It’s about family and values
How did you become interested in the media business?
My radio career started on campus. In February 1990 I bumped into DJs David Yapp and Mark Burgess and the rest, as they say, is history. When did you first achieve success?
My parents, and the value system they helped me achieve, have been key to my journey. I have been blessed with amazing opportunities and I’m a big believer in destiny.
On September 10, 1996, just after 11.10am, at Capital Radio 604 studios on South Beach, the producer for my show secured an interview for me with Mariam Seedat.
I enjoyed the conversation so much I asked her to marry me. Six months later, we two were one.
From my perspective, success is being happy and healthy. I strive to be happy in all that I do. It’s easier said than done, but if I can continue to smile, if I can provide for my family and make a positive contribution to my community and country, then I’ve achieved success. What made you choose the education sector?
I wanted to make a contribution to the university that helped me. I was a kid from Overport with stars in his eyes. DUT helped to position me to make the most out of my professional life, creating lifelong friendships. At first what work did you do – what sort of jobs did you have?
I started as a Tannoy announcer for Makro, reading out store announcements. I went on to be a club DJ, journalist and radio presenter. I co-hosted a breakfast TV show on SABC2 and held many other positions in broadcasting. How did you get where you are?
Being honest, working hard and giving of my best. Protecting my reputation and credibility – and listening to my wife. What problems or challenges consume you daily?
Higher education is challenging – more so in recent times. Personally, it is the safety and security of my loved ones. My weekend worries are about Everton winning. How do you choose key staff ?
I try to assess their attitude, often asking about non-workrelated things. I look for an allround professional who is a team player. I also read people’s social media profiles. What benefits do you have over competitors?
What you see is what you get – big, bold, bald and beautiful. What has been the reaction to your efforts over the years?
I’ve had loads of positive feedback from my media efforts. I realise not everyone will like me and I respect that.
At DUT, I strive to be honest and respectful and realise that, ultimately, it is just a job and I should also not stress about the things I cannot directly control. I cannot worry about the weather, the traffic or if Everton will move to a new stadium.
What I can do is lose more weight, invest more time with my children and spend more romantic moments with my beautiful wife. What is your most popular product or service?
At DUT, we produce graduates who can contribute to the world of work. They are armed with the education and skills to move on. What they do with that is their decision. On radio, I love promoting the good that people do. I also enjoy creating awareness of health and nutrition and educating and entertaining those who share their precious time with me on Lotus FM.
As a corporate MC, I strive to give my clients my maximum effort. I’ve been fortunate to have been involved in fabulous events, from Madiba’s 83rd birthday celebrations to the chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association Maritime Safety Conference. It has been a memorable journey. What mistakes have you made?
I spent my thirties eating highcarb, high-sugar fast food. Big mistake. But it’s never too late to change and become healthy. It’s a long road to do it the right way and there are no short cuts, especially when your life depends on it. What is the greatest thing you’ve learned in business?
No leader can do it alone. If you lead a group of people up a mountain and reach the top alone, you’re not a leader, you’re just a hiker. Leaders ensure they inspire people to reach goals, that success is achieved through teamwork and by using the strengths and skills of many. What is the most important advice you have for young business people?
The choices you make will dictate the life you lead. If you are unsure about making a decision, listen to your instinct. Then think: will my mother be happy to read this about me in the newspaper? What advice would you give to people thinking of entering your industry?
If you want to be a radio presenter, remember to be yourself. That means be original. You must also stand out from the crowd and ensure you have good general knowledge, are an excellent storyteller and, in today’s digital world, you must be a social media master as radio is no longer just airwaves. What would you change in your business life if you could?
I wish I had completed my masters degree in 2003. What type of clients do you have?
At DUT, our target market includes senior primary and high school pupils, matriculants, their parents or guardians, staff, our alumni and stakeholders. At Lotus FM, it was our audience on air and online and our clients, who invest with the brand to promote and grow their businesses. What helped you grow in the industry?
“I’ve been fortunate that my reputation and credibility remained intact. Most of my work as a private/corporate MC or programme director came through word of mouth.
I have solid relationships with people and when they hire me, I give my total commitment. This recipe has worked for me for two and half decades. Having my photo on the ICC Durban Wall of Fame also helps. Do you keep up with technology or gadgets?
Yes, gadgets are my weakness, from digital devices to drones. Do you watch TV or movies and what is your favourite movie?
I watch sport. I’m into sci-fi and action movies. I like to be entertained. I want the movies to make me happy and not leave me sad and depressed.
Currently, I’m into Game of Thrones, The Fixer, Blackish, The Big Bang Theory and The Good Wife, most of it on Catch Up. I watch the news regularly. What is your greatest achievement?
My happy marriage, my fabulous sons, the consistent love and respect of my parents and mother-in-law and continued career in the competitive world of broadcasting. How do you interact with people with whom you’ve competed or crossed swords?
I respect everyone’s right to an opinion. I may not always agree, but who am I to judge your action or intention. However, you must also accept my right to hold a view and to have an opinion.
I do not willingly engage in conflict – unless it’s football banter on match day. But when conflict does happen, I try to remove the emotion from the situation and focus on finding a way forward. What hurdles or obstacles have you overcome?
I have full vision in only one eye, but I’ve never let that affect my life. No excuses. What would previous teachers, co-workers or managers say about you?
When I resigned as chief executive of Jacaranda FM, they gave me a memorable farewell. Last year, my wife asked friends, family and colleagues to contribute to a memory book in my honour and I was in tears again, reading those messages.