“Let your work speak for you.” This quiet conviction guides Itumeleng Bahetane, an accomplished broadcaster, academic and media strategist and proud North-West University (NWU) alumnus.

From his early days behind a radio mic in Mahikeng to leading regional operations for the SABC in North West, Bahetane’s journey is a story of vision, resilience and a deep commitment to public communication.

Born and bred in Magogoe village in Mahikeng, Bahetane’s academic and professional foundation was laid at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus, where he obtained a BA in communication (2008), BAHons degree in English (2011) and an advanced management certificate from the NWU Business School (2015).

But Itumeleng’s involvement went far beyond academics – he served as a student assistant, campus radio station manager, house parent and broadcasting lecturer.

“The NWU taught me about more than just media. It taught me about people, leadership and care. At the core of the NWU is the ethic of care, and that has guided me throughout my career,” says Itumeleng.

Broadcasting roots: from Mahikeng to Wits

Itumeleng’s media journey began at Mahikeng FM, where he held roles as a presenter, technical manager and later a station manager.

After several years of impactful work at Mahikeng FM, he transitioned to the NWU Vanderbijlpark Campus, where he became the founding station manager of the campus radio station and a sessional lecturer in media and communication.

From the NWU Vanderbijlpark Campus, his journey, he took him to Wits University, where he worked as a station manager at Voice of Wits (VOW FM), as a lecturer at the Wits Radio Academy and as a lecturer in development communication in the Wits School of Literature, Language and Media.

Itumeleng also worked as a consultant for both television and digital platforms, with expertise in content development, language usage and cultural strategy in media production.

Leading the public broadcaster in the North West

Today, Itumeleng serves as the regional operations manager for the SABC in North West, where his portfolio includes driving technology advancements across all platforms, leading stakeholder engagement, overseeing revenue generation and ensuring impactful public broadcasting in the province.

“Serving the public broadcaster is both an honour and a privilege. I trust God to guide me through the journey.”

He is a humble giant in the media, but despite his accolades and influence, Bahetane remains grounded, consistently echoing his belief:

“I prefer for my work to speak for itself,” he says.

A proud son of the NWU

Itumeleng’s story is a testament to the ability of the NWU to nurture talent that transforms industries. As a media professional, educator and leader, his legacy continues to inspire future communicators.

“I will always regard the NWU as home. Its diversity, values and approach to learning shaped both the professional and the person I have become,” says Itumeleng.

As the NWU celebrates Heritage Month, Itumeleng Bahetane embodies the spirit of cultural pride, academic excellence and service to the nation.

 Itumeleng Bahetane