Celebrated broadcaster Karabo Ntshweng enters a new era as she transitions from night-time radio to the coveted mid-morning slot on 5FM. With 5 Mid Mornings with Karabo, she brings a refreshed energy rooted in authenticity, connection and the evolving rhythm of modern South African life
After more than two decades in the industry, Karabo Ntshweng continues to redefine what longevity and relevance look like in South African media. Her latest move, stepping into the mid-morning slot on 5FM marks not just a schedule change, but a meaningful evolution in both her personal and professional journey.
Known for her authenticity and ability to create spaces where audiences feel seen and heard, Karabo brings a renewed sense of purpose to this time slot. It’s a move that speaks to growth, alignment and an unwavering commitment to meaningful storytelling.
5 Mid Mornings with Karabo, airing weekdays from 09:00 to 12:00, signals a shift towards a more vibrant, real-time connection with listeners navigating the pace of everyday life. Blending music, conversation and high-energy interaction, the show is designed to reflect the experiences of young professionals and students, balancing ambition, wellness and cultural awareness.
Here, Karabo unpacks this exciting transition, her perspective on longevity in the industry, and what listeners can expect from this new chapter.
GLAMOUR: Moving from nights to mid-mornings is a major shift. What does this transition represent for you personally and professionally at this stage of your career?
Karabo: This transition feels like a realignment more than a reinvention. Personally, it reflects a softer, more intentional pace in my life. One where I’m choosing presence over pressure. Professionally, it’s an opportunity to stretch a different muscle. Nights are intimate and reflective, but mid-mornings are alive, responsive, and connected to the rhythm of people’s everyday lives. It’s a beautiful challenge to meet listeners where they are in real time.
GLAMOUR: You’ve described this new chapter as aligned with where you are in life. What has changed for you that makes this the right moment?
Karabo: I think I’ve grown into a space where I’m more grounded and self-aware. I’m no longer chasing moments, I’m choosing them. There’s a clarity that comes with experience, and I’m more intentional about how I show up, what I say yes to, and the kind of energy I bring into spaces. This time slot mirrors that evolution. It feels balanced, purposeful, and aligned with who I am now.
GLAMOUR: Looking back on your journey so far, what do you think has been the key to your consistency and longevity in such a competitive industry?
Karabo: Authenticity and discipline. I’ve never tried to be anyone else, even when trends suggested otherwise. And I’ve treated this career with respect. Showing up prepared, staying curious, and constantly learning. Longevity isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room; it’s about being a consistent and trusted one.
GLAMOUR: How would you describe the energy and identity of 5 Mid Mornings with Karabo in three words?
Karabo: Vibrant. Honest. Connected.
GLAMOUR: What can listeners expect from you in this time slot that they may not have experienced during your night show?
Karabo: There’s a lighter, more playful energy, but still with depth. Mid-mornings allow for spontaneity, more interaction, and conversations that reflect what people are navigating. It’s less about winding down and more about lifting people up, keeping them informed, entertained, and seen as they move through their day.
GLAMOUR: Mid-mornings often catch people in the middle of busy routines. How do you plan to connect with listeners in such a dynamic part of their day?
Karabo: By meeting them exactly where they are. Whether someone is in traffic, at work, running errands, or just trying to get through the day. I want the show to feel like good company. It’s about creating moments that are easy to step into but meaningful enough to stay with you. Connection doesn’t have to be heavy to be impactful.
GLAMOUR: Your content often reflects real-life experiences. Why is it important for you to keep your show grounded in authenticity and relatability?
Karabo: Because people can always tell when something isn’t real. Radio is such an intimate medium, and I believe listeners deserve honesty. When you speak from a place of truth, people feel seen, and that builds trust. And for me, that trust is everything, it’s what keeps the conversation alive beyond the mic.
GLAMOUR: How do you stay in tune with what young South Africans are thinking, feeling, and navigating right now?
Karabo: I listen a lot. Not just on-air, but off-air too. Through conversations, social media, and simply being present in everyday spaces. I also remain open to learning and unlearning. Young South Africans are dynamic, expressive, and evolving, and it’s important to engage with them with curiosity rather than assumption.
GLAMOUR: What conversations are you most excited or even nervous to bring to the mid-morning space?
Karabo: I’m excited about conversations that reflect how society is shifting, things like digital intimacy, mental health, identity, and how we’re redefining relationships and success. Those conversations can be uncomfortable, but they’re necessary. Growth often lives on the other side of discomfort.
GLAMOUR: With over two decades in the industry, how have you evolved as both a broadcaster and a storyteller?
Karabo: I’ve become more intentional and less performative. Earlier in my career, it was about proving myself. Now, it’s about connecting, understanding, and creating space for others. As a storyteller, I’ve learned that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is listen and let the story breathe.
GLAMOUR: What does success look like for you now compared to earlier in your career?
Karabo: Success used to look like milestones, awards, recognition, big moments. Now, it’s more about impact and alignment. It’s about waking up excited, feeling fulfilled, and knowing that what I’m doing resonates and makes a difference, even in small ways.
GLAMOUR: Finally, what do you hope listeners take away from spending their mornings with you?
Karabo: I hope they feel lighter, seen, and a little more connected to themselves and the world around them. If the show can make someone smile, think differently, or feel less alone, then I’ve done my job
Recent stories by:
Thobeka Phanyeko
Dr Nomfundo Mcoyi-Zondo on Leadership, Legacy and Real Impact
A Global First: MARC’S by MARC JACOBS Opens Its First Permanent Café in Johannesburg
Chief Marketing Officer at Takealot, Karla Levick offers us a glimpse into the House of Beauty
World Autism Awareness Day: Seeing Autism Through a Teacher’s Eyes
