By Rivalani Maluleke
Tekolo Ndwalo, a young tutor and media student from Leokwe village in Bolobedu South, Tzaneen, is on a mission to bring change to the media landscape. His academic journey, which began at Giyani Comprehensive School, continued at Majaji Primary, and culminated at Maloti High School, has shaped his multifaceted career ambitions.
Tekolo Ndwalo, tuning into success, one lesson at a time. Photo: Supplied
As a private tutor, radio broadcaster, and media student, Tekolo has mastered the art of juggling responsibilities. He attributes his success to effective time management and organization. “Many ask how I balance everything. My answer is simple: time management is key. I organize my week by setting aside specific days for tutoring, radio broadcasting, and academic studies.”
His private tutoring sessions are held on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. For radio broadcasting, He has negotiated a flexible schedule with Gateway FM, where he presents shows during designated time slots. This organization helps him balance his media studies coursework and other pursuits.
The voice on the radio and the guide in the classroom. Photo: Supplied
Ndwalo acknowledges that media studies often face skepticism. Some critics reduce the field to just radio, overlooking the variety of careers available to graduates. However, he remains confident, pointing out that his peers have successfully pursued careers in news anchoring and other media-related roles.
As a radio broadcaster for Gateway FM in Polokwane, Tekolo engages over 66,000 listeners by offering alternative perspectives on local issues. He prepares for each show by drafting scripts and staying informed on current events. His passion for communication, critical thinking, and offering insightful commentary drives his broadcasting career.
He draws inspiration from various media outlets, including “Podcast and Chill” and Trevor Noah’s podcast. Tekolo has been listening to Radio 2000 since high school, appreciating its thought-provoking discussions that helped him improve his English skills.
Ndwalo’s journey as a tutor began in high school when he and his peers would collaborate on lessons. This experience led to be a founder of Growth Literacy, an initiative that supports 88 students in improving their communication skills and academic performance. Notably, one student improved from 40% to over 80% after joining his tutorials, highlighting the impact of Growth Literacy.
Tekolo’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. Mentors from the University of Limpopo’s Centre for Academic Excellence have praised his work, encouraging him to continue making a difference in students’ lives.
Looking ahead, Tekolo aspires to become a news anchor, media studies lecturer, and radio broadcaster. He aims to promote the Khelobedu dialect in broadcasting and aspires to work for renowned media outlets like SABC, Thobela FM, Radio 2000, or YFM. Ultimately, Ndwalo is determined to leave a lasting impact on the media landscape, inspiring others with his unique perspective and cultural identity.
