David Mashabela (born 1 September 1975) is a South African radio presenter, director, and producer. He hosts The Royal Playground on Radio 2000 on weekdays from 12 to 3 pm.
Mashabela started his career at a local radio station in KwaZulu-Natal. He has worked for Durban Youth Radio, City Press, and Metro FM. He is the producer of the SABC1 show Telkom Monate Vibes (S1-S4).
| David Mashabela | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Personal Details | |
| Name: | David Mashabela |
| Born: | 1 September 1975 (age 49 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Mamelodi, Pretoria |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Education: | Economics and Industrial Psychology |
| Alma mater: | University of KwaZulu-Natal |
| Occupation: | Radio presenter, director, producer |
| Employer: | Radio 2000 |
| Podcast: | King David Studio |
| Residence: | Johannesburg |
Early Life
David Mashabela was born on 1 September 1975 in Mamelodi, Pretoria. Growing up in Mamelodi, he felt his dreams extended far beyond his upbringing.
He fell in love with radio in grade 11 and admired radio personalities such as Tim Modise and the late Bob Mabena.
Education
David had his Matric at Vlakfontein Secondary School in 1992. He obtained a BA in Economics and Industrial Psychology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He honed his skills as a presenter and writer at Durban Youth Radio.
Career
David has over 30 years of experience in the broadcasting industry. He has worked for Durban Youth Radio and for City Press as a radio writer. He later moved to a national commercial radio station, Metro FM. He spent seven years as a producer on the station’s breakfast and afternoon shows.
In 2010, David began to work at the national radio station Radio 2000 from 9 am to noon. He has had features such as Thola Coffee and the Morning Fourplay.
Affectionately known as King David, Mashabela has been the producer of Telkom Monate Vibes on SABC1 since its first season.
Currently, he hosts The Royal Playground on Radio 2000 on weekdays from 12 to 3 pm. He would invite musicians, actors, and influential figures on the show to share their experiences, discuss projects, and engage in other conversations.
Mashabela also engages in philanthropy through the Mashabela Creatives. The communications solutions company sponsored an annual merit awards ceremony at David’s former school, Vlakfontein Secondary School.
Through his podcast King David Studio, Mashabela engages in deep, meaningful conversations. He features musicians, actors, and influential public figures. He has invited Duma Ndlovu, Sjava, Thandeka Dawn King, Sophie Ndaba, among others.
Car
David Mashabela is a true enthusiast of Ford Mustangs. He fell in love when his mother bought a car with a V8 engine. When he was able to afford a classic car, he acquired a 50-year-old Ford Mustang and has maintained it, ensuring it looks as good as new.
References
- Janine van der Post. “WATCH | My Ford Story: David Mashabela’s love for Mustangs comes from his mom when she bought a V8”. News24.
- “In Conversation with David Mashabela, Radio Presenter”. www.omny.fm.
- “Vlakfontein Secondary School Annual Merit Awards Ceremony”. Mashabela Creatives.
- “Meet David Mashabela”. Radio2000.
- Noko Mashilo. “Uncrowned King of the Airwaves”. Daily Sun.
- Aaron Dube. “David’s the king of airwaves!”. Daily Sun.
