

Hello
Sawubona, and welcome!
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I’m Cebelihle Hlatshwayo, a South African journalist and storyteller.
I hold an Associate’s degree in Journalism and Multimedia Storytelling and am pursuing a Bachelor’s in Public Relations at Howard University, with minors in International Affairs and Economics.
I aim to inform, inspire, and spark meaningful change through inclusive storytelling.
My Story
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I matriculated from Crawford North Coast College in 2016. Driven by my passion for journalism, I pursued my dream of studying abroad, relocating from South Africa to the United States in 2018. I continued my education at Santa Monica College (SMC), despite a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Upon my return, I was determined and resilient, balancing full-time classes with multiple part-time jobs. I also had the privilege of working at The Corsair, SMC’s award-winning student media outlet, where I was fortunate to be part of a team that earned several accolades for our compelling stories. In 2023, I graduated with an Associate degree in Journalism and Multimedia Storytelling.
I am currently a student at Howard University, where I am furthering and honing my skills not only in journalism but also in public relations. As a Public Relations major with minors in International Affairs and Economics, I am deepening my understanding of strategic communication, ethical messaging, and media management. My coursework and hands-on experiences have allowed me to bridge my journalistic instincts for truth-telling with the skills needed to shape narratives, manage public perception, and uphold ethical standards in the broader communications field. Public relations has expanded my passion for storytelling, giving me the tools to not only report facts but to amplify voices, build trust, and create impact through intentional, responsible communication.
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Career Aspirations
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My goal is to eventually create an inclusive news platform in South Africa that provides reliable, accurate information in multiple languages. I want to build a space focused on delivering factual reporting while ensuring that any opinions shared are firmly grounded in well-researched, verified information. The publication will cover a range of topics, from media and fashion to politics, finance, and emerging industries, reflecting the diverse realities of the world while adhering to high standards of journalistic integrity and ethical communication.
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My passion for journalism extends beyond reporting the news. I’m also dedicated to encouraging high standards of journalism among my peers. As the first Black female editor-in-chief of The Corsair, I had the opportunity to lead a team in covering significant campus protests and other important issues. It was an honor to be part of a team committed to ethical journalism, and I hope to carry that focus into any future projects I pursue. Similarly, my studies in public relations have strengthened my ability to think strategically about how stories are told, how audiences are engaged, and how truth can be preserved even as narratives evolve in the media landscape.
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Unique Skills
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I bring a diverse set of skills that reflect both my academic background and hands-on experience in journalism and communications. I specialize in investigative journalism, multimedia storytelling, public relations writing, and digital media literacy, with a strong focus on delivering content that is both compelling and ethically sound. My ability to manage multiple responsibilities—such as balancing full-time studies with part-time jobs—has honed my time management and organizational skills, ensuring that I can meet deadlines and maintain a high standard of work under pressure.
Fluency in several languages, including Swati, allows me to engage with and report on diverse communities, fostering deeper connections and a more inclusive approach to storytelling. My leadership experience as editor-in-chief of The Corsair has strengthened my skills in team management, content oversight, strategic decision-making, and communication planning. In this role, I worked closely with a talented team of journalists and communicators to cover complex issues while upholding the integrity and ethical standards of the profession.
In addition to my editorial experience, I am proficient in crafting engaging, informative content across a variety of platforms, including social media, where I work to build a professional and impactful presence. I am committed to the continued development of my skills and to contributing to high-quality journalism and communications that inform, educate, and empower audiences.
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Personal Philosophy or Mission Statement
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I believe that the role of journalism is to shed light on truth, expose injustice, and give voice to those who are often overlooked. As Ida B. Wells once said, “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” I am committed to using the power of the press—and now, the power of strategic communications—to uncover the realities that too often remain hidden, whether in the form of systemic injustices, overlooked communities, or untold stories. Journalism and public relations, when done with integrity, have the ability to inform, empower, and bridge the gap between institutions and the public.
Malcolm X’s assertion that “The media’s the most powerful entity on earth… they control the minds of the masses” is a constant reminder of the immense responsibility that comes with being both a journalist and a communicator. Media shapes public opinion, influences action, and can either uphold or challenge power. I strive to use this power responsibly, ensuring that the stories and messages I share are grounded in truth, accountability, and ethical reporting. I believe that “the people must know before they can act,” as Wells said, and it is the duty of the press—and of communications professionals—to provide them with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and take meaningful action.
My mission is to create a platform that reflects the diverse voices and experiences of my community and the communities I am privileged enough to experience, delivering information that empowers individuals to engage with the world around them. I am dedicated to journalistic integrity and to ethical public relations practices, aiming to offer clear, factual reporting with minimal bias, and to fostering a deeper understanding of complex issues through well-researched, truth-driven storytelling.
Resume & Accomplishments
I was honored as an Emerging/Outstanding Student by the Society of Professional Journalists Los Angeles (SPJ/LA) in 2024, recognizing my leadership as Editor-in-Chief of The Corsair.
My work also earned The Corsair a Top Ten ranking in the ACP Sweepstakes Clips & Clicks Awards and several accolades from the California College Media Association, including Best Breaking News Story, Best News Series, First Place for Best Special Issue/Section, and Third Place for Best Podcast.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.