The year 2024 has been a whirlwind for sports broadcaster Robert Marawa, filled with professional milestones and unexpected opportunities.
Reflecting on this transformative year, Marawa shared insights into his journey, which has seen him venture into uncharted territories while staying rooted in his passion for broadcasting and storytelling.
One of Marawa’s standout moments of the year was his unexpected role in "The Showmax Roast of Minnie Dlamini", where he not only participated but was also entrusted with opening the entire show. For someone new to this space, the unanimous decision by the production team to feature him as the opening roster was both an honour and a revelation.
“It gives you an insight into something that maybe you wouldn’t have noticed about yourself, but others do,” he remarked.
Known for his innovative contributions to sports broadcasting, Marawa has consistently pushed boundaries. This year, he continued diversifying his work, introducing fresh ideas to sports programming.
Marawa’s knack for building impactful sports content has cemented his legacy.
“For me, it’s always exciting to be at the forefront of something new,” he said.
Collaborating with passionate individuals, like football enthusiast Skhumba, has only added to the magic of his projects.
Marawa’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through in 2024. With the continued growth of his brand MSW (Marawa Sports Worldwide), he emphasized the importance of independence in a volatile industry.
Reflecting on past challenges, including terminations from major broadcasters, Marawa decided to take control of his narrative.
“I didn’t want to be beholden to people who have no say in my journey,” he explained.
This independence allowed him to thrive, making MSW a respected name synonymous with excellence in sports journalism. Marawa’s adaptability has been key to his success in the evolving media landscape.
When traditional avenues seemed uncertain, he embraced digital platforms. In 2019 after being fired from SuperSport the same year Egypt hosted the Africa Cup of Nations, and his independent journey began.
"There was an unemployed me with my cell phone heading off to watch the AFCON because I had a job to do there. Thus began Marawa TV, and everything else that was independent began in that journey.
His YouTube channel, Marawa TV, gained traction, offering fresh and engaging content. This transition paved the way for partnerships with entities like Arena Holdings, demonstrating the power of resilience and innovation.
In 2024, Marawa became the ambassador for Showmax Premier League, a project offering affordable access to football matches via mobile streaming.
This partnership, under the leadership of Showmax CEO Marc Jury, aligned perfectly with Marawai’s passion for football.
“It was an honour to be part of something that excites me deeply,” he shared.
The initiative not only broadened access to the sport but also underscored Marawa’s commitment to connecting with diverse audiences.
Marawa also dedicated time to mentoring emerging talent, particularly in digital content creation. Through shows like “Rob in the 18 Area", he collaborated with young broadcasters and creators, fostering opportunities for those who face systemic challenges.
His efforts have paved the way for many to thrive in the industry, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and hard work.
Beyond professional achievements, 2024 was a year of personal growth for Marawa. He reconciled with coach Pitso Mosimane, transforming past tensions into a meaningful friendship.
“I just think outside of the radio interview, just from personal interaction with him moving forward and then him inviting me as well as Skhumba to co-host his 60th birthday and his graduation ceremony function at the FNB stadium.
“This was again me showing and extending myself to say I mean this and it was real and there's a solid brotherhood that develops from there. I was happy that 2024 brought that not just for me but for many people who had desired for it to happen.”
Internationally, Marawa’s visits to Rwanda for media forums and the FIA awards - the leading awards in motor racing in the world including Formula 1, further enriched his year.
“I'd heard so many great things about the country and it was something that I saw when I got to live and witness firsthand just what a beautiful country Rwanda is.”
Broadcasting live from these events showcased his technical and storytelling prowess while forming lasting connections with global audiences.
Marawa has loved his interactions with Rwanda, seeing them put in their bid to host Formula 1, putting them against South Africa.
“Having a little bit of insight in terms of what they can potentially do even if they don't have their track yet and what we can do with our strikes in racing makes for a very fascinating 2025.”
Despite his busy schedule, Marawa’s year ends with a cherished tradition: spending the holidays with his family in KwaZulu-Natal. This grounding ritual reflects his humble nature and deep-rooted values.
IOL Entertainment