Former Metro fm news reader Relebogile Mabotja, 947 drive time presenter Dj Fresh, Kaya FM and Radio 2000 dominated the South African Radio Awards.
Winners of The Radio Awards 2020 were announced in an online award ceremony, hosted by comedian Loyiso Madinga on Friday.
The Radio Awards, now in its tenth year, celebrates outstanding talent in the South African radio industry.
Mabotja took to her social media to thank all the news readers who helped her build her confidence as a news reader.
“I’m so exceptionally proud. Part of me has that feeling of ‘Ya, but you didn’t want to be a newsreader. Now you are winning for it. Other people should be more deserving.’ But the other part of me is like, I worked so damn hard. I took my work do seriously and to everybody who helped me. All the newsreaders that I spoke to from other radio stations as well that were just helping me, training me and giving me feedback and building my confidence. To Metro fm for giving me the one [chance] to be a newsreader and to bring home an award,” she said.
Mabotja was however, sacked from her duties as the Metro FM newsreader at the beginning of the month.
Thato ‘DJ Fresh’ Sikwane and Bruce Whitfield walked away with best afternoon drive and best combined radio business and finance show on 702 & Cape Talk respectively.
DJ Fresh said that after decades of doing radio, he still gets excited for each show like it was the first day on air.
“The butterflies never get old. I am earnestly grateful for the award, a true reminder of the smiles, laughs, tears, heartfelt moments and music we experience on air. My work wouldn’t be possible without my phenomenal team and the amazing listeners we are blessed with daily; I am because they are, ” said Dj Fresh.
This year’s Station of the Year Awards went to Kaya 95.9 FM (Commercial), Hot 91.9 FM (Community), Radio 2000 (PBS), and Tuks 107.2 FM (Campus).
“Congratulations to all of the finalists, and especially the winners for producing dynamic, captivating radio for the South African listening audience,” said Taryn Westoby, Head of Arena Events which manages The Radio Awards.
“It’s been a challenging period in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, and making The Radio Awards happen this year – albeit on an online platform – has meant that the tireless work of radio stations around the country can be highlighted at a time when good news is really welcomed.”
For those who may have missed the online announcement, Business Day TV (DStv 412) will re-broadcast the announcement on television today at 4pm and 9pm, and on Sunday again at the same times.
