“I STILL worry about the radio link, and if I am saying the words right. And I will continue doing radio, for as long I can speak,” admitted one SA’s top radio-man David Mashabela.
The host of a weekly show ‘The Royal Playground’ on the SABC’s Radio2000, between 12:00 and 15:00pm, has amassed tremendous listenership that has seen him establish ‘The King David’ podcast’.
The former taxi driver from Mamelodi, asserts: “YouTube reaches about 4-million people in South Africa, while the SABC reaches over 20-million,” he confirmed this week, as his podcast will feature on SABC2 new line up of shows.
“This move allows stories that were previously limited to people with internet access to reach everyone, including ordinary mamas and papas.”
The newly launched SABC2 programming was unveiled at the swanky The Galleria in Sandton.
The amiable Mashabela believes his podcast has become a platform for the public to engage on their struggles and successes, growth and achievements, says the former University of Durban Westville graduate, that played a role in persuading him to venture into radio, as it had a campus radio station.
‘Senganga’ (top dog in kasie lingua) has become his signature whenever he greets, so he did at the launch.
“We don’t have a proper library of South African stories,” he said. “If you want to understand the full journey of some of our biggest names, there’s nowhere to go, senganga, “he tells unfortunately on archiving SA’s own stories.
SABC2 affording him to host his podcast says a lot about the lack archiving in this country, and ‘my journey is to reshape that narrative and make our stories popular amongst the citizens’ as he probes SA’s celebrities, well-known figures and ordinary folks.
SABC 2’s refreshed schedule goes on air from 9 February, and are as follows:
Eintlik Let’s Connect – 16h30
A topical afternoon companion offering real conversations, lifestyle insights and everyday South African voices.
Afrikaans Nuus – 18h30
The inclusion of Afrikaans Nuus on SABC 2 underscores the channel’s commitment to linguistic diversity, ensuring Afrikaans-speaking audiences are meaningfully represented within the public broadcaster’s comprehensive and accessible news service.
Ouma Sarie – 19h00
A warm, multi-generational favourite that celebrates humour, tradition and the relationships that anchor South African families.
Deal or No Deal – 19h30
The iconic game show Deal or No Deal, hosted by Katlego Maboe, moves into a new timeslot, bringing anticipation, excitement and shared family viewing into primetime.
Pimville – 21h00
Positioned as the flagship of SABC 2’s New Era, Pimville is a powerful telenovela set in Soweto that explores ambition, resilience, love and consequence through authentic township storytelling.
Colour Your Plate with KOO – Sundays 19h00
A vibrant cooking competition celebrating nutritious meals and South Africa’s diverse culinary heritage returns for a new season.
Morning Live moves to earlier slot from 5am daily.
Together, these programmes mark the opening movement of SABC 2’s New Era — a confident first step that signals change while setting the stage for more to come!
Image provided (The likeable David Mashabela will host ‘The King David’ podcast as it debut on SABC2).
