New chapter begins for radio queen Haarmans
Experienced broadcaster kicks off her new gig on Monday at 9am
Seasoned radio anchor Lulu Haarmans will resurface on the airwaves after she joined digital radio station Keith Ngesi Radio (KNR).
Haarmans, whose extensive radio experience includes work as a broadcaster on Umhlobo Wenene FM, Link FM and Radio Grahamstown, said joining the digital station was a “step in the right direction”.
The award-winning radio presenter will host The Aftermath on weekdays from 9am until 12pm.
She starts on May 18. Haarmans made headlines in September last year when the SABC “abruptly” terminated her contract at Umhlobo Wenene FM. She had been hosting her popular mid-morning show Khanya Gqiyazana.
Her departure from the station came as a shock to many listeners, but Haarmans was determined to continue her passion for radio and use the airwaves to reach out to communities and establish “lifechanging” relationships with her listeners.
She described her arrival at KNR as a blessing in disguise as the digital radio space was “a force to be reckoned with, that offers much listening convenience to the audience and it isn’t limited by geographical location”.
“The Aftermath is a community and lifestyle programme show for the aspirant trailblazer and go-getter with the desire to master all spheres of their lives. It’s a show that wants to encourage the listener to break out of their comfort zone and perform to the fullest,” she said.
“There may be many things which hold us back, like our socioeconomic status or personal challenges, but this show aims to look beyond those obstacles.”
“We need everyday icons we can look at and celebrate. If you’re a goal-orientated professional, visionary or on the path to discerning your transformative purpose and are yearning for content that’s relevant in helping you develop, then this show is for you,” said Haarmans.
Haarmans said her introduction to radio in the late 1990s as a news reader was an unexpected occurrence which propelled her career.
When she made her mark on the radio industry it allowed her to fulfil her dream “with just the touch of a button”.
“Social work is something that is very dear to my heart, and being in the radio industry allows me to conduct such work with just the touch of a button. As a radio personality, my core mandate is to establish a relationship with myself and then extend that to others.
“Radio is about the change you bring into someone’s life while contributing thoughtprovoking and practical helpful information for the listener.
“I believe there’s a reason why I joined KNR, we are in the business of broadcast. I’m blessed and honoured,” said Haarmans.
KNR station manager Keith Ngesi said Haarmans was bringing a “wealth of experience” to the station.
“We are happy to have her on board. She’s a hard worker and her passion for radio defies description,” he said. “She brings a wealth of experience.
“Lulu decided to join KNR not as part of growth or exploring new avenues, she’s been there, done that — it’s strictly a business move. She’s on a mission. We welcome her with open arms at KNR.”