As the world celebrated World Radio Day on February 13, Goodluck “Goodie” Martin Nzimande, a popular radio personality from the South Coast, reflected on the significance of radio in his life and career.
“Radio plays a vital role in informing, educating and entertaining its audience. This day is a very important to motivate and encourage all radio practitioners especially community radio practitioners to continue to give it all on-air,” Goodie said.
Goodie began his radio career in 2011 after winning auditions for a Port Shepstone-based community radio station. “Radio has played a huge role in improving my confidence, public speaking and communication skills,” he acknowledged.
Growing up in deep rural areas, Goodie’s love for radio was sparked by the medium being the primary source of music and news. He drew inspiration from renowned radio broadcasters like Linda Sbiya, DJ Sbu, and David Mashabela.
“Growing up from deep rural areas, radio was the only source of Music and News, I think that when the love for it commenced and I was motivated by various high profile radio broadcasters,” Goodie explained.
Goodie highlighted the power of radio in uniting people, citing two notable events: a jazz event that attracted over 400 people and an awareness campaign on waste management that sparked significant community engagement.
The radio personality aims to start his own radio station focused on conversations that spread information, knowledge, and news across the South Coast community. “My goal is to start my own Radio station that specialize more on conversations to spread more information, knowledge and news across south coast community. This will ensure that we develop informative and knowledgeable youth,” he said.
As the radio industry navigates the digital era, Goodie emphasized the need for adaptation. “Back then radio was the source of music but not anymore. If one wants to listen to music they go directly to a music site or platform that is why people who listens to radio for music are no longer interested to listen to it however, great conversations and breaking news radio will always be the go to platform for those because it is free. During this digital era, radio industry needs to ensure that it also accessible easily online and the podcast interviews are always available.”
