Algoa FM is thrilled to announce exciting additions and changes to its on-air line-up, aimed at enhancing the connection with its Eastern Cape and Garden Route audiences.
Renowned SuperSport anchor, Sam Ludidi, has joined the station to host Sunday Lunch “LIVE” from Algoa FM’s Hemingways studio in East London airing between 12 and 3 pm. Ludidi’s performance during the 2023 Rugby World Cup garnered critical acclaim, and his passion for media traces back to childhood, inspired by listening to cricket commentary with his father.
Carly Fields, who joined Algoa FM in March of 2023, will be gracing the airwaves six days a week. Early risers and shift workers will now get to enjoy her bubbly effervescence between 5 and 6 am, while she retains her popular Saturday evening show from 7 to 10pm. Mandisa Magwaxaza, whose vibrant personality and engaging content has been captivating listeners will extend her on-air presence to include the Friday 10pm to Saturday 2am show, which mirrors the time channel of her Saturday evening slot.
Moreover, the station welcomes Gordon Graham back to the afternoon drive show that airs weekdays, 3 to 7pm. Focussed on Buffalo City and surrounds, Gordon’s knowledge of the market together with his infectious vibrancy and charm, injects a positive energy into the afternoons which makes for entertaining engagement.
A new show being broadcast from Algoa FM’s Hemingways studio in East London, features former ETV Sport Editor, Jeff Moloi. The passionate broadcast lecturer from the Walter Sisulu University, debuted on Sunday the 3rd of March, adding a fresh dynamic to Sunday Breakfast from 6 to 9am.
These exciting changes underscore Algoa FM’s unwavering commitment to the Eastern Cape community, as expressed by Managing Director, Alfie Jay, who emphasised the station’s dedication to Buffalo City and Algoa Country as a whole.
Stay tuned for more captivating content with engaging personalities on Algoa FM, via their Livestream on algoafm.co.za or on DSTV Channel 837.
Image caption: From left: Mandisa Magwaxaza, Gordon Graham, Carly Fields, Jeff Moloi, and Sam Ludidi.
Algoa FM continues to strengthen its on-air line-up in order to connect more closely with its Eastern Cape and Garden Route audience.
Well-known SuperSport anchor Sam Ludidi has joined the station to present Sunday Lunch LIVE from Algoa FM’s Hemingways studio in East London.
Ludidi, who lives in East London and works for a property developer, received critical acclaim for his studio work for SuperSport during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
He decided at the age of 15 that he wanted to work in the media after listening to cricket commentary in the car with his father.
Ludidi’s father’s response when he said he wanted to be on air was “so then, do it”.
“So that is what I did,” says Ludidi.
“I’m an energetic ball of optimism, always seeing the glass as half full, with a laugh that apparently rules them all!
“I love my sport. I eat sleep and breathe it, but what I love more is to connect with people and be a positive impact in their lives,” he adds.
“As a proud Eastern Cape business, we are delighted to have Sam on board,” says Algoa FM managing director Alfie Jay.
Ludidi’s radio experience started while studying communications at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, first as a presenter and later, as programme manager of KovsieFM.
He graduated to commercial radio in 2019 as breakfast sport anchor and Saturday chart show host on Algoa FM’s sister station, OFM.
Carly Fields, who joined Algoa FM in March 2023, will now be on air six days a week, taking the early morning five to six am slot to help early risers prepare for the day ahead, and entertain shift workers.
She also presents the popular Carly on Algoa FM on Saturdays from seven to 10 in the evening.
Fields made her broadcasting debut on YOTV in 1996, followed by award-winning stints on radio.
Eastern Cape-born and raised Mandisa Magwaxaza has taken over Carly’s Friday evening show between 10 pm and 2 am Saturday mornings, while retaining her show in the same time slot on Saturday nights.
“Listeners are connecting well with Carly and Mandisa and we wanted to find a way to give both more airtime while fitting into their busy off-air schedules,” says Jay.
Algoa FM is also investing in new talent.
“We have identified two young locals who will be put through their paces as we help them develop their natural talents,” says Jay.
Mark Kolesky and Twaibu (Twai) Mamuss will be mentored by programme manager Mio Khondleka and other seasoned Algoa FM professionals “to hone their skills and to help them learn the Algoa FM way of doing things,” says Jay.
