A year ago, seasoned Durban journalist, editor and media entrepreneur Slindile Khanyile published Longevity: The Story of Dudu “Lady D” Khoza.
The book celebrates the life of the legendary Ukhozi FM broadcaster, who held more than eight million listeners captive for over 30 years.
Slindile unpacks the iconic broadcaster’s journey from childhood in a candid and compelling account, charting the extraordinary life of a nurse who became a media legend.
Slindile Khanyile is the co-director of Likhanyile Tutoring & Media, a boutique media firm. She is also the editor of Umbele, an online business publication.
We asked Slindile about her book.
What drew you to Dudu “Lady D” Khoza as a subject for a biography, and what surprised you most about her story?
I was fascinated by the popularity and longevity of her brand. I also thought it was interesting that she appealed across age groups and was equally a magnet for corporate brands. Except for the producers, she still drives the show solo, yet modern radio has long been characterised by co-presenting. What surprised me most was discovering her insecurities and how intentional she was in choosing to further her studies.
What are the core elements of Dudu’s success?
Definitely her work ethic, professionalism, commitment and absolute respect for her audience. To this day, she doesn’t take listeners for granted, and she over-prepares for each show.
You include insights from prominent figures like Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. What is the benefit of having “external voices” in a biography?
It helps to get other perspectives, especially from people who may know the subject much better. A biography is someone’s life story, and that story has many elements. It is important to reflect this, and it gives the book depth.
As a seasoned journalist, how did writing this biography differ from your usual newsroom work, and what challenges did you face?
There are similarities between book writing and news writing because research, facts and verification inform both. But that is where the similarities end. The actual writing approach is different because in news writing, the writer’s views are not required. When writing a book, the author’s take on issues is just as important and matters to the reader. I struggled with suddenly having to write and express my views, basically unlearning nearly 20 years of journalism training. I enjoyed the process, but overall I found book writing incredibly difficult.
How would you describe the biography-writing process to people considering an autobiography or commissioning a writer?
This is my favourite book genre, and the ones I have particularly enjoyed are those where the subject becomes vulnerable with readers. Don’t do it if you are not prepared to be vulnerable. If you are at a stage where you can’t be candid because something might be career-limiting, then don’t do it.
If you believe in your writing abilities, by all means do it yourself — but invest in a brilliant editor and proofreader. Even if you commission a writer, editing and proofreading are crucial. If you choose a writer, find someone whose judgement and writing skills you trust and respect, so you will listen to them. I was fortunate because Lady D gave me carte blanche. I would struggle with someone who wanted to control the process too tightly.
