She deals with matters of the heart

LIMPOPO – Tsakani Mathye (45) is one of Giyani’s busiest women.

The mother of three is an “agony aunt”, an advisor at a radio programme at Giyani Community Radio (GCR FM), aptly named Ta le Mbilwini (matters of the heart).

Mathye, aware she had a natural gift for communication, always dreamt she would work in radio. An opportunity presented itself when a former learner at the school where Mathye teaches roped her in as a guest presenter.

The caring teacher was invited to share the feminine perspective of a problem a guest on the show was having. The show proved to be a hit and Mathye was invited a few more times until she was officially made co-presenter.

“Our station recently turned a year old, and shows and presenters were shuffled around, however I retained my position with Ta le Mbilwini, and was given a second show, Jazz Beats to co-present on Saturday evenings. I was ecstatic. To me it proved that I am doing a great job,” shares Mathye who is affectionately known as Hahani (aunty) Tsaki to her listeners. The show is a late night show which Mathye says is a great thing as it does not interfere with her teaching career.

Mathye is a school teacher at Jim Rhangani High School in Jim Nghalalume outside Giyani. Before being known as a radio presenter, many people recognised her as a champion netball player who still plays and coaches netball in her community and at the village she teaches. Being a fit and healthy person is what provides Mathye with the energy she needs to fit in all her responsibilities and roles.

A typical day for her requires her leaving home at 06:30 to go to school and returning at 16:00 after coaching netball practise at her school. This is followed by her team’s practise as a player, followed by a couple of hours at helping her children with schoolwork and her own post-graduate studies.

Mathye cites being organised and also being able to prioritise as a means to successfully navigate her different demanding roles on a daily basis.