Mbombela TB survivor has a fruitful passion for radio and community upliftment
Fortunate Nkambule is a successful radio producer on Ligwalagwala FM, while she helps people with TB, not to give up on life through her non-profit organisation called Phila Nami Foundation.
The founder and director of Phila Nami Foundation and a radio producer, Fortunate Nkambule, has paved the way for many who live with tuberculosis (TB) and those who aspire to be successful in the media industry.
Nkambule has survived TB three times and is determined to keep fighting for her health while she encourages others with TB to not give up on their well-being and life.
She started Phila Nami Foundation in 2015, just after she became a radio producer on Ligwalagwala FM.
“The aim was and still is to support those going through treatment and share our experiences as encouragement. I work closely with other passionate community members to conduct talks and campaigns in TB high-risk areas such as taxi ranks and prisons.
“We also work closely with local healthcare centres to identify those who discontinued their treatment. We encourage such people to continue taking their medication to the end,” Nkambule said.
Her experiences taught her to appreciate life’s trials and tribulations, and to find joy in every moment. She was raised by her grandmother in a backroom in KaNyamazane. She died when Nkambule was at the peak of her career. Positivity and believing in God made her to be one of the successful radio producers in Mbombela, despite her health issues and the death of her grandmother.
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“I started my career as a presenter for a current affairs show on KaNyamazane’s community radio, K Radio, while doubling up as a waitress.”
She got her breakthrough in 2014 when she was appointed as a current affairs presenter and producer for a commercial station, Ligwalagwala FM.
Nkambule currently produces for Letiphuma Embiteni, Telive Atipheli and Tiphuma Imbhunga current affairs shows.
“My grandmother taught me the power of prayer and gave me the strength to go for what I am passionate about without any tertiary qualifications. I am where I am today because of the grace of God.”
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She encouraged youngsters to believe in themselves and avoid shortcuts and the fast life.
“To those who have TB, keep fighting and understand that it is curable and preventable, no matter what,” Nkambule said.
