For the past three years, Tryphine Mbedzi has been a pillar of strength for the border-town community radio station, Musina FM. The lively 33-year-old presenter commands a huge following and remains a role model to her peers, who draw inspiration from her. Mbedzi is an eloquent English news reader and presents the International Gospel Show on Sundays between 09:00 and 11:00.
In an interview with the Limpopo Mirror last Thursday (27 October), Mbedzi told us how she came to join Musina FM. "I have loved radio since I was a child, and it has always been a dream of mine to become a great radio presenter one day. In March 2019, I decided to visit Musina FM's studio to see how the radio operates. Seeing the presenters enjoying themselves behind the microphone ignited my childhood dream of becoming a presenter, so I asked the station manager to give me a chance to prove that I had potential."
The very next week, the station manager asked her to come for an interview. "I went there courageously, knowing that, if I was successful, it would be the break I have waited for all my life. After a few verbal interviews, I was taken to the studio where I had to demonstrate my ability behind the microphone. The station manager and his team were very impressed with my talent and could not believe that I had no previous experience in radio. They immediately issued me with an appointment letter and asked me to start working the next day."
Her advice to young people is to not give up on their dreams. "Don't wait for opportunities to be presented to you. Follow your passion, get out there and create opportunities for yourself. The most important thing is to love what you do and do it as if it is your last day on earth. If you do your work whole-heartedly, success will automatically follow you," she said.
When she is not behind the microphone, Mbedzi runs her own small business selling clothing and beauty products.