The name Lungiswa Harmaans is synonymous with radio and it was only expected for it to venture into the communications space.
With almost 20 years of radio under her belt, a witty creative whose girl-next-door humour won the hearts of many over the years has not been without challenges. These were touched on during the launch of her company as she described her personal encounters and challenges with abuse. These left some of the patrons at the elegant four star, Port Alfred’s My Pond Hotel sold out event teary at the fact that, this always bubbly personality endured such challenges. Lulu, as she is fondly known the world over, took the beautiful black and gold themed room into her confidence as she laid her heart bare.
Along with her high school friend, Sinawo Jantjie who heads PR & Marketing at Lulu Harmaans Communications as well as Thanduxolo Faltein are the people behind the birth of the company. Sinawo has, amongst others, a qualification in social work while Thanduxolo leads “Men for Change”. One of this particular event’s communication hands were those of none other than Nomfundo Nonzube, owner of “Abafazi Exclusive” based in Makhanda but works throughout the province. The company offers Master of Ceremony (MC) services, facilitation, voiceover work, obituaries recordings, as well as translations throughout the Eastern Cape and SA.
Lulu was flanked by her Umhlobo Wenene FM former colleagues, Mafa Bavuma, Dr Tebelele, Bulelani Koyo, Sizwe “Slyso” Saliso as well as talented musician and friend, Dumza Maswana who delivered equally exceptional.
The message was clear, women can no longer protect their abusers or those of their children while society and their well-being suffers. Lulu described how she would either miss work, due to heavy beatings, wore thick make up to work to hide bruises and how in-between songs, she would sob and quickly compose herself before her next speech-break, burying her pain in the joy she found in radio.
She promised that a book that details her journey and place in female radio royalty and challenges “is in the works”.
The event trickled with Lulu’s playful nature, elegance, tears, hope and positivity lived by each patron, ended with performances by his former colleagues.
My Pond Hotel’s elegant catering abilities and service and after party at nearby Bathurst’s recently renovated Emzini Lounge might have been the last item for the evening, but one thing for sure, a lesson on living your truth, being of sincere through your pain and cementing a future not only for yourself but a legacy through caring for women and children who have walked her far from rosy life rang as loud as her hunger for a new chapter in her life.