Seasoned radio personality DJ Fresh, whose real name is Thato Sikwane, has been confirmed as the new host of Kaya FM ‘s flagship breakfast programme starting Monday, 6 July 2026.
DJ Fresh replaces Sizwe Dhlomo, who abruptly departed from the station on Wednesday morning.
The 53-year-old broadcasting heavyweight will anchor the weekday breakfast show from 6am until 9am alongside his trusted producer and longtime collaborator Thato Mataboge, together with Mpho Maboi.
Kaya 959 acting managing executive Dave Tiltmann praised the appointment, describing DJ Fresh as “one of South Africa’s most influential broadcasters”.
“His ability to connect with audiences is unmatched. This is an exciting new chapter for Kaya 959,” Tiltmann said in a statement.
DJ Fresh expressed enthusiasm about returning to the breakfast slot.
“Breakfast radio is special because it lets you be part of people’s daily lives.
Kaya 959 has built a powerful, loyal brand and Thato and I are looking forward to joining the team and creating an entertaining, warm, insightful and energetic show,” he said.
The veteran presenter, who referred to the move as “a reunion 20 years in the making”, further stated: “We feel like we’re coming home.”
Over the past three decades, DJ Fresh has established himself as one of the country’s most recognisable radio figures after stints at YFM, 5FM, Metro FM and, most recently, 947.
His journey in commercial radio, however, was cut short in January 2021 after Primedia Broadcasting terminated his contract at 947 following rape allegations levelled against him and DJ Euphonik on social media.
The National Prosecuting Authority later confirmed that there was not enough evidence to pursue prosecution in the matter.
Prior to that controversy, DJ Fresh had also lost his Metro FM job in 2019 after uttering an inappropriate word during a live broadcast.
He was initially suspended before eventually being dismissed after refusing to apologise, while the SABC claimed his conduct had brought the public broadcaster into “disrepute” following “unsuccessful engagements”.
Popularly known as The Big Dawg, DJ Fresh joined 947 in August 2019 where he hosted the station’s afternoon drive-time show until his contract came to an end in 2021.
Following a four-year absence from commercial radio, the veteran broadcaster resurfaced on the airwaves in April 2025 when he joined community radio station 93.8FM for a Friday show.
He is now set for a high-profile return to mainstream commercial radio through his new role at Kaya 959.
Thomas Msengana will remain in the breakfast seat throughout June as the station prepares for DJ Fresh’s official takeover in July.