Lutendo "Ben10" Ndou, a sports presenter for Vhembe FM, outclassed presenters from other radio stations during the annual Golden Arts and Media Awards (GAMA) held in Hammanskraal on 19 December last year, when he won the Top Presenter Award.
Ndou said that the award came as a surprise, especially because he was up against very experienced presenters.
He was born at Ha-Masia in Tshikwarani and started his schooling at Masia Primary School. After he completed school in 2010, he studied office administration at a private college. He then proceeded to study information technology at the Vhembe TVET College.
Ndou said that his show was for all sports-loving people. "Rugby, cricket, athletics, tennis and, of course, soccer are the sporting codes we focus on. We also look at fixtures, results, logs and Africa's top sports stories and we profile local soccer teams."
He said he was very excited to have won the award consecutively, which came at a very important time on Vhembe FM's events calendar. He started his radio career at Univen Community Radio seven years ago, when he was given a chance on a trial basis as a sports analyst. Ndou said he relished the exposure, connections, and networking that his new-found passion offered him.
In 2015, Vhembe FM's management realised that this young and energetic man would be a great asset to them and did not waste time to approach and invite him for an audition. "And so, I landed on the shores of Vhembe FM, joining the formidable team of Phumudzo Siavhe and Mukhethwa Ravhuhali," Ndou recalled.
"To be in this industry, you need to be driven by passion. If you can overcome challenges, you will make it to the top, where you will only settle for the best. I always pushed myself to do my best and I am not afraid to face new challenges in life. I also accept constructive criticism, and this makes me popular with my listeners," he said.