They will cut their presentation teeth on Algoa FM Hit Mobiles, which take the station to the public.
Listeners will also be able to join them between two and five am during weekdays and from two am to six am over weekends once they are ready.
“As they grow into polished Algoa FM presenters, they will be given the opportunity to stand in for our regular presenters,” says Jay.
Life Community Services has been selected as beneficiary of the Algoa Cares Garden Route Charity Golf Day, to be hosted at the George Golf Club on Friday, June 28.
The theme for this fun golf day is “Groovy Green Rocking the 80s”.
Funds raised will go towards the purchase of a greenhouse tunnel to grow vegetables, new school toilets and fans for classrooms.
Life Community Services reaches over 4 000 orphaned and vulnerable children aged 0 to18 a week.
Programmes run by the non-profit organisation include six community outreach centres, education, skills training, and a job creation project called ISIPHO.
LIFE Community Services also has two foster homes with six children each and a foster mother.
The children are cared for, educated, protected and looked after.
“We are honoured to be partnering with Life Community Services to support the work they do to touch lives and mend hearts,” says Alfie Jay, managing director of Algoa FM.
Businesses and golfers on the Garden Route can be part of the fun Algoa Cares Golf Day experience while making a difference for the people Life Community Services supports by sponsoring an area or booking a four ball.
In addition to the rewarding experience of supporting charity, business participants stand a chance to win a fantastic prize: a R20 000 generic on-air advertising campaign on Algoa FM.
“This is an excellent opportunity for companies to network with their clients and enjoy a day on the greens, while contributing to the community,” says Jay.
More information is available on the Algoa Cares page.
An interesting portrait of the lifestyle of the average Algoa FM listener can be painted using recent surveys by BrandMapp and Colony Live.
It reflects the middle to upper middle-class lifestyle of people living in the Algoa FM footprint, which stretches from the Garden Route to the Wild Coast and through the Karoo.
What comes through strongly is the resilience of radio as a preferred medium. Over half of Algoa FM’s listeners tune in to the Breakfast Show while travelling in their car, and more than 30% will tune in more than once a day.
According to BrandMapp, listenership represents the diversity of the people within the broadcast footprint.
Home languages are 40% English, 34% isiXhosa and 18% Afrikaans.
Big Walk: The annual Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer is the biggest mass participation charity event in the Eastern Cape and Garden Route.
There are strong correlations in the findings – BrandMapp being part of an independent national survey, and Colony part of Algoa FM’s ongoing listener engagement.
With a mean household income that is over 21% higher than the national average for the middle class, Algoa FM listeners have the financial resources needed to support an active and healthy lifestyle that includes quality life experiences.
Even so, they are concerned about inflation. With 48% expecting to spend more on groceries in the next year, the focus is on value for money.
Listeners supplement their income through side hustles such as running a small business, investing in the stock market, renting properties and home industry. Around 11% have a second job.
They spend their disposable income at food markets, eating at restaurants, attending live sporting events, as well as outdoor concerts and music festivals.
This spending power supports many of South Africa’s iconic festivals, which are hosted in the Eastern Cape and Garden Route.
They include the Grahamstown National Arts Festival, the SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees, the SPAR SPLASH Festival, the Hogsback Spring Festival, Bedford Garden Festival, the Bathurst Agricultural Show, Knysna Speed Festival, Knysna Oyster Festival, Klein Karoo Klassique, and Klein Karoo Nationale Kunstefees.
Family time is important, with take-aways often being part of the get-together.
Ironman: Algoa FM is a long time supporter of the annual Ironman race in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Many travel to Cape Town or Gauteng to attend concerts and theatre productions.
Music on Algoa FM is also the biggest drawcard, followed by entertainment and news.
They are also big movie fans, with over 60% having an active Netflix account.
As the regional lifestyle station listeners tune in to find out about the events, which are also promoted through the Algoa FM social media pages and website.
When it comes to leisure time, 45% plan to go on holiday in 2024.
Listeners are also house proud – 50% own at least one property, and 25% plan to renovate their homes.
Sustainable living is a priority, with 13% planning to install solar geysers and power in the next year. Some 20% already have a solar / inverter solution at home.
