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Audrey Chimwanda

Tafadzwa Zimoyo : Lifestyle Reporter

It has been three years since South African television audiences woke up to see the sultry Audrey Chimwanda on ANN7, a privately owned news channel on DStv. Audrey has a voice and stage presence that are equally large. When she left Zimbabwe for South Africa in 2013 she was one of the foreign journalists who had been invited to put some international spark into the fairly new station.This week Lifestyle Reporter Tafadzwa Zimoyo (TZ) speaks with Audrey (AC) for some catch up three years after she went regional.

(TZ) Tell us how it all began.

(AC) I had just moved from my home town Gweru to the capital Harare in 2003 to study for a BSc In Information Systems degree at Women’s University in Africa, when I went for auditions at ZBC. I got the part and fell in love with television. Most importantly I enjoyed interviewing personalities from all works of life. Most of what I experienced in journalism I learnt on the job.

(TZ) Which programmes did you host in Zimbabwe?

(AC) My first television show was Youth.Com in 2003, a youth oriented magazine show. I interviewed politicians, youth leaders, sports personalities and artists/celebrities. I went on to co-host Hospitality Zimbabwe in 2006. We travelled around the country showcasing all the vacation spots to promote tourism in my beautiful motherland. Presenting the Harare Agricultural Show highlights for two consecutive years from 2010 was fun. I met and interviewed quite a number of business people. I was approached by the then head of news department at ZBC in 2010 to train as a news anchor. I presented the radio news to get my feet wet before moving to ZTV news. I then got a call in 2012 about a new independent radio station (ZiFM Stereo) looking to hire news readers. I was excited to try something new outside the national broadcaster. I was hired a news presenter at ZiFM. Nine months later in 2013 I left the country for South Africa.

(TZ) How did you get to ANN7?

(AC) I applied for a job at Multichoice SA in the marketing department. Needless to say there was no real marketing experience on my CV. I was pleasantly surprised when I was called in for an interview. My interviewer then informed me about a fairly new 24hr news channel that could be interested in my skills. We agreed that my CV would be forwarded to ANN7. Again I was called in for an interview and I left with a contract.

(TZ) What is your position at ANN7?

(AC) I started off as a News Producer for almost a year. I told them I was better of in front of the camera. I was given one chance, they believed me. I am now a news anchor.

(TZ) How is it like working in a foreign land?

(AC) I missed home tremendously at first. I had to consciously open my heart to the fact that I was in a foreign country. Once I did that I started to appreciate it, I got exposed to different cultures. Not too different though because we are all Africans after all. However, the work culture is distinctively different. There are more resources so that makes execution of duties easier.

(TZ)When was the last time you came home?

(AC) I am my mother’s only child so I can never stay away for too long. I’m also a typical daddy’s girl and I try to go home or get them to come over as often as I can. I was home for Christmas.

(TZ) Are you married and how old are you?

(AC) No. I am old enough to be married . . . Lol!

(TZ) Where do you live?

(AC) I live in Midrand, which is pretty convenient because our studios are also in Midrand. Work is less than a 10 minutes drive away.

(TZ) What is it that you enjoy most about your job?

(AC) Live television is addictive, it’s like a drug. The adrenalin rush I get from the moment my director starts to count me down to action, is exhilarating. I also enjoy chatting and debating with my guests on my show Africa Tonight. I have interviewed presidential candidates, ministers, ambassadors, human rights activists and other high profile members of society. I learn a lot from them. Generic bulletins are also fun, they come with live crossings to reporters on the field, I enjoy that interaction as well.

(TZ) If you were to be asked how to improve local TV how will you do that?

(AC) Resources, I believe that’s the only impediment with our local TV. Otherwise talent, brains and passion are already there.

(TZ) Do you think ZBC is lagging behind in terms of news presentation?

(AC) Employees can only work with what they have in terms of training and resources. Give people the tools they need and they become competitive globally.

(TZ) How do you relax when you are not at work?

(AC) I wine and dine with friends. I also enjoy reading. The nature of my job requires that of me. Lucky for me it’s not a job because I absolutely enjoy it. I also treasure my quiet time at home as I get so busy sometimes and I don’t always get to relax. Anyone who works in the media industry knows the working hours can be erratic.

(TZ) Your ideal guy?

(AC) Oh goodness, how much time do you have? . . . Strong but gentle, powerful, intelligent, funny, wordy, well travelled. I suppose that could be asking for too much, I guess that’s why I’m single . . . LOL

(TZ) What is your favourite food?

(AC) Having grown up in a land-locked country, I cannot get enough of seafood. I’m quite monotonous when it comes to the type of food I order or the type of restaurants I choose. If it lives in the sea and they serve it, then I am there to eat it.

(TZ) What car do you drive?

(AC) Audi A4

(TZ) Your favourite fragrance and fashion designer?

(AC) La Vie Est Belle . . . A French expression meaning ‘Life is beautiful’, it’s my signature scent . . . It’s rich, luxurious scent makes me feel strong yet so feminine. As for fashion, I’m in love with Balmain. Their designs are subtle but intricate. Just like me.

(TZ) It has been great to have you and thank you for your time.