INTERVIEW: What drives YFM’s first solo female drive-time host Khutso Theledi?

Radio host Khutso Theledi embodies the concept of a hard worker.

Ever since getting her foot in the door of the South African entertainment industry, Khutso’s goal has been to never stop moving.

It is that attitude that has not only landed her a coveted spot on South African radio’s drive-time slot at YFM, The Lady on Drive, but it has seen her become the only woman to hold down such a show on her own at the station.

The Citizen caught up with Khutso to find out what drives her and what her experience as a Golf 8 GTI ambassador has been like thus far.

The Citizen: Your career (and branding) seems to be aligning perfectly. What would you call this chapter of your life?

Khutso Theledi: This chapter of my life right now would be called, “no risk, no testimony”.

TC: What drives Khutso Theledi?

KT: Working hard, grabbing every opportunity and following my passion.

TC: We’ve been dying to see you back on TV. Any plans for that in the pipeline?

KT: My pipeline dream is to break some new ground in the TV space.

Continuing to give my all being YFM’s first drive-time host to do it on her own and enjoying every moment learning and growing behind the radio mic. And like they say, “work hard, someone’s always watching”.

Khutso Theledi

TC: Has the lockdown significantly impacted your career? If so, how?

KT: Whether someone is going into work or working from home, the light that’s been shed on both the financial fragility of many small businesses, job losses and our mental health has been a painful one.

The lockdown has changed the way many of us work. Radio has saved my life and during lockdown, it’s helped me cope practically and emotionally challenged my connection with The Lady On Drive listeners.

Our situations are unique to us and every day, walking into the YFM building, turning on that mic, I tell myself not to judge myself harshly based on what other people are doing.

Everybody is facing uncertainty and challenges and we have no choice but to move through it as best we can with our own coping mechanisms. Taking things at your own pace and embracing every opportunity to motivate those who’ve impacted my career in a positive way.

ALSO READ: How fast is the Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI?

TC: Your love for cars is no secret so your Golf 8 GTI ambassadorship makes sense. Why the Golf 8 GTI?

KT: With a car enthusiast like me, why not the Golf GTI 8? ‘South Ahh’ is the land of the standout Golf GTI, there is no hot hatch with a greater heritage than this.

Driving a #VrrPhaa that delivers great power, more enjoyment and everyday versatility. Holding the eighth generation and 370 Nm torque model in my hands, that hits 0-to-100km/h time in 6.4 seconds, thanks to the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG), it really does come with so much to celebrate.

The fully digital and new infotainment system, to the heated leather-wrapped multi-function sports steering wheel with touch control and shifting paddles. From the luxurious interior to the honeycomb grill, you can’t miss this car on the road and not say “wow”.

TC: What has your experience of the car been like thus far?

KT: The Golf GTI has always been a “fave”, making SA one of the most important GTI markets globally and the reason for this is because you get an incredible jaw-dropping experience. The VrrPha is more digital, with talk connectivity and driving assistance that every time I drive it, I learn something new about it. I feel like a kid at a candy store all the time and that’s because it gives an exciting drive.

TC: Based on that, what kind of person do you think would enjoy the car?

KT: A person with a winning personality. One who is free-spirited, fun, focused and always down for a good adventure

TC: What are the top three songs you like to enjoy inside the Golf 8?

KT: Believe it or on, the first song I played through its Harmon Kardon sound system was Cassper Nyovest’s, Mama I Made It, Zakes Bantwini’s Osama ft Kasango and Wes Nelson’s Nice to meet you.

As Golf 8 GTI ambassadors Khutso Theledi, Courtnae Paul and Donovan Goliath will present at some of the Golf 8 GTI launch events set to happen in parkades around Mzansi this October. 

Cape Town kicks things off on 2 October at the Cape Town International Convention Centre parkade before moving to Durban at the Cornubia Mall Parkade on 9 October. Finally, it arrives at the Fourways Mall parkade in Johannesburg on 16 October. 

Tickets for the Johannesburg event sold out in just three weeks, but players on the official Golf 8 GTI app can still win tickets for the Cape Town (this event is 80% sold out) and Durban events. 

The events are Covid-compliant and in line with government regulations. To ensure social distancing takes place, the events have been split up and each slot allocated to players will last one hour.

#GTI8OnTour takes the concept of “car meets” and gives it the edge, style and power that is synonymous with the Golf GTI’s status. 

For more information on #GTI8OnTour, visit www.VWGTI8OnTour.co.za and download the app.

#GTI8OnTour is for people 18 and older. One ticket per entry. Tickets are limited.

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