East Coast Breakfast with Darren Maule

Carmen's eyesight is getting worse, but choosing a pair of glasses turned out to be an even bigger challenge! After sharing her favourite frames online, more than 500 people weighed in, with many saying her choices looked more like goggles than glasses. Things took an unexpected turn when a listener used AI to create alternative frame options, sparking a lively debate about what actually makes a pair of glasses suit your face. Optometrist Daina Govender joins the conversation to explain the science behind frame fitting, from pupillary distance to frame width, while listeners share their own glasses horror stories, tips, and hard-earned lessons. Webpage

Have you ever heard of a Schuko plug? Maybe not … but it has caused an annoyance in your life – every house has a Schuko plug. If it annoys Carmen Reddy, it probably annoys you as well! Find out what a Schuko plug is, and what its point is on ecr.co.za, select East Coast Breakfast! Webpage

Did you miss Ladysmith Black Mambazo live on East Coast Breakfast on Thursday morning? Then you missed the most amazing performance! Catch up on ecr.co.za, and find out where you can get tickets to their show on ecr.co.za, select East Coast Breakfast! Webpage

If you missed it on Wednesday morning on East Coast Breakfast, Darren, Sky, and Carmen delved into one of society's most bizarre elements … Community WhatsApp Groups - They asked you to submit your screenshots from bizarre conversations from KZN Community WhatsApp groups, and asked AI to create a song – The result was absolutely hilarious! Streaming now on ecr.co.za, under the East Coast breakfast Blog, or your favourite streaming platform: It's not a Fur Baby, it's a Cat! AND another fan-favourite – What happened to the Umdloti Monkey feeding station! Listen now! Webpage

One of KZN's most exciting sporting showdowns is making a massive return as the Hollywoodbets Dolphins and Hollywoodbets Sharks swap bats, banter, and bragging rights in the Fin Cup T20 at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium on Sunday, 16 August. Here's what to expect Webpage

Garfield has built a massive TikTok audience with nearly half a million followers and over 20 million views and now he's revealing how he did it! Garfield shares the secret recipe behind making viral videos in South Africa's fast-moving social media world, from understanding trends to creating content people can't stop sharing. Webpage

Khayalethu Mkhize and Lorkin Erwin, Grade 12 boys from St. henry's Marist College had a debate on the Phala Phala Scandal and whether or not President Cyril should be impeached. Who are you backing? Webpage

During his French Open debut in Paris, Arthur Gea had to make a sudden dash off court for an emergency bathroom break proving that sometimes your body doesn't care about timing, pressure, or millions watching on TV. Darren, Sky, and Carmen ask: what's the most inappropriate time you've ever “had to go”? Expect hilarious confessions, relatable chaos, and stories that'll make you grateful you made it to the toilet in time. Webpage

Sky Tshabalala revealed how he got scammed out of R18 000 on his banking app and it opened the floodgates to listeners sharing the scams catching South Africans right now. Webpage

An anonymous listener sent us this emotional love letter that had Darren, Sky and Carmen in tears Webpage

Right after the 38 National orders were awarded to the most influential and impactful South Africans, Darren, Sky and Carmen decided to ask KZN what National orders they deserve... This is how it went down Webpage

Tulio De Oliveira explains the open public nomination process and says the award is symbolic rather than financial, coming with a medal whose first recipient was Nelson Mandela. He reflects on 30 years of outbreak work and stresses that early identification of pathogens and the development of diagnostics, therapies and vaccines save lives, especially in South Africa Webpage

East Coast Breakfast discusses 38 recipients of South Africa's national orders, awarded for contributions to democracy and improving citizens' lives. The team zone in on Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus receiving an order but being unable to attend due to Springbok alignment camp, reportedly sending his 81-year-old friend Frikkie Erasmus to collect it. Webpage

Normally on Mondays, we're joined by the latest MasterChef SA elimination. But this week? No one went home. Instead, the episode featured one of our own: Darren Maule sitting in as a guest judge. He had the joke of the day ... and it has to do with Pork Crackling ... Webpage

If you missed it on Monday morning on East Coast Breakfast, Darren took a hilarious and slightly terrifying look at the unofficial rules of the road in KZN after learner licence pass rates dropped following South Africa's new computerised testing system. From treating roundabouts like vibes, to believing a yellow robot means “two more cars minimum”. Plus… why do KZN drivers think the yellow lane is a VIP fast lane?! Catch the full flashback now on the East Coast Breakfast page at ecr.co.za Webpage

Think passing your learner's licence is easy? Think again. Since South Africa introduced a new computerised testing system, learner's licence pass rates have dropped dramatically, and many drivers are being caught off guard. KZN Transport spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya joined East Coast Breakfast to explain what's changed, why so many people are failing, and whether experienced drivers would still pass the test today. Webpage

After Durban City's historic 2-1 victory over TS Galaxy in the Nedbank Cup Final, veteran goalkeeper Darren Keet joined East Coast Breakfast to relive the unforgettable win that brought silverware, pride, and hope back to Durban. Keet, alongside goalkeeper coach Rowen Fernandez, chatted to Darren, Sky, and Carmen about the pressure, the passion, and the moments that defined Durban City's incredible cup run. Webpage

