Each step of his daily six kilometre walk from Kayamandi to Stellenbosch 肆客足球's (SU) Neelsie Student Centre to present MFM 92.6's breakfast show is a testament to Sibulele Ndudula's passion for radio and unwavering determination to do what he loves.
And the many years of perseverance and grit has paid off – Ndudula was recently named Best Breakfast Show Presenter (campus category) at the national Telkom Radio Awards.
Ndudula's story is one of resilience. Born and raised in the rural town of Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, he was captivated as a boy by radio voices that bridged vast distances and created intimate connections with listeners.
“Radio has always been my dream. At 14, after years of being bullied, I realised I wanted to use my voice to make an impact. Growing up when radio was the main medium, I aspired to become a presenter," Ndudula recalls.
“I faced many rejections along the way. While studying in Grahamstown, I persistently knocked on the doors of the local radio station despite initial refusals. Eventually, I got my foot in the door and started with graveyard shifts. I also learned production from peers. That was my breakthrough and I've never looked back."
Radio is a calling
The 33-year-old's journey took him across provinces from the Eastern Cape to KwaZulu-Natal, and through countless personal challenges. He ended up in the Western Cape and in 2022, joined MFM 92.6, SU's campus and community radio station. Known for its dynamic programming and commitment to nurturing young talent, MFM provided him with a platform to hone his skills and grow as a broadcaster.
Despite juggling his responsibilities as a father of two and the daily challenge of a long walk to work, Ndudula embraced his role as the host of the station's flagship breakfast show. He was soon given the daily lunch show to host as well, a dual role he's fulfilled diligently, in addition to proving himself as a skilled facilitator as part of the past two years' trainee intakes, explains MFM 92.6's acting station manager, Martin de Abreu.
“His ability to blend insightful commentary with engaging humour quickly made him a favourite among listeners." For Ndudula, radio is a calling. He believes in its power to inform, educate and connect communities. Whether it's interviewing psychologist Dr Angelic Nespola, world-renowned quantum physicist Prof Francesco Petruccione, amapiano hitmaker Tyler ICU, rapper Early B, or comedian Dalin Oliver, he brings out the best in every conversation.
“Radio has a long-standing advantage as a trusted, immediate platform. It delivers live, unedited content, fostering real-time interaction. Unlike TV, which often relies on edited visuals, radio lets listeners imagine and interpret stories, sparking creativity. Social media, though fast, struggles with trustworthiness," explains Ndudula. “Radio requires verification and credible sources, ensuring reliability. This balance of immediacy and integrity sets radio apart as a vital medium."
De Abreu views Ndudula's recent accolade as a reflection of the station's dedication to nurturing talent. “Our team's hard work and the ethos we uphold are starting to yield significant rewards. Sibulele's journey is not just his own – it is a testament to what is possible when talent meets opportunity."
Hub for local storytelling
While Ndudula has achieved much, he has his eyes set on an even larger dream: starting his own community radio station. His vision is to create a platform that amplifies underrepresented voices, provides training for aspiring broadcasters, and serves as a hub for local storytelling.
“My dream is to one day work at a larger station and share my voice nationwide. If that doesn't happen, my goal is to establish a community radio station in my hometown, Mthatha. Growing up, I only heard isiXhosa stations and learned about English ones later, but only after moving to Makhanda [previously known as Grahamstown]," he says. “This inspired me to create an English/isiXhosa-language station back home that gives local presenters broader career opportunities. Currently, isiXhosa presenters face limited openings, creating long waits for advancement. A dual-language station would expand possibilities while still honouring our language and culture."
Reflecting on his own path, Ndudula, who holds a National Diploma in Human Resource Management, remains humble and grateful. “I owe everything to my parents, who supported me in ways I can never repay. They are no longer here, but I hope they are proud of me and this award. Their sacrifices and belief in my dreams continue to inspire me every day. I also wouldn't be here without the support of my family, my colleagues at MFM, and the listeners who trust me to be part of their mornings," he adds, hoping his story inspires others to pursue their passions, no matter the obstacles.
For SU and MFM 92.6, Ndudula's success underscores the value of investing in young talent. “From growing our team to increasing listener interaction, we are committed to creating a meaningful and impactful broadcasting experience," says De Abreu. “The station's efforts to balance entertainment with education and creativity with professionalism continue to pay dividends, evidenced by accolades like Sibulele's and the growing engagement of its audience."
Read more about MFM 92.6 and the station's six nominations in the national radio awards competition:
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