MBABANE – Veteran broadcaster Gcebile Mvubu, fondly known on the Eswatini airwaves as ‘The White Hippo’, bid farewell to listeners on the popular siSwati programme Vuka Ngwane Sisukusule on EBIS Radio.
The Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS) announced on their socialedia pages that Mvubu would host her last show on Wednesday at 1315hrs, bringing to close a broadcasting journey that has spanned more than a decade and left an indelible mark on the national broadcaster’s listeners.
In a statement, EBIS thanked Mvubu for her dedication, passion and contribution to the station, noting that her voice and vibrant on-air personality would be greatly missed by the programme’s loyal listeners. The broadcaster wished her well in her future endeavours.
During her farewell broadcast on EBIS 1 at 13:15, Mvubu reflected on her journey in radio. She revealed that her broadcasting career began on Channel YemaSwati, where she presented a programme titled Imvuselelo. She recalled that her audition was conducted by media veteran Qhawe Mamba, who asked her what was written in John 14.
Mvubu said she worked for the television station for six years before joining the radio service. She said she was employed at EBIS in May 2012, but did not go on air immediately. Instead, she underwent six months of intensive training, during which she already longed for the opportunity to present her own show.
She said she initially started on the English channel but struggled to express herself properly in English. Once she was given an opportunity on the siSwati channel, she said, she found her voice and flowed naturally.
Asked how she maintained her bubbly and cheerful persona as the White Hippo over the years, Mvubu attributed it to discipline and professionalism. “One thing you have to master as a broadcaster is composure and never coming to work with your emotions,” she said.
Mvubu also clarified where she is moving to, after listeners raised questions about her departure. She said that in February 2026, His Majesty officially launched the Parliament Television and Radio station. She said she was fortunate to be among the broadcasters selected to join the National Parliament Radio, where listeners will continue to hear her voice.
EBIS concluded by thanking Mvubu for being part of its family, stating that her voice, dedication and contribution would always be appreciated, and wished her nothing but success in her next chapter.
