In the fast-paced world of broadcasting, prime-time radio is more than a slot; it’s a platform of influence. At SMU FM, three women are turning microphones into megaphones for change. From early-morning power talks to drive-time debates and sports commentary, Thato Ledwaba, Rose Moreki, and Thandi Caroline Sebola are setting the tone, not only for the station but for the Ga-Rankuwa community at large.
Each presenter leads one of SMU FM’s top shows: The Morning Brew, The Soulful Lounge, SMU Sports, and The Ultimate Drive, bringing their unique voices to conversations that matter.
Thato Ledwaba, host of The Morning Brew, carved her path through passion and persistence. “I started small, volunteering, learning, and consistently showing up. Over time, my voice found its place, and so did I,” she says. For her, being a woman in prime time is deeply personal. “It’s about representation and breaking barriers. It’s reminding young women that they belong in powerful spaces too.”
She uses her platform to drive real conversations. “We talk about mental health, identity, relationships, social justice — the things students are actually dealing with,” she explains. Her goal? “To inform, uplift and remind the SMU community of its power.”
Rose Moreki, who commands the mic on both The Soulful Lounge and SMU Sports, came into radio with a love for storytelling and sports. “When I left Ga-Rankuwa FM, I wanted to be part of another great station that holds its listeners at heart,” she says.
To Moreki, hosting prime-time shows isn’t just about airtime; it’s about reshaping what leadership sounds like. “I don’t just report scores, I explore themes like youth development, gender equality in sport, and community wellness.”
Through her soulful segment, she brings healing and pride to the airwaves. “My voice becomes a connector between lived experience and shared growth.” In both shows, Moreki is driven by a sense of service. “Leadership is about preparing when no one sees you, showing up when it’s hard, and creating opportunities for others. You don’t need permission to lead.”
Thandi Caroline Sebola, host of The Ultimate Drive, entered radio with what she calls divine timing. “Purpose, purpose, purpose! That’s how I found myself behind the mic,” she says. For her, the microphone is not just a tool — it’s a chariot. “I use it to unpack campus issues, celebrate youth wins, and spotlight mental health. I make space for truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.”
Her leadership is grounded in faith and authenticity. “It’s not about position, it’s about presence,” she shares. “I want young women to know they don’t need to shrink to fit. The media needs their voice. Leadership looks like them.”
Together, Ledwaba, Moreki, and Sebola represent more than SMU FM’s prime-time line-up. They are the sound of a university shaping leaders who think critically, speak boldly, and serve their communities.
At SMU, the airwaves are a platform that amplifies not only music and news but the future voices of African leadership. And here, in prime time, women lead.
By Dimakatso Modise
