Popular radio personality and host of Ukhozi FM’s breakfast show Sipho “DJ Sgqemeza” Mbatha who has reportedly requested to be moved from the prime-time slot to an evening show due to growing church commitments.
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Sipho Mbatha, widely known as DJ Sgqemeza and a leading voice on Ukhozi FM, has reportedly requested to be moved from the station’s prime-time breakfast slot.
Mbatha currently co-hosts the Vuka Afrika Breakfast Show from 6am to 9am alongside Mroza Buthelezi. However, sources indicate that he has approached station management with a request to transition to an evening weekday programme he previously hosted.
“Sipho wants to be reshuffled back to the evening slot. He has shared with colleagues that his current schedule is challenging, especially since he is now a reverend with growing church commitments. At times, he has to travel from Jozini to Durban early in the morning, which adds further strain,” the source said.
It remains unclear whether management will grant the request, with the insider indicating that no major changes to the station’s line-up are expected at this stage.
The SABC couldn't be reached for comment because Head of Communications, Mmoni Ngubane did not reply to questions sent to her by the time of publishing.
The development comes as SABC radio stations, including Ukhozi FM, are in the process of negotiating new contracts with on-air talent.
According to an insider, Mbatha’s request is largely driven by his increasing responsibilities outside broadcasting.
Mbatha’s profile has remained a topic of interest among listeners. When the station’s popular annual calendar was released last month, his absence sparked public reaction. The SABC later clarified that Mbatha had opted out of being featured, as he had done the previous year.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that uMhlanga-based, bi-lingual regional commercial radio station, Gagasi FM has concluded its own contract negotiations with presenters, also with no significant changes anticipated in its programming line-up.