Real change does not always start with a loud announcement. Often, it begins with a quiet chance to do something great. Thulani Mabaso, a young man from Osizweni, understands this better than anyone. In 2022, he found himself at a difficult crossing. He had been accepted to the University of the Free State, but he had no way to pay the fees. He was raised by a grandmother who gave him all the love in the world, but she did not have the money to fund a university degree. No one in his home was working at the time, and the dream of becoming a teacher seemed ready to fade away because the money did not match his ambition.
The Breakthrough with Geleza neGagasi
This was when Gagasi FM stepped in through its Geleza neGagasi project. Since 2008, this initiative has worked to help listeners turn hard situations into real paths forward. When Thulani saw the email that he had been shortlisted, the stress that had been weighing him down started to lift. This support was more than just a payment for his registration and tuition. It was proof that someone saw he was worthy of an opportunity. It gave him the confidence to leave his home province and face the work ahead in the Free State.
From Student to Graduate
By April 18, 2026, that hard work resulted in a Bachelor of Education degree. Walking across that stage was the result of years of pushing through and making sacrifices. Thulani wrote a letter to the station to share his thanks, explaining that Gagasi FM’s belief in his potential pushed him to keep working for great results. He promised to make the most of the chance he was given, and he has kept that promise.
A Surprise Homecoming
Gagasi FM decided that a letter was not enough to mark such a big win. They brought Thulani home, flying him from Bloemfontein to Durban to honor the man he has become. When he arrived at the station, he was met with a high-energy tunnel of people singing and dancing. He was surrounded by the very people who had backed him from a distance, finally there to welcome him back as a success.
The station hosted a surprise graduation celebration for him, complete with cake and gifts. Sitting at the head of the table in his graduation gown, Thulani shared a detail that made the whole room go quiet. He told them that even though he had graduated, he had not celebrated at all. He simply could not afford to have a party or even a small event to mark his achievement. Gagasi FM gave him the dignity of being recognized—something many people take for granted, but he had been living without.
Paying it Forward in Osizweni
Thulani is not waiting for a paycheck to start making a difference. He is currently volunteering at Masamsane High School back in Osizweni. He teaches the young ones there out of pure passion, receiving no money for his time. He says he was lifted by others, so he feels a need to lift those around him.
The Goal: Dr. Mabaso
While he is currently looking for a permanent job, his sights are set even higher. He told the team at Gagasi FM that he will not stop until he wears a red gown. His goal is to change his title from “Mister” to “Doctor” by completing a PhD.
As Gagasi FM marks 20 years on the air, stories like Thulani’s define the station. It is not just about the music or the entertainment; it is about making a real difference in the lives of the people who listen. By helping Thulani, the station has helped every student he will teach in the future. Thulani Mabaso is proof that when you give someone a chance, you change the future for everyone.
