Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp: 'Broadcasting needs to change people's lives'
Whether she's behind the mic on Jacaranda FM, at a corporate event or cheering for her daughters on the netball court, Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp believes every day is a chance to change someone's life.
For more than two decades, Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp has graced South African airwaves, living out her purpose and ensuring her voice is the last thing listeners hear before stepping out of their cars to start their day.
Whether she's behind the mic on her show, '09:00 to 12:00 with Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp', on Jacaranda FM, at a corporate event or cheering for her daughters on the netball court, Elana's goal is to make a lasting impact, no matter which platform she's on.
"I found my purpose. I love helping people and changing the world for good," Elana told host Sias du Plessis on 'The Sias Du Plessis Show'.
"For the past 20 years, consistently, I've been able to do that through broadcasting and the platforms that I have. Before that, I was an entertainer, and it was fun…(but) now I get to do purpose work. I love thinking that I'm a change maker."
Mid-morning radio, more than just background music
For Elana, mid-morning radio isn't just background filler, it's an opportunity to connect with an audience as their day unfolds.
"It's the most underestimated time slot, but in other countries I am the breakfast show," she says.
"Very interesting people listen to the show. You need to serve and be of use to them, so I never just switch on my microphone. I'm very intentional. From broadcasting, I've always said it needs to change people's lives, and I honestly believe that. As one of the shows that has the biggest numbers (and) the most amazing people listening, I do feel like every day I change someone's life."
Watch the full interview below.
Baby Brunch Podcast, a lifeline for parents
More than a decade ago, Elana launched the 'Baby Brunch Podcast', a platform where parents can get expert advice on raising children.
"I actually started the podcast because I had a baby, and the only resources available to us were American books," she explains. "I decided to launch a podcast because I thought it would support parents, and it has. I never thought we would last this long. Eleven years later, we're still going strong."
"I hope it helps people. We (cover) everything from support for babies, parents, early childhood, ADHD, anything.
'Don't let other people dictate your path'
Despite her success, Elana admits that her journey was rarely smooth sailing.
Her advice to young professionals is simply: "Don't let other people dictate your path."
"Everything that I do, people have discouraged me from doing," she reveals.
"From my podcast to making music with my kids, having children, marrying the man I'm in love with, to being married. I've always met someone who had an opinion, and it was usually discouraging."
Her takeaway from all the discouragement: "If there's something you want to do or you want to follow your dream, don’t let people’s advice or opinions stop you. The only advice you should ever listen to anyway is from people who really care about you."
Embracing every stage of life
For Elana, every stage of life is a blessing, bringing a valuable lesson and, ultimately, understanding.
"No matter in what stage of your life you are in, there's always going to be a lesson," she says.
"You don't have to have children in order to learn those lessons. You will lose your job, or you'll have a baby, or you'll not win the lottery.
"The biggest takeaway I have from anything that happens to me is understanding. You'll struggle, struggle, struggle until the point where you really understand why it had to happen, and then you'll go,' Oh, wow.' And sometimes that wow or that moment of understanding takes up two years, two and a half years, but understanding will come."
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
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