01 June 2026

'Gauteng mornings will never sound the same again!' - DJ Fresh officially takes over the reins of Kaya 959 mornings

Photo Credit: Instagram/djfreshsa

Johannesburg - Seasoned radio broadcaster Thato "DJ Fresh" Sikwane has officially taken over the reins of Kaya 959's weekday mornings slot.

The radio behemoth who has been on radio broadcasting for more than three decades, will now be taking over Kaya 959's coveted weekday breakfast mornings starting on the 1st of July.

Thomas Msengana is the new current interim replacement for Kaya 959's weekday mornings, in lieu of former breakfast host, Sizwe Dhlomo who had announced his departure from the station on his Siz the World breakfast show.

Msengana will now be holding the fort for the weekday mornings slot for the month of June until DJ Fresh officially takes over the reins.

Also Read" Congratulations to Tatabo!" - Unathi Nkayi celebrates Thomas Msengana's new Kaya 959 weekday mornings slot

In an announcement made in a statement the station announced that DJ Fresh will be joining the station as host of its flagship weekday breakfast show from Wednesday, the 1st of July 2026.

He will be partnering with his long-time on-air collaborator and trusted producer, Thato Mataboge and Mpho Maboi.

Acting managing executive at Kaya 959, David Tiltmann said that DJ Fresh is one of the most influential broadcasters South Africa has ever produced. He said that his ability to connect with audiences is unmatched, and his arrival represents an exciting new chapter for Kaya 959.

"We are investing in exceptional talent, exceptional content and exceptional audience experiences. Fresh brings all of that and more. Together with Thato Mataboge, he will create a breakfast show that is intelligent, entertaining, culturally relevant and impossible to ignore," he said.

DJ Fresh said that breakfast radio has always been special to him as it allowed him to become part of people’s daily lives.

"Kaya 959 has built something unique – a powerful brand, a loyal audience and a strong connection with Gauteng. Thato and I are looking forward to joining an already formidable team of broadcasters and to creating a show that is entertaining, warm, insightful and full of energy....we want listeners to feel informed, inspired, entertained and connected every single day," said the seasoned broadcaster.

29 May 2026

"It's not just my honour; it's ours" - DJ Oskido receives Order of Ikhamanga from president Cyril Ramaphosa, dedicates it to his "believers"

Photo Credit: Instagram/oskidoibelieve

Johannesbsurg - Award-winning record producer Oscar "DJ Oskido" Mdlongwa has been recently awarded the prestigious Order of Ikhamanga in Silver by South African president Cyril Ramaphosa for his immense contribution to the South African music industry.

The distinguished ceremony took place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, on the 19th of May, where the Order is awarded to South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.

The multi-hyphenate Kalawa Jazmee businessman took to Instagram to thank his "believers" with a personal handwritten note expressing his gratitude.

"To my believers," he said.

Also ReadDavid Tlale honoured with Lifetime Achiever Award at South African Fashion Awards 2025

"Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu (No man is an island).

"Thank you for celebrating this special moment with me. Receiving the Order of Ikhamanga from president Cyril Ramaphosa is not just my honour; it is ours. This journey was never walked alone. It was built through....the shared experiences we have created together through music and the culture through [out] the years...thank you for believing in me....and [for] continuing to be part of my story," he said.

According to the South African government, the Order of Ikhamanga can be awarded in three categories, namely, Category One in Gold, which awards exceptional achievement, Category two in Silver for excellent achievement and Category Three in Bronze for outstanding achievement.

"With love and gratitude" he signed off the note with his well-known trademark "Oskido, I believe".

28 May 2026

" Congratulations to Tatabo!" - Unathi Nkayi celebrates Thomas Msengana's new Kaya 959 weekday mornings slot

Photo Credit: Instagram/unathi.co

Johannesburg - Seasoned radio broadcaster Unathi Nkayi has expressed victory for her family after her former husband — and father of their two children — Thomas Msengana was recently announced as the new replacement for Kaya 959's weekday mornings slot, in lieu of former breakfast host, Sizwe Dhlomo.

Msengana hosted the station's weekend mornings slot.

In a statement issued by the radio station, Msengana has now taken over the weekday mornings slot from media personality Sizwe Dlhomo who had announced his immediate departure from the station, on the 27th of May, on his Siz the World breakfast show.

Nkayi worked for the station before she was given the boot over a work-related conflict on the station between herself and the now former breakfast show host, Sizwe Dlhomo.

Also Read'Taka Snako we did it!' - Unathi Nkayi and ex-husband celebrating son's turning of age

She took to Instagram to share the news with her followers in a post that has garnered congratulatory messages from DJ Black Coffee, Prince Kaybee, Celeste Ntuli, Ayanda Borotho, Loyiso Bala and DJ S'bu amongst some who cheered with her.

"Tata waboooo CAMAGU (My babies' daddy)," she enthused at a professional picture taken of Msengana with the station's logo.

Acting Managing Executive at Kaya 959, David Tiltmann said that Sizwe had brought a singular presence to Kaya 959.

"He is a broadcaster with a strong point of view, a deep understanding of the world around him and a rare ability to provoke thought and conversation. We are grateful for the role he has played on our breakfast show and for the connection he has built with listeners," he said.

Also Read: 'I won't give that colour to abusive men!' - Unathi Nkayi defends herself for not changing profile picture to purple

The station will announce its new breakfast show team in June, with the refreshed programme scheduled to launch in July 2026.

"During June, the 06:00 to 09:00 weekday breakfast slot will be hosted by Thomas Msengana , ensuring listeners continue [to] wake up to a familiar voice from the station while Kaya prepares for the next chapter in its morning offering," read the statement.

