Presenters
The Unicorn
Hailing from Cape Town, The Unicorn began his radio journey producing a show for the late Big Steve Wood, but his passion was sparked at age six during a live Springbok Radio outside broadcast with Eric Egan. Known for a matter-of-fact on-air style, he combines a love for broadcasting with a dedication to nurturing new presenter talent. Surprisingly, his first job was as a martial arts instructor after giving up the idea of becoming a preacher. A fan of Dire Straits’ Alchemy Live, he unwinds with movies, political podcasts, and family time. Comfort foods include pizza, sausage rolls, and Judy’s lasagne, and his signature sign-off, “Never Play Leapfrog with a Unicorn,” reflects his playful spirit. His mission: make every listener feel like part of the Zone Radio family.
Adrian Buckland
Originally from Johannesburg, Adrian Buckland’s journey into radio began with Sunshine Music Radio, where he worked at events and on Pick ’n Pay’s internal station. Drawn by the pure pleasure of music, this go-getter brings energy, passion, and personality to the airwaves. A motor mechanic by trade and lifelong Elvis Presley fan, Adrian loves unwinding to good tunes and an ice-cold Coca-Cola. His signature sign-off, “Bye now — back next week,” perfectly captures his friendly style and commitment to delivering great musical entertainment every time he’s on air.
Alice McKnight
Hailing from the valley, Alice McKnight first stepped behind the mic to fill in for her dad — and never looked back. Drawn by the privilege of sharing her passion for music, this fun and sometimes funny presenter brings warmth and wit to every show. When she’s not on air, Alice is completing her Master’s in experimental nuclear physics or finding balance through yoga (and the occasional glass of wine). Influenced by Joy Division, she hopes her show makes every listener’s day just a little bit better.
Bilaal Stofile
Bilaal was born in East London and grew up in Rustenburg. His journey into radio began through exposure at WSU/Unitra Community Radio, where a growing passion for broadcasting took shape. After approaching Zone Radio, Richard Griggs offered to train him as a presenter after which he joined the Zone Radio team.
Well-informed, well-spoken, and known for his good sense of humour, Bilaal brings an engaging and thoughtful presence to the airwaves. A former varsity band member, he has a deep appreciation for music—especially Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror. Off-air, he enjoys live rugby, time at the Noordhoek Pumas grounds, a good braai, and homemade ginger beer. Bilaal values every listener interaction and remains genuinely grateful for the support he receives.
Craig Miller
Craig Miller, Zone Radio presenter better known as “Cockatookop Craig,” got his start in radio through Rob and Ernie, with a lifelong love of music pulling him behind the mic. Naturally quite shy off air, Craig transforms on air into a vibrant, energetic presence that keeps listeners locked in. When he’s not spinning tracks from favourites like A-ha and Avicii, you’ll find him chasing adrenaline through surfing, gym sessions, and a passion for fast cars. Fuelled by Monster and sushi, Craig delivers a high-energy listening experience that keeps audiences tuned in and enjoying the music. He signs of each show with “And from me, Craig Miller… good night”
David Parker
Meet David Parker, a loved and slightly quirky voice who first discovered radio through Zone Radio — a place he says makes learning accessible to all. Wanting to try something new and step out of his comfort zone, David found his home on the airwaves. A true sports fanatic who loves all music, he brings energy and variety to every show. Off-air, you’ll find him braaing, enjoying Asian-inspired food, and watching sport. Kicking off each show with Robbie Williams’ “Let Me Entertain You,” David’s mission is simple — to entertain, inspire a smile, and maybe teach you something new.
Jacques De Klerk
Meet Jacques the Happy Alchemist, a presenter who started his radio journey recording audiobooks for the blind before joining campus radio. Drawn to the thrill of being live on air and the joy of working independently, Jacques always strives to keep it real. A lover of Bach, books, and walks in nature, he brings a thoughtful energy to every broadcast. Known for his signature sign-off, “Stay in an attitude of gratitude,” Jacques aims to leave listeners feeling lighter, inspired, and uplifted.
