Long ago, all the animals in the land were the same dull brown colour. They lived in harmony, respecting one another. Among them was a wise and magical Queen Mother Tortoise, loved by all and known as Fudukazi. One fateful day, Fudukazi decided to share her special gift. With her gentle singing voice, she turned an ordinary summer’s day into an enchanted, joyful one. As each creature closed their eyes and made a wish, something incredible happened. By sunset, the name of the wise old Queen Mother Tortoise was forever etched in the memories of every creature she had touched. Storytellers sang her praises for generations to come. Listen to Gcina Mhlophe bring this magical tale to life in the latest episode of African Story Magic. Episode 6 credits: Voice of Fudukazi (English) – Carol Ofori Voice of Fudukazi (isiZulu) – Khosi Zwane Voice of Hyena (both) – Ndabe Zondi Voice of Leopard (English) – Natarah Nadesan Voice of Leopard (isiZulu) – Gcinokuhle Malinga Voice of Giraffe (English) – Danny Guselli Voice of Giraffe (isiZulu) – Ntsikelelo Khanyile Production team: Production engineer: Lango Cele Production assistant: Ntsikelelo Khanyile Executive producer: Diane Macpherson

Kudala, zonke izilwane ezazihlala emhlabeni zazinemibala efanayo ensundu engathi ayinampilo. Zaziphila ngokuthula, zihloniphana. Phakathi kwazo kwakukhona unina wazo ohlakaniphile futhi onobugugu, iNdlovukazi uFudukazi, othandwa yizo zonke izidalwa. Ngelinye ilanga elibalulekile, uFudukazi wanquma ukwabelana ngesipho sakhe esiyigugu. Ngezwi lakhe elithambile, waguqula usuku olujwayelekile lwasehlobo lwaba usuku olugcwele umlingo nenjabulo. Njengoba isilwane ngasinye savala amehlo senza isifiso, kwenzeka isimangaliso. Lapho ilanga lishona, igama likaFudukazi, iNdlovukazi ehlakaniphile nenamandla omlingo, labe selihlala phakade ezinhliziyweni zabo bonke abathintwe nguye. Abaxoxi bezinganekwane baqhubeka bemdumisa izizukulwane ngezizukulwane. Lalela uGcina Mhlophe elandisa le ndaba emangalisayo esiqeshini se-African Story Magic. Episode 6 credits: Voice of Fudukazi (English) – Carol Ofori Voice of Fudukazi (isiZulu) – Khosi Zwane Voice of Hyena (both) – Ndabe Zondi Voice of Leopard (English) – Natarah Nadesan Voice of Leopard (isiZulu) – Gcinokuhle Malinga Voice of Giraffe (English) – Danny Guselli Voice of Giraffe (isiZulu) – Ntsikelelo Khanyile Production team: Production engineer: Lango Cele Production assistant: Ntsikelelo Khanyile Executive producer: Diane Macpherson

This is a story about a lonely chameleon who lived on a riverbank a long time ago. All the other river animals shunned him. They mocked and disliked him, calling him ugly and a disgrace. The chameleon always tried to hide and be alone, away from all those who hated him. But one day, a big change came into his life, all because of his special talent: the gift of music. On that day, he was playing a small instrument called the imbengwe and singing with his beautiful voice! Before he knew it, all the other animals had gathered around him to listen to his special performance. That was the day he received acceptance and respect for the very first time. His music gave him a sense of identity—he became known as the Singing Chameleon. Credits: Voice of Chameleon: Sbongiseni Nkatha Voice of forest animal: J Sbu Voice of old man: Andile Tsotetsi Production Team: Production engineer: Lango Cele Production assistant: Ntsikelelo Khanyile Executive producer: Diane Macpherson

