Sindy Mbonambi
She is making all waves on Izwi Lomzansi FM the number one Community Radio Station in KwaZulu-Natal, with her sexy voice and exceptional broadcasting skills every Saturday between 9-12am. Sindy was born in Mandeni and raised both at Mandeni and KwaMaphumulo. She is also business minded and has high aspirations for herself.
ZiyawaMag: So, Sindy how did it all start?
Sindy Mbonambi: It started at the age 23. I didn’t imagine myself as radio DJ but I grew up loving listening to the radio. I’m from a rural area and therefore I thought it was going to be difficult for me to be radio presenter. At that time the community radio stations were limited and I just thought it was for certain people.
ZiyawaMag: How was life growing up?
S: I was born and breed at Mandeni and KwaMaphumulo. Life was difficult at home but through hard work I have managed to make a better life for myself. I matriculated in 2003 in Mandeni and in 2004 I registered for Hospitality Management at ICESA College where I completed my diploma in 2007. I did not do any media related studies, but that did not stop me from reaching for my dreams.
ZiyawaMag: Then tell us about your move to Izwi Lomzansi?
S: I heard that they were recruiting for new talent through auditions and gave it a go because I have this love of radio. They were impressed by my talent and I started as newsreader and I just kept growing. I was given chance to do a current affairs show and they gave me a late night show to build my confidence. They then offered for me to do Saturday show between 9-12 which I co-hosted with Ayanda Zungu. I now do that slot solo. The show is 70% music and 30% talk. We usually play afro-pop songs, Hip Hop, house and kwaito. It also very informative and our target market is youth people of KwaZulu-Natal.
ZiyawaMag: What are challenges of working for community radio?
SM: At community radio you get an opportunity to learn without any pressure. You also make mistakes and still get a second chance. It’s also a great platform to build the confidence you need for commercial radio stations. The resources are limited and the equipment is sometimes not good. You don’t get paid.
ZiyawaMag: You are also a business-woman, tell us more about that?
S: I’m very creative person who believes that we must use the opportunity that the likes of Nelson Mandela presented the youth of SA I’m currently involved in a construction business and working as Marketing Manager of Cash flow a company which deals with trading of money.
ZiyawaMag: Describe Sindy in five words?
SM: Kind, positive, beautiful, passionate and humble.
ZiyawaMag: Your favourite radio DJ?
SM: Azania Ndoro, she really inspires me. I love how cool, calm and collected she is. But I don’t try to be her when I’m on air but I incorporate the things I find help me to do my job better.
ZiyawaMag: Your future plans?
S: have many goals that I would still like to achieve. At the moment I’m in the process of achieving them sooner rather than I expected. I want to grow in radio. I see myself as a Metro FM DJ in the future. I want to be an influential business-woman in Mzansi.
ZiyawaMag: What is your definition of radio?
SM: Radio means the freedom of expression to me. It means happiness, peace and love. Even if I’m emotional or down but whenever I’m on-air, I forget all about that.
ZiyawaMag: Your message to young upcoming radio DJ and your fans?
S: To those who want to get into radio, who feel that they have the talent and are passionate about it, you should stay individuals and not try imitate anyone. To my fans thank you for giving me an opportunity to showcase my talent. Without them I’m nothing, I grow because of them.
ZiyawaMag: Are you taken?
SM: I’m engaged.
Sindy Mbonambi
1. Favourite genre of music:
Gospel.
2. Favourite food:
Chicken curry and rice.
3. Hobbies:
Singing, reading, exercise and music.
4. Motto:
Winning commence with failing.
Interview by: Xolani “Stix” Cele and Minenhle Mkhize, edited by Nokozo Madlala
