Charis Pretorius, a radio talk show host is passionate about her Eldorado Park community. The mother of two hosts her own radio show called Let’s talk about it. The show airs on EldosFM, Monday to Thursday 6 pm to 9 pm and creates a platform where residents can unpack and discuss issues that are important to them.
“After having been in the corporate sector as a recruitment consultant, sales executive and HR specialist for close to 15 years. Working for myself seemed to be the most natural thing to do. My sisters’ and I had started our business and the idea behind it was to positively impact on the lives of the youth in this community,” said Pretorius.
“We hosted the first career expo in Eldorado Park and part of our marketing was an interview on the community radio station and it proved to be my first encounter with Mr Microphone… it was love at 1st ‘sound’ bite,” she added.
Pretorius said that her involvement with Eldos FM at the time, allowed her to gain access into many sectors of the community.
“I established quite early that my fight was for the underdog,” she said.
In March of 2011, Pretorius was diagnosed with breast cancer and used her radio show as an avenue to create awareness around the disease. Pretorius said that being a survivor has taught her that life and passion can never be redone and that we have to live in the moment because that is all we have.
“I formed part of the initial board for the Local Drug Action Committee (LDAC), the Greater Eldorado Park Sports Council and also the Greater Eldorado Park Business Forum.
“These entities allowed me to gain access to the pertinent avenues within government and parastatals that allowed me to become deeper entrenched in my community and the issues that it faces on a daily basis,” said Pretorius.
In May 2017, Pretorius’ portfolio changed and she became deeply rooted in the fight for housing. She joined the community in seeking the attention of the government by closing down Eldorado Park.
“As the spokesperson for the Greater Eldorado Park Business Forum, the onus fell on me to handle all interviews and also to rectify all misconceptions when it came to how Eldorado Park was perceived by the country at large,” said Pretorius.
The radio presenter said that her show consists of very interesting conversational interviews.
“And that is what makes my show different, me being fearless in my questioning, which gets me into trouble sometimes, but I want the truth and I do not want our community to be duped or misled,” she said.
“Apart from it being an awesome opportunity for the youth to gain experience, it allows the community to be informed about aspects that impact on them directly but it also brings information that is relevant. That is why community radio stations are so important,” she said.
Pretorius said she wants to encourage the youth to pursue their passion.
“Make the sacrifices, be curious, stay motivated and read! These aspects will be a guide to getting you to the next level,” she concluded.
Tune into Let’s talk about it Monday to Thursday 6 pm to 9 pm only on EldosFM, 87.6.
