Bingelela oozing excitement at winning Ukhozi FM’s presenter search
By Sihle Mkhize
Bingelela Mpanza is the winner of Ukhozi FM’s Winnie Mahlangu presenter search. The search is aimed at unearthing new female talent for the popular radio station.
It is also aimed at honouring Winnie Mahlangu who was one of the pathfinders for women in radio in the country.
Bingelela was the overall winner as voted for by the station’s listeners. She was announced as the winner live on Ukhozi’s drive time show on Tuesday afternoon.
Bingelela was excited when she spoke to
The Purpose on Wednesday morning. via WhatsApp on voice note (VN) said she is over the moon.
“I urge The Purpose to continue to support my talent,” she said. “We belong together from now on. Please don’t leave me along the way.
“We need each other, you’ll see everything shinning in your life. I am happy,” said Bingelela. She will be taking up a grave shift slot as an intern presenter.
Senior presenters at the station will also help groom her and if she excels at it she might get a permanent slot next year.
Bingelela was confident from the beginning of the competition and told The Purpose weeks ago that the crown belongs to the north coast of KZN, in Nongoma to be exact.
This is where she was born and worked for a local radio station, Nongoma FM before entering the competition.
“I see myself as a winner. Initially, I am a singer but presenting is my first love. Even my sisters can tell you that. I love radio because it connects me with the audience.
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“Sometimes you get healed because of the topics you share with the listeners. But most importantly, is to be a message conveyer,” Bingelela said with confidence.
Mpanza is also a musician, in 2015 she released an African Jazz album. The winner of the contest gets a contract with the biggest radio station in Africa.
Mahlangu was the first black female broadcaster to be employed on a full-time basis by the SABC during the apartheid years back in 1962.
She served the SABC for 30 years. Zama Mseleku won the competition last year.
