OFM, the Sound of Your Life’s 2023 Winter Drive campaign has been awarded the best Community Project in the Commercial Radio category at the Telkom Radio Awards.
Central South Africa’s leading commercial radio station was nominated in the Community Project and Promotions/Stunt categories. The winners were announced at the prestigious awards ceremony in Johannesburg on 30 November 2024.
The Telkom Radio Awards honour and recognise exceptional and innovative excellence in the South African radio industry. OFM’s dedication to not only excellence in the craft, but also our loyal listeners was demonstrated in the entries.
In the Community Project category OFM’s PinkTober and Winter Drive campaigns were selected finalists. The latter invited listeners, clients, and stakeholders to come and play their part for charity during the popular Shoprite Checkers OFM Chip 4 Charity golf days and Boeries 4 Blankets fundraiser, which collected R500 000, through an aligned winter drive to change lives.
In the Promotions/Stunt category, one of the broadcasting highlights of 2024 saw The Good Morning Breakfast broadcast from three different locations in the Free State, Northern Cape and North West simultaneously to celebrate the start of the new school year with the OFM Cool Schools show.
“This award crowns the massive effort that everyone in Central South Africa put into making the OFM Winter Drive a huge success,” says Tim Thabethe, OFM Programme Manager.
“We dedicate this award to our listeners, who not only supported us with these campaigns but also share our passion to change people’s lives. Thank you Central South Africa!” says OFM Sales and Marketing Manager Anchen Lintvelt.
According to OFM Brand Manager, Bianca Smit, this is a proud moment for the team and shines a light on hard work and true passion for radio. “This award inspires a renewed commitment to keep pushing for even more creative innovations for our valued listeners.”
OFM Content Manager, Elzette Boucher-Krüger, says OFM’s listeners truly take ownership of campaigns. “They show up time and again to support one another. It is truly amazing to see how this community rallies around the ‘citizenship’ we created for them as ‘Central South Africans’.”
“It is rewarding to be recognised by the industry for the work this wonderful radio station does in Central South Africa. OFM will continue to innovate and push the boundaries of creativity and community involvement,” says Central Media Group CEO, Nick Efstathiou.
For more information contact marketing@ofm.co.za.
In the age of digital disruption, where information is a click away and entertainment is on-demand, radio has surprisingly managed to retain its appeal. While the medium may have evolved, its ability to connect with listeners on a personal level remains unparalleled. A key factor contributing to this enduring appeal is the art of content delivery. How radio stations curate and present their content can significantly impact listener engagement and loyalty.
One of the most distinctive features of radio is its ability to create a sense of personal connection. Unlike other traditional platforms, which often feel impersonal, radio can feel like a companion. The voice of the presenter and host becomes familiar, and listeners often develop a sense of trust and rapport with them.
This personal connection is fostered through various aspects of content delivery:
Voice and personality: The presenter’s voice and personality play a crucial role in establishing a connection with listeners. A warm, engaging voice can make the listener feel welcome and valued.
Relatability: Content that resonates with listeners on a personal level is more likely to engage them. This can involve discussing topics that are relevant to the target audience or sharing personal stories.
Interactivity: Encouraging listener participation through phone-ins, voice notes, messages, or social media can enhance the sense of community and make listeners feel like they are part of the show and the radio stations tribe.
Curated content is essential for keeping listeners engaged. A well-rounded programming schedule that offers a variety of genres and formats can cater to different tastes and preferences. This can include music, news, sports, and entertainment. The key is to ensure that the content is relevant, timely, and of high quality.
Music selection: Music is often the cornerstone of radio programming. Careful selection of songs can create a mood, evoke memories, or simply provide enjoyment.
News and information: Timely and accurate news reporting is essential for keeping listeners informed. Radio provides in-depth analysis and commentary on current events.
Sports coverage: For sports enthusiasts, radio can provide commentary, scores and analysis.
Storytelling is a powerful tool that can captivate listeners and keep them engaged. Whether it’s a news story, a personal story, or a fantastic tale, effective storytelling can create a vivid mental picture and evoke emotions.
Narrative structure: A well-structured narrative with a beginning, middle, and end can help listeners follow the story and stay engaged.
Character development: Developing relatable and memorable characters can make the story more engaging and memorable.
Emotional connection: Stories that evoke emotions, such as laughter, sadness, or inspiration, can create a strong connection with listeners.
While radio is a traditional medium, it has embraced technology to enhance the listening experience.
Digital platforms, such as streaming services and podcasts, have expanded the reach of radio stations and allowed them to connect with a wider audience.
Streaming services: Streaming services allow listeners to access radio stations from anywhere in the world. Geography is no longer a barrier to listening to your favourite radio station.
Podcasts: Podcasts offer on-demand listening and can be downloaded and listened to at the listener’s convenience.
