5 Breakfast, Mon. - Fri.; 06:00 - 09:00
Marli is passionate about education and is currently studying towards her Master’s Degree in Journalism at Stellenbosch University, with Political Science as an extra subject. She also holds an Honours degree in Journalism and in Drama and Theatre studies, specialising in Applied Theatre. She is an advocate for mental health and mental illness. Her love for radio started when she read news on campus radio as part of a practical component of her Journalism Studies.
What shows they present (and time)
Traffic presenter on 5 Breakfast (weekdays, 06:00 – 09:00)
Synopsis of the show
A brand-new breakfast offering hosted by Dan Corder, Mathapelo Moloi, Marli van Eeden and Xoli Zondo is sure to keep you entertained, engaged and laughing every morning.
What do you love most about radio?
Having studied journalism, I believe in the power of the media (including radio) to inform, educate, and entertain the public. It is both a responsibility and an immense privilege. Radio is such an interactive and immediate medium, it is candid, there is no 'redo' button, everything happens live and that is what makes it so unique. I love the fact that radio lets you connect with people in such a personal and special way, knowing that you are a companion for people, someone they turn to for advice, information, encouragement, a smile... the list goes on!
I also love seeing the messages we, as the Breakfast team of 5FM, get from listeners on a daily basis, it is great knowing that we put a smiles on faces. One of my mentor's at 5FM once put it so well: “in radio, we are in the business of inspiring people to get up and get living. We aim to make people feel good about life, and that is such an honour”. Being on a national platform, celebrating our beautiful country and beautiful people, is something dear to my heart that I will never take for granted.
How long have you been on radio?
I have worked on radio for about three to four years. I started my radio career in campus radio, at MFM 92.6 at Stellenbosch University, and community radio, at Radio Helderberg in Somerset West. I have worked as a presenter, news reader, MC, desk driver, producer, content producer, and social media manager. This is one of the things I love about radio - the fact that it is such a versatile platform and that there are so many different opportunities.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I am such a nerd! I used to play chess with my dad as a child, and recently joined a chess club after watching the series "The Queen's Gambit" on Netflix. I love the arts, as well as history, so I enjoy visiting museums and art galleries in my spare time. I also enjoy hiking, and doing the odd 5K run once in a while (although I was a lot fitter back in Cape Town). I also enjoy spending time with friends and loved ones, preferably on a dance floor dancing the night away – although some people would say my dance skills are questionable!
What daily motivation do you believe contributes to your success over the airwaves daily?
Without a doubt, God. I owe everything to Him.
What has been your favourite moment on Radio, any campaign you can share and why did you love it so much, what did you enjoy most about working with said brand?
My favourite moment on air has been all the moments of great interaction with the Breakfast team and our dear listeners – especially when we are having a good laugh! There have been so many mornings when I am tired (ironically I am not a morning person), but then something happens on air, whether it is something a team member or listener says and it just brings the biggest smile to my face and my day is made! I would like to think that this is the power of breakfast radio, putting people in a good mood to tackle the rest of the day! Obviously we inspire to put our listeners in a good mood, but there are so many times when they are the ones making us laugh! That is the special thing about radio, it is such an interactive medium.