John Berks

John Berks (born John Berkowitz; 24 August 1941 – 4 June 2022) was a well-known South African radio presenter. Known for his role as a breakfast presenter on Radio 702 in Johannesburg. His broadcast career covered many countries in Southern Africa and stretched from 1964 until 2001.

Early life Berks was born in Krugersdorp to Jewish parents Louis Berkowitz and Hennie Nochimowitz. He grew up in Klerksdorp, the youngest of three siblings. His father died when he was fourteen. He worked as a delivery boy for the Klerksdorp Rekord and then at the Germiston Advocate as a sports journalist.

Broadcast career As a child, Berks had a strong interest in radio, imitating his favourite stars and sports presenters. He would become a programme manager for them in 1969 in Johannesburg before leaving them in 1970. He then joined the independent radio station Channel 702 on the 1 October 1981 taking over the breakfast show from Clackie McKay. The music station had started broadcasting in June 1980 in competition with Radio 5 (now 5FM), also on medium wave. He was survived by his partner of 16 years, Manda Wessels and two children from his ex wife, "Celeste Greenblatt" Lance and Sherise and grandchildren Joshua, Tia, Benjamin, Mia, and Jesse. He was buried in the Jewish section of West Park Cemetery on 7 June 2022.

Honours In 2010, he was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in radio in South Africa and was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.

He also had a laneway in Klerksdorp named in honour of him, John Berks Road.

Filmography Films Source: Nipagesh Basivuv (1987) Deadly Passion (1985) Those Naughty Angels (1974)