Mzansi’s favourite radio personalities open up about their Valentine’s Day plans and dream destinations
Lula Odiba - 5FM
What are your plans for Valentine's Day?
To make other lovers’ dreams come true. We will be surprising people with gifts on the day
What is your dream romantic destination, both locally and internationally, and why?
Internationally, it is Greece or the Maldives because the beaches are clear and it’s always warm and sexy, locally, I would say Haarties.
How romantic are you, and what is the most romantic thing you've done for a loved one?
I’m not the most romantic in the world but my love language is gifting. So I’d say just buying really cute things for my partner is the most romantic I’ve been
What is your favourite love ballad, and why?
Lauren Wood’s “Fallen”. Iconic, sexy and timeless.
Zanele Potelwa (aka Tthe People's Champion) - 5FM
What are your plans for Valentine's Day?
As the minister of Singletown, I will be doing a Galantine's with one of my best friends. Single people deserve fun too, okay?
What is your dream romantic destination, both locally and internationally, and why?
I would have to say Knysna for local and Rome for International. I recently took myself to Rome on a solocation (it was my second time there) and, yes, I was alone but oh my goodness, what a romantic city. It's my favourite city in the world.
How romantic are you, and what is the most romantic thing you've done for a loved one?
I'm a 100/10 when it comes to romance. A mate of mine told me they couldn't sleep and I made them a sleep box filled with lavender body wash, a sleep mask, chamomile tea and other things that could allow for better sleep - she cried.
I've also randomly sent my friends money - money is so romantic.
What is your favourite love ballad, and why?
It has to be “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston - I think it's blasphemous to say anything or anyone else.
Stephanie Be - 5FM
What are your plans for Valentine's Day?
I’m going to be spending the night at an event with the rest of my on-air team; Yonaka Theledi (news) and Mike Bower (producer). They’re super single so I’ve made it my mission to be the best wing woman I can be!
What is your dream romantic destination, both locally and internationally, and why?
Locally, it would have to be Sabi Sand! I’m in love with the bush and getting out of the city, and I’ve had the opportunity to stay in several spots around the country, but it’s by far the best. Golden sunsets, clear night skies and the quiet of nature!
Internationally, Yosemite National Park in California is a great spot for romance; epic views and a super chill vibe. Imagine sharing quiet hikes, stunning sunsets, and starry nights that make every moment together feel extra special.
How romantic are you, and what is the most romantic thing you've done for a loved one?
I'm not exactly the romantic type, and I've learned that's perfectly okay. I know many people thrive on grand gestures and love notes, and there's something truly special about those moments.
I might not naturally lean into candlelit dinners or elaborate surprises, but I do appreciate the effort and emotion that goes into them though.
For me, showing love might come through more subtle actions, but I understand how those heartfelt gestures can light up someone's day. It's all about being genuine, even if it doesn't always look like the typical picture of romance.
What is your favourite love ballad, and why?
Noah Kahan and Gracie Abrams teamed up for a duet version of “Everywhere, Everything” and it’s pure magic.
The song already had a deeply romantic vibe, with Noah singing about wanting to love someone forever, like literally “until we’re food for the worms to eat” (weirdly sweet, right?).
It’s the kind of song that makes you want to grab your person, take a drive through the countryside, and just exist together in the moment.
Nick Hamman - 5FM
What are your plans for Valentine's Day?
Probably something low-key. A good meal, maybe something I cook, and just enjoying the time with my wife. No need for the over-the-top pressure of the day - if you do things right, you don’t need one specific day to make an effort.
What is your dream romantic destination, both locally and internationally, and why?
Locally, the Cape Winelands - good wine, good food, and no unnecessary distractions. Internationally, I’d say Japan, something about the contrast between the calm, quiet moments in nature and the energy of the cities makes it feel like the ultimate experience to share with someone.
How romantic are you, and what is the most romantic thing you've done for a loved one?
I’d like to think I’m more thoughtful than cliché. Once, I set up a treasure hunt for my wife around the house - each clue was something personal to us, leading to the final surprise. It was more about the experience than the gift itself.
What is your favourite love ballad, and why?
“Thinkin' Bout You” by Frank Ocean. It’s not a typical love song, it’s layered, emotional, and doesn’t try too hard to be perfect. Feels more real that way.
Lorenzo Darries - Good Hope FM
What are your plans for Valentine's Day?
I’ll be heading to the theatre to watch “Dear Evan Hansen” and then will be enjoying a romantic dinner. My fiancée loves the opera, so this is my way of making the evening extra special for her.
What is your dream romantic destination, both locally and internationally, and why?
Locally, it has to be Hemel-en-Aarde in Hermanus - the name alone means "Heaven and Earth," and with its breathtaking vineyards and rolling hills, it truly feels like a slice of paradise.
Internationally, I’d choose Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. There’s something magical about drifting through those emerald waters, surrounded by towering limestone islands - it’s the kind of place where love stories are written.
How romantic are you, and what is the most romantic thing you've done for a loved one?
I wouldn’t call myself a grand romantic, but I believe in the beauty of thoughtful gestures all year round. I pay attention to the little things - what she loves, what makes her smile - and surprise her in ways that show I’m always listening. Romance, after all, is in the details.
What is your favourite love ballad, and why?
Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”. There’s something so raw and powerful about Steven Tyler’s voice—it’s filled with emotion, and every lyric feels like a promise.
You can feel the love in every note, and that’s what makes it such a timeless song.
Celest Anthony - Good Hope FM
What are your plans for Valentine's Day?
Luckily this Valentine's Day falls on a Friday so we're keeping it very simple. We've booked tickets for the Galileo open-air cinema at Kirstenbosch and wherever the road leads thereafter (probably to bed because it's been a tough working week).
What is your dream romantic destination, both locally and internationally, and why?
I change my mind on this topic frequently but currently, my dream international destination is Italy, it seems pretty magical and it's been on my bucket list for a while. Locally, I'm a sucker for cabins in the winter and bonus points if it has a Kol-Kol hot tub.
How romantic are you, and what is the most romantic thing you've done for a loved one?
I think I'm selectively romantic, but I think for me, romance is in the details so I had individual biscuits crafted to depict/ retell our love story. I suppose it sounds silly if you weren't on the receiving end.
What is your favourite love ballad, and why?
I'm a very big Boyz || Men fan. I wouldn't be able to choose between “On Bended Knee”, “The Color of Love” and “'ll Make Love to You”. Let's just call it a tie.