adminSOME people rose to fame because of the talent they have, yet for some it is due to the help they have offered to society.
Radio Zimbabwe’s Inhlupho Zalamuhla (Today’s Problems) programme is a darling to many, as it helps to shape their life through guidance in solving their day to day problems.
People around the country tune into the radio on Thursday at 9pm where they share their problems with the hope of finding solutions while some phone in with the passion to assist.
Richard Ndebele is one of the prominent participants who have greatly contributed to the programme. It is his contribution which has given him fame.
In fact, through his contribution and cunning words, producers of the programme had to rope him in to become a panellist.
Ndebele is now a key panellist who has become a common feature of the programme.
“It is always good to assist people when they have family problems,” said Ndebele.
“I started contributing to the programme in 1982 when it was still called Sakhelene Zinini. I could phone in and air my views and eventually producers’ realised that I contributed the most and also liked my words.”
As the name of the programme suggests, its aim is to help people solve their daily problems. However, most of the problems tend to be associated with marital affairs.
“Most issues that we discuss have to do with problems which people encounter in their lives. These problems can be for youths, women or men. We discuss social problems that people face in their daily lives and try to help them with solutions.
“We are so worried on why marriages are being broken on a daily basis. Our hearts as parents tend to bleed when we see families being broken easily. Therefore, the programme addresses all issues that are affecting people.”
When he is not on the programme, Ndebele will be participating like any other ordinary citizen at home.
He, however, prefers to participate from home more than being a panellist.
Born on 10 October 1960, Ndebele believes people of the same tribe must marry each other, as this will reduce divorce cases and problems married couples face.
“People will interpret my view as that of a tribalist but it’s not tribalism. People of the same tribe will understand each other since they are of the same culture.”
He also added that the programme addressed issues faced by youths as they wanted to leave them on the right path.
“It is our desire to leave our children in the right direction. We solve their issues according to the modern way of life. We cannot help them through the old way of life. That will be a challenge,” said Ndebele.
Ndebele has five wives and has eight girls and seven boys. Born at Masase in Mberengwa, Ndebele, who is the last born in a family of eight, encouraged people who have problems to phone in and also notify their partners so that they hear what people are saying about their issue.
He said: “When people phone in, they should also notify their partners or people whom they are having problems with so that they get help. People who participate in the programme will tell the truth hence when one is listening to the programme and people discard his/her idea or what he has been doing, he will certainly change. Therefore, justice will have been done.”
In line with the adage, a problem shared is a problem half solved, Ndebele said people should feel free to air their problems as there was a chance that they could be solved.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter