Hide my ID goes on television

Social media influencer Pemphero Mphande will soon start hosting a television show on Zodiak Television Station.

In an interview, Mphande, popularly known as Mr Hide My ID, said he will feature the same content that he shares on his Facebook page on television.

He said: “What it means is that the show will bring everything I share on my page into visual work. That means stories, connecting people, arranging blind dates and doing charity work. It will be entertaining, educating and inspiring, but in a scripted-for-TV manner.”

Mphande said he understands that his role means he must keep people’s secrets and be trustworthy.

“Confidentiality is key. Being a medical person, I understand that very well and this also means transitioning into a therapist not by profession, but as someone who can listen,” he said.

The social media influencer said over time he made sure to have the best IT specialist who has helped him secure his page from hackers.

Commenting on his growing brand, which started with less than 2 000 followers but now has over 300 000 followers, Mphande feels his personality has helped things.

“This brand creates more room for different opportunities and it adds value to the work I do. It is daunting, but if anyone can pull it off, it’s me,” he said.

In a separate interview, Zodiak director of programmes Joab Frank Chakhaza said the media institution brought Mphande on board after noticing that the content he shares resonates with its viewers.

“In this era, people are consuming media differently. There is a growing number of people consuming information and entertainment through social media and what we have done is to take that platform to our television platform,” he said.

The official launch of Talk To Pemphero is set for May 29 at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe. The event will be sponsored by Old Mutual.

Mphande’s Facebook page helps Malawians from all walks of life to share their challenges anonymously and his followers then join the conversation in the comment section with suggestions and solutions. He has also used the same platform to raise funds for various charity causes.

Mphande has a bachelor of laboratory sciences degree from Kamuzu University of Health Sciences formerly College of Medicine.

He also contested on an independent ticket for the position of Member of Parliament for Blantyre City South in the 2019 Tripartite Elections.

He lost to Noel Lipipa of Democratic Progressive Party.