Redhill alumnus Thomas Hele, who is currently in his third-year at university, has joined the weekend broadcast team at popular South African radio station FiveFm.
Hele, who is actively reading towards a BCom (Philosophy, Politics and Economics), presents the morning campus show at UCT Radio on Friday; and cohosts Tom and Mtha with fellow anchor Mthawelanga Agbiriogu every Saturday morning from 04:00 to 07:00.
“We broadcast from here; it’s kind of interesting because FiveFM is based in Joburg, and we send our stream to them,” Hele said, explaining how he juggles being a student with working for two radio stations in separate provinces.
“In terms of FiveFm, the way we’re working now works, and I appreciate the effort that their team has put into allowing us to broadcast from Cape Town. It’s a little bit against the status quo.”
Hele, whose tenure at the national broadcaster began on April 1, reflected on how his journey as an anchor began while in Grade 9 at Redhill School. In a video interview with Hele on May 3, he recalled how RedRadio began while he was a learner at the school in 2018.
“When RedRadio was started, there was a very clear understanding from the school that the narrative is driven by the students; that it’s not going to be informed by the staff, or the executives at Redhill.,” said Hele. “At the time, I was quite into a lot of the technical things at school in terms of backstage production.
“The school took the chance to give teenagers aged between 14 and 18 a chance to go on air, and say what they want to say,” Hele continued. “They bestowed a level of responsibility on the students who are there, to develop an understanding of what broadcast integrity means.”
Hele intends to continue working while studying in 2025, thankful to have been entrusted with the responsibility demanded by the task. Although, for now, he intends to remain in the Mother City.
“It’s really a dream,” Hele concluded. “One day, if the call comes, and there’s a reason to come up to Joburg, there’s nothing that’s stopping me. Sandton is home. I love Joburg; it’s the heartbeat of South Africa.”
Redhill School’s executive head Joseph Gerassi expressed immense pride in Hele’s achievements.
“Thomas exemplifies the Redhill values of curiosity, courage, and commitment; he has always been a student who lives these values, while also transforming his interests and passions into tangible parts of his life,” Gerassi said.
“His achievements and ongoing contributions highlight the lasting connections and impact that Redhill alumni can have within and beyond the school environment. We are so incredibly proud of him!”
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