Kaya 959 has officially revealed the full picture behind its highly anticipated programming refresh, and it is a schedule designed to make noise across Gauteng’s airwaves.
Following the headline-grabbing announcement that veteran broadcaster DJ Fresh will join the station’s breakfast show alongside Thato Mataboge from 1 July, Kaya 959 has now unveiled a broader on-air line-up that blends trusted personalities, fresh talent and familiar favourites returning to the fold.
The result is a schedule carefully crafted to accompany listeners through every part of their day—from the first moments before sunrise to late-night conversations, and from weekday routines to music-filled weekends.
More than a simple reshuffle, the refreshed line-up reflects a station positioning itself confidently for the future while remaining deeply connected to the audience that has helped define its identity.
A New Chapter Built on Momentum
For Kaya 959, the arrival of DJ Fresh was never intended to be the entire story.
According to Programme Manager Maekanya Morotoba, the breakfast announcement was merely the opening act of a much bigger transformation.
“The announcement of DJ Fresh was a major moment for Kaya 959, but it was also the start of a bigger story,” says Morotoba.
“We are now showing listeners the full picture. This is a schedule with pace, personality and purpose.”
That purpose is reflected in the station’s latest talent acquisitions. The refreshed line-up welcomes Sweetness Motsepe from You FM, Dee Nkomo from Capricorn FM and sees the return of Nonn Botha to the Kaya 959 family.
Together, the trio brings new perspectives, established radio credibility and strong audience connections that strengthen the station’s overall offering.
Breakfast Gets a Major Boost
Starting on 1 July, mornings at Kaya 959 will be anchored by one of South Africa’s most recognisable radio voices.
DJ Fresh and Thato Mataboge will lead Kaya Breakfast from 06:00 to 09:00, taking over after Xola Dlwati’s Let It Be, which continues to start the day from 05:00 to 06:00.
The appointment signals Kaya 959’s ambition to compete aggressively during one of radio’s most important listening periods while maintaining the station’s signature blend of culture, conversation and music.
Beyond breakfast, familiar favourites remain firmly in place.
TBose continues with The Best T in the City from 09:00 to 12:00, while Andy Maqondwana keeps afternoons moving with Feel Good from 12:00 to 15:00.
The drive-home slot remains one of the station’s most recognisable offerings, with Glen Lewis, Skhumba Hlophe and Kgomotso Meso delivering Kaya Drive from 15:00 to 18:00.
Strong Voices Continue the Evening Conversation
Kaya 959’s evening programming remains focused on substance and meaningful engagement.
From Monday to Thursday, Gugulethu Mfuphi continues hosting Kaya Biz between 18:00 and 20:00, bringing listeners the latest business insights and conversations shaping the economy.
Phemelo Motene follows with Point of View from 20:00 to 22:00, before Mablerh closes the evening with The Upper Room from 22:00 until midnight.
Friday evenings introduce a different energy to start the weekend.
Bonolo Beesting takes charge of The Hive from 18:00 to 21:00 before Mablerh once again hosts The Upper Room from 21:00 to midnight.
Weekends Take Centre Stage
One of the most significant aspects of the refreshed schedule is Kaya 959’s increased focus on its weekend offering.
The station has assembled a line-up that blends music discovery, personality-driven programming and listener familiarity.
Saturday mornings begin with Thomas in the Morning from 06:00 to 09:00 before Bonolo Beesting hosts The Kaya Countdown.
The day continues with Dee Nkomo on The Vibe, Sweetness Motsepe on Saturday Select, George Manyosi on On the Beat and VK on Nites Over Kaya.
VK, who joined the station in August last year, remains an important part of the station’s growing weekend identity.
Sunday programming shifts into a more reflective and soulful atmosphere.
Listeners can enjoy Thomas in the Morning, followed by Soulful Sunday with returning presenter Nonn Botha, Spade of Hearts with Xola Dlwati, The Jazz Standard with Brenda Sisane, The World Show with Nicky B and The Lounge Experience hosted by Sweetness Motsepe.
The schedule offers a seamless blend of soul, jazz, conversation and music exploration that has become synonymous with the Kaya 959 brand.
Radio Designed Around Gauteng Life
Morotoba believes the refreshed schedule reflects how modern Gauteng audiences live, work and engage with media.
“Kaya 959 has always been about more than filling time slots. It is about companionship, culture, music, conversation and connection,” he says.
“Our listeners are switched on, expressive and ambitious. They want radio that understands their world.”
That philosophy is evident throughout the new schedule, which balances entertainment with meaningful conversation and musical discovery.
According to Morotoba, the station’s newest additions are central to delivering that experience.
“Sweetness, Dee and Nonn each bring something distinctive. Sweetness brings warmth, musicality and an instinctive connection with audiences. Dee brings fresh momentum and a strong radio presence. Nonn’s return brings familiarity, soul and a deep Kaya connection.”
Confidence for the Future
As Kaya 959 enters the second half of 2026, the station appears focused on growth, consistency and strengthening its relationship with listeners.
For Morotoba, the true significance of the refreshed schedule extends beyond any single presenter.
“We are excited about what this line-up unlocks. Fresh is part of the momentum, but the real strength is how the full schedule now comes together.”
The unveiling of the complete line-up marks more than a programming update. It represents a strategic investment in talent, audience engagement and the future of one of Gauteng’s most culturally connected radio brands.
With established stars, respected broadcasters and fresh voices sharing the microphone, Kaya 959 is turning up the volume on a new era—one built around great conversation, exceptional music and a listener experience designed for every moment of the day.
