Many know Siphiwo Nzawumbi, better known as “Spitch”, as the bubbly and charismatic presenter at Umhlobo Wenene FM.
However, others might recognised him from his TV days when he kept the audience glued to their small screens with his intelligent use of Xhosa and of course for his striking looks and snappy dress sense. Few, however, know his journey to success.
The 29-year-old is currently a co-host of Sijika’ langa (SJL) a daily show which airs on Monday to Friday from 1pm to 3pm on Umhlobo Wenene FM, an SABC radio station. The show is aimed at empowering the youth with vital information that will change their lives for the better.
He also presented a television show called Ilungelo Lakho, a consumer orientated programme, for nearly three years on SABC 1.
With a strong desire to make a positive change with the youth, he served as chairman of the Young Visionaries Board at the young age of 23. Furthermore, he is the founder of Little Toes Foundation, which aims to help needy children from the most destitute areas with school shoes and bags.
“I have never doubted my abilities; I always knew that I was different from the others. I grew up as an opinionated child. Young people should always believe in themselves and never doubt their capabilities. I have always believed in myself. We should not be afraid to take risky decisions in our efforts to chase our dreams,” he said.
Siphiwo was born in Umthatha, grew up in a loving family and spent most of his childhood in the Eastern Cape. He said when he was in high school he joined the debating and public speaking society when he was in Grade 10. He said within six months they became provincial winners in the Eastern Cape and competed nationally. This, he said, enhanced his debating skills and boosted his confidence.
He completed his matric in 2006 and enrolled at the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) for a National Diploma in Journalism.
He took a conscious decision to primarily focus on broadcasting as that was his passion. But his parents were not quite convinced with his choice and wanted him to pursue a law degree. However he had already made up his mind.
Within six months at WSU he landed his first radio job as a newsreader for campus radio. But not only that, he was also dong well in his studies and scooping distinctions. He said when he was on air he gave it his all. This, he says, afforded him an opportunity to do voice-overs for local and international brands.
He completed his studies in 2010 and opted to study towards obtaining his BTech after he completed his internship programme. He landed his first job in 2012 as a communication officer in Parliament to kick-start his promising career. But he emphasised that at the age of 19 he realised there were plenty of opportunities for him in the industry.
He said he was no longer thinking of only looking at being employed but he knew that he was different from others and he was an asset. He worked in Parliament for two years but felt he could do more than just being a communication officer and therefore resigned from Parliament in 2013 without any plan. But in his mind he felt that he had done his job and he needed to move and explore other things.
Siphiwo said he also felt that it was the right time for him to pursue his passion for broadcasting. However, he said his family never took his decision of resigning from his permanent job well. Nonetheless, he had made up his made.
He said in 2014 he got a job at the SABC as a content researcher for the Election Debate show. This, he says, opened many doors for him as in the same year he was hired to present Ilungelo Lakho. But he said after some time he felt that he had reached his time at the show and again resigned in search of greener pastures. Siphiwo said in 2016 he freelanced and had a short stint as a newsreader at Radio 2000. He was then offered a job at Umhlobo Wenene.
Describing himself as a go-getter and a compassionate soul, he said he was now strategising and planing to launch an initiative called Masterclass with Spitch.
He said the idea behind this initiative was to gather professionals in different fields and through them equip people with crucial knowledge and skills.
He said he plans to return to television and wants to be more involved in producing shows and hopes to launch his own company soon.