Lena indaba yonwabu oluhlala lodwa osebeni lomfula kudala. Zonke ezinye izilwane zasemfuleni zazimgwema. Bemubhuqa, bengamthandi, bembiza ngomubiza nehlazo. Unwabu njalo wayezama ukucasha futhi abe yedwa, kude nabo bonke ababemzonda. Kodwa ngolunye usuku, kwafika ushintsho olukhulu ekuphileni kwakhe, konke ngenxa yethalente lakhe elikhethekile: isipho somculo. Ngalolo suku wayeshaya insimbi encane ebizwa ngokuthi imbengwe futhi ecula ngezwi lakhe elimnandi! Ngaphambi kokuba azi, zonke ezinye izilwane zase zibuthanele kuye ukuze zilalele ukudlala kwakhe okukhethekile. Ngalolo suku athola ukwamukelwa nokuhlonishwa okokuqala ngqa. Umculo wakhe wamenza wazizwa ukuthi ungubani—wabe esebizwa ngokuthi Unwabu Oluculayo.

Gcina Mhlophe brings to life the heartwarming tale of a young herd boy with a big dream — to go to school and church like the other kids in his village. But his father has other plans, insisting he stay home to look after the cattle. Refusing to give up, the boy starts learning the alphabet with the help of a friend. One day, he prays to God in a way that’s unique to him — by reciting the alphabet out loud. A passing man hears this heartfelt “prayer” and is so moved that he steps in to speak to the boy’s parents. His plea works, and the boy finally gets to attend school. With a mix of hard work and determination, the boy thrives in his studies and finds a way to balance his education with his family responsibilities. It’s a touching story about perseverance, faith, and how small acts of kindness can change a life. Listen to this episode now in English or isiZulu Credits: Voice of the young boy: Bandile Gumede Voice of the young boy's father: Asanda Qumbisa Voice of young boy's mother: Ellaine Phungula Voice of Priest: Msizi Maphumulo Voices of church ladies: Ellaine Phungula, Khumbu Mkhulisi, Thobekile Honono, Production Team: Production engineer: Lango Cele Production assistant: Ntsikelelo Khanyile Executive producer: Diane Macpherson

UGcina Mhlophe uveza indaba ethinta inhliziyo yomfana omncane ongumalusi onephupho elikhulu — ukuya esikoleni nasesontweni njengezinye izingane zasendaweni yakubo. Kodwa uyise unamanye amacebo, uthi akasale ekhaya elusa izinkomo. Enqaba ukuyeka, umfana uqala ukufunda izinhlamvu ngosizo lomngane. Ngolunye usuku, uthandaza kuNkulunkulu ngendlela ehlukile kuye—ngokuphindaphinda izinhlamvu zamagama ngokuzwakalayo. Indoda edlulayo izwa lo “mthandazo” osuka enhliziyweni futhi ithinteka kangangokuthi ingenela ukuze ikhulume nabazali bomfana. Isicelo sakhe siyasebenza, futhi umfana ekugcineni uya esikoleni. Ngokuxutshwa kokusebenza kanzima nokuzimisela, umfana uyaphumelela ezifundweni zakhe futhi uthola indlela yokulinganisa imfundo yakhe nemithwalo yemfanelo yomkhaya. Indaba ethinta inhliziyo emayelana nokubekezela, ukholo, nokuthi izenzo ezincane zomusa zingayishintsha kanjani impilo.

Celebrate the holidays with African Mother Christmas, a truly local story from African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Valley of a Thousand Hills, near Hillcrest outside Durban, this uplifting story reflects the hot KZN summers, the end of the school year, and the excitement of Christmas festivities. Thando and Buntu love the long summer days swimming in the river and taking the train to Durban for Christmas shopping—a cherished tradition and the only time they get new clothes. But this Christmas holds a magical surprise, as African Mother Christmas brings joy and wonder to the valley in a way no one could expect. “This special story was inspired by our own African way of life in the not-so-distant past, where we celebrated the end of harvest in late August, and September was our New Year in the African calendar. We would be giving thanks for the richness and fertility of our land,” says Gcina Mhlophe. Listen to this episode now in English or isiZulu and share this special festive story with your family! Episode 3 Credits: Author and Storyteller: Gcina Mhlophe Voice of Thando: Snovuyo Ntuli Voice of Thando's Father & Rickshaw man: Sky Tshabalala Voice of Father Christmas: Darren Maule Voice of Durban store owner: Carmen Reddy Production Team: Production Engineer: Lango Cele Production Assistant: Ntsikelelo Khanyile Executive Producer: Diane Macpherson

