As April approaches, the month in which South African Broadcasting Corporation radio stations usually review presenter contracts, Ukhozi FM presenter DJ Zeal has confirmed that she will be leaving the Durban based station.
She now joins the list of presenters exiting the station, following breakfast show co host Sipho Mbatha, who recently asked to be released in order to focus on his church calling.
Real name Zandile Dladla, DJ Zeal will step away from her weekly Friday show, Fakumoya.
In a statement released on Tuesday morning, DJ Zeal said:
“As Zandile ‘DJ Zeal’ Dladla, I am bidding farewell to pure isiZulu broadcaster Ukhozi FM after seven years of service. It has been an enlightening experience working for a public broadcaster with a public mandate, and to broadcast in my mother tongue isiZulu bekunezimfundiso zesintu ezinhle. I learnt a lot, especially when it comes to culture and heritage.
“I have previously worked for four highly commercial radio stations, all broadcasting in English. This part of the journey marks a powerful rebranding and transition into commercial predominantly English broadcasting for me.”
DJ Zeal has twice been nominated at the Telkom Radio Awards and won Best Dance Radio Show for Fakumoya at the SADMAs 2025.
“Ngiyak’chazela nje, nay le voice!” continues to grow into broader media and business platforms. I extend heartfelt gratitude to Ukhozi FM, my colleagues, and my loyal listeners and followers. However, there is a time for everything under the sun.
“To those asking, ‘Uyaphi uMakaNdabe?’ stay tuned and keep following,” she said.