At just 21 years old, Mufenyi Muthuhadini Maboho from Tshitavha, Nzhelele, is already making a name for herself in the world of radio and podcasting.
Maboho grew up in Gondeni, Ha-Mavhunga, but in 2009 had to move in with her grandparents because of various family circumstances. Her father passed away a year later, and her mother supported the family by selling food and later working as a cleaner at Emperor's Palace.
She says she learned the value of resilience from her mother, who suffered a stroke in 2018 and passed away in August 2024. "Her words, 'I am scraping through, so that you can have a better life,' stay with me," said Maboho.
After matriculating in 2020 with two failed subjects, she enrolled at Mbula's Academy in Makwarela and successfully completed her studies in June 2021. In 2024, she began studying linguistics at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
Her passion for speaking and performance was discovered in high school when her English teacher, Mr Masengane, encouraged her to recite a poem. That moment sparked a love of public speaking and poetry. In 2022, she self-published a poetry book titled Bandaids & Butterflies, though the project had to be paused because of financial constraints.
Determined to break into broadcasting, she sent a short demo to Tshwane FM in January 2024. The station took her on, and by March, she was hosting a Sunday show. In December, she was promoted to the Afternoon Drive slot — a major step in her radio career.
Maboho now balances full-time studies with her radio work. She uses her platform to advocate for the black youth and calls on veteran broadcasters to mentor the next generation. "Talent should be enough to get us through the door," she said.
She also plans to venture into podcasting, using her voice to tell stories and shed light on issues affecting young people in South Africa.