Gubha amaholide ngo-Mama uMasoKhisimusi wase Afrika, indaba yasendaweni ngempela evela ku-African Story Magic noGcina Mhlophe. Njengoba ibhekene nesizinda se-Valley of a Thousand Hills, eduze kwase-Hillcrest ngaphandle kweTheku, le ndaba eyakhayo ikhombisa ukushisa kwehlobo lase-KZN, ukuphela konyaka wesikole, kanye nesasasa lemikhosi kaKhisimusi. UThando noBuntu bayazithanda izinsuku zasehlobo ezinde bebhukuda emfuleni futhi bagibele isitimela esiya eThekwini ukuyothenga ngoKhisimusi—isiko elithandwayo futhi okuwukuphela kwesikhathi lapho bethola khona izingubo ezintsha. Kodwa lo Khisimusi uphethe isimanga esimangalisayo, njengoba uMama uMasoKhisimusi wase Afrika eletha injabulo nokumangala esigodini ngendlela okungekho muntu owayengayilindela. “Le ndaba ekhethekile igqugquzelwe indlela yethu yokuphila yase-Afrika esikhathini esingengakanani esidlule, lapho sasigubha khona ukuphela kwesivuno ngasekupheleni kukaNcwaba, kanti uMandulo kwakuwuNcibijane wethu ekhalendeni lase-Afrika. Sizobe sibonga ukunotha nokuvunda komhlaba wethu,” kusho uGcina Mhlophe. Lalela lesi siqephu manje ngesiNgisi noma ngesiZulu bese wabelana ngale ndaba eyisipesheli yamaholide nomndeni wakho!

‘Sisanda's Gift’ is about a young girl named Sisanda who lives near a game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, where both her parents work. When Sisanda hears about a young giraffe calf that has lost its mother, she’s heartbroken. Her parents, understanding her sadness, allow her to visit the calf. Sisanda brings a special gift from her school bag—a beloved book. She sits with the baby giraffe and reads to it, and the young calf listens as if it understands every word. This becomes a daily routine for Sisanda, who is often accompanied by her grandfather. Her gentle connection with the giraffe captivates even tourists, who take pictures, amazed by the unique bond they witness. The story explores themes of compassion, healing, and the power of empathy. Sisanda’s act of kindness toward the orphaned giraffe demonstrates how small gestures can make a big difference, while also showing the beauty of human-animal connections. Please listen to the end for the bonus content from Dr Mhlophe, who explains why she enjoys this story so much. . Credits: Storyteller: Gcina Mhlophe Voice of Sisanda: Nqobile Ntuli Voice of Sisanda’s Grandfather: Hopewell Mncwangi Voice of Sisanda’s Father: Langalethu Cele Voice of Sisanda's Mother: Pinky Ntuli Production Team: Production Engineer: Lango Cele Production Assistant: Ntsikelelo Khanyile Executive Producer: Diane Macpherson #AfricanStoryMagic

‘Sisanda's Gift’ is about a young girl named Sisanda who lives near a game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, where both her parents work. When Sisanda hears about a young giraffe calf that has lost its mother, she’s heartbroken. Her parents, understanding her sadness, allow her to visit the calf. Sisanda brings a special gift from her school bag—a beloved book. She sits with the baby giraffe and reads to it, and the young calf listens as if it understands every word. This becomes a daily routine for Sisanda, who is often accompanied by her grandfather. Her gentle connection with the giraffe captivates even tourists, who take pictures, amazed by the unique bond they witness. The story explores themes of compassion, healing, and the power of empathy. Sisanda’s act of kindness toward the orphaned giraffe demonstrates how small gestures can make a big difference, while also showing the beauty of human-animal connections. Please listen to the end for the bonus content from Dr Mhlophe, who explains why she enjoys this story so much. . Credits: Storyteller: Gcina Mhlophe Voice of Sisanda: Nqobile Ntuli Voice of Sisanda’s Grandfather: Hopewell Mncwangi Voice of Sisanda’s Father: Langalethu Cele Voice of Sisanda's Mother: Pinky Ntuli Production Team: Production Engineer: Lango Cele Production Assistant: Ntsikelelo Khanyile Executive Producer: Diane Macpherson

