FOR many, entering into a relationship is a tricky business.
Dating has become a dirty game, but Azola has proven to be a saviour for many by running matchmaking services and advocating for love.
Through the hashtag #UmjoloWithAzola (dating with Azola), many people have found love, got engaged and some are happily married.
Founded by Azola Mlota in 2017, Umjolo with Azola connects singles from all parts of South Africa, as seen time and time again on social media.
What started as a social post on X has brought him to radio. Although he won’t be hosting the show, he's happy Umjolo with Azola on X has been given to his wife and co-host Seipati Mlota a show on Motsweding FM.
Azola told Daily Sun the matchmaking journey is interesting because they've met with a lot of people who invited Seipati and him to one of their traditional weddings a few years ago to tell people where it all came from.
“Some have invited us as guest speakers at their events because they wanted to see me. Of course, we've also met many who are constantly complaining that their partners have cheated on them and now need counselling, those going through challenges that are shocking. So, the trip was quite fascinating and honestly shaped us even more and gave us impetus to continue helping people find love because we now understand our mission that God has sent us to do,” he said.
Speaking on the radio, Azola said: “I'm so happy, and am not taking this opportunity lightly. And what makes me even happier is that we've been following the radio station and the programme for a long time. Basically, we're happy because it's one of the callings Seipati has to fulfil."
Seipati said she is now a co-host at Motsweding FM on the show called Tsa Dikamano, which airs on Mondays and Thursdays at 1am.
The show is about everything to do with relationships or marriages. Seipati unpacks everything related to it by answering callers questions. She's the Sis Dolly of the new era.
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She told Daily Sun she's taking up the show on a trial basis and hopes the response from the audience will be exciting and therefore get her engagements.
“In this show, people call in whether baya jola or baya gowa. The main focus is on what a person is going through in terms of relationships and then we try to find a solution to that particular problem,” she explained.
“I'm excited that we're bringing this programme to radio. We've been doing this for quite some time. I've brought people together and counselled many. These people are doing well now,” she said.
When it comes to relationships, Azola offers lasting solutions.
“I want children to grow up in stable homes with a mum and a dad. Most in our generation don't have that anymore. I'm an advocate of love. I'm willing to help people. They need to know that what's leading them astray can be fixed so that we can find each other again,” she said.
She added that she believes people should find common ground and solve problems rather than split up.