For many matriculants, a gap year can feel like falling behind while others head to university. But for Vhembe poet Ampfarisaho Hope Mudau, better known as Ampfa the Poet, that pause became the launchpad for an unexpected radio career.
Mudau, from Tshitavha Tsha Sambandou near Thohoyandou, passed Grade 12 last year with a strong bachelor pass. She faced a choice: study a course she did not want, or stay home and improve her marks to qualify for her preferred course.
“At first it was very hard. Watching my friends go to university while I stayed at home made me feel depressed and stressed. I thought maybe this was the end of my dreams," Mudau said.
What felt like a setback soon became an opportunity. In February, she applied to upgrade her marks while also seeking something meaningful to stay motivated. That drive led her to Radio Thohoyandou, where she landed a presenter role and now hosts the popular talk show Kharifhatane.
“It felt unbelievable. I never imagined that during my gap year I would become a radio presenter,” the 18-year-old said. Her show airs Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 12:00, covering a range of topics.
Mudau is also a rising poet, writing in English and Tshivenda. She began performing in 2022 after presenting a poem at a church event in Mavunde. Since then, she has written dozens of poems inspired by everyday life, struggles, joy and personal experiences, and hopes to one day publish a poetry collection.