Veteran broadcaster DJ Fresh and radio personality Thato Mataboge officially kicked off a new chapter in their broadcasting careers on Tuesday morning as they hosted their first Kaya Breakfast show on Kaya 959.
The much-anticipated debut followed weeks of preparation and marked a full-circle moment for the pair, who first shared the airwaves together two decades ago. Their reunion has been widely celebrated by radio fans eager to hear the chemistry that made them one of South Africa’s memorable broadcasting partnerships.
Kaya 959 pulled out all the stops for the show’s launch, transforming the morning broadcast into a special occasion with a live audience in attendance to witness the historic first show.
Listeners were welcomed with a brand-new show jingle, something that immediately caught DJ Fresh’s attention.
He told listeners he could not remember the last time he had heard a dedicated radio jingle, saying it added to the excitement and significance of the occasion.
Reflecting on the journey that brought them back together, DJ Fresh shared an emotional message with his co-host.
“When we first did radio together 20 years ago, you were not even a father. But look at us now. Big shout out to Team Kaya. Team Kaya have been incredible, welcoming us. I almost feel like it’s my wedding day,” he joked.
The launch generated an overwhelmingly positive response from listeners, many of whom took to social media to welcome the duo back to breakfast radio. Fans described the show as nostalgic, saying it reminded them of some of South Africa’s most memorable radio moments while also bringing a fresh energy to weekday mornings.
Others said hearing DJ Fresh and Mataboge together again felt like “coming home,” praising the natural chemistry and lively conversations that have long been associated with both presenters.
The debut follows Kaya 959’s announcement in May that DJ Fresh would become the station’s new breakfast show host from July 1, succeeding Sizwe Dhlomo. During June, broadcasting veteran Thomas Msengana steered the breakfast slot ahead of the official handover.
When his appointment was announced, DJ Fresh described the opportunity as a reunion many years in the making.
“This is a reunion 20 years in the making. That’s the last time Mpho Maboi, Thato and I were on radio together, making this a full-circle moment for us.
“We feel like we’re coming home together and we want to make mornings on Kaya 959 essential listening. We want listeners to feel informed, inspired, entertained and connected every single day,” he said.
DJ Fresh is regarded as one of South Africa’s most influential radio personalities, with a broadcasting career spanning more than three decades across several major commercial stations. His return to breakfast radio has generated significant interest among listeners and industry observers alike.
With the first show now behind them, DJ Fresh and Thato Mataboge begin a new era at Kaya 959, aiming to deliver a blend of news, conversation, music and entertainment while reconnecting with loyal listeners and introducing a new generation to their on-air partnership.
