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Forging ahead with 2014’s winner, Anathi Sidali
This year’s winner, Anathi Sidali describes winning the bursary as a ‘delightful experience’ that will have an important impact on his radio career in terms of allowing him to perfect his craft and learn all there is to know about radio. He adds that he hopes to perform above expectations.
Sidali is no stranger to the air waves. A well-known voice on Motheo FM, he has presented the popular hip-hop show ‘The Joint’, which takes place on Friday evenings between and 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. He has also worked on the station’s breakfast show, the Vodacom Morning Rush, as a sports presenter. Moreover, Sidali also does work as an MC for events, a voice-over artist, and does jingles for radio commercials.
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“It all started when the station gave me the opportunity to co-host the Saturday afternoon chart show, The Urban Experience,” Sidali recalls. “After matriculating in 2009, I took a gap year. At the time, I was playing provincial rugby for the Griffons Rugby Club. I ultimately made the decision not to pursue a career in rugby and instead started working towards a degree in media studies at the University of the Free State. After giving the matter some thought, I withdrew from my studies and took a chance, opting instead to gain some practical radio experience. I went to speak to the station and before I knew it, I was co-hosting on Motheo FM,” he continues.
For Sidali, radio has always been a passion. “Radio is always there. As a boy, I can remember listening to radio dramas, and enjoying the process of creating a picture behind the voices I heard. Radio truly is the theatre of the mind. It’s also a platform that allows one to reach millions of people and provide them with content that keeps them informed and in touch. It’s the ability for one person with a microphone to form connections and build relationships with multitudes of listeners.
Ultimately, Sidali hopes to be heard on South Africa’s major commercial radio stations and has aspirations towards presenting sport on television shows such as e.tv and SuperSport.
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Lonwabo Miso was the recipient of the bursary in 2013.
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Lonwabo Miso hails from Kwa-Thema Township in Springs. She graduated from Willowmoore High in Benoni in 1998, where she demonstrated her leadership capabilities at an early age, becoming Deputy Chairperson at her school. She is currently completing her Radio Studies course at the Wits Radio Academy which gives her a firm grounding on various aspects of the radio industry.
Lonwabo describes winning the MTN Radio Awards bursary as an amazing, overwhelming experience, also stating, “I smile every time I think of it. A bursary is not easy to get, and to get one from MTN Radio Awards is a tremendous achievement and truly inspiring.”
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Lonwabo is currently a News Reader and Reporter at the Voice of Wits campus radio station, and co-host of its sports show entitled Sports Hub. She has been at VOW for over a year and describes her experience there as “AMAZING”.
Director of Wits Radio Academy, Prof Franz Krüger is confident the abilities of this year’s bursary winner: “Lonwabo impressed us with her dedication to radio, and to learning. She is a sharp student with a range of talents, who I’m sure will go far.”
Her undeniable talent, fiery passion for radio and her burning desire to be the best places her head and shoulders above the rest. She states, “I want to be the woman that younger and older females look at and see endless possibilities. I want to take the Radio Industry in South Africa and make it as big as the BBC if not bigger. Simply put, I aspire to be an inspiration.”
Lonwabo believes that radio is a beautiful medium that touches lives in immeasurable ways. Her inspirations are Xolani Gwala from SAfm and Susan Comrie from Carte Blanche. In five years, she sees herself working at one of South Africa’s larger radio stations as well as reading the evening news or sports bulletin on either the SABC, e.tv or SuperSport channel.
She offers strong advice to those interested in pursuing a career in radio, “If it truly is where your passion lies, then GO FOR IT! No, it will not be easy. It will not be all glitz and glamour, but the fulfilment of hearing yourself on air and seeing your piece of work come together is beyond great.”
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Mfanafuthi Khumalo was the recipient of the bursary in 2012
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Mfanafuthi Khumalo is the true definition of an achiever. He is a focused individual who is clearly dedicated to his craft, a well-deserved winner of the 2012 MTN Radio Awards bursary. Transcending his humble beginnings in Georgedale Township, he followed his passion for radio, which placed him in the hands of his mentor and role model Vela Xulu at Ukhozi FM where he worked as a freelance radio drama artist, just a year after high school. His passion and determination for radio was so strong that he returned to the medium after five years of working as a freelance cameraman at SABC to reclaim his previous position as programmes manager at IzwiLomzansi 98.0 FM.
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Khumalo describes winning the MTN Radio Awards bursary last year as being one of the greatest achievements in his life, and which has opened many doors for him. He states: "Since being awarded the MTN Radio Awards bursary my capabilities have improved dramatically. It has also afforded me with a lifetime study opportunity at the prestigious Wits University's Radio Academy which has given me the edge over my peers." There is no rest for the wickedly talented, as Khumalo plans to pursue his masters degree at Wits.
His sincere dedication to education and upliftment through radio is yet another remarkable feature that makes us proud to have chosen him as a winner. Since winning the award he has managed to establish the RadioKTL Broadcast Academy where he teaches the fundamentals of radio broadcasting and producing to aspiring radio talent. This is juggled with his job as programmes manager at IzwiLomzansi 98.0 fm.
He says that he is eternally grateful for receiving the award and emphatically says, "This bursary has changed my life.Thank you very much to the MTN Radio Awards for the great idea of recognising the need for recognition in our craft. I really appreciate the bursary, and may you not retire in doing such great work."
His advice to the future award-winner is, "Take this opportunity with both hands. No one can take it away from you.It will improve your life depending on how you utilise it."
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Nontokozo Ngcobo was the recipient of the bursary in 2011
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Nontokozo says the bursary has opened great doors for her and as a result she is currently interning with the BBC. Ngcobo says, “There is no doubt that being awarded [the] bursary in 2011 has had a positive impact in my life.” She explains that the accolade has inspired and motivated her to become more proactive and creative in her thinking, and has also made it easier for her to tap into other media related opportunities outside of radio. “My internship with the BBC has linked me with the Warwick University in London for their Africa Project in Maths and English, and my experience with the BBC has been very nourishing, and I am excited to see it through to the end.” Apart from her BBC experience, Ngcobo is currently involved with the Soul City Institute for Health & Development Communication’s training and research. “It is an exciting opportunity, which is about individuals and communities focusing on human development and the Soul City experience is adding so much value to my media career. I am also continuing with my Business Degree with the London School of Business.” |
Her advice to the future MTN Radio Awards bursary winners is to treasure the golden opportunity given to them, by making use of it, seizing the time and giving it their all. “Especially with Wits, it requires a lot of sleepless nights and dedication to your work, and with that, only the sky is the limit.”
I am very humbled, honored and excited about the opportunities that I have been presented with by the MTN Radio Awards bursary and I'm looking forward to using it to its full potential. |
Mpholosane Sydney Modiba - Bursary winner 2010
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It has been a real privilege to be given this rare opportunity, but with privilege comes responsibility and I certainly have felt under obligation to perform beyond expectations, and to give my studies my all. It meant so much to me that somebody had faith in me and in my potential, somebody believed in me to the extent that I was awarded this bursary. Without it I would have been like thousands of other job seekers pounding the pavement looking for employment. The course has really opened my eyes and broadened my horizons. The academic environment has been incredibly stimulating.
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I have always had a passion for radio, as not only is it the most effective medium in terms of addressing the masses, but whether you're interested in politics,current affairs, traffic, business, the weather or music it delivers it all. I've been listening to radio ever since I was a child. My dream, ultimately, is to present my own show: either current affairs or music on either 702 or SAfm. I would love to work for an organisation where I could grow and be allowed to be myself.
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