Although his mother always wanted him to become an electrical engineer, he was not passionate about this career path.
Mashudu Tshithavhane said he was forced to go to study at Gumani Technical High School in Vondwe, but because that was not what he really wanted, he failed Grade 10 in 2012. In the following year, he changed schools and went to Nthetsheleseni Secondary School, so that he could follow his first love, radio, after passing Grade 12.
"It was when I was doing Grade 10 when I became knowledgeable about what career path I wanted to follow. I understood that I had to study either journalism or media studies, because I had always wanted to be behind the microphone," he said.
Tshithavhane, a newsreader and a part-time current-affairs presenter at Univen FM, said he fell in love with radio at a very young age. "When I was eight years old, I was already a fan of current affairs (Ndevhetsini) on Phalaphala FM, but the love of radio kept on growing," he recalled.
When asked what made him a good radio presenter, he had this to say. "Every time when I have to go on air, I do research about what I have to present or read about. I must be knowledgeable enough to avoid misinforming people. I make sure that I jot things down while doing the research, so that I keep a script with me for references. Building a strong and long-lasting relationship with the listeners is important," he said.
The 23-year-old from Tshivhulani drew inspiration from veteran radio presenters such as Thivhulawi Muhali, Aluimelwi Alex Netshapasha and Tshimangadzo Murovhi. He is currently studying for a BA in Media Studies at the University of Venda.
He is having the time of his life at the station. "It was not easy at all being in a studio for the very first time, because I had fear - but after a few weeks, I got used to the environment. I'm really enjoying being here," he said.