Making Waves

I hear the click click of pencil heels before Boni Mchunu walks into the boardroom at East Coast Radio – or ‘Base Camp’ as the sign on the door says. She stands out, even among the bright yellows and reds of the office. The new general manager of KZN’s largest independent radio station is fresh-faced, stylish and composed. We caught up with Boni after just three weeks on the job for a quick Q and A.

Share a bit of your background with us. What sparked your interest in the media industry and what keeps you excited about it?
Well, I actually do not have a media background. I studied marketing and business and project management. I’ve worked for ABSA and Unilever in marketing and was working for Tourism when ECR headhunted me for this position. Marketing is a conduit, really, and has assisted me greatly in assimilating myself to the world of radio.

What have you found most exciting about coming across to ECR, thus far?
The people! I was blown by the ‘can do’ attitude of my team and how vibrant and dynamic they are. I’ve been tasked
with managing KZN’s hottest airwaves and that’s exciting enough, on its own.

How do you see the ECR brand growing under your leadership? What do you hope to improve; what fresh perspective do you hope to bring?
ECR already has a strong, proud brand identity. My predecessor, Trish Taylor, did a phenomenal job in this regard. So, at the moment I think the ECR brand is very good, but now I want to see it become great. I want to see it move from this ‘good’ space into another dimension of brand identity.

What do you do to relax and unwind?

I love KZN and I’m loving Umhlanga Rocks. Put me anywhere in this province and I’ll be happy. If I need to relax, I go for a jog or play a bit of squash. I read motivational books and also spend time with my kids. I’m an avid runner – I’ve done the Nelson Mandela marathon.

Take us through a day in the life of the ECR GM.
As it stands, I’m still in the induction phase! It’s been fun over the past month. I’ve been getting my hands dirty in every department. I’m keen to see how every single part of the station works.

What, do you feel, makes ECR a successful radio station?
The culture. How we do define our culture? We WOW. We are pros at what we do and we show forth greatness. We are in touch with our listeners and the culture of greatness is infused in everything ECR-related, from the music to the content.

What are you most passionate about, in terms of your career?
I’m passionate about growth. Whatever I do, I first evaluate how it will grow me. I believe we are all captains of our destinies – it’s imperative to understand where we have come from and plan where we are headed. As a manager, I’m fair and consistent – I want my staff to reflect this attitude as well.

What do you think people would be most surprised to learn about the inner workings of a radio station?
Well, I was surprised to learn that the deejays don’t choose their own music! Everything we play is pre-set and nicely
programmed. That was a learning experience for me.

And lastly, what inspires you?
I’ve said it before, but greatness. I’m inspired by people who don’t let their circumstances define them. I don’t work well in negative energy; not when there is so much beauty and possibility around us, right here in KZN!