Meet Durban's next IT GIRL Merisha Lalla!

There are many phenomenal women out there in the world and it is always refreshing to meet someone from your very own country and city who is taking on the world and making a positive change in the community.

Durban’s Gossip Girl is proud to introduce you to Durban’s next It Girl: Merisha Lalla. Born and raised in Durban, Merisha is truly an inspiration and role model to all young women out there.

Merisha is a journalist and is currently lecturing at Educor-Damelin. Her previous and impressive work experience includes: being the head of news and actuality - Radio Hindavani; reporter and producer of: Newsbreak - Lotus Fm; News Bulletin Producer and Presenter for Lotus Fm; Presenter and Reporter - Siyayinqoba Beat It! TV Programme.

Merisha’s work excellence and go-getting attitude has not gone unfounded. She has received awards of achievement and has been selected to participate in numerous prestigious programmes of recognition.

To name a few:
She was the winner of the Standard Bank Salutes the Women of KZN Award in the Rising Stars - Youth Role Models category (2008);

She was selected to represent South Africa in the “7th Know India Programme” held in India which was hosted by the Government of India. The forum brought together 30 youth from around the world for an Internship Programme in rural India.

She was selected to attend the Brightest Young Minds Conference, held in Gauteng in July 2007. The forum brought together 100 top students in South Africa for the purposes of leadership development, networking as well as the initiation and exploration of ideas and projects geared toward making a difference in Africa.

She was selected to represent the University of KwaZulu-Natla at the ABSA Student Village Women’s Leadership Conference. The gathering brought together 200 delegates to discuss and debate issues such as the woman’s role in society, women in leadership positions and women motivation.

She was a Presenter at the Hindi Shiksha Sangh Hindi Conference, where she presented a paper at the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, titled “Influence of Media on Language Learning”.

She was the President of the Hindu Students Association, University of KwaZulu-Natal (2006/2007).

The list does go on for this young achiever however I if I continue I think that I will run out of megabytes! (what’s that again? Ask mtn!).

Durban’s Gossip Girl got to interview this exceptional young lady and here it is:

Why did you decide to study journalism and pursue it as a career?

I had a flair for languages at school and enjoyed public speaking, debating and writing. I also enjoyed preparing newsletters and brochures for our school committees and cultural organizations. At that time, everyone in my family was going into medicine, accounting and science – so it was somewhat of an untapped territory.

What do you have to study to become a journalist?

A Diploma in Journalism or a Degree in Media and Communication will offer a good foundation. I chose the Media and Communication route to keep my options open, and later honed my skills in Journalism.

What are the career options for a person who is interested in studying journalism?

The scope is so vast, but to name a few: Editors, Reporters, Sub-editors, Photographers, Producers, Story Writers

What was the most interesting story that you have ever done?

I was at SABC during the 2009 Elections... We had to do stories about how people in outlaying towns and suburbs felt ahead of the Elections. I loved the travelling, engaging with different cultures, seeing how people live in these areas, asking them whether they would consider moving to the city, whether they would be voting, and their views on the current state of the country. Let’s just say, we take so much for granted living in a central place like Durban! (DGG: this must have been soo exciting and enlightening)

Did you ever have to wake up at odd hours in the morning to chase a lead or story?

Of course! While working for Siyayinqoba Beat It (the HIV/AIDS magazine programme on SABC 1)... we often had to get up really early and drive to our location…get there before the sun comes out as it will affect the filming, as well as before neighbours wake up and start asking questions about why reporters are there (the stigma around Aids is so huge).

What type of stories do you like to do?

I wish more editorial space was given to human interest, profiles and inspirational stories.

If you could meet and interview/write an article on any person/historical figure, who would it be and why?

The Indian cricket team! If I had to choose one person, it would be the iconic Sachin Tendulkar. I’m such a huge cricket fan, especially of Team India. Cricket is like a religion in India and the team is revered. There’s so many things I would like to ask them.

When I was younger, my dad used to watch cricket all the time, so we were forced to get used to it. During the World Cups in the mid 1990’s I even started a scrapbook on the Indian team. My other favourites are Rahul Dravid, Saurav Ganguly and Zaheer Khan.

Do you have any regrets in your career choice?

Except for the late nights, early mornings and deadlines…Absolutely not! I’ve been given the chance to meet and interview celebrities, politicians, ordinary inspirational people with lovely stories to tell, musicians and even international artists. It’s been nothing short of interesting, exciting, adrenaline pumping and such a learning curve in many respects from getting to know your strengths and weaknesses as a journalist to personal growth and development.

To who would you recommend pursuing this as a career, and why?

Anyone who wants to make a change in something they feel passionate about. A journalist has such “power” and “influence”. (DGG: I agree! A Debora Patta in the making...hmmm)

You are currently lecturing students at Educor-Damelin. How different is teaching compared to researching and writing stories/articles? Which do you enjoy more?

It’s rather different doing the theory as opposed to the practical. Having trained students while at Radio Hindvani, I realized that students need to interact with people who are in the field so I’m happy to be part of the training pool, equipping future journalists with the tricks of the trade. The two jobs are rather different – with the only link being that I now lecture content on what I used to practice. Each offers you something different and you cant really compare (sorry, I know that’s such a diplomatic answer).

Even though I’m not shy or have stage fright as I’m used to standing in front of crowds – I was scared at first to stand in front of a class. I’ve learnt how to handle them now, and am mastering my lecturing skills, marking skills, as well my approach with different types of students.
I miss practicing journalism, so I keep myself in touch by doing freelance work.

What other projects are you currently involved with?

I’ve always been passionate about youth activism as well as propagation of religion and culture. Currently I am involved in the following:

• Organiser of the FNB Durban Diwali Festival: On the organizing committee of the biggest Diwali festival in Durban. Organisation of the Float Procession & Media Launch as well as marketing of and encouraging participation in event.

• Media Officer & Founding Member of the Youth Renaissance Foundation: Tasked with mobilization of youth for the common purpose of working together to uplift, encourage and empower young people. Also engaged in community upliftment projects, feeding schemes and networking.

• Chairperson of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha Youth Council & Secretary of the Shree Sanathan Dharma Sabha of South Africa: National bodies for Hindus in South Africa. Involved with charity and outreach projects, youth development and upliftment initiatives, youth networking and partnership programmes and media liaison. Also involved with going to youth organizations and doing development and empowerment talks.

• Member of the Progressive Women’s Colloquium: Tasked with mobilizing women in a common purpose of debating issues that affect them and finding solutions for them. Development, empowerment and skills training are top of the agenda. (DGG: Wow I am amazed! Does this girl even sleep?!)

• What is the best advice that you have ever been given?

“To take a chance now and then”…My star sign is Virgo, so by nature I like to play things safe, plan ahead and know everything about everything… I’ve since mellowed!

What is the best advice that you can give to the youth out there and to anyone who is interested in following in your career path?

Don’t only complain and criticize…get involved and make a difference. (DGG: Could not agree with you more!)

Quickies:

Favourite food?

Mum’s fresh-chicken curry

Pet hate?

People who don’t match their clothes (DGG: interesting!)

Favourite hangout?

Suncoast (DGG: I like)

Name three things that you can’t live without?

My car, cellphone, and a good pair of earrings

All Durban Gossip Girl can say is well done Merisha! You are certainly making Durban proud and I am sure that this article will empower and inspire all girls out there to follow in your footsteps and pursue there dreams with steadfast determination. I foresee get things for this talented young leader and really hope that she has inspired you to rise up, move forward, be the change and own your own greatness.

Durban's Gossip Girl...xoxo