Radio host Anele Mdoda pulled out of the MTN Radio Awards as MC with a week-and-a-half to go, leaving comedian Joey Rasdien to take over the reins on Saturday night at the Sandton Convention Centre.

Mdoda confirmed her withdrawal to Sowetan. "I had an issue with the principles and how the awards are awarded so I pulled out and they could take my two nominations. I was okay with that."

Mdoda was nominated as best afternoon drive presenter and for best afternoon drive show, which she didn't win. The night belonged to Tuks FM, Radio Pulpit, Thobela FM and Jacaranda FM. The stations were declared winners in their respective categories of campus, community, public broadcasting service (PBS) and commercial.

Radio Pretoria was declared the station with the most loyal listeners.

Big name winners such as Redi Tlhabi, who took best daytime show for a commercial station, Xolani Gwala, who won best afternoon drive show and Putco Mafani, voted best breakfast show presenter, were not there to receive their gongs.

Marikana loomed large with a few wins, thanks to Radio Pulpit's programme Leave Your Mark: Marikana.

Jacaranda FM's Closet Classics dominated with wins in best music show and best weekend radio show.

Motsweding FM's Seboloke won best drama programme while Thobela FM's Megolokwane won best music show on PBS. On traffic updates, Kgomotso Meso of Kaya FM was announced as the best while Zolani Bongco of Umhlobo Wenene took the best sports commentator award. Amanda Matshaka of Channel Africa won best news bulletin reader for PBS and Regan Thaw of Eye Witness News won for commercial.

Robert Marawa continued his dominance with his 083Sports@6 with Marawa by winning the best sports show on commercial radio and Ukhozi's Ezemidlalo No Victor took it for PBS.

The late Umhlobo Wenene presenter Saba Mbixane was given a hall of fame tribute.

mofokengl@sowetan.co.za