Social media: Radio stations can use social media to connect with listeners, promote their content, and gather feedback.
The art of content delivery is a crucial factor in driving listener engagement on radio. By creating a personal connection, curating high-quality content, leveraging storytelling, and embracing technology, radio continues to thrive in the digital age. While the medium may have evolved, its ability to connect with listeners on a deep and meaningful level remains its greatest strength.
Written by Elzette Boucher-Krüger, OFM Content Manager.
Garden Route golfers have handed the George-based Life Community Services charity an early Christmas gift of a greenhouse tunnel and irrigation system to grow vegetables to feed over 4 000 orphaned and vulnerable children aged 0 to18 a week.
The funds were raised at the third annual Algoa Cares Garden Route Charity Golf Day held on Friday, 24 August.
Programmes run by the non-profit Life Community Services include eight community outreach centres, education, skills training, and a job creation project called ISIPHO.
The greenhouse will be used to grow seedlings as well as vegetables for the meals provided by Life Community Services, according to Maryna DeVries, founder and chief executive officer of the centre.
The seedlings will be planted out in the existing vegetable garden, which will reduce costs and increase the yield, she added.
Crops include spinach, butternut, beetroot, lettuce, radishes, strawberries and Cape gooseberries, according to garden manager Sizwe Giyo.
“It was such a privilege to help raise funds for the work being done by Life Community Services,” says Algoa FM marketing manager Lesley Geyer.
“A big ‘thank you’ to all the participants and businesses in the Garden Route which partnered with us in aid of such a worthy cause. We trust we will see you on the greens again next year,” she added.
Image caption: Unwrapping the gifts from Garden Route golfers are, from the left, Algoa FM Garden Route sales representative and former Life Community Services volunteer Angelique Strydom, Drive Show presenter Simon Bechus and the charity’s founder and CEO Maryna DeVries.
Algoa FM’s multi radio award-winner Wayne Hart has made the shortlist in the Telkom Radio Awards Commercial Radio Breakfast Presenter category.
“It is fantastic news for Wayne Hart!” says Algoa FM programme manager Mio Khondleka.
“His nomination for the Radio Awards in the Breakfast Host category is so well-deserved.
“Wayne has consistently shown his dedication to his craft, and it’s clear with every broadcast that he’s only getting better. His energy, warmth, and professionalism make him a standout, and he’s part of a great team that works seamlessly together to create an engaging show for our listeners.
“Wishing him the best of luck—this recognition is truly earned!”
Hart has twice previously won radio awards, both for the Algoa FM Top 30, which he presented on Saturday mornings.
This is his second nomination as Breakfast Presenter since joining the show in 2020.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be nominated for Best Breakfast Presenter and deeply grateful,” says Hart.
“For over 20 years, radio has been a cornerstone of my life, shaping my journey and fuelling my passion every single day—and I don’t intend on stopping anytime soon.
“I am incredibly fortunate to work with a fantastic team, and I owe this honour to them as much as our listeners.
“A huge thank you to Lee, Charlie T, and Producer Corn; together, we create something truly special, bringing energy, connection, and joy to the airwaves every weekday morning.
“This nomination is a testament to the hard work and dedication we pour into every show, and I couldn’t be prouder to share it with such an incredible team”.
Lucky Algoa FM listener Owen Tutton from Dispatch will be “roaring into summer” thanks to a partnership between the station and South African National Parks (SANParks).
He entered on Roch-Lè Bloem’s show and was one of nine finalists.
He chose the two-night wild experience at the Nyathi Rest Camp in Addo, courtesy of SANParks.
Tutton had three experiences to choose from – two nights’ accommodation for a family of four at Nyathi Rest Camp in Addo, including a guided drive; two nights in the Mountain Zebra National Park, including a guided drive; or two nights in an Oceanette at the Storms River Rest Camp, including a boat cruise.
A cash prize of R10 000 was included.
Tutton chose the Addo experience because it is a favourite destination for him and his wife.
“Our ‘Roar into Summer’ campaign has been a huge success, bringing much excitement to Algoa Country,” says Algoa FM programme manager Mio Khondleka.
“Tourism plays a significant role in Algoa Country and our partnership with SANParks allowed us to offer our listeners a unique experience.
“The fun and vivid imagery created on air resonated with the audience, capturing their imagination and drawing them into the adventure.
“After all, who doesn’t love the chance to win money while exploring the beauty of nature? The positive response has been overwhelming, making this collaboration a standout moment for both Algoa FM and SANParks.
“SANParks has a long-standing relationship with Algoa FM, and we are proud to be associated with the brand again this year in this exciting competition,” said Fayroush Ludick, Regional Communications Manager: Frontier Region.
