First lady of SA radio
DUDU KHOZA: HOW A NURSE BECAME ON-AIR HOSTESS WITH THE MOST-EST
Her journey out of grinding poverty in KwaZulu-Natal to become a household name.
Born in poverty in Clermont, KwaZulu-Natal, to a teacher mother, Dudu Khoza has risen to become one of the most prominent names in mainstream daytime radio.
Also a devoted wife and mother, she has built a solid broadcasting career, maintaining number one status for more than 25 years.
“I remember my days growing up vividly because of the pain, poverty and suffering I experienced living with my sister and mother,” she says.
Being raised by a strong Zulu woman on a teacher’s salary, young Khoza’s life was one of sacrifice and obedience, including walking kilometres to and from school as part of her daily routine.
They also constantly moved around as her mother tried to create a better life for her daughters despite the enormous odds.
It was during these days that the soft-spoken Khoza’s ability to stand out in a crowd emerged, which would often land her in hot water with her sister.
Unaware of what destiny had in store for her, the tenacious young girl did her secondary schooling at a prestigious Catholic boarding school, after her mother fought tooth and nail to get her and her sister admitted.
“I have always known I was special. As a child, I would love doing what pleased my mother and at school I was always the child who would get the teachers’ affection. But I could never put my finger on why,” says Khoza.
She enrolled as a student nurse at King Edward Hospital, where she excelled, moving to King George Hospital as a qualified nurse.
Her work ethic and genuine commitment to her job led to her receiving the call that would propel her into a career in radio.
Starting off as a weekly family
I remember my days growing up vividly because of the pain, poverty and suffering.
planning advisor on the then Radio Zulu, now known as Ukhozi FM, she got the attention of the community.
She managed to successfuly advise women and respectfully encourage men to lead healthier lives.
“The station manager at the time heard of this nurse who could address hard topics in a way that accommodated all listeners and was not afraid of the hostility which came with the culture and offered me a job at the station.”
She joined the radio station in 1993, still unsure of what the venture would entail.
She learned how to do her new job by watching the other radio hosts and in time had the largest show listenership in the country. And she has not looked back. She got the name “Lady D” from a colleague during a staff meeting with station management who were inspiring them to be creative.
Fast forward 25 years and the name has become a well-known brand in many households, offices and communities.
Khoza has also received many accolades, among them the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award at the MTN Radio Awards.
Apart from being an exceptional radio host, Khoza has managed to raise two strong Zulu men and many children that she adopted.
She inspires them all daily on her Jabul’jule weekday show.