A former soccer player of Tshiombo Eleven Securitas, Hanani Nethengwe, is making a name for himself in the local broadcasting industry. His background as a sports personality gave him an advantage in becoming a respected sports presenter for the local community radio station, Musina FM.
"I loved sports from a very young age, even before I was recruited to join a local soccer team, Tshiombo Eleven Securitas. That was where I learnt much about the rules of the game and I became a household name in my village. I felt it was not enough and started to research about other sporting activities, not knowing that the knowledge would help me to build a broadcasting foundation for myself," said Nethengwe, whose sports programme airs weekdays between 19:00 and 20:00.
Nethengwe said he also drew his inspiration from Terry Mudau of Phalaphala FM. "I started as a sports commentator at Makhado FM and worked my way up to get the sports presenter position. I enjoyed working at Makhado FM and gained a lot of experience, until I couldn't resist the opportunity to join Musina FM in 2010. For the past nine years I have felt at home here in Musina FM and I'm enjoying my work more than anything else."
A boilermaker by profession, Nethengwe said he attended various radio short courses to broaden his broadcasting knowledge. "The world of radio is evolving on a daily basis and we have to learn new things that come in every now and then. As a sports presenter, it is also very important to listen to the radio, read newspapers and magazines and to watch television to get update on sports news around the globe. Interestingly, because I'm working for a local community radio station, I also make sure that I provide a lot of local content for my listeners."
He advises aspiring young radio presenters to love their work. "If you join the radio industry for fame, just know that you are definitely lost. Do what you love most in order to have peace of mind. For me, the love of radio supersedes anything else and I never drag myself to work. In fact, I feel like the two hours dedicated to my programme are not enough because I love my work wholeheartedly."
Nethengwe urges those who want to follow a career in the radio industry to seek education first. "It is very important to have another profession besides being a radio presenter. Learn it from me because, as a boilermaker, I know that I have something to lean on if my radio career hits a snag."