To play their part in creating a positive society, a Motherwell trio started a podcast to uplift, recognise and expose talented residents in Gqeberha to the world.
They do this on a nonprofit basis while juggling full-time jobs.
Initially, Kunjani Podcast founders Luvuyo Windvoel, Mzwanele Bennie and Philiswa Vutha-Mtombeni interviewed well-known and unknown Nelson Mandela Bay talent about their work and aired the audio interviews on community radio station Kingfisher FM.
When their six-month contract with the station ended, they did not give up.
Instead, they created their own studio in a garage in Motherwell, where they invite guests to share their stories.
Now, Kunjani Podcast is accessible on YouTube and global streaming platform Spotify.
Over time, they have interviewed several well-known Gqeberha personalities including Umhlobo Wenene presenter Mafa Bavuma, the late Bulelani Koyo, jazz singer Dumza Maswana, football legend Patrick Mayo, multi-instrumentalist Bongani Tulwana, radio personality Sinbad Sizani, ex-professional soccer player Eddie Ngalo and poet Lelethu “Poetic Soul” Mahambehlala.
From small business owners to fashion designers, musicians, footballers, comedians and more, they will stop at nothing to hear and share inspiring stories from Nelson Mandela Bay’s go-getters.
“We noticed that our communities are filled with lots of people who are silently depressed with happy pictures, and yet we are blessed with tons of talented unsung and unknown icons in different areas such as music, comedy, fashion design, entrepreneurship and more,” Windvoel said.
“The biggest challenge though is that most of our people are silently suffering from depression.
“The rate of suicide is gradually rising, some have given up on life, and some are struggling artists.”
While they possessed immeasurable talent, Windvoel said the city’s entrepreneurs and artists lacked confidence and hope, and suffered from anxiety that pushed them to alcohol and drug abuse.
“Some resort to alcohol and drugs due to a lack of growth and support in whatever they are pursuing,” he said.
By driving conversations about people’s different journeys, Kunjani Podcast seeks to send out a message of hope, and educate and encourage listeners while providing a platform for their interviewees to access a wider audience.
The podcast is the brainchild of Windvoel, who said he carried stories of people making a positive impact in Nelson Mandela Bay.
“This idea came to me last year.
“I happen to know a lot of people and what they do in Gqeberha but I had never thought to do anything about it,” Windvoel said.
“Last year, it came to me that I should start a podcast to share these good stories.
“I shared this idea with [Vutha-Mtombeni] who I go to church with, and [Bennie] who I met in a taxi and maintained contact with.
“When I told him about this idea he said he had always dreamed of doing something similar but did not know how to go about it”
So far, the podcast has garnered 747 YouTube subscribers and their Facebook page has 454 followers.
They promote the podcast on social media platforms including TikTok, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
“It’s amazing how well people have received us,” Windvoel said.
“It’s as if they have been waiting for a platform like this.
“We expected people like Mafa Bavuma to say they are too busy but they have really availed themselves.”
He said they were open to sponsorships and partnerships with businesses and individuals who shared a common passion to tell positive stories about the Bay.
The podcast can be reached by contacting kunjanipodcast@gmail.com or 064-016-2863.
HeraldLIVE
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