Phindi Gule, host of morning show AM-PM Quest at Gagasi 99.5FM, is petite with delicate features, but make no mistake . . . this is one tough customer, who’s determined to take on serious issues.
As I sat enjoying a cup of coffee in Umhlanga village with Phindi, my first question was about the show’s name. “AM-PM refers to the time, 9am to noon, while Quest refers to how we’re on a constant journey in search of information and answers to questions,” the Mount Edgecombe resident explained.
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Phindi, who has a long history in radio (see fact file), came to Umhlanga-based Gagasi with a determination to develop the talk side of the show. “When I came to Gagasi a few years ago, one of the concerns was developing an identity for the station. We were a bunch of hosts, each with our own unique style, rather than a brand with a distinct identity. From my side I was clear, while I love music and the chance to play our mix, I wanted interaction with my listeners and to tackle issues.”
I ask her whether this is to do with her show’s time slot. “People are definitely buzzing in the morning and want to be stimulated. Lately I’ve been getting into the social media arena as well, to drive this chat. But, for me, the interactive element is what I love about radio as a medium.”
In line with this desire to be educational, informative and interactive, Phindi has themed each of her days, and has an expert studio guest on each day: Mondays are about health; on Tuesday she discusses HR issues; Wednesday is “Legal” day; Thursday is all about finance-related issues; while Fridays focus on the social scene, especially those heroes in the community who are selflessly giving to worthy causes.
On the music front, Phindi says the days of DJs playing the tunes they love are long gone. “Programming is an essential part of any professional radio station, it’s crucial that the station has a recognisable identity. I learned a huge deal from my time at East Coast in this regard,” she said. “At Gagasi we lean towards R&B, while I love soul music. Towards the end of my shift, I up the tempo a bit as we head towards lunchtime, that’s when I slip in some kwaito or hip hop.”
Passionate
Phindi, who is passionate about fitness and healthy living, has embarked on a journey where she gives her time every Thursday to conduct fitness classes for patients at an HIV/ Aids Clinic – Ithemblalabantu (People’s Hope) in Umlazi. The clinic doesn’t have much in the way of infrastructure, but Phindi uses the parking space available for her classes. With the assistance of a friend from the UK (Holly Cook) who heads HAC Lifestyle, Phindi is able to offer patients holistic exercise sessions focusing on mind, body and soul.
Patients on ARV treatment are always advised to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly but getting started can be a challenge. Phindi has decided to take these patients by the hand and help them embark on a road to recovery.
“Attendance has been growing each week. The feeling of well-being, having fun and a positive attitude is now prevalent at the clinic. We’re helping fight the virus,” says Phindi.
This go-getter is also collecting second hand and unwanted running shoes, shorts, tracksuits and other sports equipment for underprivileged athletes. She distributes them to children from running clubs, including Elephants Running Club in Pietermaritzburg.
Phindi’s Ridge tips
When it’s time to chill (I wouldn’t think there’s too much, with this hectic schedule), Phindi loves Umdloti and is a regular at Bel Punto. She also enjoys a cuppa at Tasha’s at Gateway, or likes to take a walk along Umhlanga’s promenade. She recently took up jogging and has set herself the goal of entering and completing the 2012 Comrades Marathon.
About Phindi
- Born in Joburg
- Passionate about healthy living, sports, community involvement
- Challenge: Comrades marathon 2012
- Has worked for Metro FM, the SABC, Voice of Soweto, the SAA, YFM, East Coast Radio, Gagasi 99.5FM
- Studied: Chemical Engineering and IT
- Lives in Mount Edgecombe
About Ithembalabantu
Ithembalabantu (Zulu for “People’s hope”) has been open since 2002. Services provided on site include: counselling and testing; CD4 tests and lab monitoring; care and support (social service support and counselling); treatment education classes; antiretroviral and opportunistic infection treatment; and skills and capacity building classes. In 2010, through rapid testing programmes, 35, 241 people were tested and 18 390 condoms were distributed at the clinic in an effort to reduce the number of infections.
2 Comments
Lovely article, what a lady. Keep shining Phindi, you are an inspiration to a lot of people out there. Keep up the good work.
My sister, may God give you energy to continue the good work, you are such a true inspiration.