Radio & Audio News South Africa

SABC's Welcome Nzimande to retire early

Welcome Nzimande, after 32 years with the SABC, is taking early retirement at the end of March 2010 from his position as Ukhozi fm station manager. His career began with Radio Zulu, which today is Ukhozi Fm, in 1978 and he has held a number of positions including 10 years as a TV presenter co-anchoring the popular traditional music show, Ezodumo.
SABC's Welcome Nzimande to retire early

He led the brand transformation process of Radio Zulu to the current Ukhozi fm and initiated various community-building activities, including formation of the South African Traditional Music Association (SATMA), which contributed to the development of traditional music and unearthing music talent in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond. SATMA led to the formation of South African Traditional Music Awards.

Nzimande used the power of radio to help defuse political violence, which characterised South African politics in the early 1990s. He further made significant contribution in dealing with taxi violence in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond. It is because of his leadership vision that Ukhozi fm leads various social responsibility projects on education, disability, women empowerment, etc.

When he joined Radio Zulu, the station had just over 3 million listeners; currently it has 6 million and is recognised by the SABC as a major revenue driver with high brand loyalty and confidence ratings. Ukhozi fm staff members and clients will miss his professional approach to various issues.

The SABC will announce the appointment of the acting station manager before the end of March 2010.

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