South African radio legend takes over Kaya 959’s flagship breakfast show from July 2026
One of the biggest moves in South African broadcasting is officially underway. Kaya 959 has announced that radio icon DJ Fresh will join the station as the host of its flagship weekday breakfast show, ushering in a new era for one of Gauteng’s fastest-growing radio brands.
From 6 July 2026, listeners can wake up to the unmistakable voice, energy and personality of DJ Fresh, who will be joined by his longtime collaborator and trusted producer, Thato Mataboge, every weekday from 06:00 to 09:00.
The appointment marks a major milestone for Kaya 959 as the station continues to strengthen its appeal among Gauteng’s influential, affluent and culturally engaged audience.
A Major Win for South African Radio
Few broadcasters in South Africa have enjoyed the longevity, influence and audience loyalty that DJ Fresh has cultivated over more than three decades in the industry.
Having built an illustrious career across leading stations including YFM, 5FM and Metro FM, DJ Fresh has become one of the country’s most recognisable media personalities. Beyond radio, he has established himself as a successful DJ, music producer, entrepreneur and live performer.
His move to Kaya 959 brings together one of South Africa’s most celebrated broadcasters with a station that has rapidly become a powerful voice in Gauteng’s media landscape.
Kaya 959 Bets Big on Premium Talent
According to Kaya 959 Acting Managing Executive David Tiltmann, the appointment reflects the station’s commitment to investing in world-class talent and audience experiences.
“DJ Fresh is one of the most influential broadcasters South Africa has ever produced. His ability to connect with audiences is unmatched, and his arrival represents an exciting new chapter for Kaya 959,” said Tiltmann.
He added that together with Thato Mataboge, DJ Fresh will deliver a breakfast show that is intelligent, entertaining, culturally relevant and impossible to ignore.
The new show is expected to provide advertisers with a premium platform to connect with one of South Africa’s most engaged and influential audiences during radio’s most valuable listening period.
A Return to the Breakfast Slot
For DJ Fresh, the move represents a return to the breakfast format that helped define his career.
“Breakfast radio has always been special to me because it allows you to become part of people’s daily lives,” he said.
Fresh believes Kaya 959 has built a unique connection with Gauteng listeners and says he is excited to contribute to the station’s continued growth.
“This is a reunion 20 years in the making. The last time Mpho Maboi, Thato and I were on radio together was two decades ago, making this a true full-circle moment. We feel like we’re coming home together and we want to make mornings on Kaya 959 essential listening.”
What Listeners Can Expect
The new breakfast show promises a vibrant mix of music, current affairs, lifestyle content, engaging interviews, topical discussions and the humour that has made DJ Fresh one of South Africa’s most enduring radio personalities.
With a refreshed morning offering led by one of the country’s most trusted voices, Kaya 959 is positioning itself for a bold new chapter in South African broadcasting.
From 1 July 2026, Gauteng mornings are set to sound very different.
And if Kaya 959’s latest move is anything to go by, the conversation is only just getting started.
