From the radio studio to the television screen, Nonhlanhla “Noni” Khumalo has built a career around her love of storytelling, entertainment and connecting with people. The broadcaster, producer and Master of Ceremonies began her journey at Voice of Wits (VOW FM), before moving on to 947 and YFM. She later expanded her work to television, joining SABC’s lifestyle magazine show Trendz Live as a producer and on-screen contributor.

Born and raised in Mabopane, Nonhlanhla’s journey has been shaped by an early love of entertaining people and a determination to make a career in media. Choosing broadcasting over a corporate path, she continued to pursue opportunities that allowed her to develop her voice and bring stories to audiences. Her work has since spanned radio, television and event hosting, with her broadcasting ambitions continuing to grow.

 

Beyond her professional milestones, Nonhlanhla’s story is also one of resilience, faith and personal growth. From returning to school to complete her matric and graduating after six years of hard work to fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a lecturer, finding love and welcoming her son, Mbuso Masinga, each chapter has played a part in shaping the woman she is today. For 10 Moments That Changed My Life, she reflects on the experiences that helped her find her footing, take chances on herself and see long-held dreams become reality.

 

 

1. Starting Work in Retail at 18

 

At 18, I started working in retail while waiting for my plans for the future to come together. It was a season of uncertainty, but the experience taught me independence and gave me an unexpected skill: learning how to take care of my skin and beat my face to the gawds! To this day, I still do my own makeup, and I can trace that confidence back to those retail years.

 

2. Going Back to School at 20

 

At 20, my mom fought for me to go back to school and complete my matric. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I knew that getting my matric would give me a better chance of going to university and creating a future for myself. I had to put my pride aside, start again and trust that this was simply another step in my journey.

 

3. Finding My Voice at 23

 

At 23, my church, Princess Methodist Church, gave me an opportunity that would mean more to me than I realised at the time. I was entrusted with hosting my first official Women’s Day event as an MC, giving me a chance to step into my talent and discover my voice. Today, I’m a seasoned Master of Ceremonies with over a decade of experience.

 

4. Quitting My Job at 25

 

At 25, while pursuing my BCom and building a career at an investment and advisory firm, I had an honest conversation with myself and realised that, despite everything I had built, I knew I belonged somewhere else. I chose to take a chance on myself and discover a path that felt more aligned with who I was and what I was passionate about. So, I took a leap of faith and quit.

 

5. Chasing a Dream at 26

 

At 26, I decided to try my luck at radio again at VOW FM, five years after my first attempt hadn’t worked out. It took courage to put myself forward again after being turned away, but my friend Zabalaza encouraged me to dream again and try my luck one last time.

 

6. Graduating at 27

 

After six years of fighting to complete my degree, I finally graduated at 27. It meant so much to me because I knew how much my family and I had sacrificed to get there. Radio gave me a sense of purpose, while the people around me encouraged me to keep going through the difficult seasons.

 

7. Becoming a Lecturer at 31

 

I always wanted to be a teacher growing up. I come from a family of educators, including my grandparents, aunts, uncles and parents, so teaching was woven into the fabric of my childhood. I remember asking my dad to buy me a chalkboard for my birthday so I could “teach” the children in my neighbourhood in Mabopane.

 

It was a dream I carried with me for years, and at 31, it finally became a reality when I was headhunted to lecture Radio 2 at Boston Media House. Standing in front of a classroom and sharing my knowledge felt like a full-circle moment, with a childhood dream coming to life in a way I never saw coming.

 

8. My Uncles Arriving at My Gate at 32

 

After 13 incredible years together, the man who sacrificed some of his own dreams to help me chase mine, carried me through seasons of grief and patiently stood by me through every chapter took the next step in our journey. He sent his delegation to my parents’ home to formally conclude the lobola negotiations. After 13 years, two lives were finally becoming one.

 

9. Becoming a Mamcita at 33

 

At 33, I gave birth to our beautiful son, Mbuso Masinga, the little boy we had waited and prayed so long for. He made my pregnancy such a beautiful and easy journey, and although his arrival came earlier than we expected, God covered him every step of the way.

 

I cannot believe I’m a mom. God trusted us with the most amazing gift, and I don’t think I’ll ever have the words to fully express what that means to me. How lucky are we to be chosen to love, nurture and raise this little human? How blessed we are to call him ours?

 

10. Realising My Broadcasting Dreams at 34

 

At 34, all my broadcasting dreams came together in one incredible year. I got my own TV show, my own radio show and a podcast that I get to host. Honestly, are you kidding me?

 

Sometimes I have to pause and take it all in because these are the very dreams I once hoped and prayed for. What makes it even more meaningful is that, across all these platforms, I get to do what I love most: connect with people, share stories and positively impact lives. To be trusted with a voice that reaches people in different ways is something I never take for granted.