Popular media personality Dineo Ranaka is making a much-anticipated return to Metro FM, two years after leaving the station for a brief stint at Kaya 959. Ranaka, who previously hosted the midmorning show, is set to take over The Saturday Top 30, one of Metro FM’s flagship weekend shows.
In an interview with Sowetan LIVE, Ranaka opened up about the circumstances surrounding her departure from Metro FM in 2022 and her decision to return.
“I actually received an offer from Kaya 959 to do their breakfast show slot. I then showed them [Metro FM] the offer. They could not match the offer at the time, and I ended up taking the offer with Kaya,” she explained.
She made it clear that her move was purely a career decision and not due to any conflict.
“I only took the offer because I knew breakfast was one of the things I wanted to do in my future. I want to put it straight that I was never fired from Metro FM, and there is no animosity. I’m glad to be coming back. I feel like I’m back home.”
While she is returning to Metro FM, Ranaka is not interested in going back to her old midmorning slot, which is currently hosted by Khutso Theledi.
“I have no desire to play Sis Dolly [#AskAMan] again and help people with their love or life issues. I believe a weekend show will do me good as I will get to introduce radio back into my life in dribs and drabs.”
She also reflected on how everything seems to be coming full circle in her career, even though she never expected to return to radio so soon.
“Yes, I do believe I have been brought back to my purpose, especially when I thought I closed the door at Kaya 959 three years ago. God paved this path for me. Yes, it does feel like a full circle, even though I’ve had many.”
Her love for music and the energy it brings played a huge role in her decision to take on The Saturday Top 30.
“I love the Top 30, I’ve done it before — I love the energy music gives me. I am glad the people from Metro are entrusting me with one of the flagship weekend shows.”
“When the offer came, I said to God, ‘OK, I see what you’re doing.’ For me, this is a beautiful return because my heart was no longer in radio. I’m seeing this as another opportunity to have an influence, and I can’t wait to connect with the listeners.”
Dineo Ranaka has been open about her struggles with mental health and the challenges she has faced over the years. However, she now feels like she is in a much better place.
“Dineo is very relaxed now. She’s got a fragile nervous system, and life has, to a degree, dealt difficult cards for her, but she stayed resilient and conquered.”
“Human beings were created to take a break — between then and now, God has done so much work, and he has delivered me from anger. I went back to God and said, ‘Please teach me how to get better,’ and he delivered me from mental health and financial problems, depression, and issues I couldn’t handle. So I’m happy to say, things are balanced now.”
