Simon thrives at Univen FM

Simon Maluleke continues to make his mark at the University of Venda’s community radio, Univen FM, and always keeps the listeners informed.

The 30-year-old from Mabobo village at Elim said that he started working at Univen FM in 2011 as a newsreader, but in 2012 he decided to pursue his studies. "I stopped working as I was continuing with my studies at the University of Venda. The love of radio persisted until I went back to Univen FM in 2016," he added.

He studied for a Bachelor of Arts in media studies at Univen. To join the station was not an easy task for him. "I joined Univen FM through auditions. I failed the auditions twice, and then the third time I made it," he said.

His love for radio developed while he was still a teenager. "During my time at Muthuhadini Combined School, I used to listen to Mughana Lonene FM and Phalaphala FM and imitate all my favourite radio presenters, like Aby Baloyi of Mughana Lonene FM and Mpho Nefale of Phalaphala FM," he said.

He said that he enjoyed being behind the microphone. "It is a dream that came true and I'm using the opportunity to the fullest. I feel good to know that people turn on their radios to listen to my show. As always, I will not disappoint my listeners by bringing what I think is not what they want or not important to them. I live radio and I dream radio," he said. "To me this is not a job, but a hobby. Something I do from the bottom of my heart. Whenever the executive producers ask for assistance, I make sure that I'm available."

He said in order to be a good radio presenter, one should have integrity and not be after fame but dedicated to work for the community through the media. "A person should not be selfish but ready to disseminate relevant information to the community," he added.

He is the presenter for the current affairs show on weekdays between 19:00 and 20:00. "The show focuses on current issues in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province and South Africa as a whole," he said. He is also a Xitsonga newsreader. He aspires to have his own media company one day.

Entertainment - Date: 04 March 2019

Mbulaheni Ridovhona

The 22-year-old Mbulaheni (Gary) Ridovhona has been passionate about journalism to the extent that he would buy himself a copy of weekly Univen students' newsletter, Our Voice. After reading, he would write stories about his rural village, Mamvuka, and submit them to the very newsletter for publication. His deep-rooted love for words and writing saw him register for a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies at the University of Venda, and joined the Limpopo Mirror team in February 2016 as a journalism intern.

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