25 May 2026

"I left my heart in South Africa" - American actress Gabrielle Union buries late father's ashes in Cape Town

Photo Credit: Instagram/gabunion

Johannesburg - Seasoned American actress Gabrielle Union has permanently embedded a core part of herself in South Africa.

The celebrated actress has recently buried her late father's ashes at Klein Goederust Winery in Franschhoek in the Western Cape.

The black-owned winery has come to carve a special place in the We're Going to Need More Wine author's heart.

She shared the sacred moment with her followers on Instagram where she can been seen digging a shallow hole in the vineyards before sprinkling her late father's ashes in it.

"Burying my dad's ashes at a winery in Cape Town under the very vines we planted together as family just a few years ago," she said.

Also Read"She lived a full life!" - Maria McCloy remembered as "...this incredible energy that pulled people in"

The Being Mary Jane actress recently visited the country to "film a fun project with friends" alongside fellow American actor Michael Ealy.

"May you nourish the earth the way you nourished us. May the blessings be bountiful. May the abundance be wrapped in peace, kindness, and consideration. May the legacy continue," she said as, she said a short prayer on her knees before replenishing the soil.

She later shared a toast with red wine with close friends and family before they sprinkled some of it around the interred ashes.

Sylvester “Cully” Union Jr. passed away on the fourth of April, 2026, at 81-years-old after battling with dementia for a number of years.

"I left my heart in South Africa," she said.

22 May 2026

"She lived a full life!" - Maria McCloy remembered as "...this incredible energy that pulled people in"

Photo Credit: Instagram/mariamccloy

Johannesburg - A celebration of life that is hard to conceptualise into words—written or spoken—Maria McCloy's bold, colourful,vibrant and unapologetically fully-lived life was celebrated on Wednesday, 20th of May, at the Joburg Theatre; on the vibrant, urban culture-centric streets of Braamfontein.

The city's creative culture hub joined close friends and family as they gathered together, to eulogise the life and times of the celebrated multi-hyphenate entertainment publicist who died tragically on Tuesday, 12th of May— on the wake of her 50th birthday— at the Milpark Hospital due to heart failure.

Amongst some of the renowned attendees on her memorial service per TimesLive were DJ S'bu, Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse, Rami Chuene, Thebe Magugu, Thula Sindi, Thandiswa Mazwai, and rapper Stogie T.

 Acclaimed poet Lebo Mashile facilitated the programme.

Also Read"Her kindness....will never be forgotten" - Renowned entertainment publicist Maria McCloy has passed on

Seasoned artist Thandiswa Mazwai, clad in a black ensemble with a doek, gave a poignant eulogy in song by American Jazz artist Abbey lincoln's Throw It Away.

"I have not managed to write anything. I'm going to attempt to sing this song, which I think speaks to Maria's spirit, her generousity, her curiousity, her friendship," she said.

The stage was decked with Maria McCloy's designed accesories and a variety of burning candles portraying an ambience of stillness and calm.

Tributes continued to pour in on the wake of her passing with many who were close to her still in a state of shock; they have shared content from her recent 50th birthday celebration and some of their not-so-long-ago happier moments together.

Also Read:Sun Goddess founder Vanya Mangaliso dies at 53

"She belonged to Johannesburg in such a beautiful way, because she carried this incredible energy that pulled people in and made people feel seen," said Author and close friend Sylvester Chauke.

"She lived a full life. One thing I learnt about Maria's passing - Phila! Loudly! Proudly! Unapologetically! PHILA!" commented creative artist Buhle Mda on actress Renate Stuurman's moving video compilation on Instagram of Maria McCloy in happier times.

Maria’s funeral service will be held as a private gathering that will not be open to the public or members of the media, the McCloy family said in a statement.

She is survived by her mother and her two sisters.

13 May 2026

"Her kindness....will never be forgotten" - Renowned entertainment publicist Maria McCloy has passed on

Photo Credit: Instagram/mariamccloy

Johannesburg - Tributes continue to pour in for renowned media personality Maria McCloy who died last night, 12th of May, at Milpark Hospital due to heart failure.

The renowned Publicist and Fashion Designer had recently celebrated her 50th birthday.

In a statement shared with the public by her family she was described as a "vibrant and creative soul who embraced life wholeheartedly".

"It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we confirm the passing of our beloved sister and media giant, Maria McCloy.

Also Read: Sun Goddess founder Vanya Mangaliso dies at 53

"A vibrant and creative soul who embraced life wholeheartedly...her kindness, warmth, generousity and unwavering love for those around her touched many lives and will never be forgotten," the statement read.

McCloy is survived by her mother and her two sisters.

Her family has kindly asked for privacy as they navigate through their loss.

Details of her memorial and subsequent funeral will be announced in due course as per the family's statement.

Tributes from industry friends:

 

 

 

 

28 April 2026

'Happy Birthday Queen B!' - Boity celebrates another year

Photo Credit: Instagram/boity

Johannesburg - Media personality Boitumelo "Boity" Thulo is adding another year to her more than three decades of living her life like it's golden.

The TV personality —transitioned Hip-Hop rapper— is turning 36-years-old today.

She recently took to Instagram in a series of appealing photos surrounded by inflated balloons to wish herself a happy birthday.

"Happy Birthday Queen B," she said.

Also Read: 'Taka Snako we did it!' - Unathi Nkayi and ex-husband celebrating son's turning of age

"Chapter 36, here we go," said the former Rockville actress.

The Instagram post to her more than six million followers garnered comments from fellow media personalities including Tshepi Vundla, Shekhinah, Liesel Laurie and her cousin Lesego "Thickleeyonce" Legobane.

According to Music In Africa, the actress was born on this day more than three decades ago in her hometown of Potcherstroom in the North West.

Boity's claim to fame was a Wimpy commercial in 2010.

"My 20's went by so fast....I am more spiritually aligned now...," she told Drum.