I don’t have a lot of words. This is how the very surprised Slindile Ngobese reacted to a surprise farewell party on 30 September 2024 at the HR Boardroom. This was Slindile’s last day as the Programmes Manager of the MUT Radio Station. She has been with the station for more than two years. Apologetically, Slindile told her staff that she used to shout at them when things were not going right. “I had to,” she said. “I would like to thank all of you. When I joined MUT Radio from a community radio station, I thought I knew enough. That was not true. Here at MUT Radio I learnt a lot, particularly from Ntokozo [Buthelezi, the MUT Radio Technical Manager]. From him I learnt how to do the OB (outside broadcasting).” Slindile appealed to soon to be former staff members to “respect” and support her successor. She said that all of them, as staff members of the station, have an end goal, which is to work for a commercial radio station. “I will miss you. Please remember to behave. MUT Radio is now a big brand. Please look after it,” Slindile said.
From the surprise farewell party, it became clear that the MUT Radio staff will be affected by the departure of Ngobese. One of these will be Awethu Kelese. Kelese is one of the longest serving members of MUT Radio staff. Kelese presents the Vukubangene Breakfast Show, from 7am to 10am. Kelese poured his heart out, explaining the professional relationship he had with Ngobese. “Slindile was my line manager, but you wouldn’t tell. She became more than just a manager but a sister. She had an open-door policy. Working with a superior like Slindile is amazing; she doesn’t only tell you what to do. She leads you on any project,” said Kelese. Kelese added that Ngobese’s versatility was his takeout. “Slindile would read news, produce a show, present it, do voice over recordings, etc. I wish nothing but the best of luck for her in her new role; well-deserved Mphathi.”