Louis wears a smile

MAKHADO – The man at the head of Makhado Municipality’s communications and events department says he always wears a smile.

Louis Bobodi says he was a middle child, the third of six children. “I was raised by a very strict, but loving mother. I am very proud of my mother, because she gave everything to her children and did not let the fact that she was a single parent stop her from giving her all for her children,” he says.

After he completed a degree in public administration at the University of Limpopo, Bobodi completed diplomas in journalism and government communications from Wits University.

After a successful career in journalism, both in print and radio, specialising in politics and sport, Bobodi was appointed Makhado spokesperson in 2007. He became the municipality’s communications and events manager in June this year.

He says he loves his job, because there are no dull moments and the community keeps him on his toes; especially when it comes to service delivery issues.

“I love to be in touch with the community. The only downside is that people rarely give me credit for a job well done.”

In his spare time, he likes to keep up with world news and to watch soccer.

“Most people don’t know that I have an eye for soccer talent.

“During my days at Radio Thohoyandou, I scouted for players and recommended them to Premier Soccer League clubs.

Without mentioning names, I recommended a player from Venda to Gordon Igesund’s Manning Rangers and another from Bloemfontein to Kaizer Chiefs.

“Both players featured prominently in Shakes Mashaba’s Olympics team, which did us proud in Brazil several years ago.

“I am also friends with the Premier Soccer League chairperson and Orlando Pirates boss, Irvin Khoza, although I do not have a soft spot for his team,” Bobodi explains.

He says home is where the heart is and he loves being at home with his family.

“I am a family man and I love my lovely wife, Dorah and my three wonderful children.

“My family is my mainstay, my vim and my vigour,” he says.