Page 67 - KZN Top Business Women - eBook 2023

There are no templates in this business. You know, we’re freelancers

– you find your own way with your own brand at your own time.

of providing their children with stories that span the coming first, and I look into the crowd, and my parents are
Media Personality, podcaster, author,
continent. “I dreamed of something for my kids, and now not there because they can’t get off work,” she recalls.
co-founder of www.ratingsforschools
these books are all over the world. And I’m proud. And As she puts it, “Challenges must never be the obstacle.
arol Ofori’s easily recognisable voice resonates like wow, is this really you?” They are the road and the path to greatness. I think that’s
with warmth and influence. Whether on her After completing a BA in journalism, Carol began her what propelled me to always want to work harder.”
C daily show on East Coast Radio, her talk show career as an intern reporter at 947 and Talk Radio 702,
for first time parents, Raising Babies on SABC 2, or the focusing on news and then moving into magazine Carol’s work ethic and goal orientation was shaped by
thought-provoking discussions on her Carol Ofori journalism. Carol also holds a Honours degree from her mother’s relentless efforts to provide the best for their
Podcast, Carol has made an impact on the African media VEGA university majoring in Brand Management and her family. “I’ve done all these wonderful things. But I don’t
landscape. “ journey in the media showcases her adaptability and come from a rich background. My mom worked very hard
to put us through school. Much as I love my dad, I have
“I’ve won the International Sovas (Society of Voice Arts commitment. “There are no templates in this business. to really give the credit where the credit is due and it, you
and Sciences) Award for my voice work, which is literally You know, we’re freelancers – you find your own way know, it was my mom’s doing,” Carol shares candidly.
the Oscars of the voice world,” says Carol. Her latest with your own brand at your own time. I’m inspired by
media adventure is playing a lead character in a Disney+ just wanting to succeed,” she reflects. Focused vision
series called Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, a beautiful Carol’s entrepreneurial spirit led to her co-founding
African animated show available on Disney+ streaming an education information portal for parents with her In giving advice, Carol is adamant you need a clear vision
worldwide. Unsurprisingly for Carol, her role showcases husband. Their aim was to revolutionise the interaction for the future. “I see a great future for ratingsforschools.
that girls can do anything they set their mind to – she between schools and parents and address a tangible co.za. I see a great future for me in the broadcasting and
plays Mkhuzi, a racing car driver. “It’s still wild to think that need. www.RatingsForSchools.co.za helps one locate a media space, and I see more books.
I’m a Disney character,” she says. school based on your budget, curriculum, special needs “The most important advice I can give you is to always
Beyond broadcasting, Carol is a published author and more. know your picture of where you’re going. Sometimes
having written a series of six children’s books called “We had just moved to a new city and we needed a you’ll share your story with people who won’t see your
“The African Adventures of Sena and Katlego” that portal to find schools and it didn’t exist. So, we created it vision. Take the advice, take the feedback, take the
have garnered international attention and available - www.ratingsforschools.co.za,” Carol states, emphasizing criticism, but don’t let it cloud your vision.”
at all leading book shops and online. She is also an her ability to identify gaps in the market and create “Remember what you want and stay focused on where
acclaimed master of ceremonies and recently ventured innovative solutions. you are going,” she advises. “If I had listened to people
into comedy. telling me not to dream of publishing six books, these
“I definitely see ratingsforschools.co.za being a household
“I think I’m an all-round cool chick. I’ve done so many name, it’s got such an exciting future. I cannot wait for books would never have happened.”
incredible things that I think I don’t celebrate enough!” where it’s going. And it’s something that we are both so Carol has two small children so finding time to relax is
she commented with a smile. proud of.” rare. However, she does enjoy being pampered and loves
eating out and trying different foods. I like nice things –
A pan-African narrative Navigating challenges shopping – I’m a typical girl. I’ll relax in all those spaces
Married to an incredible Ghanaian man, Carol’s family Reflecting on her childhood, Carol commented that I’ve just mentioned – and enjoy a glass of red wine!”
is a beautiful blend of South African and Ghanaian attending St Catherine’s convent, an hour and a half away “Being part of KZN Top Business Women is important as
cultures. “I wanted books that would depict Africa for from her home in Soweto, meant long days. This was a the platform highlights women doing amazing things,”
my kids, and they just didn’t exist. So, I decided I was challenge as she and her sister would get home late when says Carol. “I think we get so clogged up in our roles and
going to write them.” most of the kids living nearby were forming friendships it is important other women get to see us celebrated
The African Adventures of Sena and his magical teddy in the afternoons, and doing homework we would have as it encourages them to keep surging forward. Seeing
bear Katlego are a six-book series that takes readers across to find the strength after the long bus trip home to do different women from different walks of life, religions and
Ghana, South Africa, Chad, Eswatini, Egypt, and Uganda. homework. And her parents weren’t always able to support schools of thought – encourages other women to take
This pan-African union underscored the importance her at school events and sports days. “I’m running, and I’m up the baton and run in their lane in their journey of life”.

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