Nomveliso Mthini’s journey to healing through play
From a childhood spent listening to the radio instead of watching television to founding a movement that restores the joy of play, Nomveliso Mthini shares the powerful stories that fuel her work as radio host, MC, PR specialist, and community builder.
Growing up, Nomveliso Mthini’s closest companion was the radio.
“We didn’t have a TV at home, so when I was not at school I was always listening,” she said. That early love of the medium would later shape her career as a radio host, MC, audience developer and creative entrepreneur.
Read more: Iziko Lam takes Alex adults back to their younger years
Today Mthini channels that same passion into Iziko Lam Projects and Production and the movement I Never Played As A Child. The initiative tackles the lasting social impact of childhoods stolen by responsibility or hardship.
“I grew up in business from age seven7 so play was not an option. That became trauma I carried into adulthood. Through this programme, we create space for healing through play. It’s for people who missed out because of work, responsibility, or trauma and for anyone who longs to reconnect with the dreams and freedom of childhood.”
The name Iziko Lam holds deep personal meaning. In her culture, iziko is the hearth (the place where families cook and eat). One night as a child, Mthini and her family sat with her grandmother, helping to keep the fire going even though there was no food in the pot.
Also read: New date for it’s back to playtime for Alex adults
“We call it ukukhwezela umlilo (to ignite the fire so the pot can cook). UMakhulu kept saying ayikavuthwa (it’s not ready yet). She kept opening the pot, adding water, and keeping the fire burning until we all fell asleep. In the morning, she dished us porridge. When we asked what she was cooking at night, she said, ‘There was no food. But we kept the fire burning.’”
That lesson became the heartbeat of her work. “Even when things are not happening, keep the fire burning. Keep doing what you love.”
The same philosophy drives her approach to public relations. “You walk a journey with a person who is not perfect, but you help the world to hear and see their unique story. You help them look good and excel at what they do.”
Mthini is clear about what fulfils her. “I’m not just an MC, I’m an entertainer. My goal is to leave your day filled with laughter, information, and education.” She manages her many roles carefully: “I don’t wear them all at once. I read the room, and I wear the right hat for the right event.”
Balancing business, work and family is not always easy. “I’m human. Sometimes balancing work, business, and kids gets tough. But I’m proactive. I prepare in advance. I don’t wait for things to happen; I make them happen.”
Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!
