Veteran broadcaster DJ Fresh has been confirmed as the new host of the Kaya 959 breakfast show from 1 July 2026, replacing Sizwe Dhlomo who resigned live on air on Wednesday 27 May 2026. Image: @admin
Veteran broadcaster DJ Fresh is returning to breakfast radio. Kaya 959 has confirmed that DJ Fresh will host its flagship weekday breakfast show from Wednesday 1 July 2026. This DJ Fresh Kaya 959 appointment comes days after Sizwe Dhlomo’s shock resignation on Wednesday 27 May 2026. Furthermore, Kaya News Editor-in-Chief Katy Katopodis also confirmed her exit on Friday 29 May 2026. It has been a dramatic week at the station.
Sizwe Dhlomo’s Shock Exit
Sizwe Dhlomo caught listeners completely off guard on Wednesday 27 May 2026. He announced his resignation live on air during an emotional broadcast of Siz The World with Sizwe Dhlomo. He revealed that the decision had actually been made in 2025. Furthermore, he confirmed he would be taking a sabbatical before returning to the airwaves at a different station.
“This was not an easy decision. Kaya FM has been home to me. However, I believe it’s time for a new chapter in my life and career,” Dhlomo told listeners. He urged his co-hosts to welcome the new hire warmly.
Kaya 959 confirmed his exit was effective immediately. As a result, veteran broadcaster Thomas Msengana stepped in as interim host while the station finalised its new breakfast show plans.
DJ Fresh Kaya 959 Appointment Confirmed
Just days after Dhlomo’s exit, Kaya 959 moved swiftly. The station confirmed that DJ Fresh, whose real name is Thato Sikwane, would take over the breakfast show from 1 July 2026. Furthermore, he will be reunited with his long-time on-air collaborator and producer Thato Mataboge.
DJ Fresh expressed excitement about the move. “Breakfast radio has always been special to me because it allows you to become part of people’s daily lives,” he said. “We feel like we’re coming home together and we want to make mornings on Kaya 959 essential listening.”
Kaya 959 CEO Jan Tiltmann also confirmed the station’s confidence in the appointment. “Fresh brings exceptional talent, exceptional content and exceptional audience experiences. Together with Thato Mataboge, he will create a breakfast show that is intelligent, entertaining, culturally relevant and impossible to ignore,” Tiltmann said.
The Story Behind the Story
Sol Phenduka, former Kaya 959 co-host and current Podcast and Chill with MacG panellist, was first to break the DJ Fresh news publicly. He claimed on Thursday 28 May 2026 that sources at the station had told him management made Dhlomo’s departure effective immediately after his on-air announcement. Phenduka said little birdies had spoken to him about Fresh’s appointment before it was officially confirmed.
However, Dhlomo himself reacted with characteristic grace. When Katy Katopodis announced her own departure as Editor-in-Chief of Kaya News and Talk on Friday, Dhlomo expressed public support for his former colleague.
A Significant Radio Shake-Up
DJ Fresh’s appointment marks one of the biggest shake-ups in South African commercial radio in recent years. His career spans more than three decades at major stations including YFM, 5FM and Metro FM. As a result, his return to a major commercial breakfast slot is expected to reignite competition for Gauteng’s urban morning audience.
However, his return is not without complexity. His appointment comes after years away from mainstream radio following controversies that saw some brands distance themselves from him. Nevertheless, Kaya 959 is clearly betting that personality-driven broadcasting and strong audience recall still carry significant commercial value.
The station confirmed it will announce its full new breakfast show team in June 2026 ahead of the July launch.
For more on South African radio news visit kayafm.co.za.
Read our earlier coverage: Unathi Nkayi Arrested for Alleged Drunk Driving in Robindale.
Editors Note All information in this article is based on official Kaya 959 communications and media reports published between 27 and 29 May 2026.