Rugby is big in the Eastern Cape and Garden Route, with 66% of respondents listing it as their favourite sport. Cricket follows at 40%, and then soccer at 23%.
The love of rugby is evident at all levels of the game, with thousands turning out to watch the top school teams in action at regular tournaments held throughout the season.
Algoa FM has been the media sponsor of the Standard Bank Grey High School Rugby Festival for over 15 years.
Swimming, water polo and lifesaving are also big in the province judging by the crowds they attract.
Being the home of the South African automotive industry, motor racing is big, as is the love of cars – 18% of Algoa FM listeners plan to upgrade their wheels in the next year.
Invariably you will find Algoa FM where the listeners are. The station and its popular presenters are on the ground through outside broadcasts, live crossings, and hitmobile activations.
We have a good handle on the complexities of the consumer market across the Eastern Cape and Garden Route.
We lean into what the research tells us, and maintain strong business and community relationships and make sure the station remains relevant.
Our listeners have influence and represent a powerful buying group for advertisers tapping into this lifestyle market.
Main image: Woodridge: Outdoor sports such as running are popular in the region – and Algoa is there to support the athletes and add fun to the event.
Written by Dennis Karantges, sales manager at Algoa FM.
Applications are open for beneficiaries for the annual Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer, presented by ISUZU Motors South Africa.
We encourage non-profit organizations which support cancer patients and their families and with an established presence in the Eastern Cape and Garden Route to apply.
The closing date for applications is April 30.
This year, we celebrate the 26th anniversary of this iconic event.
The 26th edition of the biggest mass participation charity event in the Eastern Cape will be held on Saturday, 26 October 2024.
The main event will take place in Gqeberha, with parallel Big Walk for Cancer events in East London and George.
To learn more and access the online application form, please visit www.algoafm.co.za and click on Algoa Cares.
Algoa FM presenters will be sharing puppy love on air from March 18 to March 23, which is national puppy day.
“All the presenters on Algoa FM are pet lovers and we are using international puppy day to educate listeners all about puppies – where to adopt them, how to care for them, exercising them and how to train them,” says Algoa FM programme manager Mio Khondleka.
National Puppy Day on March 23 originated in the United States to raise awareness of the poor conditions on many puppy farms, where dogs are bred purely for profit.
Selected puppy shelters in Algoa Country will be given an opportunity to talk about puppy adoption and to share photos on Facebook of puppies ready for a new home.
“The puppy shelters we have selected have very strict adoption requirements, which include visits to the home where they will be living, as well as follow up visits and calls.
“The message is ‘adopt, don’t shop,” says Carol-Anne Kelleher of Algoa Cares.
Local vets, a behavioural specialist and other experts on puppy care will be interviewed during the week.
“We will also be talking to a psychologist about the benefits of having a pet and how they can change your life,” says Kelleher.
Their interviews will be made available through the Algoa FM website for those who missed them.
“Our campaign will encourage listeners to have their pets sterilised, and to support organisations which sterilise animals in disadvantaged communities.
Listeners will be encouraged to share their puppy pictures on Algoa FM social media pages, and animal shelters in Algoa Country will share photos of puppies available for adoption.
Image caption: Algoa FM Morning Breakfast presenter Wayne Hart (right) with husband Leander Kruger-Hart and their rescue huskies, Willow (left) and Lily.
The beneficiaries of the 2023 Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer received their share of the charity event which took place about three months ago. An amount of R770 000 was handed over to Reach for a Dream, and Wings and Wishes at a ceremony at the premises of the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer’s presenting partner, ISUZU Motors South Africa.
The big walk participation exceeded expectations, and instead of fulfilling 25 dreams as initially planned, Algoa FM can fulfill 38 dreams. Meanwhile, the donation to Wings and Wishes was initially aimed at providing transport and mercy bags for 120 children, however, 180 children will be able to receive transport support this year.
Both organisations play a crucial role in offering support to children grappling with life-threatening illnesses, including cancer, leukemia, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, renal failure, and various blood disorders.
Expressing gratitude for the support received, Lwanele Mpeta, Reach for a Dream Eastern Cape Regional Manager, disclosed that an average dream costs around R10,000.
She emphasised that the dream experience is grounded in four pillars: courage, hope, confidence, and family time. Mpeta said that the funds would be utilised to acquire laptops and tablets for dreamers.