Jan Leonard
Based in Johannesburg, Jan found her way into radio through a deeply personal journey of healing. After a traumatic experience, she discovered Zone Radio — a station that resonated with her soul — and soon became a newsreader before training as a presenter. Calm, articulate, and engaging, Jan brings warmth and empathy to the airwaves. A certified trauma counsellor and numerologist, she unwinds with books, adult colouring, and a great cup of coffee. Her guiding sign-off, “Do not harm, love fiercely, and always be a light in someone’s darkness,” reflects her mission to make every listener’s day a little brighter.
Janet Scanlon
Originally from Natal, Janet began her journey in radio selling advertising before discovering her love for the music Zone Radio plays. Knowledgeable, warm, and versatile on air, she brings both expertise and personality to every show. A proud mother of five, Janet unwinds by sunbathing or chilling with friends, always accompanied by her favourite comfort—chocolate. Influenced by Blake Shelton, she signs off with “Have a great evening and goodnight,” leaving listeners with the joy of great music and a memorable listening experience.
Jeff Khan
Hailing from Milkwood Park, Jeff Khan began his radio journey on Talk Radio as a relationship coach, drawn by the opportunity to help others learn from his experiences and insights. Caring, good-natured, and with a sense of humour, Jeff brings warmth and wisdom to every show. A former SA Navy member and Springbok Scout, he unwinds with family time and gym sessions. Influenced by Queen, Dire Straits, and Pink Floyd, his comfort food is a classic cheeseburger. Jeff closes each show with thoughtful reflections, leaving listeners with healing, peace, personal growth, and a touch of great entertainment.
Jenna Fish
From Noordhoek, Jenna Fish discovered her love for radio during a university course in drama, and later joined Zone Radio as a volunteer. Drawn to the joy of presenting and connecting with listeners, she aims to be a friendly voice alongside fabulous music. Friendly, professional, and quirky, Jenna is a qualified English Home Language teacher (despite her self-proclaimed “horrendous spelling”). Influenced by Abba, Laufey, and Sammy Rae & The Friends, she unwinds with beach walks and believes a good lasagna can solve anything. Her mission: make listeners boogie, celebrate the everyday, and find joy in the ordinary.
John McKnight
Born in Durban and now enjoying life in the Valley after many years in Johannesburg, John McKnight found his way into radio simply by knocking on the door — and the Unicorn let him in. Inspired by listening to Squad Cars on Springbok Radio as a child, John’s on-air focus is all about the music. A devoted Depeche Mode fan among many other influences, he unwinds with music, books, and beach walks, often accompanied by a good glass of red wine. His signature sign-on, “Are you sitting comfortably? Then let’s begin,” reflects his goal of sharing a genuine love of music with every listener.
Jude
Having lived in Cape Town since 1982, Jude first volunteered at Zone Radio to support her partner Richard and quickly fell in love with presenting. Growing up on Springbok Radio and LM Radio, her lifelong passion for music shines through her passionate, friendly, and relaxed on-air personality. Despite being naturally shy, she shares her love of John Miles, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, and the Blues with warmth and charm. Off-air, Jude enjoys crafting, movies, and time with friends, accompanied by dark chocolate and red wine. Her sign-off, “Keep the Faith,” reflects her goal of sharing joyful music memories and appreciation for South African music and the blues.
Kelly Hoffman
Born and raised in Cape Town, Kelly Hoffman was inspired by her dad, Rob the Hoff, to pursue radio and cultivate her lifelong love of music. Drawn to the medium for her passion for both music and conversation, Kelly is lively, authentic, and amiable on air. She began presenting at Zone Radio in grade 8 and now brings nearly six years of experience while studying for a bachelor’s degree in education. Influenced by One Direction and 90’s alternative bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers, she unwinds with reading, music, and baking, often accompanied by a warm vanilla cappuccino. Her sign-off, “I’ll be back, next week Saturday!”, reflects her mission: to show listeners that you don’t need to fit a stereotype to love and celebrate music.
Mario Petrella
Mario’s radio journey began during the Zimbabwean days, when a gap left by departing presenters created the perfect opportunity for him to step behind the mic. Driven by a passion to share his music knowledge, he embraced broadcasting as a way to connect with listeners through sound.
