SABC CEO, Lulama Mokhobo, commented, “This important event has re-affirmed SABC Radio as the leading hub of entertainment, news and information to the millions of South African households and outside the country where SABC Radio has a footprint. The SABC has made great strides in progressing to a modern public broadcaster that promotes social cohesion and democracy in a vibrant multi-ethnic society. It is against this background that SABC Radio across the board has continuously won the hearts of many South Africans through its programming and socially involved activities.”

The SABC won a total of 27 awards for its ‘cream of the crop’ on-air talent and content producing expertise in programming as well as three awards in the ‘Hall of Fame’ category. The late former SABC CEO, Zwelakhe Sisulu; the late Safee Siddiqi, a Lotus FM presenter; and Khotso Nkhatho, executive producer for Lesedi FM’s names made it to the awards’ Hall of Fame.

Ukhozi FM (boasting more than seven million listeners), bagged six awards, including being announced the winning PBS Radio Station of the year. Throughout its history, which spans in excess of half a century of broadcasting, Ukhozi FM has made a substantial contribution to the South African Radio Environment. The station’s iconic on-air talent is widely known across South Africa. Programming is targeted at a broad audience, of whose needs and lifestyle the station has an intimate understanding. Station manager of Ukhozi FM, Bonga Mpanza says: “Things that matter to the listener are our priority and we know and understand the Zulu culture. We see ourselves as the custodians of the language and the culture and we aim to maintain our custodianship with pride.”

SABC’s radio station, Umhlobo Wenene FM received the most votes, as the listener’s favourite radio station. “Umhlobo Wenene FM is over the moon with this huge achievement. This is a vote of confidence from our listeners in both the station as a brand and the programmes it is offering. The award gives the station recognition as one of the most important role players in the Radio Broadcast Industry. These votes are a clear demonstration of loyalty and the good relationship that exists between Umhlobo Wenene FM and its listeners. Unomhlobo mhlobo, ”says station manager, Phumzile Mnci.

SABC’s commercial radio station, 5FM received two awards; the best afternoon drive show and best weekend radio show.Popular afternoon drive show The Fresh Drive, hosted by DJ Fresh, won in the category ‘Best Afternoon Drive show for a Commercial Radio Station’. The Fresh Drive has listeners tuning in to their radios with their comical and quirky show, every weekday from 15:00 to 19:00. The team consists of newsreader Poppy Ntshongwana, traffic with Catherine Grenfell and all things sports is brought to the listeners by Duran Collett. “Without the team, the show would not be possible, each individual brings their own uniqueness and what would a radio show be without the listeners? We have to thank the listeners for tuning in” said DJ Fresh.

5FM’s Top 40, hosted by Sureshnie Rider, ensured a further win for the station. The charts show playlists the hottest tracks that are current and in demand every Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00. Says station manager, Aisha Mohamed, “I am extremely proud of every individual at 5FM, the dedication and excellence they bring to work each day transcends into the best in music entertainment and 5FM being the coolest radio station in South Africa. These awards represent recognition and credibility amongst our peers and we are honoured to even have been nominated in a wide range of categories.”

Natano Brache, station manager for Good Hope FM says that the station is proud to be the winner of the Best On-Air Packaging category for Commercial Radio Stations. ” This award is testament to our hard work which is programmed to connect and speak to our listeners via our cutting edge on-air imaging.”

SAfm’s Intune, a weekend show presented by Naledi Moleo scooped a MTN Radio Award. This re-affirms the SABC’s commitment to invest in new talent, as Moleo is relatively new to the radio industry.

SAfm’s Ashraf Garda scooped the MTN Radio Award in the category 'News and Actuality presenter' for PBS Radio Stations. “Winning this year underlines the fact that you have to turn out excellence on- air every single day. You need to have a strong personality on- air and off-air to deal with the strong personalities you interview, you need a sharp mind, think in the moment and be extremely well read. I keep up with news by consuming all media, radio,TV, internet and social media and of course by engaging people, ” said Garda.

One of the highlights of the evening was the announcement of the Lifetime Achieveraward. Former SABC Radio general manager, Koos Radebe was recognised for his contribution to the radio industry. Radebe urged everyone who has been groomed by the SABC to acknowledge the pivotal role the public broadcaster has played in the development of their careers; he also gave credit to the SABC for his achievement.

Zolisile Mapipa, general manager for SABC PBS Radio Stations sees the relationship between a radio station and its listeners as a partnership: “One of the things I enjoy most about working in radio is its immediacy – you’re always challenged to think on your feet,” he comments. “Radio makes use of sound to create meaning, and the audience is an important part of that process. Radio is, quite literally, the theatre of the mind.”

SABC Radio remains committed to entertain and provide meaningful and developmental content through a mix of programming genres including music, drama, documentaries, magazine and variety shows.