In episode one of the brand-new season of African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe, we journey to a rural KwaZulu-Natal village where young Themba dreams of becoming a great hunter, like others in the village. But his true gift lies in creating beautiful portraits and paintings. While the villagers admire his artistic talent, they laugh at his dream of hunting, leaving him feeling inadequate. However, inspired one evening by a stunning sunset, Themba embarks on a journey of self-acceptance that transforms not only himself but the entire village. Listen to this episode to hear how a young boy’s unique talent finds a way to shine. Make sure you listen right to the end for the bonus content from Dr Mhlophe, who explains why she loves this story so much. . *** This podcast series is a proud collaboration between Gcina Mhlophe and East Coast Radio. *** Credits: Storyteller: Gcina Mhlophe Voice actors: Hunters: Msizi Maphumulo, Andile Nathan, Sanele Mthethwa, Ndumiso Miya, Linda Mbatha, Asanda Qumbisa Village women: Ellaine Phungula, Dumisile Msomi, Manile Motaung, Princess Makhanya and Zanothando Cele Production Team: Production Engineer: Lango Cele Production Assistant: Ntsikelelo Khanyile Executive Producer: Diane Macpherson

In episode one of the brand-new season of African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe, we journey to a rural KwaZulu-Natal village where young Themba dreams of becoming a great hunter, like others in the village. But his true gift lies in creating beautiful portraits and paintings. While the villagers admire his artistic talent, they laugh at his dream of hunting, leaving him feeling inadequate. However, inspired one evening by a stunning sunset, Themba embarks on a journey of self-acceptance that transforms not only himself but the entire village. Listen to this episode to hear how a young boy’s unique talent finds a way to shine. Credits: Storyteller: Gcina Mhlophe Voice actors: Hunters: Msizi Maphumulo, Andile Nathan, Sanele Mthethwa, Ndumiso Miya, Linda Mbatha, Asanda Qumbisa Village women: Ellaine Phungula, Dumisile Msomi, Manile Motaung, Princess Makhanya and Zanothando Cele Production Team: Production Engineer: Lango Cele Production Assistant: Ntsikelelo Khanyile Executive Producer: Diane Macpherson

Season 2 of the award-winning African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe launches on November 13, 2024, bringing you six enchanting new stories in both English and isiZulu! Listen to the first episode, Sunset Colours, and dive into the magic of African storytelling. Proudly brought to you by McDonald's Happy Meal Readers, each episode in this family-friendly podcast celebrates culture, creativity, and the joy of stories. Don’t miss the return of this beloved series—perfect for all ages!

The sixth episode of ‘African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe’ is a very special story. It’s written by Dr Gcina Mhlophe herself to honour her great-grandmother, Nozincwadi, who – while unable to read or write – loved the magic of words. "I have loved stories and books from a very young age. My childhood was filled with amazing characters, songs, and magical places. I remember the joy and wonder that filled my heart when I heard a good story. Those family times still linger inside me; they give me the courage to keep on sharing old folk tales and newly created stories with my audiences,” says Dr Gcina Mhlophe. “So, I humbly ask them to go back in time and rekindle the spirit of my great-grandmother Nozincwadi, who couldn't read or write. But she collected anything with words on it, believing that someday she would be able to read. I'm told that she often said, 'There is magic in these words; one day they will speak to me.' “Sadly, she died without ever reading a single one of those books. As a storyteller, I developed a strong desire to share the story of her life but took it further. In my retelling, I took Nozincwadi to an Adult Learning Centre where she finally learned to read and write. “What a triumph! “Since 2001, while telling this story, I have felt like a medium tasked with the responsibility to go out there and plant the seeds of curiosity and hunger. Yes, hunger to learn, learn, and never stop learning. This story has been told to so many audiences, published in a book, and recorded on CD as the aptly named NOZINCWADI Mother of Books Literacy Campaign. Through this roadshow, we have traveled to all nine provinces of our beautiful country and donated thousands of books in my great-grandmother's name, Nozincwadi! “Now, on this amazing platform of East Coast Radio, we are able to reach even more story lovers – young and old. Hoping to fill their hearts with wonder.” *** This podcast series is a proud collaboration between Gcina Mhlophe and East Coast Radio. *** Production Engineer: Lango Cele

