What began as a dream for aspiring radio news anchor Bongani Netshiendeulu is fast becoming reality.
The 21-year-old from Tshino Hanesengani in Vuwani loved radio from an early age. At school, he would read news in class, imitating prominent Phalaphala FM anchor Alex Netshaphasha. While completing Grade 12 at Tshipakoni Secondary School, he sometimes skipped Saturday classes to visit the local Vuwani Community Radio Station. He dreamed of reading news for a local station one day.
A qualified firefighter by profession, Netshiendeulu, also known as Tallman, got his big break at Vuwani FM in 2023 as a newsreader, broadcasting from Wednesday to Saturday. In 2024, he was named the station's best newsreader of the year.
Now in his third year in radio, Tallman is more than a voice behind the microphone; he is building a personal brand. "Radio gave me a platform, but it also gave me a purpose. I have met people I would never have met if it wasn't for radio. It helped me grow, not just professionally, but personally too," he said.
Tallman has formed strong connections with his listeners. "Listeners do not just hear me; they feel me," he said. Despite his achievements, he sees this as just the beginning.
"I am living my dream of making it big in radio. With hopes of reaching national platforms like SABC Radio, Metro FM, or expanding into podcasting and television, my dreams remain big and my vision is clear. From the dusty streets of Tshino Hanesengani, where stories were not just told but lived, to the world—this is where I belong," Tallman said.