From running an online radio station to leading a multimedia studio, Mdantsane-born creative Thobane Vumindaba has built a space where local voices and stories can shine.
The 29-year-old graphic designer and photographer is the founder of Labtronic Solutions, a growing creative company based in Mdantsane that focuses on design, media, and storytelling.
Over the past few years, Vumindaba has turned what began as a small idea into a professional studio that supports artists, podcasters, and businesses across East London and beyond.
“When we started, the goal was to create a platform where stories from our side of the world could be told with pride and professionalism,” he said
After his first Daily Dispatch interview in 2020, Vumindaba continued developing Radio 537, an online radio station, as part of Labtronic Solutions.
The station quickly became a platform for music, meaningful conversations, and creative storytelling.
By 2022, however, he and his team decided to halt the radio station’s operations so they could focus on something bigger.
“We didn’t stop Radio 537 because we gave up -- we paused because we wanted to build a stronger foundation,” Vumindaba said.
“We realised that to keep growing creatively, we needed a professional environment that could handle bigger projects.”
That decision led to the creation of LabtronicSolutions Studio, a fully equipped multimedia space designed to meet the needs of both independent artists and corporate clients.
The studio now offers a wide range of services, including photography, videography, graphic design, podcast production, live streaming, and studio rentals.
Vumindaba said running the studio has not been easy, but it has been rewarding.
“It’s been a challenging journey.
“There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with managing a creative business — from the equipment and logistics to making sure clients are happy.
“But seeing something that started as a small dream grow into a space that supports other creatives, that’s been the best part of it all.” He said
Thobane said everything they do at Labtronic is driven by purpose and storytelling.
“Our content is built around real stories that connect with people; we create media that touches people emotionally and celebrates culture, art, business, and community.”
“Whether it’s a short film, a documentary, or a podcast, it’s always about telling stories that matter.” He said
One of the biggest parts of Labtronic’s work today is podcast production. The studio is home to two growing shows, the Nayful Podcast, hosted by Camagu Kosani, and Conversations at The Block, hosted by Thobane himself.
Both shows highlight inspiring local stories, interviews, and reflections from community members who are making a difference.
“Through our podcasts, we want to spark real conversations; we talk about creativity, personal growth, and the issues that affect our communities.”
“Recently, we even started a sports edition of The Nayful Podcast that focuses on Mdantsane and East London’s boxing industry. It’s been amazing to give our local boxers the spotlight they deserve.” Said Vumindaba
Their podcasts have built a loyal following online, with more than 200,000 subscribers tuning in regularly.
“It’s about impact, if even one person feels inspired or represented because of what we do, that’s success for us.”
Looking ahead, Thobane’s dream is to grow LabtronicSolutions into one of East London’s leading podcast and multimedia studios.
Part of that vision includes reviving Radio 537 with upgraded equipment and a stronger digital setup.
The goal is to bring the station back as part of the studio’s ecosystem, blending music, interviews, and creative dialogue under one roof.
“The dream has always been bigger than one project.
“It’s about building a sustainable creative hub -- a place where people from our townships can dream, create, and share their stories with the world,” Vumindaba said.
Daily Dispatch