Siphamandla Mthiyane won a brand-new BMW M240i in East Coast Radio and Gold Rush's Live Inside and Win the Ride! After living in the car for 10 days, he drove away with the prize. He joined East Coast Breakfast on Monday morning to speak about the most difficult thing was about living in a car with 9 other contestants, and what it feels like to drive a brand-new BMW M240i Webpage

A very familiar voice from your mornings on East Coast Radio is stepping into the MasterChef SA kitchen as a surprise guest judge this Sunday at 18:00 on e.tv. But which East Coast Breakfast favourite is it? Before the big reveal on TV, we're spilling all the behind-the-scenes tea, what the experience was really like, and whether the contestants survived the pressure Webpage

Prof Tulio De Oliveira explains hantavirus is a well-known virus discovered in 1976, usually transmitted by rodents and associated with farm work or cleaning rodent excrement, with low fatality. He outlines symptoms, including kidney bleeding in some variants and lung fluid leakage leading to pulmonary disease and cardiac arrest in the Andes variant, often starting like flu. Webpage

Darren, Sky, and Carmen welcomed Luyanda Zuma, Linda Sebenzo, Senzokuhle Radebe, Andile Mxakaza, and Sibonginkosi Tenza from eTV's hit show Isitha: The Enemy (Season 4)… but this wasn't your typical interview. In a first for East Coast Radio, the cast put their acting chops to the test in a LIVE radio drama and let's just say, things escalated quickly. From unexpected plot twists to laugh-out-loud moments and undeniable chemistry, this is one performance you didn't see coming. Did they nail it… or completely lose the plot? Hit play and decide for yourself. Webpage

"Live Inside & Win the Ride”, brought to you by Goldrush and East Coast Radio is LIVE on East Coast Radio! People are currently living in a car for 10 days and there will be a series of challenges and elimination rounds, and ultimately one person will drive away in a brand-new BMW M240i worth more than a Million Rand! Darren, Sky, and Carmen had a breaking news moment from the vehicle on Tuesday morning that nobody expected Webpage

Darren, Sky, and Carmen caught up with finalists Sinaed, Rivaldo, and Tyreek (a SANDF Candidate Officer) to find out what's going through their minds before stepping into the car. This trio gives us a glimpse into how they plan to outlast the competition, from survival strategies to mental strength and a few “what have I signed up for?” moments. Webpage

Darren, Sky, and Carmen caught up with the first two finalists, Nolwazi and Chris, to unpack their game plans, survival strategies, and what possibly convinced them to sign up for this extreme challenge. From mental toughness to unexpected tactics, this is just the beginning of a high-stakes ride you won't want to miss. Webpage

He came in last… but he still crossed the finish line — and that's what made it count. Nasser Narain completed the Chatsworth Ultra-Marathon in a tough 8 hours, proving that this wasn't about podiums or personal bests… it was about pure determination. Darren, Sky, and Carmen chat to Nasser about what pushed him to keep going, whether he actually trained for the race, and if he's ever taken on something this demanding before. Because sometimes, finishing last still means you beat everyone who didn't even start. Webpage

What does it really take to survive being stuck in a tight space with strangers… for days on end? On East Coast Breakfast, Big Brother Mzansi Season 6's Ashay Sewlall shares his real-life insights on staying calm, managing conflict, and keeping your sanity when there's no escape Webpage

East Coast Radio's chief news editor, says the US Israeli war against Iran is only temporarily suspended and questions whether the ceasefire will last. He notes that optimism on Friday after messages suggesting Iran had opened the Strait of Hormuz and President Donald Trump thanking them reversed over the weekend, with renewed threats to close the strait and Trump warning he could destroy Iran's power infrastructure. Brent crude is trading around $95 a barrel, implying petrol could rise about R2.50 in May, though a possible continued R3 levy reduction could keep petrol flat; diesel is expected to rise about R8 per litre, or about R5 if the levy continues. Webpage

“Live Inside & Win a Ride”, brought to you by Goldrush is coming to East Coast Radio! It'. 10 people will live in a car for 10 days and there will be a series of challenges and elimination rounds, and ultimately one person will drive away in a brand-new BMW M240i worth more than a Million Rand! If you missed it on Monday morning on East Coast Breakfast, Deon Govender reviewed the BMW M240i in great detail – and the car is more impressive than anyone could imagine! Webpage

Sune Luus joined East Coast Breakfast on Thursday morning, and the team asked her what the last thing is she Google … her answer was something NOBODY expected! Webpage

Darren speaks with Rachel Kolisi about what drives her to lead change in South Africa. Kolisi says there wasn't a single defining moment, but a repeated exposure to desperation, need, and leadership gaps in both her business, Falling Forward, and her philanthropy work, where she felt advocacy and conversation weren't enough. She explains that with a growing platform comes a responsibility to do something impactful that changes others' lives too. Webpage

