Masenyani Shibambu, the African Beats talk show host at Giyani Community Radio station (GCR), says a friendly approach is all one needs to get things done. He organised the annual Giant Reefs Awards even though he earns a small salary. The event honours both overlooked and popular individuals that have brought a change in certain sectors of society, either through music, business or anything that has left a mark on people’s lives.
According to him, people already honoured include Mike Nkuna, a billionaire who owns the mall in Giyani as well as other malls in the province and Johannesburg; General Muzka, a popular Xitsonga disco artist based in Mpumalanga, as well as several other veterans in the music industry based in Giyani and Malamulele. He says good communication skills have helped to get the event organised.
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“You have to win people’s hearts before they will donate. You must be able to win people’s favour to get them to buy into your idea,” he explained. “The trick is to ask potential donors to partially sponsor an event, such as only the drinks or food, or accommodation, until the whole event is covered,” he said. Shibambu’s popularity has led him to continue with his African Beats programme on his upcoming new online radio station.
“People love my programme but you are limited to what you can say on community radio stations. An online station does not have those limitations,” he said. He urged young people that struggle financially not to let their situation stop them from dreaming big. “Sometimes dreams do come true despite your financial situation. If you dream of achieving something, don’t wait for finances. Do it and see what happens,” he said.