“As we’re getting ready to welcome all our visitors – both local and international – over the festive season, we’re especially looking to forward to hosting the lucky winners.
“We hope that their time with us will be most enjoyable and that it will expand their knowledge of and interest in nature conservation and the preservation of our magnificent heritage”.
Image caption: Do not try this (ever) without Ncediso Nogaya, Field Ranger at Addo Elephant National Park (centre), who posed with Algoa FM presenters (from the left) Charlton Tobias, Kea Zawadi, Roch-Lè Bloem, and KayCee Rossouw at the Addo Elephant National Park. The elephant in the background is real.
Just weeks after winning the “Best of George Readers’ Choice” 2024 award in the Local Radio Station category, Algoa FM was honoured as a finalist in the Mossel Bay Business Chamber’s “Best Large Business of the Year” award category.
“This accolade of recognition, together with our earlier Best of George Readers’ Choice award, are testament to the hard work our Garden Route team has put into making the station become a favourite among listeners, clients, and fellow businesses alike in the region,” says Algoa FM managing director Alfie Jay.
The media business finally established a physical presence in the Graden Route, launching a satellite studio and offices in George during December 2023. This followed a dedicated weekday afternoon drive show for the Garden Route which launched in 2011.
“We had planned to open the studio in 2020, but the pandemic had other ideas, and then commercial space being at such a premium in George, it took a while for us to find just the right place – and a great landlord willing to think outside the box to accommodate our creative needs,” says Jay.
Algoa FM is continuing to strengthen its presence in the Garden Route market.
“Locally based afternoon drive-show presenter Simon Bechus and news correspondent Louise Karsten can regularly be seen at Algoa FM activations and news conferences throughout the region, while Angelique Strydom and our sales team, are hard at work, networking and crafting advertising packages for companies, to assist them in growing market share and sales results in the region. “Our doors are always open to companies and organisations that want to partner with us on a growth strategy and solid business principles,” adds Jay.
Image caption: Companies honoured at the annual Mossel Bay Business Chamber awards. Algoa FM’s Alfie Jay is third from the left.
OFM, the Sound of Your Life, is proud to announce that through the generous support of listeners and communities across Central South Africa, the #PinkTober campaign has raised an astounding R1 018 000 in aid of the Cancer Association of South Africa.
Throughout October, OFM amplified its commitment to breast cancer awareness with a series of impactful initiatives. The campaign included Bowling4Boobies events in Vanderbijlpark, Klerksdorp, Bloemfontein, Bethlehem, and Vryburg, which brought communities together to have fun while contributing to a critical cause. OFM listeners also rallied behind the cause with weekly on-air pledge segments every Thursday, turning their airwaves into a space of solidarity and action.
On top of OFM’s organised events, listeners went above and beyond by initiating their own fundraisers, showing just how deeply Central South Africa cares about making a difference. Every individual and group that contributed to #PinkTober – whether through their own fundraising events or by donating to OFM’s campaign – played an essential role to help achieve this remarkable donation amount.
“We are overwhelmed and so grateful for the enormous show of support from our listeners with this year’s Pinktober drive,” said OFM Sales and Marketing Manager Anchen Lintvelt. “Our Bowling4Boobies events contributed almost 70% of the monies raised, and for that I’d really like to extend my gratitude to each and every person who has supported these events. We know that this money will make a big difference to those who need it most. We should all be very proud of this achievement. Thank you, Central South Africa.”
CANSA’s Anita Snyders said: “The Cancer Association of South Africa is thrilled to acknowledge OFM’s substantial donation, supporting our breast cancer awareness campaign. This contribution will significantly enhance our efforts in education, support, and breast screenings. We appreciate OFM’s commitment to the cause and value their partnership in creating a cancer-free future.”
OFM looks forward to continuing its support for CANSA and fostering a positive impact in the fight against breast cancer. The funds raised through #PinkTober will help CANSA enhance its mission, reach more patients, and push forward with vital research and support programmes.
For more info contact marketing@ofm.co.za.
The challenge
In September 2024, a Financial Service Provider (FSP) brand collaborated with Jozi FM to boost awareness and lead generation for its Funeral Cover product. The brand sought to engage listeners through a dynamic promotional campaign that combined radio, social media, and interactive entry platforms. The key objectives were to increase brand visibility, encourage active listener participation via USSD and web entries, and drive significant lead generation.
The execution
Jozi FM executed a multi-channel approach, anchored by on-air promotions during the high-traffic breakfast show. The campaign featured five giveaway moments, complemented by boosted social media content on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). Listeners could enter the competition through USSD or web platforms, offering daily and grand prizes to sustain engagement.
A strategic element was the competition timing: peak engagement occurred during the breakfast show (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM), with a 20% spike in entries during this window. Mid-week entries surged further after the announcement of a grand prize, creating anticipation and increasing engagement.
