Meet Sindiso Dlamini, From Memeza Network For Bulawayo Podcasters

Ladies and gentlemen allow me to introduce to you, Sindiso Dlamini the brains behind “Memeza Network” a podcasting network created to provide a safe platform for youths to engage and have conversations that build the youth for the future. The Youth are a critical demographic bulge, whose voice needs to be heard. The Memeza Network is a youth curated platform for millennial discourse, it is poised as a hub for creative to create and publish content online. We had the opportunity to sit down and have a Q and A with her find out what we learned here.

What is Memeza Network?
Memeza Network is a podcasting network created to provide a safe platform for youths to engage and have conversations that build the youth for the future.

How did you zero in on podcasting?
When we first heard about podcasting we thought of our shrunken civic space and unidentified talent among youths and that’s when we first created a channel called “Youth Conversations” which had grown to be Memeza Network. From 1 channel to 10 different channels occupied by young people.

How many podcasters are currently members of Memeza?
Currently the network has about 16 members and some joined as organisations and not individuals which means our number is more than just 16.

Can you tell some of the podcasts being produced at Memeza Network?
We have the BnB show, Uncommon Sense, Peas in the Pod, Verse Connoisseur, Turbo Intelli, Youth Conversations, Usphatheleni just to mention a few.

How can we grow the podcasting industry in Bulawayo?
We need to support each other and have those with established podcast training other youths that are interested in podcasting.

What are some of the obstacles hindering the podcast industry in Bulawayo?
The mentality of competition and lack of support. Very few people from Bulawayo download and listen to podcasts produced here in Bulawayo hence we do not talk about our locally produced podcasts in our networking spaces.

How can we better support local podcasters?
As podcasters we need to help each other share content that we have created so that we can raise awareness about our podcasts. That way we are not only growing local support but working relations as well. Also there is need to acknowledge that podcasting better represents innovation in the 4th Industrial revolution and should therefore have protections for content and funding opportunities.

Which qualifications does one need to start a podcast?
To be a podcast host one only needs their voice and interest in podcasting. No qualification is needed at all but there must be a topic of discussion of course.

Do you podcast yourself?
Yes l do. I am a co-host with Sox The Poet for a show called ‘Youth-Conversations Amid Covid-19’. I have also hosted other shows but that is the major one at the moment.

How is the general public reacting to podcasts? Is there a market?
The market is there it’s just that people aren’t used to podcasting yet. Some do not understand what it is that’s the reason why the market is still a bit low. The more conversations we have on podcasting the more platforms we create for business engagement.

Can money be made from podcasting?
Yes, definitely. Advertising can happen during a podcast since advertising slots are made available and sometimes you can produce podcasts for different people thus making money. Basically podcasts, like all content creation platforms, thrive on networks and traffic. So money can be made through such platforms when they have a solid foundation.

What are the benefits of podcasting?
Podcasts do not fade they can last for many years. You can find them online you. They are also more flexible and have fewer rules and regulations on how to podcast.

If you’d like to record a podcast please feel free to visit our offices we are found at Office 7 Centenary Building Corner 9Ave and Herbert Chitepo. If you’d like you can call Sindiso Dlamini, the hub manager on 0772338121.