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Auxilia Katongomara Saturday Leisure Correspondent
WITH close to three decades in the broadcasting industry, Tilder Moyo-Karizamimba has defied the odds and her profile continues to improve as she is now regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s veteran female broadcasters.Joining, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation at the age of 20, as a “rookie”, Tilder did not know that she would be among the celebrated female broadcasters in the country.

Born at Mpilo Central Hospital in 1966, Tilder attended Induba Primary school in Pelandaba before proceeding to Founders High School for her secondary education.

She had a dream of becoming a journalist and as such proceeded to a journalism school before joining ZBC’s Radio Zimbabwe, then Radio 2 in 1986, as a radio presenter.

Saturday Leisure spoke to the versatile presenter who has won the hearts of many a listener in the country for her no-holds barred shows, that tackle anything from social, the bizarre and the taboo to get an insight into her career  spanning 28 years.

“I joined ZBC as a presenter, worked in the archives and was trained to be a technical operator, as well as hosting musical programmes on Ztv. I have been with ZBC since 1986 until my move to StarFM in October last year,” said the soft spoken presenter.

Tilder said she has been happily married for the past 26 years and is a mother of four, three girls, a boy and now has a son-in-law.
She is however, mostly known for the programme Zvinoitika Muhupenyu , a programme she started on Radio 2 and was held every Sunday morning.

The programme endeared her to many listeners who found her to be a woman of courage, a daring presenter who unravelled controversial issues which sometimes society views as taboo.

The programme tackled satanism, child prostitution, rape and witchcraft, among others. But what motivated her to deal with such issues on national radio?

“I used to go to Sengwayo church during my childhood and we did not believe in witchcraft, even up to now I don’t believe it exists and that is what motivated me to start that programme. I was taught that when we die, its God’s calling, our time on earth will be up and no one can claim to take life other than God himself,” she said.

However, as a journalist, there are certain trials and tribulations that she went through, particularly dealing with issues that society views as taboo.

“I am pushed by the love for people, it is sad to meet people who cannot assist themselves and each day I feel happy when I help someone, but it is not easy, I get threats from various people when I am tackling issues, but I am not shaken. I believe God is there to look after me and at the end of the day, I emerge victorious,” said Tilder.

She recalled one of the incidents where she was threatened by satanists and almost gave up on the story she was pursuing.
“One of the incidents I will not forget is when I was doing a story on children who had been given rings by satanists, I invited the children to the studio and they narrated their ordeal.

However, what scared me most is that one of the kids died when we were still trying to make a follow up and the perpetrator or the satanist kept on calling me threatening to deal with me, I became scared and almost gave up on the sad tale of those children, but I have faith that the Lord conquers,” she said confidently.

As a journalist who has been in the industry for 28 years, one is excused for concluding that she has numerous awards to her name.
“It’s funny because, I do not have any awards, each time I feel I am not ready, even today I feel I haven’t reached where I feel I deserve an award,” said Tilder.

She said one of her career highlights was when she was invited to the State House for lunch by the late First lady Mai Sally Mugabe.
“Back then I used to work with the late Mbuya Miriam Mlambo, I was her producer then and we were invited by the first lady Mai Sally Mugabe for lunch at the State House.

It was one of those rare occasions and we actually spent the day with her and I always remember the day,” she said.
Upon her move to StarFM, Tilder was given the 9-12AM slot  for The Tilder Show.

But the daring presenter has added a slot which has made her more popular, she now tackles marriage and bedroom issues.
“My move to StarFM was very easy, the staff at the station is very welcoming and I did not feel the change. We have since added another topic on marriages and bedroom issues and we call a spade a spade that is why it is held at night. It is a phone-in programme and listeners call in to air their views and most people really like it,” said Tilder who now attends United Methodist Church.

She added that she was happy that StarFM was now streaming live on the internet as more Zimbabweans living abroad can access it and even take part in airing their views.

But what does her family say about the issues she talks about on national radio?
“My husband is very supportive, actually he gives me ideas on what to talk about. He has a rural background and he gives me pointers on how to tackle issues culturally, as I was born and bred in town and have little knowledge of rural life.

“My children are grown up now and they have always supported me. My daughter who is in Australia actually sent me a clip which she says her husband who was listening to one of the shows sent her and we laughed about it because I will be doing my job,” she said with laughter.

Besides being a journalist, Tilder also runs family business and is regularly invited to functions such as weddings, kitchen teas and church events as a guest speaker and marriage counsellor.

She says her favourite music is gospel and her favourite meal is rice, chicken and salads or spaghetti Bolognaise.

Parting shot?

“To the youths, life is changing everyday, things come and go but always be yourself and stay focused on your dreams.
To the young journalists, be original, know your job , be ethical and know that once you are famous your life is a book, open to everyone to read such that when you make a silly mistake,  the papers will sell like hot cakes because you are a celebrity”.

Such is the life of Tilder who says she has managed to stay out of controversy as she is humble, respectful and ethical in dealing with issues.