Carmen Reddy

Carmen Reddy currently co-hosts East Coast Breakfast on East Coast Radio, airing weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. “I’ve always been a bit of a jack-of-all-trades,” she remarks, reflecting on her diverse career that has spanned radio, journalism, and television.

Born in Durban, Carmen moved to Gauteng with her family at a young age and completed her secondary education at Sutherland High School in Pretoria. She pursued an undergraduate degree and honours degree in journalism at the University of Pretoria. Her passion for radio was ignited during this time, as she explains, “The radio bug bit me when I worked at our community campus radio station, and I’ve been doing it ever since.”

Following her academic years, Carmen took on the role of news editor at a local radio station in Pretoria before relocating to Johannesburg. There, she established herself in the media industry, working at prominent news organisations including the SABC and 702, where she not only read the news but also reported as a journalist. “It was quite an experience working in Johannesburg,” she says, recalling her time in the city.

Carmen’s journey took a turn during the Covid-19 pandemic, when she worked briefly for a television company that launched a Formula One show. “I’ve always loved sport, and I’m particularly passionate about women in sports,” she shares. Her career took another leap when a former colleague from the TV industry, who had joined East Coast Radio, approached her with an opportunity. “It was serendipitous,” she explains. “I was also keen to get back into radio and try something different, so the timing was perfect.”

A Journey of Growth
The move to Durban came with its share of challenges. “It was a big move for me,” Carmen acknowledges. “Leaving Johannesburg, where my fiancé, family, and much of my life were, wasn’t easy.” Despite the difficulties of being away from her partner and navigating a long-distance relationship, she has embraced the city and its vibrant culture two years on.

“Joining the radio show in Durban wasn’t just about starting a new job; it was about stepping into someone else’s shoes,” Carmen explains. She describes the experience daunting and transformative. “The transition has been a journey of growth and self-discovery. I’ve realised that I’m stronger than I thought and capable of standing on my own.”

Carmen acknowledges the challenges she’s faced in life and how these have helped her deal with difficult times. “I was shot in an armed robbery many years ago, it was a life-changing experience,” she reflects. “I had to overcome not just the physical trauma, but the emotional impact that followed.” Despite the ordeal, she considers her ability to heal and move forward one of her greatest achievements. “You always hear that you never think it’ll happen to you, and it’s true,” she says. “But when it does, your life can change in an instant.”

Carmen credits her upbringing for her resolve. “My family placed a huge emphasis on education,” she explains. “My grandfather was especially wise in recognising that women often start on the back foot in society. He was determined that the women in our family would be educated and independent.” This background instilled in her a strong sense of self-sufficiency. “You don’t realise the importance of it as a child, but when you grow up and see how women around the world suffer, it all makes sense.”

Reflecting on her career goals, Carmen reveals that one of her earliest aspirations was to work at 5FM, a national radio station, and simultaneously pursue a television career. “At the time, it felt like a big dream, almost out of reach,” she recalls. “The media industry is saturated, and there were so many factors against me.” Yet, she achieved that goal, working on both radio and television. “It was surreal to realise I’d made it happen,” she says. “And once you achieve something, you naturally start looking for the next big challenge. I’d love to work with an international broadcasting company as a South African representative.”

A Meaningful Impact
Carmen is committed to using her platform to address significant issues, recognising the power and responsibility that come with her role in radio. “People think radio is just about talking, but it’s more than that. We can inform, educate, and provide a sense of companionship to our listeners,” she says. Her aim is to make meaningful contributions, whether by raising awareness about health concerns like diabetes or amplifying underrepresented voices in the community. Carmen added that she dreams of making a meaningful impact on women and girls in South Africa. “I think girls and young women in our country are often overlooked,” she notes. “Period poverty, for instance, shouldn’t exist in 2024. I want to leave a legacy where I’ve used my voice to make a difference.”

Looking ahead, Carmen is eager to explore entrepreneurial ventures. “I’d like to create products for women, especially in markets that don’t cater to diverse skin tones,” she says, mentioning a potential project involving brown-coloured bra straps. “I want to empower women and give them a voice through whatever business I pursue.” She also harbours an entrepreneurial dream, albeit an unconventional one: “I want to start a business, and I have a passion project in mind—it’s toilet paper,” she says with a laugh.

Carmen encourages young women to believe in themselves despite the challenges they may face, emphasising the strength and resilience that women inherently possess. “It’s tough at times. It’s hard being a woman,” she acknowledges, “but you were chosen as a woman for a reason.” Carmen believes that women have a unique magic, a unique quality that sets them apart. Her advice is to work hard and stresses the importance of holding oneself accountable and prioritising personal growth over distractions.

In her downtime, Carmen enjoys relaxing at the beach or indulging in true crime documentaries and reality TV. “It’s my way of escaping the stresses of the world,” she says. “I love switching off and just enjoying the simple things in life. I just chill to be honest.”