The station says that it is making a concerted effort to grow and support its' own talent; hence, Stacey Norman and JSbu will host weekdays between 16:00 and 19:00.

According to the station, Norman has cemented her name in the radio industry, and after four successful years and growing the audiences in various time slots on East Coast Radio, she has worked her way to the top.

"I've worked relentlessly, I care, I'm invested, I'm ready. I honestly feel like it's time," says Norman. "This is also the first time that ECR has a lead female on a Drive Show with equal footing and equal mic time."

"It's a huge responsibility but I'm excited about the opportunity and representing. Representation is super important to me and the station. The more women there are to open doors, the more women get through," adds Norman.

JSbu says that his passion for radio was eminent when he founded Radio DUT. He was then approached by ECR’s programming manager Zane Derbyshire to become a presenter on the station.

After five years of being behind the scenes for the Breakfast show and hosting the Early Breakfast Show, as well as being a stand-in on several occasions, JSbu has will now host the new Drive Show with Norman.

"If I am being honest, I am very nervous but at the same time I'm very excited for this new chapter in my life and career. I look forward to learning and taking the show to the next level," says JBsu.

"Who would have thought a farm boy from Mandeni would host a drive time show on one the biggest commercial radio stations in South Africa. This great opportunity comes with great responsibility," adds Jsu.

Derbyshire says that their appointments is a very proud moment for not only for the station but for radio as a whole. "Both Norman and JSbu both worked relentlessly to be where they are today."

"They have an incredible work ethic and both make for radio. They are also individuals with great personal stories that I think South Africa can and will resonate with. I am extremely proud of them and cannot wait for them to light up the airwaves," adds Derbyshire.

The station has also announced that the Breakfast Show has signed a long-term contract and will be 'dishing up your daily dose of get up and go' for the next three years.

East Coast Radio's managing director Boni Mchunu says that the line-up refresh and timeslot changes speak to the evolving direction of the station. "As a business, we invest in a lot of market research to find out what our listeners like and what they dislike because, ultimately, we are crafting a station that is grounded in Kwa-Zulu Natal and our values but futuristic," says Mchunu.

The station has additionally indicated that Thandolwethu's listenership has increased by 10% just after celebrating her one-year anniversary on the 09:00 to 12:00 timeslot. Due to this, the radio station has extended her show by an hour. Thandolwethu will now broadcast between 09:00 and 13:00.

East Coast Radio has also 'refreshed its' sound' by introducing new voices. Vic Naidoo will be taking over the reigns from Stacey Norman between 13:00 and 16:00.

The station says that its audience numbers continue to grow and is currently sitting at 1 051 000.

The new line-up is as follows:

Weekdays:
  • Mike V — 04:00 to 06:00
  • Darren, Keri and Sky — 06:00 to 09:00
  • Thandolwethu — 09:00 to 13:00
  • Vic Naidoo — 13:00 to 16:00
  • Stacey and JSbu — 16:00 to 19:00
  • Neil Green — 19:00 to 10:00 (Monday to Thursday)
  • Sam Cele — 22:00 to 01:00
  • Minnie Ntuli — 22:00 to 01:00 (Friday)
  • Gordon Graham — midnight to 04:00 (Monday to Thursday)
Saturday:
  • Jane Linley-Thomas — 06:00 to 09:00
  • ECR Top 40 with Danny and Tee — 10:00 to 14:00
  • Deon Govender — 14:00 to 18:00
  • Jayshree — 02:00 to 04:00
  • Minnie Ntuli — 22:00 to 01:00
Sunday:
  • Jane Linley-Thomas — 06:00 to 09:00
  • Danny and Tee — 10:00 to 14:00
  • Deon Govender — 14:00 to 18:00
  • Minnie Ntuli — 22:00 to 01:00
  • Jayshree — 02:00 to 04:00
All new shows will commence on Monday, 1 June. Individuals who have media queries are encouraged to contact [email protected].

For more information, visit www.ecr.co.za. You can also follow East Coast Radio on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.