Radio personality Mthokozisi Mbele graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree from UKZN. Mbele hosts the Umsindo Takeover show on the regional commercial radio station Gagasi FM on Saturdays from 4pm -7 pm, featuring a mix of weekend lifestyle snippets, lively music, and relaxed conversation.

‘While I was looking around for an exciting career, I accompanied a friend to his radio interview – that experience was sufficient for me to decide on broadcasting,’ said Mbele, who was raised by a single mother employed as a domestic worker.

Growing up in a single-income household was motivation for him to be the first in the family to graduate from university. His mother’s employer, retired Professor Jane Meyerowitz, played a significant role in his education, sponsoring him for his degree.

‘I enjoyed studying on the Edgewood University campus. There was always a sense of community -EJudiya as we coined it, especially in the Facebook group Edgewoodian,’ said Mbele.

He thanked his family for their support. ‘Your belief in me when I didn’t believe in myself meant so much. As a student working full-time, I neglected to celebrate my accomplishments, but you all made a point of doing so.’

He encouraged his peers to be determined and realistic about what they wanted to achieve, stating that tertiary education taught a student that no matter ‘what fall you might have, you’re only responsible for yourself’.

His media work includes a collaboration with Turbovite, Gateway Theatre of Shopping in 2022, and being a nominee for the Live Your Dream 2021 Best Radio Presenter award. He is currently an online influencer with Sorbet Man.