Helga van Niekerk

Helga van Niekerk, née Sones is a Christian radio presenter and speaker. She currently presents the rise and shine show on radio CCFM.

Early life

van Niekerk was born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe. At the age of 18 she moved to Cape Town, South Africa and began a career in nursing. She received her qualification as a Registered Nurse & Midwife in 1986, and soon after met future husband Mike van Niekerk. In 1996, After obtaining a degree through UNISA in Nursing Education and Occupational Health, with little or no experience in radio, van Niekerk began presenting short programs on health issues at local radio station CCFM.

CCFM and the rise and shine show

In 1997, van Niekerk continued to work at CCFM taking on the role of the sales representative. However, she continued to present in various time-slots ranging from the "grave-yard" shift at one stage, and eventually hosting the "Rise and Shine show", from Mondays to Fridays between 6 and 9am.

van Niekerk continues to host the rise and shine show with co-hosts Wayne Turner, Lynwen Roman and PJ Mayers , A BBC news article quoted her saying the following about the radio program: "When I go on air it is the most fun, friendly, busiest and most energised three hours of my day"