Zintle Ngqeza is ready to bring a fresh and vibrant voice to the airwaves.

Image supplied.

TruTalent 2026 has kickstarted and the final top 16 are about to show what they have as the elimination rounds begin this coming week. And honestly, it is always inspiring to see platforms like these open doors for young talent, especially at a time when many aspiring broadcasters are eager to see themselves on bigger stages while pursuing their dreams.

And now contestants have already begun sharing their journeys as voting lines open, with supporters rallying behind their favourites to keep them at the top. This year’s competition promises to be an exciting one, and audiences are eagerly waiting to see who will ultimately walk away as the winner and step into a life-changing opportunity in broadcasting.

Among the standout voices is vibrant broadcaster Zintle Ngqeza, who many viewers recognise from her energetic television show The Hangout on MpumakapaTV. As she prepares to step into the professional broadcasting studio this week to showcase her radio talent, she reflects on the journey that brought her to this moment.

Zintle Ngqeza, a qualified film and television maker and broadcaster, says her love for media began in an unexpected yet heartwarming way during childhood.

“My journey into media actually started during bonding moments with my paternal grandmother,” she recalls. “She would ask me to massage and style her hair while we listened to the radio, especially during the times of Masigoduke noKC. I was always curious about the voices I heard on the radio.”

April 2026 Edition

ZAR 30.00

Buy Now

Her curiosity led to a memorable childhood moment when she attempted to open the back of the radio to find where the voices were coming from, a move that earned her a well-deserved punishment. However, instead of discouraging her, the experience deepened her fascination with broadcasting and the media world.

Although her passion was clear, Zintle explains that pursuing the arts was not initially supported at home. “My purpose was redirected towards academics because art and media were perceived as industries not worth pursuing according to my father,” she says. “But creativity eventually called me back.”

Her first real opportunity came eight years ago at a community radio station where she hosted her own three-hour show. Interestingly, she did it secretly.

“I was doing the show without my dad knowing because my passion was burning so strongly,” she explains with a laugh. “I couldn’t risk being stopped from doing what I love.”

Since then, she has continuously searched for opportunities that would help her grow as a broadcaster and creative, a journey that has now led her to TruTalent 2026.

Her road to the competition’s top 16 was not straightforward. Zintle first auditioned in Gqeberha but did not make the cut. Instead of giving up, she followed her instinct and travelled to the next audition location, KuGompo City.

“My gut told me to try again because iPhupha lomntu alifi umntu walo esaphila (a person’s dream does not die while they are still alive),” she says.

Her determination paid off. Although she did not initially receive the callback she expected, she later discovered on social media that she had been shortlisted.

“The first post I saw online was from TruFM announcing the shortlisted candidates, and there was my name. I cried because I had been manifesting that moment. It validated that I am on the right track with my career.”

Now part of the competition’s top 16, Zintle will soon be introduced to the SABC airwaves by co-hosting on TruFM’s TruDrive show from 3pm to 6pm, on the 7th of April 2026. While the opportunity comes with pressure, she says she is ready to rise to the challenge.

“I’m bringing my personality and a fresh vibe,” she says confidently. “Not just to the show I’ll be co-hosting, but to the station at large. I believe I am a voice that can complete the puzzle of TruFM.”

As the competition moves into elimination rounds from the 10th of April 2026, Zintle knows the role that public votes will play in determining who advances.

“I’m definitely ready,” she says enthusiastically. “But I need the public to support me with votes so I can move to the next round and bring my dream closer to reality.”

She is also determined to take her campaign beyond social media, engaging directly with the public to earn their support.

“I promise them their votes will not be in vain,” she adds. “My voice and vibe are fresh and captivating.”

Supporters who wish to back Zintle can vote by SMSing ‘TruTALENT 16’ to 39721.