Cindy Poluta is one of South Africa’s most recognisable and respected sports broadcasters, with a career spanning almost three decades in radio and television.
A familiar voice to Johannesburg audiences, Cindy currently delivers sports news across two of the city’s leading breakfast shows — Anele and the Club on 947 and Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa on 702.
Her broadcasting career began at Talk Radio 702 in the late 1990s, initially working on the traffic desk. Her strong knowledge of sport and natural broadcasting ability led her into sports presenting, and in 2003 she successfully pitched the introduction of weekend sports news on what was then 94.7 Highveld Stereo.
Cindy went on to establish herself in what was, at the time, a predominantly male sports broadcasting environment. Her career has included radio presenting, sports reporting and editing, as well as five years as a live television sports presenter with SuperSport.
Sport has taken Cindy around the world, covering major events and interviewing some of the biggest personalities in international and South African sport.
Her contribution to broadcasting has earned significant industry recognition. Cindy was named Sports Presenter of the Year at the 2011 MTN Radio Awards, received the gsport Woman in Media – Radio Award in 2015, and was recognised by South Africa’s Minister of Sport in 2012 for her contribution as a woman in sports broadcasting. She was also nominated for Journalist of the Year at the 2018 National Sports Awards.
Beyond Broadcasting
In recent years, Cindy has expanded her work into mental wellness, coaching and youth development.
Her interest in psychology and mental health led her to qualify as a LifeLine counsellor in 2022, and in 2025 she qualified as a Life Coach.
Cindy has worked as a volunteer lay counsellor and has developed a particular interest in the challenges facing teenagers and parents in an increasingly digital world.
In 2025 she launched The Teen Junction, a podcast created for parents and caregivers navigating adolescence. The platform explores subjects including teenage mental health, communication, relationships, social media, technology and the pressures facing young people today.
This work subsequently developed into her keynote:
The Cost of Connection – Parenting in a Digital Age
First delivered in 2026, the keynote examines the impact of technology and constant digital connection on teenagers and their families.
Rather than simply portraying phones and social media as the problem, Cindy helps audiences understand how technology interacts with the developing adolescent brain, giving parents and young people practical tools for creating healthier digital habits and stronger relationships.
Woman in a Man’s World
Drawing on almost three decades working in the traditionally male-dominated world of sports broadcasting, Cindy also delivers the keynote:
Woman in a Man’s World
The presentation explores the realities of finding your voice, backing yourse
