By Mzukona Mantshontsho
It’s important to develop an understanding of the skills required in artistic expression projects, causes to empower our communities and business and to change the mind-sets of residents, particularly the unemployed youth.
It’s important to encourage the youth through examples to aspire and pursue their own paths, to further developing their own skills to earn a living, be better citizens and FUTURE Leaders!
Yo School Magazine spoke to Founder at Pondoland Times Quan Dambuza about his personal, professional, and entrepreneurial journey thus far.
Tell us about your early life.
I grew up in Bizana, a beautiful rural town in the Eastern Cape. I attended Intsingizi JSS, Mount Frere High School and later Bizana Senior Secondary. After matric, I pursued studies in digital marketing, search engine optimisation, and digital journalism while freelancing for I Speak HipHop Magazine in Johannesburg.
My passion for journalism and digital media started in high school through music production and contributing content to local radio and online platforms. Earlier this year, I completed Artificial Intelligence training through the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s AI Mentorship Programme — a milestone that strengthened my foundation for my role as a publisher.
What does your role mean to you?
My role is more than a profession — it’s a calling. It allows me to serve, uplift, and create lasting change in my community. Every day is an opportunity to build something meaningful that empowers others.
What are the most critical resources for your successful leadership?
I rely on community trust, collaboration, and continuous learning. A strong team, mentorship, and access to credible data all guide my decisions. Being part of industry bodies such as the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP), the Forum of Community Journalists, the Press Council, ABC, and ARB has also strengthened our credibility as a publication.
What can we expect from you going forward?
Last year we launched our Android mobile app, laying a strong digital foundation. Going forward, we plan to expand our services, launch new community programmes, strengthen partnerships, and roll out the iOS version of the app.
Our TikTok channel has reached 1.2 million views in the past 12 months, our website records over 10.7 million monthly impressions, and we have grown to over 12,000 newsletter subscribers. We also welcomed five interns this year, bringing our total to over 40 PR and Journalism students trained since 2022.
You can expect consistency, innovation, and a continued commitment to community-first storytelling.
Words of advice for young people, especially women?
Start where you are, with what you have. You don’t need perfect conditions — only the willingness to learn and try. To young women especially: your voice, your vision, and your leadership matter. Do not let your background define your future. Seek mentorship, seek opportunities, and seek support. The first step is always the most powerful one.
Your thoughts on Covid-19 and small businesses?
Covid-19 exposed how vulnerable many small businesses are. Going forward, entrepreneurs need to prioritise savings, digital systems, flexible operations, and stronger local supply chains. Resilience is built through preparation, innovation, and community support.
What legacy would you like to leave?
I want to be remembered as someone who gave back — someone who built platforms for others to thrive. My goal is to leave behind a legacy of empowerment, storytelling, and sustainable community development.
How does your work directly help the community?
Our work responds directly to local needs — from youth development and education access to job creation and media training. We build solutions led with the community, for the community.
Highs and lows of your career?
The highs are always in the impact: a young person finding employment, a woman launching a business, or a learner gaining access to opportunity.
The lows often involve limited funding or bureaucratic delays. But both the highs and lows have shaped my resilience. Right now, our biggest challenge is finding practical and sustainable ways to monetize our digital assets so we can expand and create more impact.
What do you do outside of work, and where can people follow the programme?
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, spending time with family, and working on creative projects. You can follow our work and updates on:
• Twitter/X
• Our official Website
We regularly share updates, impact stories, and opportunities for community involvement.
