During her tenure listenership has grown from just over 200 000 to 979 000 in the latest audience figures (RAMS March 2016). The station has also won numerous awards including two Station of the Year wins at the MTN Radio Awards and a continent-wide search for the BBC’s Best African Radio Station of the Year in 2007. Gwangwa herself was named Woman in the Media for the year 2008 by The Media magazine.

“Pheladi’s astute legal mind, combined with her commitment to her team and compassion for her audience have made her an asset to the station and our business,” said Primedia Broadcasting CEO, Terry Volkwyn.

Gwangwa said “I leave 702 with mixed emotions. Whilst I am sad to leave this dynamic business which has become synonymous with the great South African narrative, I am confident that I am leaving the radio station in great shape. The work that has gone into building the 702 brand during my tenure leaves me in no doubt that the station will only grow from strength to strength. I am grateful for the opportunities afforded me in my time here to lead a robust team of individuals who made every single day a welcome challenge. I look forward to using the lessons learnt in future undertakings.”

Volkwyn announced that Thabisile Mbete has been appointed to take over as 702 station manager. Mbete is currently Primedia Broadcasting’s group content editor, a role which has a natural focus on talk programming. Mbete was previously an executive producer for The John Robbie Show and has a keen sense of the issues and the audience’s wants and needs.

“Thabisile is immersed in the current affairs landscape, and has both experience in and instincts for the talk radio format. At such a tumultuous point in our country’s history, 702 has an ever more important role to play in unpacking the issues for audiences. We believe that Thabisile has the skills and strength to lead 702 as a platform for spirited conversations,” said Volkwyn.

Mbete is ready for the challenge ahead. “This is an important time for an influential station such as 702 as the country struggles with complex socio-political issues. I feel privileged to be part of the team which provides such a platform to discuss and debate these issues,” she said.

“I am also grateful to have worked with Pheladi over the last couple of years and I have great respect for her and what she has achieved during her tenure.”

Gwangwa will be with 702 until the end of May 2016.

For more information, visit www.702.co.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.