Age:
35
Country of origin:
South Africa
Favourite food :
Pap and tripe
Favourite music :
African/Kofi Olomide
Favourite player :
Lionel Messi
Favourite team :
Kaiser Chiefs/Chelsea
Tell the world about yourself:
I was born Benjamin Ringeta Rikhotso in May 24 1977 in Limpopo (formerly known as Northern Transvaal) in a village called Matshwi. What is interesting about these place is that it has been ruled by the Queens for the past three hundred years and they were know for their rain charms, that is they are known as “the rain makers”.
I then went to school called Matshwi Primary in 1983, and one didn’t have an opportunity to go to what they call “crèche or nursery school” today. I had to start from grade 0; well it was called standard A during my time. I was too young to start schooling at 5 and half years old and for the first time in my life I failed grade 0 or standard A. However I managed to pick myself up and from 1984 to 1990 I passed my grades with flying colors; maybe that was because of the fear of failure.
In 1991 I saw myself at a High school called Mokope (named after one of the Queens in Limpopo). This is where I was going to spend the next 5 years as a teenager until I complete my metric or grade 12 in 1995. For me it was like a search for heaven on earth, the school didn’t have enough class rooms, no running water, sometimes one had to study through the window due to overcrowding.
Regardless of those circumstances, some of us were able to make the best out of that situation. In my culture (Shangaan) they always say “no force is above god” and I passed my metric with an exemption; that was the best results in my standard and was the only student who set up a record high marks in History ;and without blowing my own trumpet the record still stands since 1995.
I then in 2002 completed my Bachelor’s degree in communications at the University of South Africa (UNISA); and am now working for the SABC as a Producer, Presenter and Reporter etc
INTERESTS
I love sports in general, from soccer to rugby, but soccer, cricket and motor sport are very close to my heart.
PASSIONS
I love radio; from production and being behind the microphone.
PET HATES
Inefficiency, look I hate it! And people who moan about everything and things they can’t change.
CHARACTER TRAITS –
positive
I see myself as a good listener and a great team player.
Negative
I get so impatient when people try to play stupidity or lie.
Where I see myself in 5 years time?
I hope I will be running my own media company that will seek to address skills shortage in the media industry.