The current crop of newly-recruited Radio news presenters at Motsweding FM (Konka Bokamoso) comprises of versatile announcers trying to deliver quality news presentations.
Amongst them is one presenter who has made an enormous in broadcasting impact and has fitted the big shoes left by veterans, Mojalefa Mathibela and Mercedez Nkoane.
Solly Magalefa boasts much experience in the media space and has amassed many followers since arriving at Motsweding FM.
Magalefa was born on the March 9 in the early 60s at Makapanstad, in Moretele Local Municipality of the Bojanala District Municipality in North West Province. He started his school ingoma at Mosetlha Lower Primary School and did Sub-Standard A up to Standard 2 (Grade 1 to 4).
From there, he proceeded to Mmammudu Higher Primary School, where he did Standard 3 to Standard 5. He then went to Mmamathibe Junior Secondary School, where he did Form 1 to Form 3.
Afterwards, he went to Nchaupe High School and did his Standard 9 and Matric. Post high school, Magalefa pursued a Primary Teachers Course (PTC) at Baitiredi Technical/Commercial College. The course was run by the then Department of Education in the defunct Bophuthatswana.
After completing the certificate, he enrolled for a BA Communication degree 2001 at the North West University (NWU), Mahikeng Campus. After graduating, he studied towards his BA in Communication (Hons) at NWU in 2002 at Mahikeng Campus.
From there on, Magalefa enrolled to study for a Postgraduate Diploma in Governance and Political Transformation in 2012 at the University of the Free State.
From then on, he enrolled for a Masters in Governance and Political Transformation in 2013 at the same institution. In 2017, he enrolled for a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management at the NWU- Potchefstroom Campus. Currently, he is studying for a PhD in Governance and Political Transformation.
When asked how his love for radio came about, "The People's Teacher" said he was born for radio.
"The first day I heard radio, as a small rural boy, I did not want to move away from it. I was amazed, wondering how people managed to get into something so small like that. I wanted to be part of that from then henceforth. I was inspired by the legends and icons of Radio Setswana, like Rre Dan Setshedi, Clomphas Segoe, Nchaupe Tlhabane, Elliot Maele, Julius Kgori, Gertz Komane, Nick Thabo Mokoena, Noah Boiky Mokgethi, Rustus Maotwe, Matlakala Sugar Setshogwe, Pagiel Kgaswe, Aubrey Motloung, Steve Selemale, Moagi Motaung, Ramoripi Mathibe, Molefe Molopyane, and the list is endless.
"Their articulation and love of Setswana inspired me, and my love for the language grew even further. I got proud to be Motswana because of them. I knew there and then that someday; I would become a radio presenter. My dream was actualised in 1997 when I joined the SABC as a freelance producer and presenter of educational programmes on Motsweding FM. I was then recruited to the Radio News and Current Affairs in the same year. The rest is history," said Magalefa.
He also elaborated on how he got the nickname "People's Teacher". He said that he got the nickname from one listener who used to call frequently and consistently during the weekly Education Talk-Back programmes he presented then on Wednesday evenings from 9pm to 10. From being a teacher in various villages, he taught on national radio, hence the 'People's Teacher'."
He added that as a radio presenter, it was vital to be educated and knowledgeable. "Radio is about immediacy, and it is a very effective channel to impart knowledge and convey important messages to the myriad of varied listeners from diverse backgrounds.
"While I had dreamt of being a continuity presenter, I fell in love with news and current affairs. It is through radio that we can teach multitudes and millions of our listeners in the language that they love, know and understand fully," stated Magalefa.
He said government and the private sector could utilise radio as a simple communication channel to convey essential messages regarding a plethora of their programmes and projects, awareness campaigns and other educational programmes.
Magalefa mentioned that he hoped to become one of the best radio news presenters of his time, specifically focusing on perfecting the Setswana language and inspiring the upcoming journalists to love and be proud of.
"I hope to spearhead a Community Radio project in my hometown when I retire in a short time to come. He added that this would help nurture talent while advocating and ensuring language preservation and purity," he added.
We also asked Magalefa whether, if a chance to work on TV came across, he would grab it, and he said: "Yes, I would not mind, though age is no longer on my side. I, however, wish to see young, up and coming men and women gracing the small screens with their pure Setswana, with pride," he said.
His family life is also balanced as he is married.
"Me and Lettie are blessed with two daughters, Tshepang and Katlego, and a son Neo. Our other daughter Gomotsegang Masego sadly passed on some years back. Tshepang is already married and has two gorgeous girls, Rorisang and Masego. I am a grandfather now," he said.
How he unwinds when not on duty, Magalefa quipped: "I do weekend gigs by playing R&B and Soul or Golden Oldies at various joints where I am invited. My other side is I am addicted to reading, I am somehow a 'bibliophile' or what is popularly known as a bookworm.
"I spend a lot of my time reading and studying, and I enjoy it with my heart and soul."
A man who is proud of his Setswana and other vernacular, Magalefa has already written two books titled: Mmila o Mosesane, a Setswana short story and Pelo Potsane, a Setswana drama.
Pelo Potsane was released in May this year, and Mmila o Mosesane will be released soon. He is currently busy with a second radio drama which he hopes to release before the end of this year.
Before joining Motsweding FM, Magalefa also worked as a producer and presenter for Motheo FM, a Community Radio Station in Bloemfontein. The station started broadcasting in April 2009. The station management requested him to assist and mentor the news and current affairs team. He served Motheo FM from June 2009 until September 2010 on a part-time basis while working full-time for the Free State Department of Education.
His message of encouragement to aspiring radio and news presenters is: "I am a limited edition in my unique way. That is my principle and what I believe in. While you may have been inspired, motivated or encouraged by some high-profile presenters before you, please avoid being a copycat - do not imitate anyone.
"Always be yourself, be innovative, creative and original because we are all unique. We should all leave our marks of our unique ways of doing things or presenting in our unique ways," said Magalefa.
