Darren Maule forever championing our youth
Darren Maule continues to be the heart, father figure, and champion for young people across KZN this Youth Month.
It's Youth Month and we couldn’t help but adore the collection of photo memories Darren Maule shared on his socials. Snapshots of his many recent interactions with young people across the province.
As the host of East Coast Breakfast, Darren has long been a champion of youth voices in KZN. His energy, compassion, and presence are felt wherever he goes; whether it’s school visits, Big Favour activations or community outreach projects.
Affectionately known as ‘Dad’ to his daughter Mouse (now in Grade 11), ‘Boomer Maule’ to his TikTok followers, and ‘Baba Mawule’ to countless young people he meets through various youth programmes, Darren’s ability to connect across generations is nothing short of remarkable.
We sat down with him to chat about his passion for empowering young people and why it’s a mission he holds close to his heart.
“I love the fact that Father’s Day and Youth Month fall in the same month,” Darren shares.
“But being a father figure and focusing on our youth isn’t a once-a-year gig. It’s a 12-month job. June is just a reminder to all of us that we should be actively listening to, guiding, encouraging, and celebrating every young person whose life we have a chance to impact.”
Darren acknowledges the unique position he holds, being part of thousands of children’s morning routines on East Coast Radio.
“Every weekday morning, I get to wake up with tens of thousands of children on their journey to school. And wherever I go, school-age kids stop me to chat, tell me about their lives, and share how much a part of their world I’ve become.”
He recalls countless stories from parents and children alike; some hilarious, others heart-wrenching.
“Now, years later, I have listeners in their late teens and twenties who’ve known me their entire lives. It’s a special connection I cherish. Plus, with Anna Banana and I raising three Gen Z kids of our own, it’s no wonder I’ve developed what I hope is a solid understanding of the challenges and concerns facing young people today.”
This year alone, Darren’s been spotted at school graduations, youth programmes, and community events; never missing a chance to stay connected.
He says, “The follow-through on stories we cover on air has become so important to me. It’s about going beyond the broadcast and truly understanding the people at the heart of these stories.”
One moment that stands out for him was surprising a Big Favour recipient - a young student from UKZN - at her graduation. “I had to be there,” he grins. “Same with the annual MANCOSA Business Breakfast. I wanted to sit with the parents, hear their stories, and feel the impact of the work we do at ECR firsthand.”
He’s also remained closely involved with the Department of Social Development’s youth initiatives.
“Since the programme launched last year, I’ve stayed in touch with so many of the kids. My biggest wish is to help them with job placements, mentorship, and work experience opportunities. Often, all I can give is encouragement, ideas, or referrals - but even that matters. Listening and motivating cost nothing but time.”
“Youth Month also reminds us of the importance of tackling the serious challenges our young people face, from economic empowerment to skills development and community involvement,” says Darren.
At a recent youth skills event on the Bluff, Darren was affectionately called ‘Baba Mawule’, a nickname he’s learned carries deep meaning.
“It’s a term of endearment, showing that a young person sees me as a father figure. So many boys, especially, grow up without a dad in their lives. If I can fill that gap in any small way, I will.”
He and his partner Anna often hear stories from young people about the hardships they face, and Darren says those conversations fuel his drive to keep showing up, offering a listening ear, and creating platforms for youth voices to be heard.
“Our young people are our country’s future,” Darren reminds us. “And I encourage everyone, no matter what resources you have, to make a difference where you can. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, mentoring, raising funds, or supporting a young person’s start-up business, it all counts.”
He adds, “I’m so proud of the work we do at East Coast Radio, partnering with incredible people and organisations to bring hope, inspiration, and practical support to young people wherever they may be on their journey.”
As Youth Month continues, Darren Maule’s story is a powerful reminder that making a difference isn’t about grand gestures.
It’s about showing up, listening, and offering support where you can, and judging by the number of photo memories already shared, he’s not slowing down any time soon.
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