“This donation will empower young patients to stay connected with their families during hospital stays, conduct research, complete school assignments, and continue learning and developing, while providing them with access to the world and a future perspective crucial for maintaining hope during treatment, she said.
Meanwhile, locally founded Wings and Wishes is dedicated to transporting critically and chronically ill children to and from specialised medical care. Their share of the donation will be allocated towards covering bus fare and mercy bags – a backpack with essential toiletries and pajamas for their hospital stay.
Inge Human, Manager at Wings and Wishes, highlighted the logistical challenges faced in the Eastern Cape due to its vast rural landscape, making access to expert medical care a complex task.
Alfie Jay, Managing Director of Algoa FM, recognised the vital support these organisations render to sick children, and acknowledged the collective effort of Algoa FM, its event sponsors and partners, and the big walk participants in enabling charities working with cancer patients to effectively carry out their mission.
Jay extended his thanks to all the sponsors of the event, recognising the indispensable support of presenting partner ISUZU Motors South Africa, as well as MTN, aQuellé, The Courier Guy, the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation Arts and Culture, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, and Value Added Life in making the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer a success.
ISUZU Department Executive Corporate and Public Affairs, Lebogang Makoloi said, “We are privileged to have been the presenting partner during the 25th edition of the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer in Gqeberha, East London and George, a mass charity event that continues to allow us to walk in step with society and show solidarity with all those affected by cancer.
In October we celebrate the 26th Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer event. Reach out to your United Stations AE now to seize opportunities to make a difference.
Image caption: Harold and Jeanine Lamprecht parents of cancer survivor; Celestin Ndhlovu, ISUZU Vice President of Strategy, Business Planning and Marketing Motors South Africa; Haley Lamprecht (cancer survivor and Wings and Wishes recipient); Lebogang Makoloi, ISUZU Department Executive Corporate and Public Affairs; Alfie Jay, Algoa FM Managing Director; Sivesethu Ndubela (former Reach for a dream recipient); Lwanele Mpeta, Reach for a Dream Eastern Cape Regional Manager and Inge Human, Manager at Wings and Wishes.
EAST LONDON – Algoa FM has renewed its lease agreement with Hemingways Casino, which will continue to house the radio station’s Buffalo City operation.
Further investment into Algoa FM’s East London operation will take the form of technology upgrades and an update to the look and feel of the studio.
“So much more than a contractual relationship, this agreement signifies a renewal of vows between the team at Hemingways and ourselves,” says Algoa FM Managing Director, Alfie Jay.
The radio station has been an anchor tenant at Hemingways since 2011.
The renewal of the lease is part of Algoa FM’s commitment to support economic growth and social cohesion in the region.
“The scope of our footprint and the services we offer to companies of all sizes in the region are broad.
“Our renewed investment into Buffalo City provides our local team with the resources needed to ensure that we can thrive in difficult market conditions and build on our commitment to support economic growth and social cohesion in the region.
“Our planning around this, and the strategies we are rolling out to ensure that we’re addressing these risks, include more emphasis into the region and our brand,” says Jay.
“Our performance in the Eastern Cape and Garden Route reflects the continued investments we have made over time.
“These include the premises we built in Nelson Mandela Bay and the launch of our Garden Route HQ in George, all commissioned with a view to improving service to our stakeholders.”
Algoa FM recently committed to a new ethos in which the value proposition of the business benefits people, including its staff, audience, clients, communities, its shareholders and other stakeholders.
“It’s the most sustainable way to build long-term value,” says Jay.
Aside from the news that Algoa FM will be renewing its vows with Hemingways Casino and that the radio station will be investing in upgrades to its East London operation, Jay also announced the welcomed return of Gordon Graham to the afternoon drive show, effective 4 March 2024.
This follows the departure of Vinny Nogemane earlier this month.
“My family and I have been discussing a return to East London for a while now,” says the former, popular drivetime host, Gordon Graham.
“We’ve spent about nine years in KZN and although it’s been a blast, home is where the heart is and I can’t wait to once again engage with listeners and clients alike,” says Graham.
Reinforcing the station’s commitment to the people in the region, Algoa FM will also be introducing a new show featuring Jeff Moloi, who is also returning to the station. Commencing Sunday, the 3rd of March, Breakfast will be hosted live from Hemingways by the broadcast lecturer from Walter Sisulu University.
