In 2023, a University of Venda (Univen) student attempted to jump out of a residence window. Zwivhuya Sikhauli was interviewed by Univen Radio about the incident. It was her first real taste of radio broadcasting, and she was hooked.
As a beauty queen, she was again invited behind the microphone to share more about her craft. What intrigued her most, however, was the world behind the broadcasting studios. She told herself that she would be a presenter one day.
That dream is fast becoming a reality. The same station that once interviewed and inspired her has now recruited her as one of its presenters. She is currently on standby, hosting the popular programme U-Turn while awaiting management to assign her a permanent show. The programme airs from Monday to Thursday from 20:00 to 00:00. She is also a weekend newsreader, working from 14:30 to 17:00.
Sikhauli, who holds the titles of Miss Thohoyandou 1st Princess 2021 and Miss Face of Courageous Entrepreneurial Queen 2023, is excited about her new challenge.
"It is a show for jazz, pop and R&B music, but it is also about love, life and music. We unpack issues that many people experience in life, such as relationships, while bringing good music for their listening pleasure. The show also involves our listeners, and we interact with them," she said.
Sikhauli strongly believes education is the key to success. She completed her BA degree last year and will be among the graduates at Univen's May 2025 graduation ceremony.
"My future plans are to further my studies and do my honours degree in psychology. In the media industry, I want to grow and make a great impact. I always say I don't want to be famous, but I want to make a difference in someone's life, and that is what I am striving to do," she said.