Isaac Masilo Mashila was born in Kgokong village (GaMamabolo).He completed his matric in 2010 (Ramashobohle High School) and furthered his studies at the University of South Africa (UNISA), where he completed his National Diploma in Public Relations Management (2014), A Short Course in practical guidelines in building stakeholder relations (2016) and currently registered for Hons in Integrated Organisational Communications (UNISA).
Isaac Masilo Mashila was born in Kgokong village (GaMamabolo).He completed his matric in 2010 (Ramashobohle High School) and furthered his studies at the University of South Africa (UNISA), where he completed his National Diploma in Public Relations Management (2014), A Short Course in practical guidelines in building stakeholder relations (2016) and currently registered for Hons in Integrated Organisational Communications (UNISA).
In 2015 he was named The Best Radio Presenter at Radio Turf, in 2016 he was nominated as the Best Radio personality by Film, Arts, Music and Entertainment (FAME) Awards and in the same year, he was named the best Head of Department at Radio Turf. The multi-award winning Mashila joined Radio Turf in 2012, presenting mid-morning magazine show thereafter juggled array of resposibilities such as being Chief Producer and presenting afternoon drive. He started hosting the award-winning breakfast show (Early Risers) in 2016.
Having no electricity at his village introduced him to radio for the first time. It was the only form of electronic entertainment he had access to. His radio career was moulded by the likes of MakwenaMakgakga, Maxwell Mojapelo and SebasaMogale, both from Thobela FM, where Makgakga invited him on his programme called Mphatlalatsane to come and present with him in 2008 because Ceeloo was regular caller.
Recently, he was labelled as the first Limpopian to be nominated the most (with three categories) in the National Community Radio Week Awards. He was nominated for Best community Radio Personality, Best Community Breakfast Host and for best documentary show. The event which took place at the Sandu Du Plessis Theatre (PACOFS) in Bloemfontein saw Mashila who present the station’s Early Risers show scooping prestigious 2018 Best Breakfast Show presenter.
The award
I think this award has proved that I am doing well in the industry and for the community. I will continue working hard in order to join public broadcaster or commercial radio station one day. I am grateful that my work is being recognised and I hope that the award will open doors of opportunities for me.
Radio lesson
Radio has taught me that there is a huge difference between fame and being a hard worker. Therefore is important to know exactly why you want to be in the industry. If it’s just to be famous, ask yourself why you want to be famous? Will it work to your advantage in whatever that you want to do with your life? If yes, by all means… be famous! Just know that fame comes with a lot of work. If its radio presenting that you want to do, it’s always advisable to learn more about your craft, even the greatest radio presenters have mentors. Be willing to put in the hard work and work at unreasonable hours.
Relevant and importance of radio in the 21st century
Let’s first not compare Radio with social media, but I still believe that radio remains relevant in today’s world of time-starved listeners because it provides content meeting the entertainment needs of people according to their lifestyle, age, etc. … I think it is still relevant but we need to work hard, otherwise social media will give us heart attack.
Significant Accomplishment
I don’t want to brag but… I have several notable accomplishments in both my education and my work experience. Probably the most notable accomplishment was to obtain a tertiary qualification; I joined radio with no qualification. Again immediately after leaving Marketing and Communication at University of Limpopo, I was promoted at Radio Turf to be a Chief Producer, I don’t like being called a boss but I appreciate the opportunity because one of my duties is to train final year students (Media Studies) at UL. I trained winners like Katlego Mothapo who just won the award recently. I trained people like Sontaga Lechelele, Poelano Setoaba and many more. I had an opportunity to allow Becca Phala (Now at Energy FM) to do mistakes on Radio. I have three awards in my bag; Best Head of Department at Radio Turf (2016). Best Radio Presenter at Radio Turf (2015), Best Community Breakfast Host (by National Community Radio Week-2018) and many nominations.
Inspiration and motivation
Max Mojapelo, the man is unstoppable. He is very unique and his passion directed him to have no competition in the country. He has been at the helm for over 35 years and the mainstay of his radio programs has always been in-depth, probing interviews of prominent figures in the art, entertainment, and culture fields. Malome Max is known for his well-researched and intensive interview skills. I like the fact that he makesthorough preparations for a guest, including reading their book(s), listening to their albums, and making familiarisinghimself with the interviewee as much as possible. This is what makes his show so appealing to listeners. ‘KeMalomeNgwanaka’
The next five or ten years
I have huge passion for the media industry on an operational and management level; of course I cannot be a presenter for the rest of my life (LOL). I would love to establish my own social media platform (Inspired by Facebook and WhatsApp) and also like to explore my passion to Television. I believe there is constant change with readers, listeners and viewers that results untapped markets. So there are plum opportunities awaiting media houses, advertisers and media planners to explore. I also hope to assist in inspiring colleagues to develop their full potential while continuing to run their own race and of course to keep learning.
Advice for young people who want to get into radio
My top tips for being a successful presenter are: don’t worry if things go wrong – it’s only radio, have fun and be yourself. I condone listening to other radio stations but first you should listen to anything and everything to widen your knowledge of music genres and all types of presenters.
However, and this is hugely important, develop your own presenting style. Be original! There is ‘right’ way of presenting yourself or personality to the world. There are set ways in which a show should be delivered, and ways in which your radio station would like you to deliver certain things. However the ‘style’ in which you present is all up to you, and only you. Your uniqueness will get you everywhere. You will get nowhere by trying to emulate a style based on another presenter. Big NO NO.