Sizwe Dhlomo Biography | Background | Age | Wife | Education | Career | Farming Business
Sizwe Dhlomo is a prominent South African media personality and farmer, renowned for his role as the host of Kaya Drive on Kaya FM. His family background is deeply rooted in farming, with his grandfather, Isaac Dhlomo, having made a name for himself as a prosperous South African farmer.
Background
Sizwe Dhlomo’s grandfather, Isaac Dhlomo, was a native of KwaZulu-Natal. Despite his impoverished upbringing, Isaac became a wealthy farmer, acquiring land in KwaZulu-Natal during the apartheid era. He also played a notable role in politics as an avid supporter of the African National Congress (ANC). Isaac Dhlomo’s contributions extended to helping Anton Lembede, the first ANC Youth League president, become a partner at the Pixley ka Seme law firm by providing a substantial loan. He maintained close relationships with apartheid struggle icon Oliver Tambo and former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda, even capturing moments with them in photographs.
Sizwe Dhlomo is close friends with Anele Mdoda and Trevor Noah and often goes on vacation with them.
Relatives
Sizwe Dhlomo is believed to have two sisters, one of whom is known as Thobeka Dhlomo. However, information about his siblings’ personal and professional lives remains elusive. Notably, Sizwe is also known as the cousin of media mogul Khanyi Dhlomo.
Age
Sizwe Dhlomo was born on June 21, 1983.
Education
Sizwe Dhlomo pursued his education at the Durban Institute of Technology, specializing in Computer Programming. Prior to his higher education, he completed his high school education at Kingsway High School in Amanzimtoti, matriculating in 2000.
Career
Sizwe Dhlomo’s career journey has been dynamic and diverse:
Early Career Transition
At the age of 22, he made a significant career shift from computer programming to broadcasting, winning MTV Base’s talent contest. This victory marked the beginning of his career as the first video jockey on the music station, where he interacted with renowned pop culture figures.
Notable Roles
Over the years, Sizwe Dhlomo conducted interviews with major international celebrities, including John Legend, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Akon, 2-Face, and Sean Paul. He represented MTV Base at the VMAs in Scotland in 2014 and served as the digital host of the 16th edition of the South African Music Awards in 2010.
Radio and Television
Sizwe Dhlomo briefly co-hosted SABC1 Live with Bonang Matheba in 2011 and later joined SuperSport. He also became part of the Newzroom Afrika team.
Career as a Radio Presenter
His transition to radio began with YFM, followed by his tenure at 947 in 2013. He extended his radio presence to include 702 FM and Cape Talk, becoming a recognizable voice in South African radio and television, known for his charisma and understanding of youth culture.
Current Role
In June 2020, Sizwe Dhlomo assumed the position of the afternoon drive show host on Kaya FM, where he replaced Ndumiso Ngcobo and Kgomotse Matsunyane. As of the present, he continues to host the popular Kaya Drive show, solidifying his status in South African media.
Farming Business
In addition to his media career, Sizwe Dhlomo manages his family’s extensive farming business, primarily situated in KwaZulu-Natal. The farm encompasses various divisions, including forestry, horse breeding, cropping, and cattle ranching. Sizwe’s focus primarily centres on forestry and horse breeding. The farm also cultivates Smithii leaves, utilized for various pharmaceutical purposes.
In 2021 alone, Sizwe oversaw the harvest of more than a hundred and fifty tonnes of Smithii leaves. He also engages in cattle ranching, maintaining a hands-on approach despite his demanding media commitments.
