Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Tilder Moyo, better known as “Tete Tilder”, both on and off the air, embodies a powerful role that resonates deeply within her community.
In Shona culture, a tete (aunt) is highly respected, especially during significant rituals like marriage, where her influence is crucial.
Not only is she a vocal presence, but she also possesses the authority to halt marriage negotiations if she disapproves.
Aunts are seen as the intellectual, cultural and moral guardians of marriage practices, sharing invaluable wisdom with newly-weds.
In this light, Tilder, a part-time presenter at Star FM, has fully embraced her traditional role while showcasing her broadcasting skills.
With her gripping topics, jaw-dropping stories, and impactful philanthropic initiatives, Tilder is truly “healing” and entertaining the nation.
Born a natural problem solver in Bulawayo and raised in a Christian household, Tilder has encountered a wide range of issues, from Satanism and gender-based violence to witchcraft, child neglect, and mental health struggles.
She has become a go-to source for those dealing with such challenges.
Now a veteran broadcaster with many followers on social media, Tilder commands respect and attention in the industry.
She might not need an introduction to Star FM listeners, but her programmes have often divided opinion.
Two of her shows — “Zvinoyera Zvinoshamisa Zvinoda Kufumurwa” and “Secrets and Confessions” — have particularly endeared her to fans.
Her Tilder Foundation Trust has also earned the presenter widespread praise and recognition, with accolades now following her.
Fate
However, the Founders High School (in Bulawayo) product’s entry into broadcasting came as a miracle.
She defied the odds by joining the broadcasting industry soon after high school. Reflecting on how she made it into radio, Tilder emphasised that it was by God’s grace.
“When I finished high school, I had many career options because I met all the entry qualifications,” she recalled.
“I could have gone to university or teacher training college, but I opted to work as a ‘tea girl’ (messenger) at a pharmacy in Harare. One day, I met a stranger along the First Street Mall, who informed me and other girls in my company that the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) needed presenters and I seized the opportunity to attend the auditions.
“It was not easy, though, since I had a small frame and the person in charge of training, Godwin Mbofana, could not believe I was ready to work. He took us through the drills and I easily impressed him because I was multilingual and professional. Back then, they were serious about radio; you could not present if you were not good at the production side of it.”
Tilder’s journey began in 1986 at ZBC, where she presented several programmes, including “Rudziya Kamwe” on Radio 2 (now Radio Zimbabwe), “Kwaziso”, “Nguva Yevarwere”, “Sanganai Neidzi” and “Muguchu Munei?”
She quickly established herself alongside other broadcasting legends.
“After that rigorous on-the-job training, I found myself presenting the popular ZTV musical programme ‘Mutinhimira Wemimhanzi’, alongside Gift Msipa, Eric Knight and John Phiri,” she recounted.
“I achieved all this in a short time and later joined Star FM, where I now work on a part-time basis. To me, radio is a calling and I enjoy the conversations with fans, which bring me closer to them.”
Courage
With many of Tilder’s old and new fans questioning her choice of radio programmes, she believes she is simply following her passion.
“People always ask me where I get the courage to interview individuals with strange tales, but my answer is that this is a calling. I do not even fear talking to people with spiritual attack issues like goblins because I know I am pure,” she explained.
“I once interviewed a child who was being slapped by unseen beings. While it affected my well-being, I continue to pursue this path.”
Tilder, who belongs to the golden generation of radio presenters, acknowledges that her originality has worked in her favour.
“The major gap between the presenters of our generation and the current crop is the nature of training and grooming,” she said.
“During our time, we valued radio and there were trainers who taught us the ropes, allowing us to feel proud after undergoing the training.
“I am not sure about nowadays because some of the presenters lack that aspect of training or have the wrong trainers ushering them into the world of radio journalism.”
Benevolence
With a huge following on social media, Tilder is not only monetising it, but also leveraging it to assist the poor.
“I noticed that I had become an influencer with a following of over 1,5 million, which led to the formation of the Tilder Foundation Trust,” she said.
“People have been reaching out to me, and I have been using my following to connect with many people, which has changed many lives.”
She provided examples of her impactful work.
“Two years ago, we built a house for three children aged 14, eight and seven who had been abandoned by their parents. After interviewing them, we constructed a house for them, while some well-wishers contributed furniture and food,” said Tilder.
“There is another woman who has been caring for children in Norton, for whom we recently gifted a house in recognition of her philanthropic work. This is what I enjoy doing. I could go on and on about the people we have assisted, but I do this out of passion and love for helping others.”
With 39 years in broadcasting, the veteran broadcaster wants to be remembered as a life changer, a trait she learnt at church.
“Growing up in Bulawayo, I attended the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) of Southern and Central Africa, which was led by the late Reverend Morgan Sengwayo, where I learnt the important aspects of life, especially sharing, bravery and kindness,” she said.
“I was groomed to be who I am and my experiences at ZBC, Star FM and my first job as a ‘tea girl’ made me strong. I had to humble myself and work as a messenger, even though I had qualifications for other jobs, which shaped me into the strong woman I am today.”
With many people looking up to her, Tilder insists that she is not a rich woman, but has connections that have changed many lives.
“Many people share their stories with high expectations of receiving help and I do my best to ensure they get assistance. I am not someone who flaunts wealth because I do not have that capacity,” she said.
“I am not even a businesswoman, but I believe in the power of sharing what we have as a community.
Sometimes we just need to share our challenges as a way of reaching out to one another for the benefit of the less fortunate.” As she indicated her preference to be called tete, the veteran broadcaster’s legacy is set to leave a lasting impression.
Online Reporter