The sixth episode of ‘African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe’ is a very special story. It’s written by Dr Gcina Mhlophe herself to honour her great-grandmother, Nozincwadi, who – while unable to read or write – loved the magic of words. "I have loved stories and books from a very young age. My childhood was filled with amazing characters, songs, and magical places. I remember the joy and wonder that filled my heart when I heard a good story. Those family times still linger inside me; they give me the courage to keep on sharing old folk tales and newly created stories with my audiences,” says Dr Gcina Mhlophe. “So, I humbly ask them to go back in time and rekindle the spirit of my great-grandmother Nozincwadi, who couldn't read or write. But she collected anything with words on it, believing that someday she would be able to read. I'm told that she often said, 'There is magic in these words; one day they will speak to me.' “Sadly, she died without ever reading a single one of those books. As a storyteller, I developed a strong desire to share the story of her life but took it further. In my retelling, I took Nozincwadi to an Adult Learning Centre where she finally learned to read and write. “What a triumph! “Since 2001, while telling this story, I have felt like a medium tasked with the responsibility to go out there and plant the seeds of curiosity and hunger. Yes, hunger to learn, learn, and never stop learning. This story has been told to so many audiences, published in a book, and recorded on CD as the aptly named NOZINCWADI Mother of Books Literacy Campaign. Through this roadshow, we have traveled to all nine provinces of our beautiful country and donated thousands of books in my great-grandmother's name, Nozincwadi! “Now, on this amazing platform of East Coast Radio, we are able to reach even more story lovers – young and old. Hoping to fill their hearts with wonder.” *** This podcast series is a proud collaboration between Gcina Mhlophe and East Coast Radio. *** Production Engineer: Lango Cele

In a world that often values talkativeness and showy displays of knowledge, this timeless story of the tortoise who won respect serves as a powerful reminder of the untapped potential of those who may be overlooked or underestimated. “One thing I appreciate about the story of ‘How the Tortoise Won Respect’ is its message about how we often underestimate others who don't speak much, or who may not seem particularly knowledgeable or clever. However, when faced with difficult challenges and when others have run out of ideas, it's often these seemingly overlooked individuals who can offer valuable insight and solutions that were right in front of us all along,” says Dr Mhlophe. “I love how the tortoise in the story ultimately earned respect and saved everyone by tapping into her strengths and resourcefulness. It serves as a reminder to not judge others based on surface-level traits and to always remain open to hearing different perspectives and ideas, no matter who they come from.” *** This podcast series is a proud collaboration between Gcina Mhlophe and East Coast Radio. *** Production Engineer: Lango Cele(Production Engineer: Lango Cele. Executive Producer: Diane Macpherson)

In a world that often values talkativeness and showy displays of knowledge, this timeless story of the tortoise who won respect serves as a powerful reminder of the untapped potential of those who may be overlooked or underestimated. “One thing I appreciate about the story of ‘How the Tortoise Won Respect’ is its message about how we often underestimate others who don't speak much, or who may not seem particularly knowledgeable or clever. However, when faced with difficult challenges and when others have run out of ideas, it's often these seemingly overlooked individuals who can offer valuable insight and solutions that were right in front of us all along,” says Dr Mhlophe. “I love how the tortoise in the story ultimately earned respect and saved everyone by tapping into her strengths and resourcefulness. It serves as a reminder to not judge others based on surface-level traits and to always remain open to hearing different perspectives and ideas, no matter who they come from.” *** This podcast series is a proud collaboration between Gcina Mhlophe and East Coast Radio. *** (Production Engineer: Lango Cele. Executive Producer: Diane Macpherson)

