The reigning champions, St Stithians Girls' College, set the bar high in 2024, but now it's time for a new battle. 5FM says it is calling all high school students to step up, showcase their gwijo power and prove that their school has what it takes to be crowned the 2025 #5FMWarCryChamps champions.
The station says that this year, there will be overall winner awards in three categories: best girls, boys and co-ed schools. 5FM is offering R10 000 cash for the winning school in each category, which they can keep or donate to a charity that the school actively supports. 5FM's presenters will also be performing at the school's matric dance. The R30 000 in prize money is courtesy of Standard Bank.
5 Breakfast with Nick Hamman, weekdays from 06:00 to 09:00, will be keeping listeners up to date with the war cries. The competition kicks off on Thursday, 10 March, with entries closing on Sunday, 23 March, followed by voting, a finalist showdown, the winner announcement on Tuesday, 22 April and 5 Breakfast's live broadcasts from the winning schools.
Schools can enter by submitting their war cry video via the 5FM app. Entries close on Sunday, 23 March. Individuals are encouraged to spread the word using the hashtag #5FMWarCryChamps. Schools can also get fans to vote on the 5FM app.
"At Standard Bank, we are committed to empowering young South Africans by supporting initiatives that highlight their energy, passion and school spirit," says Head of Youth and Mass Market at PPB SA, Tshiamo Molanda.
"To this end, we've been supporting schools' sports for over a decade, providing schools opportunities to cheer for their favourite teams. We see the 5FM War Cry Championship partnership as an initiative that not only amplifies the voices of the youth but also gives back to their communities. We eagerly anticipate seeing which schools bring the most enthusiasm this year," Molanda adds.
"Last year's championship was nothing short of electrifying," says 5FM and Good Hope FM Business Manager, Masi Mdingane. "We were blown away by the enthusiasm, creativity and sheer energy that schools brought to the competition. 5FM is all about championing the passions of South Africa's youth, and we can't wait to see the next round of contenders bring the heat."
"It's also highly exciting to see a commercial partner tapping into the immense potential that the youth market, and a station that truly connects with and moves them, brings," Mdingane concludes.
For more information, visit www.5fm.co.za. You can also follow 5FM on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor