Thaboso Moss after receiving an award in Bloemfontein earlier this month.
Report by Mohau Maretele
THABISO MOSS MAKES HISTORY AT THE VODACOM AWARDS
BLOEMFONTEIN – Earlier this month, on 03 October 2024, Thabiso Moss received the prestigious “Vodacom Journalist of the Year Award” in the Politics category for the Free State, Limpopo, Northern Cape, and North West region.
The award ceremony, presented in Bloemfontein, recognised Moss for his exceptional reporting on a story in Tlokwe Local Municipality earlier this year. Competing in a strong field, Moss became the first person from his region to earn this recognition, making the achievement especially meaningful.
Moss credits his success to teamwork and dedication, extending his gratitude to his colleague, cameraman Sello Mogong, who worked tirelessly alongside him. “This award means a lot. It shows that people see our contribution to the news fraternity,” he said during an exclusive interview with MORONGWA recently.
Moss’s win stands as a testament to the impact of his work and the dedication he brings to journalism.
Born in Makaisskop near Schweizer-Reneke and raised in Ipelegeng township from the age of nine, Moss’s interest in media began during his high school years at Itshupeng Secondary School in 2001. Determined to follow his passion, he went on to study journalism, a choice that led him to influential roles—first as a current affairs host with North West FM (now You FM) and with Motsweding FM, and now as a television news field reporter with SABC News.
Reflecting on his journey, Moss said, “I have always been determined to achieve what I wanted despite anything that might have appeared to be a challenge. I want to finish whatever I start.”
His drive and commitment have been essential to his steady rise in the media industry.
For Moss, staying relevant means treating each day like the first. “You need to take your job like it is your first time. Don’t consider yourself as someone who knows everything. Learn every day, research all the time,”. This philosophy has helped him stay engaged, especially while covering impactful stories like the Townhall Debates, where local leaders were held accountable for addressing community issues.
Committed to inspiring the next generation of journalists, Moss encouraged young people to believe in themselves regardless of their background. “Don’t be afraid to fail. Take risks. Most importantly, set trends instead of following them,” he says. Moss also highlights the importance of mastering the basics, conducting thorough research, and pursuing formal education, as the journalism industry can be tough and demanding.
Beyond technical skills, Moss emphasises humility and kindness as essential qualities for growth. “This industry is very cruel; you need to develop a thick skin and have a fallback plan,” he advises. His words resonate as a reminder that success in journalism requires resilience, learning, and a sense of purpose.
With his recent achievement marking a high point in his career, Moss is eager for what lies ahead. “Despite my recent achievements, I still see myself achieving more,” he said. Driven by a commitment to push boundaries and inspire others, Thabiso Moss is determined to make an even greater impact in journalism in his community, province, and beyond.
