Qaanitah Hunter
Award-Winning Political Journalist | Podcast Host | Columnist | Mental Health Activist
Political journalism is my absolute passion.
Qaanitah Hunter is an award-winning political journalist and editor. She is a media industry leader in South Africa and a highly regarded commentator and columnist. Qaanitah hosts conversations with power brokers and writes for international platforms. She is a highly regarded keynote speaker with a keen interest in politics, democracy and the African continent. She is a best-selling author and co-authored the book Who Will Rule SA? Qaanitah received many awards, including the prestigious Nat Nakasa Award for bravery in 2019. In 2023, she was an R. Murrow journalism leadership fellow in the US. She is a mental health and media freedom activist. She graduated with a Master’s in Journalism from the University of Witwatersrand.
Qaanitah is a distinguished journalist with over 13 years of experience in the field. Renowned for her incisive political writing and investigative work, she has earned numerous awards, solidifying her reputation as a leading voice in political analysis.
Qaanitah’s expertise extends covering big news events to crafting compelling features for international platforms, where her insights and analysis are highly regarded.
Her ability to distil complex political landscapes into engaging and informative narratives has made her a trusted source for readers worldwide. With a career marked by excellence and recognition, Qaanitah Hunter continues to be a significant influence in the world of political journalism.
She writes for News24 and Al Jazeera. She has worked for the Sunday Times, Mail & Guardian, Daily Maverick and EWN.
See her work on Seen TV South Africa here.
Find her columns on News24 here.
Find her articles on Al Jazeera English here.
Qaanitah is an acclaimed podcast host known for her engaging conversations with politicians and power brokers. With a unique and accessible style, Qaanitah has a knack for unravelling the intricacies of political discourse, making complex issues comprehensible to a wide audience.
Her podcasts are highly regarded in the industry, often setting the agenda and influencing public debate. Through her insightful and thought-provoking interviews, Qaanitah provides listeners with a deep understanding of the political landscape, solidifying her position as a leading voice in political commentary. You can listen to her 2024 election podcast Q&A here.
Qaanitah is a sought-after keynote speaker, renowned for delivering vibrant and insightful speeches to major companies and organisations. Her expertise extends across Africa, with a keen interest in politics and democracy.
Drawing on her extensive journalistic experience, Qaanitah addresses themes such as South Africa’s political landscape, the importance of democracy, and the crucial role of a vibrant media. She is also a vocal advocate for mental health, emphasising the need for mental health support within journalism.
Qaanitah’s compelling presentations have taken her to various African countries, including South Africa, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. She excels on panels and has shared the stage with many esteemed speakers and politicians, making her a prominent voice in political discourse and media advocacy. Book Qaanitah here.
Qaanitah is a dedicated mental health activist and the founder of Debrief the Media, an organisation providing vital mental health support for journalists.
Recognised for her outspoken advocacy, Qaanitah emphasises the critical need for mental health resources within the journalism industry.
Her impactful work is featured in a chapter of the academic book Women Journalists in South Africa (2022). Qaanitah has also spoken on numerous panels and international forums, highlighting how mental ill health poses a significant threat to media freedom.
Passionate about preemptive strategies, she focuses on creating systems to offer mental health support to journalists before crises arise. Through her activism, Qaanitah continues to champion mental well-being as an essential component of a free and vibrant media.
