Years of dedication to radio have paid off for Orange Farm broadcaster Nhlanhla Ndlozi, who has earned the opportunity to sharpen his skills on a national platform through the 702 Youth Takeover programme. The initiative gives aspiring young broadcasters valuable industry exposure and the chance to work alongside seasoned professionals.
For Ndlozi, the opportunity is more than a career milestone. It is a reminder that believing in yourself and taking chances can lead to life-changing experiences.
Reflecting on what inspired him to apply, Ndlozi said the programme first came to his attention through his niece, an aspiring journalist.
“I heard about the 702 Youth Takeover programme from my niece, who is an aspiring journalist. She had also applied to be a news reader but unfortunately didn’t make it through. I’ve been involved in radio for some time now, and I thought to myself, ‘Why not seize this opportunity?’”
The announcement that he had been selected came as a surprise, especially considering the number of applicants from across South Africa.
“To be honest, I was quite shocked when I found out I had been selected, considering the number of people who applied from all around South Africa. It made me realise that I really am who I always thought I was—I just needed that reminder,” he said.
Ndlozi believes the experience will create new opportunities and help him grow both personally and professionally as he continues to build his broadcasting career.
“This opportunity will definitely open doors for me because 702 is a huge platform that engages with millions of South Africans on a daily basis,” he said.
He hopes his journey will inspire other young people from Orange Farm to pursue their ambitions with confidence, proving that dedication and perseverance can open doors to opportunities on the national stage.
