela became the first female senior journalist to hold three powerful media positions simultaneously. That alone is history in the making because, in an industry that has long been dominated by men, such an achievement is both rare and inspiring.

Manyathela is not an ordinary Managing Editor. She represents a type of leadership that many people only read about in books or hear about during motivational speeches. I had the brief privilege of working under her guidance and I can confidently say it was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my journey in journalism. Leadership is often misunderstood as merely giving instructions or holding authority, but true leadership is about influence, mentorship and the ability to bring out the best in others. That is exactly what she does.

There is something extraordinary about a leader who can push people to perform at their best even under pressure, while still remaining calm and composed.

In a newsroom environment where deadlines are tight and stress levels are high; many leaders easily lose patience or discourage young journalists. However, she remains focused on solutions rather than intimidation. She constantly pushes for excellence while still making people believe that they are capable of achieving more.

What draws me the most to her leadership style is how effortless she makes it look. She does not only demand excellence from others; she demands it from herself as well. That is what separates great leaders from ordinary ones. If stories fail to align with the expected standard, she does not simply dismiss them or humiliate those who worked on them. Instead, she finds ways to improve them while guiding the journalists involved. That kind of patience and professionalism is rare, especially in highly demanding environments.

A great leader is a visionary and she is more than just a visionary. I remember one moment that remains deeply personal to me. I hope she will not mind me sharing this, but once she gave me advice that I still carry with me today. She said: “Mandlenkosi, all I want to see is progress. Have a vision. I have a vision to acquire a higher position than this. You should be picturing where you want to be tomorrow. Have it in your sight and you won’t go wrong.”

Those words became more than advice to me. They became motivation. In many workplaces, leaders focus only on results and forget the human beings behind the work. However, a true leader understands the importance of building people, not just institutions. A leader should mentor, inspire and encourage growth among those around them regardless of age or position.

Today, I believe I can become one of the best journalists Eswatini has ever seen, not because I already am, but because she made me believe it is possible. That is what leadership does. It gives people confidence in themselves even when they doubt their own abilities. Great leaders do not create followers, they create future leaders.

In terms of women’s leadership, we must also applaud Times of Eswatini for embracing and trusting female leadership at such a high level. In a world where many industries are still male dominated, seeing a woman excel in media leadership is both powerful and necessary. She stands out like a rose blooming among thorns and that alone sets her apart.

To Manyathela, I say thank you for showing the younger generation what true leadership looks like. Thank you for proving that leadership is not about fear, but about vision, mentorship and inspiration. Years from now, many young journalists will still speak about the impact you had on their lives and careers. To many young girls out there, you are more than a managing editor, you are a symbol of possibility.

Times of Eswatini Managing Editor Thobeka Manyathela.