Don't miss your chance to enter for Gold Rush and East Coast Radio's Live Inside and Win the Ride! Enter on ecr.co.za, and you can drive away with a brand-new BMW M240i, valued at over a million rand. You have to live in the car for 10 days and compete in a series of challenges to win … but Carmen Reddy tried to work from her car on Wednesday morning … It went ...okay… Webpage

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES to be the LAST ONE STANDING? Live Inside & Win the Ride is here… and it's next level. You could stand a chance to WIN a brand-new BMW M240i worth over R1 MILLION. 10 finalists. 10 days. ONE car at Hillcrest Corner From 1–10 May 2026, finalists will LIVE inside the car. Eat there. Sleep there. Compete daily. Every day brings a new challenge testing your patience, focus and determination. Lose, quit or break the rules… and you're OUT. Think you've got what it takes? ENTER NOW: bit.ly/3QpzVx6 Entries close 17 April 2026 at 18:00 NOTE: Goldrush account holders automatically qualify for an additional entry. T's and C's apply Webpage

Shoprite Checkers showed up in a big way, donating 3 pallets of toilet paper (that's 432 rolls!) and care packs for every learner; including essential hygiene items like sanitary pads, shampoo, and toothbrushes. This is more than just a story about infrastructure. It's about dignity, health, and the real impact of communities coming together. And somewhere along the way, these learners reminded us that the biggest change… happens in the heart. Webpage

This year on The Big Favour on East Coast Breakfast, Darren, Sky, and Carmen has been on a journey to help eradicate pit toilets in KZN schools! With the help of LottoStar, Breadline Africa, and Envirosan, they have demolished the pit toilets at 3 schools, and replaced them with proper, functioning, safe, clean toilets! Follow the story on ecr.co.za, under the East Coast Breakfast Blog, and find out what it feels like for a child to flush a toilet for the first time in their entire lives! Webpage

This year, we have taken on the powerful mission of eradicating pit toilets in KZN schools, with the backing of LottoStar and Breadline Africa, and now in the hands of Brian Lewis, CEO of Envirosan. Earlier this morning he shared some more great news with us .. Webpage

This year, East Coast Breakfast has taken on the powerful mission of eradicating pit toilets in KZN schools, with the backing of LottoStar and Breadline Africa, and now in the hands of Brian Lewis, CEO of Envirosan. In the latest update, Brian checks in with another school principal and reveals that they could be less than a week away from finishing their school! It's a real look at the challenges behind creating safer schools and the determination to push through them. Follow every step of the journey on ecr.co.za under East Coast Breakfast. Webpage

If you missed it on East Coast Breakfast: The Big Favour with LottoStar is well on track with their mission of eradicating pit toilets in KZN schools. Brian Lewis, CEO of Envirosan has announced that the demolition of the old pit toilets at the 3 schools is done, and work has started on building new, safe toilets – But they've already run into their first roadblock. You won't believe how fast the work is progressing! AND there's a video on the WhatsApp channel [On WhatsApp click updates > search East Coast Radio > Hit follow]. You can also follow the progress on ecr.co.za, select the East Coast Breakfast blog! Webpage

If you missed it on East Coast Breakfast: The Big Favour with LottoStar is well on track with their mission of eradicating pit toilets in KZN schools. Brian Lewis, CEO of Envirosan has announced that the demolition of the old pit toilets at the 3 schools is done, and work have already begun on building new, safe toilets – But they've already run into their first roadblock. You won't believe how fast the work is progressing! AND there's a video on the WhatsApp channel [On WhatsApp click updates > search East Coast Radio > Hit follow]. You can also follow the progress on ecr.co.za, select the East Coast Breakfast blog! Webpage

With fuel price increases expected from 1 April and possibly continuing into May, authorities and industry stakeholders are pointing to working from home as an immediate way for consumers to reduce travel costs and ease financial pressure. Webpage

You've been part of a journey with East Coast Breakfast … and it's been nothing short of powerful. Together with LottoStar, YOU raised an incredible R1 847 500 to help eradicate pit toilets in schools, a reality thousands of children still face every single day. Then, on Tuesday morning, Marion Wagner, CEO of Breadline Africa, made an announcement that changes everything: Not two… but THREE schools will now have their pit toilets demolished and replaced with proper, clean, safe facilities. See why this matters. Watch the video now on ecr.co.za, select East Coast Breakfast … and imagine your child using that facility. This is real change. This is dignity. This is safety. Webpage

South Africa's longest running and most beloved music festival is turning 35! Splashy Fen is taking place between 2 and 6 April 2026/ Tickets at plashyfen.co.za - There's more than 30 food trucks, stalls & artisan vendors, 6 stages of live music, and more than 300 artists – Including Jemma Kate and Angel M! They took over the East Coast Breakfast studio with an epic live performance on Friday morning! Listen again on ecr.co.za, select East Coast Breakfast! Webpage

Darren shared a powerful story about when Carmen Reddy had to use a pit toilet for the first time a daily reality for many children in KZN. Marion Wagner, CEO of Breadline Africa, joined the team for what she thought was a regular update… but then came the big moment. Darren, Sky, and Carmen surprised her with ANOTHER R1 847 500 raised through The Big Favour with LottoStar to continue eradicating pit toilets in KZN schools. Webpage