BY NELIWE NGUBANE (INTERN)
MATSAPHA— Setsabelo “Dallas Day” Gamedze, a final-year Journalism and Mass Communication student, is steadily carving his name into Eswatini’s broadcasting space through passion, discipline and faith.
Currently serving as programmes manager at UNESWA FM, Gamedze balances demanding academic work with long broadcasting hours, waking up at 5:30am from Thursday to Sunday to ensure smooth transmissions. His day often ends at 9pm when the station signs off. Despite the exhaustion, he remains committed to nurturing talent and producing quality content.
Raised in Phonjwane by his grandmother and single mother after his father left when he was three, Gamedze credits his upbringing for shaping his resilience. “My mother taught me the power of prayer in everything,” he says, noting that faith continues to guide him through challenges.
His love for media began in childhood, reading newspapers his mother brought home every weekend. He later developed an interest in radio, inspired by veteran broadcaster Shlabani Nxumalo’s drive show. “I never missed his opening link,” he recalls. “I did not know I would one day broadcast with him.”
His journey, however, was not without setbacks. After failing his first audition, he took a chance while accompanying a friend to UNESWA FM — a moment that changed his life. He was selected and soon became part of the station’s vibrant team, working alongside emerging talents such as SundaE, ASA D, Skhumbuzo, T-Girl and P4P.
One of his proudest achievements came when his co-hosted show secured MTN sponsorship. This opened doors to hosting gigs, promotions and high-profile interviews, including engaging with a former CEO.
Balancing school, work and personal life remains a challenge, often leading to fatigue and sacrifices in friendships and social life. Yet, Gamedze remains focused. “I am passionate and obsessed with what I do,” he says.
Looking ahead, he dreams of hosting Eswatini’s biggest drive-time show before eventually joining Gagasi FM. His ultimate ambition is to become a station manager and revolutionise radio.
“I believe in aspiring to inspire before you expire,” he says.
#Eswatini #HumanInterest #Broadcasting #UNESWAFM #Inspiration #YouthInMedia #Journalism #DreamBig
(Courtesy Pic)
