Before any crisis breaks, before any message reaches the public, influence is already being shaped — in boardrooms, communities, and the quiet spaces where reputations rise or fall. In Africa’s dynamic media and business landscape, where identity, resilience, and communication intersect daily, people matter more than information. Voices matter more than statements. Human connection matters more than noise.
This is where Hawa Lakhana thrives — a communicator, connector, strategist, and storyteller dedicated to elevating voices and shaping narratives with intention, empathy, and purpose.
A Career Built on Communication and Culture
With over two decades of experience in human resources and public relations, Hawa stands as a respected figure in the South African manufacturing industry. As a Public Relations and Human Resources Director, she leads internal and external communication strategies that strengthen culture, cultivate trust, and help companies navigate change with clarity and compassion.
Hawa holds a BCom in Marketing and continues to advance her expertise, currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence in Marketing and Communication. This positions her at the forefront of a new era where human connection meets digital innovation — blending traditional communication wisdom with future-focused, AI-driven insights.
Her work is grounded in preparation, intentionality, and compassion, ensuring that communication remains not only strategic but deeply human. For Hawa, communication is not a function; it is the bloodstream of organizational life.
Legacy of Connection
Through her platform, The Interview with H, Hawa creates a living archive of resilience, wisdom, and inspiration. The platform is not about chasing fame, but about preserving authenticity. She captures the voices of leaders, survivors, dreamers, and changemakers, archiving stories that would otherwise exist only in fleeting moments.
Hawa says, “My legacy is not about perfection; it is about creating a living archive of resilience, wisdom, and inspiration for those who come after us.”
From conversations with her father to dialogues with entrepreneurs and creators, she curates narratives that strengthen generational bridges and honor untold voices. Each episode is a form of preservation, a moment suspended in time that future generations can return to for guidance, understanding, and truth.
The Interview with H began as a passion project. Still, it has become a movement of intentional storytelling—rooted in purpose, guided by empathy, and driven by the belief that every experience holds value.
People & Culture: The HR Foundation
Beyond the mic, Hawa’s HR leadership reflects her ability to create environments where people thrive. Her approach is centered on the belief that workplaces are built by people, shaped by culture, and sustained through communication. With a career dedicated to people management and organizational development, she champions trust, transparency, and growth.
Her HR leadership focuses on:
- Building environments where employees feel valued and motivated
- Ensuring communication between leadership and staff is transparent and empowering
- Addressing challenges with compassion while aligning people with business goals
“Workplaces thrive when people feel seen, supported, and inspired to contribute with purpose.”
For Hawa, human resources is not a task list—it is a listening space. She believes that every organization has a pulse, and that pulse is found in honest dialogue, approachable leadership, and consistent support. This perspective has shaped her career and elevated the companies she has served.
Crafting Narratives: The PR Dimension
As a PR strategist, HawaS work includes design and development ,shaping organizational identity, guiding leadership communication during sensitive times, and building authentic relationships with stakeholders and media.
Her belief is simple: people connect with what they can trust.
“Authenticity resonates more than perfection. Invest in your voice, your integrity, and your consistency.”
In an era where information moves quickly, authenticity becomes a differentiator. Hawa approaches public relations not as image polishing, but as truth enhancement. She ensures that internal messaging aligns with external communication, creating cohesion between what organizations say and what they stand for.
Making Space for Voices That Matter
Whilst her work as a PR and HR director remains her passion and her main focus, Hawa has gone further to include mentorship and social advocacy in her influence. She uses her platform to make space for marginalized voices. She is the creator of The Interview with H and the Muslim Creators Circle (MCC)—a movement worldwide that advances Muslim voices in the media and creative sector.
She is empowering the youth, encouraging inclusive storytelling, and applying communications as an instrument to make a difference in the real world. Her aim is not simply to interview, but to elevate. Not simply to listen, but to transform.
Whether speaking to young creators, corporate leaders, or community advocates, Hawa offers the same guidance: be rooted in purpose, focus on contribution rather than competition, and value authenticity over perfection.
The Human Mosaic
Hawa envisions a dynamic platform where voices from all walks of life, including leaders, dreamers, survivors, and innovators, can share their stories with honesty, vulnerability, and depth. She believes in the transformative power of storytelling to inspire change, support empathy, and cultivate unity across differences.
Her mission is to create a space where lived experiences are not only honored but celebrated, and where diverse perspectives are welcomed as essential threads in the human tapestry.
“I believe that storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to inspire, educate, and unite people.”
The Space Between Spotlight and Silence
Early in her journey, Hawa observed a noticeable gap in the media landscape, where much of the content was dominated by celebrity soundbites or conversations lacking emotional truth. She recognized the absence of spaces intentionally created for authentic and vulnerable storytelling.
In response, she launched a platform designed to elevate meaningful dialogue, honoring the human side of success and acknowledging the journey behind it. Her conversations explore themes of faith, resilience, identity, and purpose—creating content that resonates deeply and fosters connection.
Stories That Endure
One of Hawa’s most impactful conversations was with her father, who was also her first guest. More than a mentor and source of inspiration, he represents the wisdom, resilience, and quiet strength that have shaped her journey. His reflections carried depth, humility, and timeless insight.
His words, “Even if your words touch one heart, it matters,” continue to echo in everything she does.
Listening as Leadership
For Hawa, preparation goes beyond research. She studies each guest’s background while focusing on the spaces between the lines—silences, struggles, and untold stories. “I create a safe and welcoming environment where guests feel comfortable enough to go deeper.” Through empathetic listening and thoughtful questioning, she opens the door to reflections rooted in authenticity and care.
She understands that effective communication begins with presence.
Narratives Beyond Borders
Hawa believes that the media holds the power to shape perception and expand what is possible in society. Through her platform, she highlights stories that go unnoticed or are overlooked by mainstream media, challenging narrow representations and emphasizing diversity.
“I aim to broaden perspectives and showcase that Africa, amongst other countries, is not defined by a single story, but by countless narratives of resilience, creativity, and hope.”
Consistent Purpose, Lasting Impact
The biggest challenge for Hawa has been finding a balance between authenticity and sustainability. Resources, consistency, and resilience are essential when setbacks arise. Grounded in faith and supported by her community, she has transformed difficulty into determination.
Digital storytelling is expanding rapidly across Africa, and she sees immense possibilities in podcasting, multimedia formats, and new voices emerging from unexpected places. Her perspective is rooted in purpose: even a single story can influence life.
A Heart for Service & Community
Beyond her corporate achievements, Hawa’s driving force has always been service. Her passion for community upliftment is not an addition to her work — it is the foundation of her purpose.
She believes true leadership is measured by how deeply you serve, uplift, and empower others. Her projects, collaborations, and storytelling platforms all reflect a commitment to creating meaningful impact and fostering spaces where people feel seen, valued, and heard.
Purpose-Led Ventures Rooted in Giving Back
Hawa is currently engaged in several purpose-driven ventures, each designed with one intention: to give back.
Whether through storytelling, youth mentorship, community development, faith-centered initiatives, or elevating underrepresented voices, her work is united by a deep dedication to empowerment and contribution.
Her mission is clear:
To create spaces that uplift, heal, and inspire — and to leave behind work that matters.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Beyond episodes and titles, Hawa hopes The Interview with H becomes a legacy of connection and compassion. “My legacy is not about me — it is about creating a living archive of resilience, wisdom, and inspiration for those who come after us.”
Her work merges HR, PR, and storytelling — cultivating connection, shaping authentic narratives, and leaving behind more than words.
“Every conversation, every decision, every word matters. If I can leave behind even one moment of resilience or hope, then I’ve fulfilled my purpose.”
