March 2010 Woman in Media: Angie Meintjes

Written by the gsport Features Desk

Tuesday, 02 March 2010 14:35

She’s bright, bubbly, and a sports fanatic through and through. But don’t put this blonde into the touchline babes category, because she’s far more than a swooning bombshell.

This E News sports anchor has earned her stripes, and wears her colours proudly whenever she gets a chance. She counts landing the presenter job as the ultimate goal of her life, almost as good as her childhood memory of waking up to a stuffed stocking at the bottom of her bed every Christmas morning, and delight at the glitter left behind on the cookie plate!

She counts herself as a Joburger proud to be in Egoli, and with the right attitude too: - She enjoys embracing womanhood and takes on every challenge without fearing failure, instead of regarding her femaleness as a weakness. gsport has the honour of introducing the March 2010 Woman in Media: Angie Meintjes!

Hi Angie, great talking to you! Where were you born, and where do you live now?

I’m a true blue Joburger. Born in the city of gold, and chuffed to still call it home.

Angie, what makes you a proud South African?

I have to say, it’s our sporting achievements that have me brimming with pride. The Springboks, Oscar Pistorius, Khotso Mokoena and Natalie du Toit come to mind. They bring the proverbial gold home, and that brings a massive smile to my dial!

Do you have a nickname that your friends call you?

A couple; Mainsqueeze, Munchies, Mainks and very dodgy one bestowed on me by my mates in London!

What makes you passionate about sport?

The heart and character that shines through. And being rather competitive, watching your team clinch victory is an utterly spectacular feeling. I’ll never forget that 1995 Rugby World Cup moment …

How did you get into sports journalism?

I started in radio news, but have always loved sport and ultimately wanted to be involved in the sporting world. Working at 5fm with Kevin Fine presented that opportunity – he knew how passionate I was, and believed that I could hold my own.

What was it like working on the weekend shows at 5fm?

Kevin and I have been friends for many years, so working with him was much like I imagine being married is like! Being a part of the 5fm team was great fun, and as with so many of the jobs I’ve been lucky enough to land, it presented loads of great opportunities to meet some wonderful people and of course, attend some awesome concerts!

How did Angie Meintjes get onto our television screens? How did this success story happen?

A classic case of “who you know”. Pete van Onselen and I worked together at a magazine publishing company for a couple of years. He moved on to join the sports team at E News and, knowing of my radio background and my love for sport and suggested to the powers that be that they meet with me. In a matter of two days, I was interviewed, passed my screen test and accepted my offer of employment.

What is the biggest career challenge you have faced, and how did you handle it?

Three days into my TV career, I interviewed Sean Fitzpatrick and Murray Mexted. I was barely accustomed to the autocue and instructions being fed into my ear, and now had to maintain composure and professionally interview two legends of a game that I have been mental about for as long as I can remember! Shaky hands and quivering voice, but I nailed it!

What has been your biggest career highlight?

Being a rugby fanatic, interviewing Fitzpatrick and Mexted and a few months later, Carlos Spencer.

What advice do you have for girls who are aiming to put name up in lights in the sports journalism industry?

Keep your wits about you! Women in sport are too often regarded in an unfair light by men (and sadly, other women) in the game. I have no qualms being a fan – I’m a fan and always will be, but you have to tread with much care and maintain a certain professionalism at all times. Know your stuff and if you don’t, listen and learn. Take your job seriously, but not yourself.

How do you keep fit?

Hammering that super circuit and various cardio machines at the gym!

What sports do you, or have you, participated in? Are you still an active sportswoman?

I’m socially active! I’ve played hockey, tennis and squash, semi-seriously in my time. I was a gymnast as a child and at school, participated in anything if I was needed - and can thus confirm that the 400 meters is, without doubt, the killer distance!

What are your favourite spectator sports?

Rugby, limited-overs cricket, tennis and athletics.

Who are your favourite sports stars?

Blimey, so many but here are a couple … Novak Djokovic, Richie McCaw, Dale Steyn.

Who would you like to acknowledge for having had faith in you, and having supported your career choices?

My mom has always had incredible faith in me and my abilities. She’s never doubted me and trusted the decisions I’ve made career-wise. Her only frustration is my lack of self-belief!

We’ve been waiting a long time for 2010 in South Africa, what does this year mean for you?

It’s a mammoth year for the country and another opportunity to showcase all the great stuff we have to offer. For me, other than a year of very expensive flights and influx of football fans, it’s another year if growth.

gsport strives to celebrate femininity. How would you define femininity, and what role does it play in your life?

Being self sufficient and confident. Not regarding your femaleness as a weakness. Taking on every challenge without fearing failure. Embracing womanhood.