Radio remains Zonze's first love

Loyal listeners to community radio station Makhado FM were thrilled to hear the voice of Nganea Ndou, known as “Zonze”, on the airwaves again after he had taken a year-long break from the industry.

Born and bred in Harabali in the Nzhelele area, he started his radio career as a presenter at Nzhelele FM. After the station closed its doors in 2022, he found himself sitting at home but got another opportunity late in December 2023 at Makhado FM. He currently presents the morning connection show, which is broadcast on Saturday between 03:00 and 06:00, and the diary show on Sunday from 15:00 to 18:00.

When asked why he had decided to join Makhado FM, Ndou replied, “Radio is my first love. I had severe withdrawal pains from it that kept haunting me day and night. There is nothing that makes my heart happier than sitting behind the microphone and doing what I love and enjoy best. Besides, the fans begged me to come back.”

Ndou shared some of the secrets of his success behind the microphone. “I make sure that I am fully prepared every day before I go into the studio. With the help of my producer, we do research on local topics and incidents that are making headlines and include them in the programme. People enjoy local news that is happening directly around them.

He advises aspiring young radio presenters to love their work. “If you join the radio industry for fame, just know that you are definitely lost. Do what you love most to have peace of mind. For me, the love of radio supersedes anything else, and I never drag myself to work. In fact, I feel like the two hours dedicated to my programme are not enough because I love my work wholeheartedly.”

Ndou urges those who want to follow a career in the radio industry to seek education first. “It is very important to have another profession besides being a radio presenter. Learn it from me because, as a boilermaker, I know that I have something to lean on if my radio career hits a snag.”

Entertainment - Date: 04 May 2024

Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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