As The Konvenient Magazine team, we recently had the pleasure of attending the Madibaz Radio Awards, which also celebrated the station's remarkable 10-year anniversary. The evening was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was electric, filled with the promise of recognizing the bright stars who have helped build the station into a true incubator of radio talent.
The event opened with a captivating welcome speech by Karen Snyman, the Specialist in Student Entrepreneurship at Nelson Mandela University. Karen inspired the audience, encouraging Madibaz Radio presenters to fully embrace the platform they’ve worked so hard to create. She reminded everyone of the station's legacy, highlighting trailblazers like Pamela Mtanga, Sima Fiyo, and others who began their careers at Madibaz and are now among the best in South African radio. Her words were a powerful call to action for the presenters to continue striving for excellence, knowing that greatness could very well be within their reach.
The night was hosted by the vibrant Naledi Makunga, who kept the audience engaged and thoroughly entertained throughout the event. We were also treated to an inspiring keynote speaker Roch-Lè Bloem, a beloved voice from Algoa FM. Roch-Lè reminisced about her early days at the University, recounting how her mother introduced her to the institution and how that journey eventually led her to being scouted by Algoa FM, after many years of hard work as a volunteer at Bay FM. She closed with a tantalizing hint that she may return to the University to pursue her masters next year—a revelation that had the crowd buzzing.
Among the audience were local media personalities such as Boyz Mpunzi and Slujah from TRU FM, who serve as living proof that hard work can lead to success in the industry. The TikTok sensation Mlondi Bhengu was also in attendance. As these media personalities handed out awards, you could see the pride they felt in their own journeys and the great influence they’ve had on Madibaz presenters.
What struck us most about the evening, aside from the dazzling masquerade theme - complete with impeccable suits, stunning gowns, and stilettos that could only be described as "on point", was the sheer energy and hunger emanating from every presenter in the room. It's easy to forget that all these talented individuals are volunteers, offering their time, passion, and dedication to Madibaz Radio. Yet, despite their voluntary status, they delivered nothing less than their A-game, a testament to the station's nurturing environment and their unyielding desire to become the best in the industry.
The awards were handed out in a whirlwind of excitement, with accolades swept up by deserving shows and presenters across the board. A particularly special moment came when the all-female "Diba Drive" team won one of the night’s top awards. Their victory was a powerful reminder that women in radio are not only breaking barriers but also leading the charge in innovative and impactful broadcasting.
The night wasn’t just about awards; it was a celebration of Madibaz Radio's rich, decade-long history and the incredible potential of its future. Entertainment was in no short supply, with performances ranging from jazz to afro-soul, leaving the audience spellbound.
As the evening came to an end, we couldn't help but feel immense pride in being part of an event that celebrated not just the past ten years but the promising road ahead. We can confidently assure you that Madibaz Radio is a breeding ground for talent, and there is no doubt in our minds that the next decade will bring even more groundbreaking voices to the forefront of the radio industry. From The Konvenient Magazine, we can confidently say that the best is yet to come.