Titus Tshungu.
The former radio news reporter, producer and presenter’s road to excellence started in 2015 as a student at TUT’s Journalism Department. He arrived at the University, hungry to become one of the best journalists TUT has ever produced.
Driven by ambition and a desire for success, he was appointed as a news intern at Capricorn FM in 2016, as a second-year student. From then on, he played a variety of roles in the broadcasting industry.
After making a name for himself at Capricorn FM, Power FM and other media houses such as eNCA, he dropped the microphone in 2022 to join the EFF in Limpopo as a Communications Manager. The EFF is currently the third-largest opposition political party, which recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary.
Twelve months later, the Tshungu was promoted to take charge of the party’s communication affairs nationally.
According to Tshungu, his dream has always been to work for the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), however, when the EFF knocked on the door, he saw an opportunity to grow and explore other career fields.
The former radio broadcaster is now back behind the microphone. He has taken over the recently launched EFF podcast as a producer and host for sharing news, entertainment and education without any form of censorship.
He added that he was happy to have the opportunity to practice both communication and broadcasting at the same time.
“There is a lot of work and opportunities to learn in communication. If I had, I’d choose radio just because I love the medium. The EFF needed the platform and I am happy that I was offered this great opportunity. I’m embracing it wholeheartedly,” he said.
Tshungu said it is rather nerve-wrecking to produce and host a podcast that will likely become the centre of political news.
“Once you get behind the microphone you just must apply the basics of journalism. Big names are featured on the show, therefore the pressure is high because I don’t want to disappoint the leader of the EFF, Julius Malema, who showed faith in me, by affording me the chance to lead this podcast,” he said.
His podcasts are received well by viewers and media houses, with many of his episodes making headlines soon after they air on YouTube.
His finest work as a journalist over the years, includes breaking a news story about the brutal murder of aspiring musician, Thoriso Themane, in 2019.
Tshungu said TUT has been one of the biggest contributors to his success.
“It was able to shape me to become the journalist I am today. All credit goes to the Journalism Department. I learned a lot there due to all the challenges I had to overcome,” he said.
He added that TUT’s Department of Journalism has the perfect approach and structure to turn a student into a journalist within the first few months of studies.
Since Tshungu aspires to further his studies at TUT in 2024, he has already applied for an Advance Diploma in Journalism.