Modise to join 2010 Local Organising Committee

"The past few years at Primedia Broadcasting have been the most fulfilling of my career so this has been a difficult decision for me to make," said Modise. "This is in answer to a national call. I do however, look forward to a continued association with the stations."

Talk Radio 702's station manager, Pheladi Gwangwa, said that Primedia Broadcasting agreed to release Modise from his contractual obligations at Talk Radio 702 and 567 CapeTalk in the interest of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. "We thank Tim for his contribution to the stations over the past four years. We are fully behind 2010 and we wish Tim well in his new role."

Gwangwa added that Talk@Nine host, Redi Direko, will replace Modise with effect from January 2007.

"I am looking forward to this opportunity and will continue to provide a platform for healthy debate among our Joburg and Cape Town audiences," said Direko.

Direko, an established journalist in the radio and television field, is no stranger to talk radio, having hosted the 9pm to midnight slot on both stations for the past two years. She studied journalism and communications at the University of Johannesburg (formerly RAU). She also holds honours degrees in social sciences, specialising in philosophy and political economy, and English literature. She is currently completing her masters degree in English literature.

An announcement will be made shortly as to Direko's Talk@Nine replacement.