Tumie Finds Solace In The Media

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Monday June 14, 2010 00:00

Tumie is not only a presenter with YaRona FM but she also presents a TV show, and is also editor of the life style magazine, Flair.

However, despite her achievements Tumie is not one to blow here own trumpet. She co-presents the YaRonaFM breakfast show, 'The Real Enchilada,' a programme that discusses various issues. 'It is a wholesome meal which offers everything like politics, sports, social issues and great music,' is how she describes the programme. She says there is no pretence about the show and the presenters are being themselves.

Tumie started doing radio shows when she was 11 years of age.  At that time she was in a group of students who were taking part in the Radio Botswana (RB1) social studies programme.

At school Tumie, who was born and bred in Gaborone, was a Sciences student.  Due to her background in Science subjects, she recalls that consciously she wanted to become a pharmacist.  But subconsciously she wanted to work for the media. She never told anyone about this dream but she was always listening to the radio.

Tumie enrolled with the University of Botswana (UB) in the 90s to study for a Bachelor of Science (Bsc). However, she failed the course in the third year and she did not want to repeat it.  Maybe she had realised that this was not her calling. She feels that she was forced to study Science. 

During the time she was at UB, she  worked part-time for YaRonaFM, the only radio station she has ever worked for.  

After abandoning her studies at UB, she enrolled with the Botswana Accounting College for an accounting course. On completing the course, she worked for some local companies. 

But still the passion for radio was beckoning.  She joined YaRonaFM fulltime in 2004 and was doing the mid-morning slot. She has been with the youthful radio station ever since.

As for TV, Tumie started to present 'Molemo wa kgang' talk show last year.   She says after starting with radio, its natural to want to progress into television. 'I have always wanted to do TV but I didn't do anything about it,' she says.

It was only after she came across an advert for 'Molemo wa kgang' presenters that she tried her luck.  She had almost forgotten about the application when she was called for an audition. 

Tumie says the interview panel was not impressed with the manner in which she spoke Setswana. Although her Setswana is perfect, she had a habit of mixing the vernacular with English.

As for the TV programme, Tumie says she is still learning. 'I am learning so much especially from the people that I interview.  It is not only about you dishing out information but you also learn from other people.  I am just like somebody who is watching the show from home,' she says about the TV programme.

TV presentation, she says, is quite different from radio.  When you are a radio presenter people only hear your voice. But as for TV you appear on the screen as well.

In her view, a radio mike can never be as intimidating as TV cameras.  But she describes it as an enjoyable ride for her.Being appointed editor of Flair magazine was another milestone, says Tumie. But she does not claim to have much experience in the print media and is presently learning the ropes at Flair magazine. 

The magazine folded at some stage.  When it was revived, she was approached to take over as editor.  So far she says the reception has been positive. 

Tumie is also acting in an RB drama, Maokaneng as Opelo, a rebellious girl.  She has been in the drama show for some years now and this is one of the projects that she is passionate about. 

Despite her hectic programme, Tumie, a married mother of two, says she always finds time for her family.  In fact she regards herself as a mother above everything.  This is a role she does not ever regret.

Tumie got married to Tebogo Ramsden in 2006.  Her husband, who originates from Sefophe, is an accounting executive for one of the insurance companies.  She credits her husband for being supportive.  He is the one who remains with the kids when her media work takes her away. 

Tumie is also involved in charity work.  She has served on the boards of Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) like the Botswana Red Cross Society and Lifeline.  She is currently involved with Ladies Circle which is engaged in raising funds for charities.  'I am usually involved in charity projects.  I love charity work,' she says.

'I love volunteerism.  I wish more people would be involved in volunteerism.'

Although she does not cite anyone as a role model, Tumie says she appreciates a lot of local women who have made it in different fields.  She respects women who go out and make it without losing their femininity.  She says they should not lose their traditional touch of being women who respect their marriages. 

Tumie admires any woman who strikes a balance between her professional life and the home front. Tumie says she is inspired by people who want to get somewhere in life without trampling on others.