Two new faces and voices are bringing unbridled enthusiasm and vibe to the City’s radio and TV platforms. Lebogang Mtshali (22) and Cynthia Olifant (25) have the drive and personality for broadcast media and are adamant about leaving a mark on Joburg Pulse Radio and Joburg TV, the City’s newest digital media platforms. The two hit it off instantly when they met, and their personalities shine through when paired on air.

Mtshali was appointed as Radio Pulse’s lead presenter in October 2022.

“I’ve been enjoying it so far, and I have come across a few challenges, but I think it’s because I’ve been exposed to things I haven’t done before. So, it’s been a lot of fun, but also challenging,” she says.

She has experienced a series of firsts since joining the City as an intern, including recording advertisements.

Mtshali is not a newcomer in the radio industry. She began volunteering at Rhodes Music Radio (RMR) as a first-year student.

She was eager to learn more about what happens on radio. She started as a news reader before being introduced to presenting and other aspects of radio, such as marketing.

Through her consistency and perseverance, she landed an opportunity to work as a presenter at the National Arts Festival.

She majored in radio while studying journalism at Rhodes University in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), Eastern Cape.

Mtshali’s love of journalism was influenced by her late father. He was an academic who enjoyed watching the news in various languages; that’s how journalism piqued her interest.

She believes that you can never know everything and that it is essential to be curious and enthusiastic about learning. Thando Thabethe, a South African actress and radio host, is someone she admires.

Mtshali is bringing fresh ideas to Joburg Pulse, such as a beauty segment and news on the hour.

Olifant, on the other hand, began working for the City in November 2022. She is a co-host on Joburg Pulse Radio and a Joburg TV presenter. ​

She clearly does not have any shy hair on her head and is most at ease in front of the camera and behind the microphone.

Olifant studied radio production at Revolution Media Academy (RMA) and communication science at Pretoria’s Rosebank College.

​She worked as a presenter at RMA and learned how to write scripts.

“I enjoy being in front of the camera,” she says, smiling.

At the age of five, she was bitten by the TV and radio bug. She would sit in front of the TV or radio, paying close attention to how people spoke and articulated their words. Listening to their vocabulary sparked her interest.

She has her own YouTube channel where she posts vlogs about her life, beauty, and travel.

Mtshali and Olifant are excited to work together to expand the City’s radio and television footprint.

“I want people to know about us, not just the platform, because if they know about us, they can interact with us comfortably. The goal is to leave our imprint,” says Olifant.

Listen to Joburg Pulse Radio every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 10am and 12pm, and again between 2pm and 4pm. When you log in to the City’s website, the first pop-up will tune you in.

Written by Brümilda Swartbooi

12/12/2022