Results
The campaign exceeded expectations, generating 28% more leads than initially targeted and achieving a P-Factor rate of 3.17. Key factors in the success included the strategic placement during the morning drive, the progressive prize strategy with daily and grand prizes, and the dual-entry mechanism, which ensured broad accessibility. The combination of radio and social media promotion proved highly effective in both driving participation and reinforcing brand awareness, solidifying Jozi FM’s role as a powerful lead-generation platform for financial services brands.
Contact your US Account Manager or Jozi FM Brand Manager, Prudence Tlhale: prudence@unitedstations.co.za for opportunities to reach this market.
Soweto Theatre will be bustling on Saturday, November 16, with community members seeking insights into essential financial services and exploring supportive resources for various life stages.
Earlier this year, Ipsos published an article revealing that South Africa’s R50-billion stokvel sector indicates that, despite increased technology adoption, cash continues to be the preferred method of operation for most of the country’s 800,000 stokvel groups, consisting of approximately 11 million members. This continued preference for cash reflects an enduring mistrust of traditional banking institutions, where members often face high fees and bureaucratic challenges. Many stokvel groups favour simpler, cash-based systems, increasingly utilising social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook to enhance communication, coordination, and record-keeping. These technological tools have significantly reduced the necessity for frequent in-person meetings, particularly appealing to younger and more technologically adept members.
Notably, the stokvel landscape is undergoing transformation as an increasing number of young individuals and higher-income members join these groups. Younger members contribute technological expertise and seek more streamlined processes, thereby modernizing the operational framework of stokvels. Furthermore, specialized stokvels are emerging, focusing on specific objectives such as weddings, investments, property acquisitions, and vacations. This diversification underscores the adaptability of stokvels and their role in fostering new financial aspirations and promoting community-driven economic growth.
The dynamic nature of stokvels presents unique opportunities for brands, particularly within the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, to engage these groups through targeted digital promotions and collaborative initiatives that align with their collective savings objectives.
Jozi FM represents an ideal channel for financial service providers to reach this distinctive and resilient market. With its strong community ties and emphasis on African culture, Jozi FM is well-positioned to assist financial brands in establishing trust and building meaningful connections with the stokvel community. Providers can effectively engage this vibrant network by offering tailored financial solutions that respect the preference for cash while facilitating a gradual integration of technology. For entities in the insurance or banking sectors, this presents an opportunity to support an integral component of South Africa’s economic framework by developing accessible, community-centred offerings that resonate with the values of stokvels.
Contact your US Account Manager or Jozi FM Brand Manager, Prudence Tlhale: prudence@unitedstations.co.za for opportunities to reach this market.
Working with a radio station that is trusted is essential for an advertiser’s campaign, writes Dennis Karantges, Algoa FM sales manager.
In the words of Stephen Covey, “trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.”
Within a landscape fraught with fake news, manipulated social media, and online scams, the importance of a trusted medium like radio cannot be overstated.
Trust between a brand and consumer can be broken if that media platform is associated with people, events, or other advertisers that the customer finds offensive.
Algoa FM takes the issue of trust very seriously
We understand radio’s unique power to connect deeply with listeners and bring a loyal and engaged audience to our advertisers.
Many moving parts combine to create a relationship with listeners that is ultimately built on trust.
People listen to presenters they like and trust. By association, the advertisements appearing in their shows are endorsed and trusted.
Integrity Above All Else
Algoa FM prides itself on upholding this trust across our diverse ecosystem – from presenter credibility and advertiser profile to news integrity.
When it comes to news, Algoa FM prioritizes accuracy over being first, ensuring that information shared is not only timely but also verified and trustworthy.
This commitment is encapsulated in our mantra, “fun is a serious business,” reflecting our dedication to delivering quality and impactful campaigns while enjoying what we do.
Maintaining our position as the leading commercial radio station serving the Garden Route to the Wild Coast and through the Karoo is a serious business.
Building and maintaining credibility in radio broadcasting is an ongoing endeavour that requires commitment from all stakeholders – from the on-air team delivering content to our advertisers.
Listeners trust what they hear because Algoa FM ensures advertisers align with ethical standards and audience expectations.
Our advertiser engagements begin with a diagnostic process, during which Algoa FM evaluates business compliance and alignment with the station’s values.
What prospective clients want to achieve with their advertising is important to us to the extent that sometimes we will rather walk away from a sale if the proposed advertiser is not the right fit. A poor experience and market insight tell us the product, service, or message will not resonate with our audience or might alienate them.
We choose who we take on as advertisers just as much – we know that building credibility and maintaining trust in the station is hard work, and it has to be a collaborative environment in which our listeners, advertisers, and the station thrive.
Written by Dennis Karantges, Algoa FM sales manager.