Thethani brings more than a decade of newsroom, broadcasting and editorial leadership experience across some of South Africa's leading media platforms. She joined Kaya 959 in August 2025 as a news anchor where she has already played an active role beyond on-air delivery, contributing to the daily news diary, helping to set the editorial agenda, advising reporters, editing stories and producing deadline-driven bulletins, says the station.
David Tiltmann, Acting Managing Executive at Kaya 959, says Thethani's appointment reflects both continuity and confidence in the future direction of the newsroom, "Mbali has already made a meaningful contribution to Kaya 959, not only as a compelling and trusted on-air news voice, but also through the depth of her editorial judgement and her understanding of what matters to our audience. She brings strong newsroom discipline, leadership experience and a clear instinct for credible, relevant storytelling. We are delighted to appoint her as News Editor and look forward to the energy and direction she will bring to this important role."
Thethani's career has included senior editorial and reporting roles in radio and television. Her background spans breaking news, political coverage, live crossings, bulletin compilation, interviews, diary planning and multi-platform content production. She holds a B-Tech Degree in Journalism and a National Diploma in Journalism from the Tshwane University of Technology, adds the station.
Commenting on her appointment, Thethani says, "I am honoured to take on the role of News Editor at Kaya 959, a station with a distinctive voice, a deeply engaged audience and a prominent place in South Africa's media landscape. Newsrooms today must be fast, accurate, thoughtful and audience-aware, and I look forward to collaborating with the team to strengthen Kaya's editorial offering across radio and digital platforms. My focus will be on credible journalism, strong storytelling and ensuring that our news remains relevant, trusted and connected to the lives of our listeners."
In her new role, Thethani will oversee Kaya 959's newsroom operations, guide editorial planning and coverage, support the development of journalists and anchors, and help drive a cohesive, multi-platform news strategy aligned with the station's broader content ambitions.
Kaya 959 also expresses its sincere appreciation to Katy Katopodis for her contribution to the station and its newsroom, "Katy has made an important and lasting contribution to Kaya 959," concludes Tiltmann. "We are deeply grateful for the professionalism, care and editorial rigour she has brought to the newsroom during her tenure. Her commitment to credible journalism, her leadership of the team and the standards she has helped uphold have been valued. She leaves with our heartfelt thanks and our best wishes for the next chapter."
For more information, visit www.kaya959.co.za. You can also follow Kaya 959 on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor