Midday Joy: Anele Mdoda admits there’s a “boys club” in radio
By: Natasha Archary
“I don’t just take on the males in the industry, I am taking on the females too. I’m here to take on everyone. Everyone! Let’s go.” – Anele Mdoda
Radio and TV personality Anele Mdoda joined Unathi on Midday Joy for a much-needed catch-up. Unphased by her recent trolling on Twitter after pics of her in a yellow bikini went viral, the popular talk host called social media streets her playground.
“I understand that Twitter can get very acidic but I’m okay there. It’s a playground. There are people from all walks of life, smart, pretty, poor, rich. I didn’t have clicks in school. I can get along with anyone on the playground.” Anele shared with Unathi.
The two spoke about the “boys club” in the media industry and Anele admitted that there is one. Being constantly compared to male radio personalities across the country, she told Unathi that she’s tired of that comparison.
“I always avoid those questions that start with, ‘Oh you’re a female amongst the boys!’ No! I’m a broadcaster amongst other broadcasters.” Anele said.
It’s this mindset that has followed Anele Mdoda throughout her 18-year career in radio.
Where it all began
Her radio career began at TUKS FM, the University of Pretoria’s campus radio station in 2003.
“There was an unwritten rule from then already that a woman would never get drive or breakfast!” Anele stated.
The two most sought after time-slots on radio were predominantly given to male hosts. Other time slots like brunch, lunch and evening were the only options for female broadcasters.
Anele told Unathi that she avoided “the boys club” by refusing to be a co-host to anyone again.
She spoke about her show with Grant Nash at 5FM where she played co-host to Grant during 12h00-15h00.
“See even there, the show was called Grant and Anele. Luckily Grant wasn’t inclined by that rationale and would always include me.” Anele shared with Unathi
While there, Anele was excluded from show meetings and wasn’t given the opportunity to weigh in on key decisions. She parted ways with 5FM knowing where the glass ceiling was.
Serving Breakfast
Since then, Anele has come a long way and now hosts her own breakfast show on 947, Anele and The Club. Her signature husky voice and infectious personality has made her one of the most loved radio hosts in the country.
She keeps things real and isn’t afraid to make fun of herself both on-air and on social media. The 37-year old is also a TV host on Celebrity Game Night SA and The Voice SA.
Her work ethic comes from watching her parents who both worked hard. Anele’s dad is still working although he’s retired. Despite their work, her parents were both present in her life as well as her siblings lives.
She spoke about her late mom who passed in 2009 still being a huge presence in her life.
“The beauty of making peace with my mother’s death is accepting that her lessons will be heightened,” she explained to Unathi.
The outspoken personality doesn’t know what to do with herself at an event where she’s not working. She’s so used to having a role at events, that she admits to being awkward when attending an event just to attend an event.
Her advice to anyone who wants to break into the media industry is to not be fooled by the “glitz and glamour.”
“You must be willing to start at the bottom and put in the time. Secondly, you must not do it for the fame and finally, you have to be yourself.”
Listen to Anele Mdoda’s full interview on Midday Joy with Unathi:
MORE ARTICLES
“I will always celebrate you” – Connie Ferguson on the 23rd wedding anniversary with her late husband, Shona Ferguson
High accident hotspots to be monitored by police 24/7 this festive season
Miss SA Mia Le Roux unveils the national costume for the 73rd Miss Universe
SA Weather Service warns of a heatwave
The Lotto Results for Saturday, 30 November 2024
QUICK LINKS
UpComing Shows
Feel Good
With Andy Maqondwana
Feel good about feeling good! That's exactly what The Feel-Good show is about. An escape from the negativity that surrounds us, indulging you in good feels. Pass it on to one and all. Spread the good feeling around Gauteng with Andy Maqondwana.
close
Kaya Biz
With Gugulethu Mfuphi
The world of business is simplified for you by Kaya Biz with Gugulethu Mfuphi. This fast-paced award-winning business show talks to the corporate giants as well as up and coming entrepreneurs about their wins and challenges. Gugulethu invites guests to offer their analyses of markets and economies, and also delves into issues of personal financial wellness. Kaya Biz airs Mondays to Thursdays 18h00 to 19h00.
close
Point of View
With Phemelo Motene
Point of View with Phemelo Motene delves into the day’s current affairs, touches on real issues that affect people’s daily lives and shares expert advice on questions posed by the audience. Mondays to Thursdays 20:00 to 22:00.
close
959 Music Weekdays
Kaya 959 Hits
Real. Familiar. Memorable. Kaya 959 brings you the music you know and love from our playlist. Uninterrupted. Thursdays 20h00 to 21h00
close
The Best T in the City
With T Bose
He has held it down in the world of mid-morning radio with the best music, riveting topics, brilliant mixes and interesting guests. Every weekday, The Best T proves why he is the BEST by connecting to you like only your bro or favourite uncle could. He lets his listeners dictate the songs they want to hear in the ever-popular Top 10 at 10, and his Three Teaspoons never run out. Catch The Best T in the City Mondays to Fridays from 09h00 to 12h00.
closeConnect with Kaya 959
DownLoad Our Mobile App
