Disability has not stopped the Mbaleni-born 34-year-old blind Maluta Mudobi from achieving what he set out to do in life. Mudobi presents Bridging the Gap every Tuesday from 20:00 to 20:30 on Univen Community radio.

“I never dreamt of becoming a radio presenter but challenges faced by disabled people prompted me to do something after realizing that a lack of information is the main contributing factor to our shabby treatment. It would be nice if people stopped taking decisions for us, because we can do something on our own.” He joined the station in January last year. He also had a stint with SABC Radio at Phalaphala Fm where he hosted Kha ri konane, a show aimed at empowering the disabled. He brought his wealth of experience to Univen Radio, where he produces and presents the show.

In our interview, he explained that his childhood wasn’t a bed of roses as he was expelled from Philadelphia Special School in Pretoria, because of his involvement in politics while he was still a learner there. In 1991, he matriculated at Mphaphuli Secondary Sschool, although studying at a public school was never easy. His commanding radio voice and interviewing skills have earned him fans from both the disabled community and the community at large. He fearlessly asks provoking questions to his guests to make sure that the message is conveyed to the listeners.

Apart from radio, Mudobi works as a Development Office for Ri a kona, a service provider for the disabled. He is also a lead singer for The Prejudice, a reggae music group formed in the 1990s.

Mudobi advises other disabled members of the community to use their talents to benefit society. “It rests on our shoulders to make sure that we realize our dreams, despite disability. Hard work, effective time management and dedication are the only keys for success…”