In the rural village of Kandinda, Eswatini, Chestersment Maphalala defied the limitations of his circumstances to pursue a vision far greater than his surroundings suggested. His remarkable journey from a remote community to a trailblazer in Eswatini’s media industry is a testament to resilience and innovation. While the prospect of establishing a thriving business can often seem overwhelming, for Maphalala, it was a mission driven by a profound commitment to addressing a vital gap for the youth in his country.
“I was born in a place called Kandinda in Eswatini. It’s a remote rural area somewhere in the Manzini region,” Maphalala shares, setting the stage for a story of grit, vision, and determination.
His academic journey started at Kandinda Primary School before moving to Emvimbeko High School. But it was during his time at SAIM Christian High School in Mbabane, the capital of Eswatini, that Maphalala’s trajectory shifted.
“I was lucky to pass my junior certificate and proceeded to do my National Senior Certificate—what we call matric here,” he recalls.
But it wasn’t just academic success that shaped him—it was his willingness to seize opportunities that came his way. “That was when I decided to enroll for a Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Eswatini, where I majored in Broadcasting,” he says. Little did he know that while pursuing his degree, he would also lay the foundation for a business that would soon become a household name in Eswatini’s media landscape.
The Birth of Tertiary Hub News
The birth of Tertiary Hub News, or THN, can be traced to Maphalala’s realization of a glaring gap in the media industry, particularly for young aspiring journalists. “As media students, we found ourselves with limited platforms where we could volunteer, intern, or even write to contribute to society and tell our stories the way we were experiencing them,” he explains. At a time when university students lacked spaces to express themselves, Maphalala had an epiphany: create the platform himself.
“Why not create a space where young people can come together and share their stories?” he pondered. So, in his third year of university, he started a WhatsApp group to facilitate communication and collaboration among fellow students. “We started off as a WhatsApp group, but it grew into something much bigger—a platform that now operates in various digital spaces,” Maphalala reflects.
The journey wasn’t without its struggles, particularly with the University of Eswatini, where there was resistance to the idea. “At that time, the expectation was that, as a journalism student, I should have connections to communicate students’ issues through national newspapers, radio stations, and TV,” he explains. “But we struggled to be heard. So, I thought, ‘What if we create our own space?’” And that’s precisely what he did.
From humble beginnings, Tertiary Hub News grew rapidly. “We primarily operate from Matsapha, Eswatini, though most of our work is hybrid and remote. We converge in various places for meetings, but our main office is in Matsapha,” Maphalala details. THN’s core team is small but mighty, consisting of three full-time employees: two journalists and a photographer. “But we have a base of 10 to 15 freelancers who contribute occasionally with articles, letters to the editor, and other content,” he adds.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
In the early days of his business, Maphalala found himself ahead of the curve in terms of innovation. “When I started, I was one of the first to publish news on WhatsApp. Now, even major news outlets like CNN, BBC, and ABC are following suit,” he says. WhatsApp, once a space for personal conversations, had evolved into a robust business tool. “It’s amazing how that platform has transformed into a space where we can conduct business and publish news,” Maphalala notes.
But keeping up with the ever-changing media landscape was no easy feat. As new publications and platforms emerged, competition intensified. Maphalala embraced the challenge, always staying true to his mission: “We focus on telling young people’s stories, particularly from universities across Eswatini. We provide them with information to help them make informed career choices,” he explains. This unique focus on youth issues has set THN apart from other media outlets in the region.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Mentorship
Despite the rapid growth and success, Maphalala has faced several significant challenges. “Running a business is not easy,” he admits. “You have to come to terms with the fact that you may lose your life in the process. Work-life balance is a myth. As a father of a two-year-old, I often miss important moments with my family because of my business commitments.” He adds that finding the right balance between family, business, and personal time has been one of the hardest lessons he’s had to learn.
Navigating the business world, especially without a mentor, has also been a steep learning curve. “Without a mentor, you’ll struggle,” Maphalala asserts. “I had to find someone who had walked the same path and could guide me through the obstacles.” His big break came when Tertiary Hub News won the 2022 Media Literacy Hackathon in Sandton, this achievement established THN as a significant player in Eswatini’s media landscape. “Winning that hackathon gave us the chance to host events like World Press Freedom Day and workshops for student journalists,” he proudly states.
Passion Beyond Media
In addition to his work with THN, Maphalala remains passionate about radio. “I’m a volunteer at the University of Eswatini’s campus radio station, UNESWA FM,” he shares. “I’m a presenter and producer, and I mentor new volunteers. Radio is truly close to my heart.”
When asked about advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those looking to enter the media space with limited resources, Maphalala is straightforward. “It’s a delicate space to operate in, especially in a place like Eswatini. Media here is very restricted, and even advertising can be politicized. But if you are passionate about your project and you believe it can work, it’s a space worth entering. Just be careful, smart, and innovative,” he warns.
Looking to the Future
As for the future, Maphalala is excited about the role AI is playing in the media industry. “AI is a game changer,” he says. “We can produce stories faster without compromising on quality. Time is our most valuable currency, and AI helps us save it.”
Reflecting on his journey, Maphalala shares the most significant lesson he has learned: “There’s no friend in business,” he says with a knowing smile. “I learned the hard way that maintaining friendships at the expense of your business can lead to problems down the line. Now, I only do business with partners.”
Chestersment Maphalala’s journey is proof that innovation isn’t reserved for the privileged—it belongs to those who dare to create. From a simple WhatsApp group to a thriving media platform, he has turned challenges into stepping stones and redefined what’s possible for young storytellers in Eswatini. Through Tertiary Hub News, he’s not just reporting the news; he’s shaping the narrative, giving students a voice, and inspiring a new generation to take charge of their own stories. As he continues to break new ground, one thing is clear—this is only the beginning. The future of youth-driven media in Eswatini has a name, and it’s Tertiary Hub News.
