Univen FM’s Xitsonga news anchor graduates
Obtaining her first qualification in the form of a BA degree in media with the University of Venda (Univen) has set Masingita Mathye well on her way to success.
LIMPOPO – The 22-year-old is one of Univen’s autumn graduates and the young Univen FM Xitsonga news anchor was born and bred at Muyexe village outside Giyani.
Her passion and love for media really worked for her as she managed to do both her studies while anchoring news in Xitsonga for Univen FM listeners.
“I joined Univen FM during the second year of my studies in 2016. It was not easy to manage both schoolwork and radio because it sometimes happened that my time on air clashed with my classes and I had to ask one of my classmates about the work discussed in class to not fall behind,” Mathye explained.
She added media studies was her first choice when she enrolled at Univen. “When I was younger I always dreamt of becoming a news anchor one day but I did not know how to make this dream a reality. That was before I discovered there was a community radio station within the university where I could gain experience and learn more about the media industry while studying.”
Mathye had to face several sleepless nights during exam time to make sure she was fully prepared for the tests while spending her days as news anchor.
“Working hard and staying focused on what I want to achieve are the two things that drive me to my success. Handling both radio and schoolwork was not simple so I had to work hard to succeed both academically and at work,” said Mathye, adding her first time on radio was rough for her as many people, even friends and family, criticised and discouraged her.
“Some would tell me how bad I sound on air while others said working at the station would disturb my studies and I would fail. These harsh words knocked me down but I was determined to be strong and focus on what I wanted to achieve.”
Her patience and dedication to develop her skills paid off as she is now fluent and listeners have hailed her as one of the best news anchors at Univen FM.
“The feeling of finally receiving my first degree is something words can’t explain. I feel so happy and relieved because I have come a long way to reach this point.” She added she hopes to one day work in a public media company such as the SABC with the aim of promoting her minority language, Xitsonga.
Mathye encouraged other media studies students to ask themselves why they chose to study study media. “Your answer to that will determine where you want to see yourself as a media practitioner and start implementing your plans of achieving your dreams. Avoid associating yourself with people with no vision, even if they are your friends. Don’t allow them to drive your way if it’s not leading you to reach your dreams,” Mathye concluded.
