Ukhozi FM has released its new line-up for the 2024/2025 radio year, and it features seasoned actor Muzi Mthabela. The former Isibaya star, who is also a video editor, will be taking over from Siya Mhlongo on Ukhozi FM TV – the SABC radio station’s YouTube podcast.Mthabela will be joining Nelisiwe Cele, who is returning on the show.
Sbongi Ngcobo, Ukhozi FM’s Business Manager expressed her enthusiasm about the forthcoming radio season.“We are delighted to introduce our listeners to this dynamic talent and fresh perspectives. Our innovative campaigns, nation-building discourse, and stellar lineup of presenters ensure that we remain at the forefront of the industry, resonating with our vast audience and meeting the needs of our clients. We are confident that Ukhozi FM will continue to dominate in terms of audiences and continue to build on revenue generation.”While Mhlongo will no longer be on the podcast, and has also left Metro FM, he will continue to captivate audiences on Ubusuku Obuhle every Monday to Thursday from 20:00 to 00:00.
Other shows such as the Vuka Africa Breakfast Show will remain unchanged. The weekday show, which airs from 6:00 to 9:00, will still be hosted by Sipho “DJ Sgqemeza” Mbatha alongside Nonhlanhla ‘Mroza’” Buthelezi.Dudu “Lady D” Khoza, the esteemed Queen of the Airwaves, will maintain her coveted slot, Jabul’ujule, from 09:00 to 12:00.In addition, Khathide “Tshatha” Ngobe and Selby “Selbeyonce” Mkhize will continue to drive listeners home every weekday from 15:00 to 18:00 on Woza Nabangani Bakho.Musician Bingelela Mpanza, the 2021 winner of the Winnie Mahlangu Female Presenter Search, will continue to host Sigiya Ngengoma every Saturday from 9:00 to 12:00. The singer will now be joined by Ngobe who will stand-in on the show until the station finds a suitable replacement following the untimely passing of the show’s host Bheka “Beekay” Mchunu.
Mchunu sadly passed away on 12 March after an undisclosed illness.
The 45-year-old radio host (who was also a philanthropist and businessman) had been in and out of hospital for many years before his passing. In 2021, he had to be pulled off air after he collapsed during a show. Thereafter, he spent weeks in hospital.
In 2022, ZiMoja reported that he again fell ill whilst in studio and could not complete his show as he lost his voice.
At the time, Mchunu told the publication that he was looking for the best traditional healers to help him as doctors had been unsuccessful.