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Durban’s beloved radio jock, Darren Maule, is never exactly short of words. Now, the radio personality has another reason to talk: he’s added a major national award to an already impressive collection of accolades.
The host of East Coast Radio’s Breakfast Show was named Live Announcer of the Year at the 2026 South African Voiceover Awards, held at a glittering ceremony in Sandton recently.
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What is the South African Voiceover Award?
The awards celebrate the voices behind the country’s broadcasting, entertainment, and wider voice industry.
Maule’s category focuses on a particularly demanding part of the profession: live announcing. It recognises individuals who can command a stage, field or event in real time - often without a script, second take, or the luxury of editing.
It’s about more than having a good voice. Timing, presence, quick thinking, and the ability to hold an audience’s attention are all part of the job – skills Maule has been honing for more than two decades as an event MC, programme director and moderator.
This latest accolade is far from Maule’s first trip to the awards podium. His career has seen him collect recognition across radio, television and the entertainment industry. A few recent highlights include Best of SA Readers’ Choice Awards (KZN) 2026: Best Local Radio Show and KZN Business Awards 2024: Named on the Top Business Leader list.
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From award-winning to Dubai-bound
And just when you thought he might take a moment to put his feet up, Maule was back behind the microphone – this time on an international stage.
After his award win, he headed to Dubai to MC Kings & Queens of Comedy at the Dubai Comedy Festival, held at New Covent Garden Theatre at Mall of the Emirates.
Maule hosted an all-star South African comedy line-up, taking his familiar blend of presenting and comedy to an audience beyond home turf.
Reflecting on the milestone, he said: “It’s been a really wonderful year for my career with so many highlights on the radio front, but the month of October was the month to pause and reflect on my MC work. I’m so grateful for the recognition at the South African Voiceover Awards, and then the chance to MC internationally within a couple of weeks of that was amazing.
“When I look back at the early noughties when I started MCing at Parker’s Comedy, I never in my wildest dreams would’ve thought it would lead here. I love presenting whether it’s radio, TV, or stage and am delighted that the coming together to be entertained remains so vital to who we all are.”
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