From the football pitch to the frontlines of journalism

Terence Lota Mukasa embodies the essence of following one's dreams against all odds. Born and raised in Windhoek, Mukasa's journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability.

From a young age, Mukasa found solace and joy on the football pitch, honing his skills at Ramblers Football Club and Academy. However, life had a different path in store for him. Despite initially aspiring to delve into fields like economics, marketing or logistics, financial constraints led him to pursue a degree in English and applied linguistics at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).

While academics laid the foundation, Mukasa's heart remained intertwined with sports. Outside his professional life, he continued to pursue his passion for football, playing for both the Patriots Futsal Club and Davos Football Club. Little did he know that his love for sports would intertwine with his career trajectory.

Mukasa's foray into journalism was serendipitous, beginning with an internship at New Era Publication in 2021. This stint was followed by freelancing opportunities, and eventually he landed a role at One Africa TV in 2023. His journey was marked by challenges, but each hurdle served as a stepping stone towards personal and professional growth.



Bringing stories to life

Describing his typical workday as "loaded," he juggles multiple story ideas and interviews seamlessly. Whether it's interviewing sports analysts or top athletes, his dedication to storytelling shines through. Despite the demanding nature of his job, Mukasa finds fulfilment in bringing stories to life and ensuring justice is served in every narrative.

"Let us say today is Monday. I have an interview scheduled with sports analyst Isac Hamata on the conclusion of the Debmarine Premier League, another with wrestler Esther Abrahams and another with Stars' leading top goalscorer, Willy Stephanus. How does one get all those one-on-one interviews done in one day? That's what I would describe as a fully swamped working day," Mukasa said.



Highlighting the role of media

One of the recurring challenges he faces is the lack of media literacy among sports personalities. He advocates for education on the importance of media engagement, particularly for athletes representing the nation.

"At the moment, I have not experienced major challenges apart from uneducated sportsmen and women. Especially those representing the nation. I think it is important that we engage sportsmen and women in the media aspect: how to respond when approached by the media. Why is it important to engage with the media when on national duty? Why would you refuse to engage with the media when you are representing the nation at large?" he said.

Through his work, he aims to bridge the gap between sports and media, empowering athletes to communicate effectively and responsibly.

Reflecting on his journey, Mukasa acknowledges the transformative power of perseverance and passion. His advice to aspiring journalists echoes his own experiences: pursue media studies wholeheartedly, but be prepared for the challenges that come with the territory. For Mukasa, journalism is not just a profession but a calling – one that continues to shape his identity and purpose.