Unlock the magic of ‘Lungile, The Most Beautiful Girl’: an inspiring story of patience and self-discovery by Gcina Mhlophe. It’s the much-anticipated fourth episode of ‘African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe’, available in English and isiZulu. “This is a story I have loved for many years. For me, it has been a joy to tell to both young and adult audiences alike, experiencing a magical connection each time. It is about having a sense of being different from others, learning to accept it, and following one’s own path,” says Dr Mhlophe. “Patience and self-discovery are part of what makes Lungile so unique, not just her beauty that everyone talks about, but also her strength of character. Her spiritual connection with birds is often ridiculed by her peers, but despite this, she lets her dreams fly high. “When she chooses to join the old women in the big round hut to learn their skills, poems, and songs, it makes Lungile more special than anyone ever imagined. Then comes the designing of her wedding dress, an exquisite labour of love by the old women. “That is what propels me to tell this story again and again. I feel like I am one of those elders contributing to the sewing of South Africa's wedding dress. Bringing together our unique talents, skills, and experiences, we become true nation builders,” says Dr Mhlophe. (Production Engineer: Lango Cele. Executive Producer: Diane Macpherson)

Unlock the magic of ‘Lungile, The Most Beautiful Girl’: an inspiring story of patience and self-discovery by Gcina Mhlophe. It’s the much-anticipated fourth episode of ‘African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe’, available in English and isiZulu. “This is a story I have loved for many years. For me, it has been a joy to tell to both young and adult audiences alike, experiencing a magical connection each time. It is about having a sense of being different from others, learning to accept it, and following one’s own path,” says Dr Mhlophe. “Patience and self-discovery are part of what makes Lungile so unique, not just her beauty that everyone talks about, but also her strength of character. Her spiritual connection with birds is often ridiculed by her peers, but despite this, she lets her dreams fly high. “When she chooses to join the old women in the big round hut to learn their skills, poems, and songs, it makes Lungile more special than anyone ever imagined. Then comes the designing of her wedding dress, an exquisite labour of love by the old women. “That is what propels me to tell this story again and again. I feel like I am one of those elders contributing to the sewing of South Africa's wedding dress. Bringing together our unique talents, skills, and experiences, we become true nation builders,” says Dr Mhlophe. (Production Engineer: Lango Cele. Executive Producer: Diane Macpherson)

In the latest episode of ‘African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe’, we’re transported to the mighty Ngwenya River in KwaZulu-Natal. It’s a tale that captivated Dr Mhlophe as a child when her grandmother used to tell it to her -- the classic story of a young crocodile and a monkey. She explains: "This has been one of my favourite stories from childhood. The big Ngwenya River was teeming with crocodiles. In my imagination, they were massive and more deadly than any other creature. They seemed to have no enemies and could pick and choose what meat they liked to eat. "I had never seen one, but I was terrified just to hear about them. And then the naughty little monkey decided to make friends with this creature! That was beyond me… But then again, I was relieved when it all worked out fine in the end. "My grandmother told it so well you could swear she had been there in real life to see it all happen! "Now, can you imagine my surprise when other people told me that this story was told in their country too? In Zambia, Mozambique, Singapore, the Philippines, India - they insisted this story originated in their native land. I told them, "No, this story is definitely from KwaZulu-Natal!" "We playfully argued with other storytellers at various international storytelling festivals. So today, I am truly happy to share this story with so many homes the world over. And also, it reminds me that we must always put our heart into all that we do. "Let's all celebrate the magical universality of a well-told story. "Remember the famous saying: It is the heart that separates good from the great!" (Production Engineer: Lungile Dhlamini. Executive Producer: Diane Macpherson) More about Dr Gcina Mhlophe: Dr Gcina Mhlophe is a renowned author, storyteller and founding director of Gcinamasiko Arts & Heritage Trust. Her works have been translated into multiple languages, including Braille, and her theatre plays have been directed in the USA, UK, and Greenland. She has been awarded honorary doctorates from seven universities globally and has received numerous accolades, such as the SAMA, OBBIE, and Joseph Jefferson Awards, as well as the SAFTA Lifetime Achievement award. Her birthday on 24th October is recognised as National Storytelling Day in South Africa since 2019, inaugurated at her adopted performance space, The Storytelling Tree, in Durban (RSA). Find more East Coast Radio Podcasts at https://www.ecr.co.za/podcasts/