StarSat’s Women and Their Empowering Stories

Celebrating this Women’s Month we wanted to showcase some incredible women in our StarSat family that will motivate any reader.

Take a peek at what it is like being a woman in a corporate media world through the inspiring Journeys of Debbie, Alta, Bongie and Nelisiwe.

Biyu (Debbie) Wu, CEO of OnDigital Media

Empowering Growth

As the CEO of OnDigital Media, Debbie Wu proudly reflects on her journey and achievements, both in the corporate world and as a woman embracing her identity. Her role as the CEO of the license holder company of StarSat has been a significant part of her career journey. Her career highlight is not just climbing the corporate ladder, but excelling in any role she takes on. This philosophy empowers her as a woman, showcasing her inherent strength.

She finds joy in collaborating with her team, conquering challenges, and witnessing collective growth. Adversity only strengthens her belief and that struggles build resilience.

To young women entering her field: She advises them to nurture curiosity and adaptability, and that their self-belief is their strongest asset.

Her time at StarSat and OnDigital Media has taught her patience and unity are power. Her journey mirrors the experiences of countless women—education, career, family, entrepreneurship—unveiling strength amongst challenges. The path of womanhood isn’t easy but incredibly enriching.

Alta Marais, HR Manager

Empowering Resilience

In the bustling world of media and entertainment, there’s a key figure working behind the scenes to ensure that the gears of our companies turn smoothly.

Meet Alta, the HR Manager at StarSat and OnDigital Media. With a diverse childhood ambition of becoming a nun or a police officer, she embodies values of respect and fairness. Her journey illustrates the power of continuous learning.

Some of her proudest moments include being nominated for Business Woman of the Year and winning accolades like the Independent Business of the Year.

Passionate about empowering others, Alta finds joy in eliminating risks and creating opportunities for others.

Her advice to aspiring women in her field? Work hard, be fair, and persevere.

From her entrepreneurial beginnings selling candles from a wheelbarrow, Alta’s story teaches us to start without waiting for perfect conditions. As she steers HR and inspires all at StarSat, Alta’s journey embodies determination and resilience. May her story be a guide, to always thank yourself and always try once more before giving up.

Nelisiwe Mmape, Translations Co-ordinator

Empowering Persistence

Nelisiwe Mmape’s journey stands as a testament to determination and empowerment. As a Translations Co-ordinator at OnDigital Media, Nelisiwe’s path of wanting to be a newsreader to hosting AdWeek Africa showcases her unwavering commitment. With a degree in Journalism and Media Studies from Rhodes University, she embodies the fusion of education and achievement.

Nelisiwe’s influence extends beyond her role, reflecting her love for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Her resilience, rooted in her roles as a mother and wife, underscores the importance of family and positivity during adversity.

For aspiring women in media, Nelisiwe’s advice is invaluable: do thorough research, have confidence in one’s work, and have the courage to demand a seat at the table. Her time at StarSat has cemented the significance of empathetic leadership, nurturing both personal growth and a supportive work atmosphere.

Nelisiwe Mmape’s journey illuminates the potential of women in media. It’s a tribute to the power of dreams, education, and unwavering persistence that can shape the media landscape, setting an example for generations to come.

Bongie Memela Wilson, Voice Artist

 Empowering Passion

Her evolution stands as a testament to the strength found in spirituality during adversity. Bongie’s steadfast faith has been her guiding compass, allowing her to navigate challenges with grace and tenacity. Her advice to aspiring women emphasizes patience, persistence, and humility, principles that have driven her own success.  Her story resonates as an inspiration—an ode to the power of embracing change, seizing opportunities, and forging a path of triumph in unexpected directions.

In anticipation of International Women’s Day, we turn our attention to the compelling journey of Bongie Memela Wilson, a voice artist whose path is an embodiment of resilience and adaptability. Initially envisioning a future as a beautician, Bongie’s trajectory shifted unexpectedly into the realm of voice artistry. From Durban to StarSat and OnDigital Media, her voice breathed life into characters that resonated deeply, earning her recognition and acclaim.

Let these four stories be a celebration and a tribute to the 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of Apatheid Pass laws. Women should be celebrated every day, not to honour the iconic women who have changed history, but to encourage new generations to dream big and know that anything is possible.

Written by Sameehah Adam