Soft-spoken and soothing on air, Mario is known for taking audiences on a carefully curated musical journey. His early influences include icons like Paul McCartney and Elton John, while his downtime is often spent enjoying the timeless sounds of Pink Floyd and the blues.
Listeners might be surprised by the bold edge of the music he plays compared to his age, but his aim is simple: to leave every listener with a sense of enjoyment and discovery through the music.
Michelle Human
Originally from Pretoria and now living in the Deep South since 2016, Michelle in the Morning turned a childhood dream into reality by answering The Unicorn’s invitation to learn about radio. Energetic, real, and welcoming on air, Michelle brings warmth and authenticity to every show. A qualified adult Learning and Development professional, she loves exploring new ideas, the outdoors, and spending time with family, friends, and her soft spots—children, animals, and the elderly. Enthralled by musicians who tell stories and reinvent sounds, she enjoys coffee and chocolate while sharing her passion. Her sign-off, “Stay safe, BE REAL, BE what you love!”, reflects her mission: to give listeners a reason to start each morning with a song in their hearts.
Peter Henry
From the central suburb of Crawford, Peter began his radio journey after discovering the Unicorn’s willingness to train aspiring presenters. After completing a training session on the afternoon drive show, he eagerly seized an available Saturday PM slot at Zone Radio. Radio allows him to express himself and make an impact, while sharing his love of music. Known for his very happy space on air, Peter enjoys reading technical books and spending time with family. A fan of Supertramp’s The Logical Song and Italian cuisine, he aims to give listeners a great musical and memorable experience.
Richard Davies
Known on air as Richie, Rich, or Richard, he has been passionate about radio since the 1980s, starting at the SABC editing and monitoring shows on reel-to-reel machines. Drawn by a lifelong love of music, Richard left a corporate job to follow his passion. Laid-back yet prone to moments of excitement and wonder. As a professional cameraman he covered wars across Africa and Iraq to touring with the Hansie Cronje-era Proteas, and travelling extensively thanks to his father’s maritime career. A Bruce Springsteen fan (Darkness on the Edge of Town is his favourite album), he unwinds surfing, watching movies, and spending time with friends. Curry is his comfort food, and his ethos on air is simple: appreciate music in all its forms, celebrate local talent, and respect everyone’s unique taste.
Rob Hoffman
“Rob the Hoff” hails from Cape Town and brings a lifelong passion for music to the Zone Radio lineup. His radio journey began when “The Unicorn” recognised his deep love for music and gave him the opportunity to step behind the mic. Having spent years as a mobile DJ, moving into radio presenting was a natural next step.
Fun, chilled, and never too serious, Rob believes music is all about memories. With a wide and varied taste—ranging from Def Leppard to Depeche Mode—his goal is simple: if the songs he plays spark good memories for listeners, then the job is done. Off-air, he enjoys sport, time with friends and family, good hamburgers with a Coke, and of course, listening to music. He signs off each show with his trademark line: “From me, Rob the Hoff, it’s cheers for now.”
Sue Hair
Known on air as Genie Sue, she was invited to join Zone Radio by the Unicorn and quickly embraced the opportunity. Fun, spontaneous, and uplifting, Sue brings energy and passion to every show. A former South African netball representative in Hawaii, she is a devoted music lover with a taste for 60s, 70s, 80s, and classic rock. Off air, she enjoys exercise and quality time with family and friends, often accompanied by a glass of red wine. Her sign-off, “Adios Amigos/Ciao Ciao,” perfectly captures her goal: to leave listeners feeling uplifted.
Simone Loxton
Simone Loxton, a valley girl who returned home, dreamed of radio stardom in high school while listening to 5FM’s Top 40. Nearly 20 years later, she landed her first show on Zone Radio. Friendly, thoughtful, and a little rebellious, Simone blends 90s and 2000s influences—from Kings of Leon and Nirvana to Springbok Nude Girls and Pink Floyd—into a genre-crossing mix. Her philosophy? Music is medicine. With a background in brand strategy and communications, she enjoys thrift shopping, conversations about social justice, and walks along the Cape coast with her dog, Charles. On air, Simone aims to discover new music, spark curiosity, and bring Sunday afternoons to life, signing off with her mantra: “Stay curious and keep discovering.”