“I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with the listeners and my former colleagues,” says Moloi, who some years ago presented the early evening show on the station.
“We are as committed to the eastern half of our broadcast footprint as we are to the west, and the announcements made today, are testimony to our passion for the people of Buffalo City and Algoa Country as a whole,” says Jay.
Participants in the annual Algoa Cares Charity Golf Day in Gqeberha will have the opportunity to witness and challenge blind golfers through a partnership between Algoa Cares and the Nkosinathi Foundation of-and-for Blind and Partially Sighted People.
The foundation has been selected as the beneficiary of the golf day, which will be hosted at the PE Golf Club on Friday, March 1.
“Nkosinathi impressed us with their holistic approach to supporting partially sighted and blind people,” says Algoa FM managing director, Alfie Jay.
“We are particularly excited about our new Low Vision Services project, which will support adults who have, or are in the process of losing their sight,” says Brian Bezuidenhout, Nkosinathi Foundation director.
“At present, there is no further support in our region for a patient who cannot be further assisted by ophthalmologists or opticians.
“This is devastating for the individuals, their families, and their medical practitioners.
“Our new service will provide the support they need to adapt,” he says.
The theme for the 2024 Algoa Cares Charity Golf Day is “Groovy Greens: Rockin’ the ’80s”.
Four-balls and sponsorships can be booked through Algoa Cares on the Algoa FM website.
Image caption: Warren Goeda from Humansdorp practising with his cane outside the Nkosinathi Foundation of-and-for Blind and Partially Sighted People in Gqeberha.
Generous Garden Route golfers and businesses participating in the second annual Algoa Cares Golf Day helped raise R50 000 towards the purchase of two laptops, software, hygiene supplies and stationery for the Leolan Academy in Mossel Bay.
The school, a Louis57 Foundation project, caters for children with special needs (autism and down-syndrome).
The Algoa Cares Golf Day was a fun carnival themed event on Tuesday, August 1, at the Pinnacle Point Golf Club in Mossel Bay,
“A massive thank you to all those who came out in support of the Leolan Academy after the golf day had to be postponed due to rain,” says Algoa FM marketing manager Lesley Geyer.
After the success of the first two Algoa Cares Golf days, the event has established itself as a “must” on the calendar of all Garden Route golfers who want to experience a golf day with a difference.
“In 2024, sponsors will be given the opportunity to interact personally with what we are confident will be a full field of golfers as the event gains momentum.
“I encourage all charities in the area to apply early next year to be considered as our beneficiary,” she says.
Petrie Cronje, chief executive officer of the Louis57 Foundation, says the exposure given to the charity through the golf day has raised the profile of its projects.
“International, national, regional and local exposure of Louis Oosthuizen’s Foundation57 and especially the exposure of our four registered beneficiaries (The Golf Development Programme, Feeding Programme, Leolan Academy, and Kids with Cancer) are very important to us.
“Exposure through Algoa FM and other media assists us greatly in showcasing Foundation57 work and involvement in our communities in an effort to change the lives of children with needs.
“The exposure also assists us in finding new donors and growing our charitable network.”
Algoa FM’s support for the Foundation started about two years ago when the media house participated in the annual Foundation57 / ATKV Charitable golf days in Mossel Bay.
Algoa FM continues to support this year’s event with a LIVE broadcast on 16 December at Pinnacle Point.
“We were very blessed and honoured when Algoa FM nominated us as the beneficiary of their recent golf day at Pinnacle Point.
“The working and friendly relationship between Foundation57 and the Algoa FM Team has already developed into a special relationship.
“We pride ourselves in the association between our brands.
“A huge ‘thank you’ to Algoa Cares for taking hands, not only with Foundation57, but also with other charitable organizations in our Eastern and Western Cape region.
“We all form a strong network in our efforts to create hope and fulfil dreams among those in need.
“We are looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship!” says Cronje.
Image caption: Reading “thank you” messages from the pupils of the Leolan Academy is Algoa FM managing director Alfie Jay. Looking on, from the left, are Drive Show presenter Simon Bechus, Petrie Cronje, chief executive officer of the Louis57 Foundation, and Leolan Academy principal Yolandi Botha.