As we are celebrating 60 years of Umhlobo Wenene FM get to know me - Tozama “Sis Toz” Ngcongolo, better

1. Define Tozama “Sis Toz” Ngcongolo to us

Sis Toz is a born again Christian who loves and fears God. A woman of devotion. She is an enthusiastic, hard working woman. A person who acknowledges that “she does not know it all” and therefore has a teachable heart and a correctable spirit. Sis Toz “is not perfect” (as only Jesus is perfect) but always strives to do things in an orderly and professional way. Sis Toz respects everyone – young and old. She chooses her words carefully when talking to people and when that is not reciprocated, she gets rubbed the wrong way. She hardly ever raises her voice and when you shout at her, you bring the worst out of her. She is very patient with people.  She is a Social Worker by Profession.

2. Who inspired you to love radio and why?

I grew up listening to Radio and I loved the children’s Sunday school program which was hosted by Tat’uGiven Ntlebi. Oh I felt SO loved when he would say “Bantwana bam, Oh ndiyanithanda, ndiyanithanda, ndiyanithaaaanda”. His LOVE of and Dedication to his work inspired me.  

I am not sure if people are aware that I am the daughter of Kolekile Norman Ngcongolo – uNomenti, who was a Radio Bantu/ Radio Xhosa On Air Presenter - Umsasazi. I may not have been aware then that I was inspired by my Dad, but only knew that I was his number 1 supporter and Fan. I however realized that my Dad inspired me when I started working within the Radio Space. His commitment inspired me.

Before I joined Umhlobo Wenene, I was approached by a  Christian Community Radio Station, based in Cape Town to join the Radio Station. Before I knew it, I found myself hosting a Program at the radio station. This was from 2002–2006. I left the Radio Station due to my hectic work schedule, as a social worker, who, besides her normal working hours’ duties, was also involved in the Child Abuse After Hours Counselling center.   

3. How did I join Umhlobo Wenene Radio?

It was in 2009, around September / October. I was directing a Memorial Service program. Apparently, in the midst of the audience, was Bhut Zola Yeye, who, after the Service requested my contact details, which he said he was going to forward to Umhlobo Wenene Religious Executive Producer for me to audition for a Children’s Sunday School program which was then known as Bavumeleni Abantwana Beze Kum. (The program is currently known as Sakh’Abantwana kuKholo Nengqiqo). The rest is history. Bhut Zola Yeye’s belief in people (me) inspired me.

4. What does radio mean to you and what drives you to do what you do?

Radio to me is a platform to share who I am and what I know. It is also a platform to learn from the listeners as I believe that “Everyone has something to contribute”. All we need is “LOVE”. I am driven by the love for people. When talking to them on air, I always wear my “Wall2Wall” smile, as I realize that someone out there may need that smile to soothe a heavy soul, to ease an overwhelmed mind and to heal a broken heart.

5. If you were not on radio, what would you be doing?

I believe that I was called to “work with people” and therefore I would be “doing” people. Fortunately, Radio allows me to do that, as I am still “doing” people on air.  

6. What would you like people to remember about you?

I would love them to remember that, whatever I did; I did it to the best of my ability. I gave it my ALL.

7. State 5 facts that we don’t know about you

·         I am VERY shy – believe it or not

·         I cry when I am happy and when I am sad. As a result those close to me call me “Ms. Lila”

·         I do not have children of my own BUT I have CHILDREN as many as the stars who I love to bits.

·         I laugh like there is no tomorrow

·         I can be naughty at times – just a little thou.

8. What’s your favorite ’60s song that you still listen to?

South African Artist would have to be Miriam Makeba’s “Pata-Pata”.

International Artist is Percy Sledge’s “When a man loves a woman.” (It reminds me of my Dad)

9. What is the best gift you've ever received?

Love and Discipline from my loving parents (Uthando nengqeqesho). Oh bandithandile abazali bam, bandiqeqesha, bandifundisa imbeko, ukumazi, ukumhlonipha nokumhlonela umntu. I will forever be grateful to God for giving them wisdom and means to raise me in the manner they did. May the souls of my dear mother, Nondumiso Beauty Ngcongolo intombi yakwa Fundzo, and my loving father, Kolekile Norman Ngcongolo, Rest in ABSOLUTE Peace and rise in glory.

10. What are your social media handles?

Facebook – Tozama Ngcongolo

11. What role has Umhlobo Wenene FM played in your life?

It has widened my knowledge. It has strengthened my resilience

12. Umhlobo Wenene FM turns 60 years this year: what does being part of this massive and successful brand mean to you?

This to me means that there is something that the Leadership and employees of Umhlobo Wenene are doing right.  It further means that “Birds of the same feather flock together.” Therefore, the fact that I am part of a successful brand means that “Success is also my portion”

13. Give us 5 of your clan names?

Bhayi, Khetshe, Msuthu, Gwaca, Mvundle 

14. What is your favourite traditional meal?

Umngqusho

15. Last but not least: give us a message for your listeners

One of the fruits of the spirit is “Patience”. Baphula- phuli baka Khanya Gqiyazana Womhlobo Wenene, Ndinithanda isduuudla sento engaphezu ko Sis Toz.