Thobela FM appoints two new presenters

28 Jul 2011

Award-winning presenter Thamagana Maxwell Mojapelo, popularly known as 'Max the Mixerboy', returns to Limpopo radio station Thobela FM from 1 August 2011 after a nine-year break with the station. He is part of the new lineup announced by the station, which will also include newly appointed radio and TV personality Penny Lebyane on Saturdays and Sundays.

Mojapelo will be hosting the Monday to Friday midday show, "Di Sa Fisha", from noon to 2pm.

A one-time station manager and household brand of the 80s and the 90s, Mojapelo's awards include the SABC Artes Award as Best Presenter for three years running from 1986-1988, the Hit City Award for Creative Presentations in 1987, the Most Friendly Deejay Award in 1989, and the Lemon Twist Best Deejay Award in 1993 and 1994. He was also involved in the music search campaigns such as the Coca-Cola Full Blast Music Show and the Shell Road to Fame, as well as serving as a judge in the South African Music Awards (SAMA) from 1994-2001.

Pursuing personal interest

He left the SABC in October 2002, after serving as station manager for five years, to pursue personal interest. Since then he has been chairperson and board member in various institutions, including the Vusi Mahlasela Music Foundation, the Free Kiba African Music Foundation, the Red Cross Society of Southern Africa and the Freedom Avenue Club.

In 2005, Max was invited to read a paper on "200 Plus Years of Kiba Music of South Africa" at The State Theatre in Pretoria. In 2009, the International Calvary Christian Church presented him with the Calvary Community Empowerment Award for "his outstanding contribution to the building of community life." In 2010, the KLG Awards presented him with a Special Award: Contribution to Education and Culture. In 2011, the Annual MTN Radio Awards inducted Mojapelo into the Radio Hall of Fame.

Max has also written many Northern Sotho grammar books for schools (Grade R to Grade 11 and 12). He has recently published a book on the history of South African music titled 'Beyond Memory', which has also been distributed to international markets. Mojapelo is also a biographer in the Music Empowers Project, whose objective is to publish '50 South African Musical Classics - Volume 1'.

Women's issues could top bill

Lebyane will host 'Madiboga a Gauta' on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 1pm. The show will focus on South African showbiz stars, captains of industries and business leaders and aim to inspire the youth to participate in securing their future.

Her broadcasting experience includes her break with the Voice of Soweto in 1997, as well as being at the heart of one of South Africa's biggest commercial stations, Metro FM. She is currently a host for SABC 2's women talk show Motswako.

As a multi-level media personality, with a cross-cultural experience, she is passionate about women issues. She also works closely with various government institutions, NGOs and educational organs, as well as corporates on issues of women development, health, education and self-actualisation and community development. She sees herself as a bridge through her work that promotes social cohesion.

Thobela FM station manager, Leuba Ramakgolo, said the introduction of the two popular presenters is in line with a need to drive popular PBS programming approach of infotainment and edutainment. "We are looking forward to interactive radio that will cement our mark as the number one radio station of choice in Limpopo province and a key role player in the country's radio industry."