Maseru
In commemoration of World Radio Day, the Weekly Observer sat down with some of the phenomenal radio personalities who have become household names in Lesotho.
Matemo “Stymo” Ocenea Kolo, Patrick Mots’oene, and Tasha Makhetha shared their unique radio journeys.
World Radio Day is celebrated annually on February 13th, and this year marks its 13th anniversary. The theme for World Radio Day 2025 is: “Radio and Climate Change: A Powerful Tool for Climate Action.”
“I regard myself as differently abled,” said Matemo Ocenea Kolo, popularly known as Stymo. Stymo has made a name for herself and didn’t let her disability prevent her from achieving her dreams.
With a career spanning over 10 years, she continues to raise awareness about disability and motivates others, living out her purpose of impacting and changing lives through her voice.Her love for radio began in 2012 when she listened to Mamontha Motaung and Tholoana Molotsana on Lesedi FM.
“I would mimic them and interview my siblings and cousins,” she recalled.Stymo’s radio career officially started in 2014 when she visited her favorite presenter, Puseletso Mphana, at Harvest FM studios.
“I am thankful and grateful to Ms. Malichaba Lekhoaba for allowing me to showcase my skills and expertise, regardless of my disability.”
One of her proudest moments in radio is meeting her listeners, who often share how she has positively impacted their lives. “One man told me how I carried him through his period of unemployment by imparting wisdom and courage,” Stymo reflected.She highlighted that radio offers much more than just political content, which tends to dominate the airwaves.
She urged people to explore the vast, thought-provoking content radio has to offer.World Radio Day also gives her the chance to reflect on her radio journey and identify areas for growth. Patrick Mots’oene is another figure who has left his mark in the radio world. His journey began at Dope FM, a campus radio station, before joining youth-centric 357 FM, where he quickly proved to be a rising star. Patrick’s passion for radio ignited in 2015 when he was inspired by Quizy DJ.“I am still grateful to him because he was the first presenter I co-hosted a show with, and I learned a lot from him,” Patrick said, praising Quizy DJ for his exceptional presenting skills. Throughout his career, Patrick has crossed paths with seasoned broadcasters like Dee Mphezulu and Tiny Thokoa, who played a pivotal role in shaping him into the accomplished presenter he is today.Patrick considers radio his first love, as it has allowed him to realize his truest potential and purpose in life. “Hosting The Chill Zone with Patrick on Sunday afternoons remains a highlight of my career,” he reminisced. “I produced and presented the show, interviewing public figures such as Liteboho Molise, Mapaseka Koetle, Tokiso Nthebe, and Nomaswati Lets’olo, among others.”However, Patrick expressed frustration over the treatment of radio presenters. “It breaks my heart that presenters are still either underpaid or not paid at all,” he said. He also shared that radio took a toll on his mental health, contributing to his decision to step away. “Exposure does not pay the bills,” he concluded. A rising star in the radio industry is Tasha Makhetha, whose journey began at Mafeteng Community Radio before she joined Bokamoso 974, the largest commercial radio station in Lesotho. Tasha, who holds a diploma in Radio and Television Broadcasting, is one of the few women in the country to host an afternoon drive show.She expressed gratitude to Lintle Lekhanya and Katleho Ts’ehle for making her entry into the industry smoother and encouraging her passion for radio. “Radio has changed my view of the world,” Tasha shared.Tasha draws inspiration from Thando Thabethe, as both host afternoon drive shows. She remains committed to women’s empowerment, particularly in the male-dominated radio industry.In 2024, Tasha had her big break when she emerged victorious in Bokamoso 974’s auditions. “I didn’t see myself working at Bokamoso 974. It was a ‘wow’ moment, and I am really grateful,” she said. “Hosting a prime-time show and stepping into such big shoes made me apprehensive because all eyes were on me.”She acknowledged that the industry requires emotional resilience due to the criticism and scrutiny presenters face. Tasha praised the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) for insisting that broadcasters and journalists hold qualifications, a move she believes elevates the profession.Tasha urged fellow radio presenters to respect their craft and remain authentic. “Nothing beats authenticity,” she said.Having just celebrated her radio anniversary in January, Tasha reflected on her journey with a sense of purpose. “World Radio Day fills me with motivation because I can look back with confidence and say, ‘I now know why God put me here.’ His plans for me are to change lives through my voice, improve my content, and stay true to myself,” she concluded.
