20 Questions: 20 questions with Mabatho Marakalla

Mabatho Marakalla is the newest addition to the Joburg newsroom. When she's not keeping up with the news or scrolling on X late at night, she focuses on fashion trends. Mabatho admits to being shy at first, but her true colors shine through as she builds connections. Her favourite book is "Coalition Country" by Leon Schreiber, and her favourite series of all time is "The Day of the Jackal".

The most random item she's ever ordered online is a tambourine. The last thing Mabatho took a screenshot of on her phone was a pair of heels she wanted to buy, but the price was too high. She spends the most time on X, regardless of the time of day or night. Mabatho's favourite piece of trivia is that humans share 50% of their DNA with bananas.

If she could relive a specific experience, it would be her first year at university, which she considers the best time of her life. She prefers window seats while travelling, allowing the fresh air to circulate. If she could live as someone else for a day, Mabatho would choose Nicki Minaj, admiring her wealth and love for wigs and shoes.

A highlight of her career was being an intern at Daily Maverick, where she gained valuable experience in the multimedia industry and learned from experienced professionals. People are often surprised to learn that Mabatho is a shy person, but she's open and bubbly with her close friends. She's willing to admit she'd likely steal a pair of Christian Louboutins if she were ever arrested.

Her current guilty pleasure is ice cream, even though she's lactose intolerant. If she could travel anywhere tomorrow, the Seychelles would be her destination, as it's a beautiful place perfect for a vacation.