Born in Mthatha and raised in Ntabankulu, from the rural areas of the Bhakuba location, 26-year-old Qaqamba Mdunyelwa is now making waves as a journalist and current affairs anchor for Alfred Nzo community radio. Situated in EmaXesibeni (Mount Ayliff), Alfred Nzo community radio stands as a vibrant pillar within its community. Mdunyelwa’s upbringing, shaped by her single mother, encapsulates not just a tale of personal triumph but serves as a testament to the transformative power of community media in rural areas.
“I grew up listening to a lot of radio with my mom,” Mdunyelwa recalls fondly. “It always felt to me like I know radio and like I could also do what the broadcasters were doing, playing music, talking to the people and saying, ‘unomhlobo mholo’.”
Mdunyelwa’s passion for radio solidified during her time at Walter Sisulu University (WSU), where she pursued a course in Public Relations Management. Inspired by her lecturer’s teachings on radio communications, Mdunyelwa seized the opportunity to delve into the industry in 2018, never looking back since.
Reflecting on her role at Alfred Nzo community radio, Mdunyelwa emphasizes the comprehensive nature of community media. “Being in community media means working exactly on the ground, doing all the work from production till the program,” she explains. “We collect, research, write, and broadcast the news.”
Highlighting the significance of community media, Mdunyelwa underscores its pivotal role in providing a platform for marginalized voices, particularly during elections. “Community media remains the major platform people use to voice out their views and concerns,” she states. “It’s where people get a clear picture of the political landscape and engage with politicians directly.”
As an advocate for youth empowerment and gender equality, Mdunyelwa stresses the importance of perseverance and self-belief in challenging industries.
“Know what you want and why you do this,” she advises. “Be willing to put twice as much work as your male counterparts and grab every opportunity with both hands.”
Beyond her professional endeavors, Mdunyelwa is passionate about addressing pressing societal issues, including gender-based violence (GBV) and teenage pregnancy. “Community media can be a bridge between people and the government, facilitating intervention and support,” she asserts.
Looking ahead, Mdunyelwa aspires to become one of the most trusted professionals in radio, aiming to enhance her craft and transition into mainstream media. “I want to dress professionally and be versatile in my approach,” she shares. “Radio may be the platform, but professionalism is key.”
In her parting words of wisdom, Mdunyelwa advocates for open communication and empowerment, urging young girls to set standards and envision their futures with confidence. “Pray, set values for yourself, set goals, and envision how you want your future to turn out,” she advises. “The best math you can learn is how to calculate the future costs of your current decisions.”
As Mdunyelwa continues to make strides in community media, her journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring journalists and advocates alike, embodying the transformative power of grassroots storytelling and advocacy.
