MTV Base and e.tv have completed the last heat of the MTV Base VJ Search auditions, after visiting Johannesburg on Saturday in their hunt for a new VJ to appear on iconic youth channel, MTV Base (DStv Channel 322).

Thousands of young hopefuls turned out for the auditions at Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa’s offices in Hyde Park, Johannesburg – fired with excitement at the prospect of getting through to the next round in the MTV Base VJ Search contest – the first in South Africa since 2006.

The VIMN offices were buzzing with ambitious young contenders as they queued up to audition for the gig of a lifetime – a one year contract with MTV Base (DStv Channel 322), plus the chance to feature on Club 808, e.tv’s top music programme.

Among the Jo’burg finalists was an eclectic group that included a radio DJ (Lehlohonolo Padi, 20), an artist manager (Noluthando Malope, 23), an aspiring tattoo artist (Rox Robertson, 22), a sales rep (Langa Ndlovu, 19), an actress (Mmathapelo Moagi, 25), a copywriter (Itumeleng Modise, 22) and two part-time models: Liesel Laurie (21) and Harmony Katulondi (23).  Lindiwe Lhambule (25) and Naledi Radebe (21) both qualified after flying up from Cape Town in a bid to follow their dreams of being an MTV Base VJ while Soweto TV presenter and Trans Africa radio host Tumelo Mothotoane (21) also qualified for the next stage.  Linda Sifumba (22) was employed to distribute soft drinks at the event but ended up auditioning and getting through!

Other Jo’burg contestants who made it through were: Logistics management student Khanya Makiza (21), freelancer Mxolosi Masango (22), Wits University students Mkhensani Khoza (19) and Keitumetse Kasonkola (24), students Xolani Mthombeni (21) and Nomuzi Mabena (19), Gail Machaba (24) and Khali Masooane (22).

Last but not least, Nondo Nyembezi (22) from Port Elizabeth and Tawanda Mujasi (23) both made it through to the national callbacks after submitting their videos entries online.

All of the qualifiers go on to compete against the Cape Town and Durban finalists in front of celebrity judges Bonang Matheba, HHP, Azania Mosaka, and Tim Horwood in the National Callbacks, which will be televised on MTV Base and e.tv in coming weeks.

Highlights and funny moments from the auditions will feature on the TV series 2012 MTV Base VJ Search which will air weekly on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) from Tuesday 7 August 2012 at 20:30 CAT and on e.tv from Saturday 11 August at 18:05 CAT.