During this past festive season, Murendeni Mamphogoro, or Mr Tshibode as he is popularly known, was among some of the most booked masters of ceremonies (MCs) in the Nzhelele valley. 

The 27-year-old from Dopeni village first rose to fame when he was booked at one of Nzhelele’s popular taverns in 2021. “Just like anyone else, I had a dream. I worked hard and waited my turn, and today I am happy that someone recognised my talent and gave me a chance. I grew up watching a lot of people as my role models and one of them was Mr Magwedze (Mr Majo). He played an important role in shaping my career as an MC,” he said.

Mr Tshibode says he has faced many challenges along the way, but that he overcame them and now he is making history. “I enjoy going to shows and events just to watch other MCs run the programmes. Working in front of people is not easy. You must get over your nerves and stage fright, and it takes a lot of practise to overcome this. I think every opportunity I get to entertain or act as an MC is a highlight for me.”

He says he wants to see himself presenting one of those big television shows in five years. “My dream is to be a television presenter and I believe that, through hard work and dedication, I will achieve it.”