By his own admission, Xolani Gwala is at the zenith of his radio career.
On Monday he will get behind the mic as the new host of the 702 Breakfast Show, replacing the legendary John Robbie at the popular Johannesburg radio station.
Not too bad for a young man who used to pack groceries at OK and pursued his dream as a journalist relentlessly, ending up at SABC1 as the host of Asikhulume - Let's Talk back in 2002.
Gwala interned at 702 under the tutelage of Noeleen Maholwana-Sangqu before settling at SAfm and eventually returned to 702 as the afternoon drive host. He now brings his booming baritone to wake up listeners on one of the most coveted radio jobs in the land.
We meet over home-made lemonade in Rosebank to reflect on what it means to him. Sporting a few strands of grey in the beard, Gwala has just returned from home in KwaZulu-Natal where he says he took time to think and prepare.
"The more I think of it, the more I get nervous. It's massive and there are lots of expectations...
"It is the zenith of my career, the highlight, it's extremely important and gratifying."
As much as he brings his own signature and touch, Gwala says most of the features will remain, but most importantly the principle and ethos of changing lives with campaigns and through the generosity of listeners.
"I bring my own personal experience of South Africa. My outlook on life as I've ... experienced it."
Gwala says the team has had several meetings about the show and believes that everything that worked need not be changed.
He will not be taking his team with, including traffic guy and buddy Tshego Modisane.
He acknowledges that the show is influential and sets the tone for the rest of the station and the day.
Gwala looks forward to sharing his commentary while driving conversations. "I come from a journalistic background and that guides me. And it all comes down to being fair.
"This is an opportunity to guide delicate discussions. There is a potential to change lives meaningfully and we will take that to the next level. I want people to remember me as someone who respected the craft and the platform he was on."
Gwala has managed to remain private and not be seen as a celebrity. "I was introduced to the public as a journalist and it's difficult to discard that. But I'm not hiding anything."
He is traditionally married to former Miss South Africa Peggy-Sue Khumalo after he paid lobolo and waxes lyrical about her.
"She is an amazing woman. She is strong. You know in life there are those people who have everything? She's one of those. She has a 360 degree view of things."
They have a daughter together.
Gwala is in a good space with his career on the rise and married to the love of his life, but he is sober about it all.
"Life is complicated but good and it goes on... But things are not as bad as we make them out to be."
mofokengl@sowetan.co.za
Own-man Gwala ready to fill big boots
By his own admission, Xolani Gwala is at the zenith of his radio career.
On Monday he will get behind the mic as the new host of the 702 Breakfast Show, replacing the legendary John Robbie at the popular Johannesburg radio station.
Not too bad for a young man who used to pack groceries at OK and pursued his dream as a journalist relentlessly, ending up at SABC1 as the host of Asikhulume - Let's Talk back in 2002.
Gwala interned at 702 under the tutelage of Noeleen Maholwana-Sangqu before settling at SAfm and eventually returned to 702 as the afternoon drive host. He now brings his booming baritone to wake up listeners on one of the most coveted radio jobs in the land.
We meet over home-made lemonade in Rosebank to reflect on what it means to him. Sporting a few strands of grey in the beard, Gwala has just returned from home in KwaZulu-Natal where he says he took time to think and prepare.
"The more I think of it, the more I get nervous. It's massive and there are lots of expectations...
"It is the zenith of my career, the highlight, it's extremely important and gratifying."
As much as he brings his own signature and touch, Gwala says most of the features will remain, but most importantly the principle and ethos of changing lives with campaigns and through the generosity of listeners.
"I bring my own personal experience of South Africa. My outlook on life as I've ... experienced it."
Gwala says the team has had several meetings about the show and believes that everything that worked need not be changed.
He will not be taking his team with, including traffic guy and buddy Tshego Modisane.
He acknowledges that the show is influential and sets the tone for the rest of the station and the day.
Gwala looks forward to sharing his commentary while driving conversations. "I come from a journalistic background and that guides me. And it all comes down to being fair.
"This is an opportunity to guide delicate discussions. There is a potential to change lives meaningfully and we will take that to the next level. I want people to remember me as someone who respected the craft and the platform he was on."
Gwala has managed to remain private and not be seen as a celebrity. "I was introduced to the public as a journalist and it's difficult to discard that. But I'm not hiding anything."
He is traditionally married to former Miss South Africa Peggy-Sue Khumalo after he paid lobolo and waxes lyrical about her.
"She is an amazing woman. She is strong. You know in life there are those people who have everything? She's one of those. She has a 360 degree view of things."
They have a daughter together.
Gwala is in a good space with his career on the rise and married to the love of his life, but he is sober about it all.
"Life is complicated but good and it goes on... But things are not as bad as we make them out to be."
mofokengl@sowetan.co.za
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