Originally appeared in Wits Vuvuzela April 17: http://witsvuvuzela.com/2020/04/17/profile-siyabonga-motha-a-radio-awards-bright-star-with-humble-beginnings/
A passion for politics, a can-do attitude, and a hunger for improvement, are what make Siyabonga Motha, Vow FM’s Bright Star at this year’s radio awards.
On Friday April 17, Vow FM Content Producer and Presenter of I Talk Youth, Siyabonga Motha, will be inaugurated as a Bright Star, in the 2020 Liberty Life Radio Awards.
Hailing from Bettysgoed, a village on the outskirts of Ermalo, Mpumalanga, Siya’s earliest encounter with radio was in primary school. He recalls listening to the Zulu SABC station Ukhozi FM, hearing the likes of Linda Sibaya and Alex Mthiyane.
Although it wasn’t clear to him until his latter years, Motha eventually entered the radio industry to tackle issues on politics and governance from the perspective of youth. “ I want to change the idea that politics are only for old people. These policies affect us (the youth)… On radio I am able to be the voice to ask questions on the our behalf”
According to the Radio Awards website, Bright Star candidates are any “26 [year-old] or younger – either on air, or behind the scenes – who is making his/her mark on the industry… The person would be someone who is a tireless worker and on whom the radio station has come to rely.”
Grateful for the kind words, 26-year-old Motha told Wits Vuvuzela “I don’t see myself as a ‘tireless worker’, I was just doing my job”
While his job title is Content Producer for the Vow FM talk show I Talk Youth, Siya goes above and beyond as a field reporter for the news team, stand-in presenter for other Vow FM shows and is always available to assist with teaching at the Wits Radio Academy and his newer colleagues at the radio station.
“I want to use the opportunity [of being at a community radio station] to do everything I can,” said the Bright Star-to-be.
Vow FM Station Manager Shoeshoe Qhu (34), who Motha acknowledges as one of the individuals who inspires him, said “Siya is always available and ready to work.”
Qhu is also the one who nominated Siya for the award, saying that he deserves the recognition. “Since you don’t get paid in community radio, as a volunteer you literally invest yourself into the station.”
Executive Producer of the Wits Radio Academy Lerato Makate (35), who Motha said was the first to recognise his potential, praised Siya for his ability to listen. “He does a lot of introspection and constantly reflects on his content, not just to improve himself but also the lives of the people he caters for (his listeners)”
Siya’s tenacity and desire to challenge and improve himself and those around him is a virtue that was salient across various interviews with personal friends and work colleagues. “I’m not surprised” says Siya’s “best friend until I die” Gugulethu Motha (25, no relation) “he’s consistent and persistent”
When asked about his future in the radio industry, Siya said he’d love to eventually get to Ukhozi FM. “ The Zulu station speaks to my roots as an African. They tackle traditional topics and cater for all demographics.”
To individuals looking to enter the industry Siya says “Don’t step into radio because you want fame but to make a difference in people’s lives”
Words to live by if you ask me.
FEATURED IMAGE: Siyabonga Motha, Radio Award Bright Star inductee in front of the radio desk at VoW FM. PHOTO: Provided
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