On Thursday, 18 July, 5FM and Good Hope FM's on-air teams and staff joined thousands of volunteers across Mzansi to honour Madiba's legacy through action — with over 1.4-million meals packed nationwide as part of 'Rise Against Hunger's' annual Mandela Day initiative, say the radio stations.

As proud media partners, 5FM and Good Hope FM joined the humanitarian effort, contributing their reach, influence and physical to healthy meal packing support to the cause. 5FM's 5 Mid Mornings also broadcasted live from the Sandton Convention Centre, while Good Hope FM supported the Cape Town activation, broadcasting The Morning Show live from GrandWest, says the duo.

Across these two venues alone, a combined 918 216 meals were packed, thanks to the efforts of 3 546 volunteers in Sandton and 1 225 volunteers in Cape Town. Nationally, the campaign reached an outstanding milestone of 1 457 688 meals packed across four major sites — a volume that will help feed 6 337 children five meals a week for an entire year whilst attending their ECD facility, adds the duo.

"5FM and Good Hope FM are about much more than playing banging tunes and bringing you the hottest news and interviews — we're about recognising the most vulnerable people in the audiences where we operate and doing something practical, possibly even life-saving, to help. Partnering with 'Rise Against Hunger' for Mandela Day is more than just giving back, it is about standing together for real impact. As Good Hope FM and 5FM, our reach is powerful, but our purpose is even greater when we use it to help feed hope, dignity and change into our communities throughout South Africa," says Masi Mdingane, Business Manager at 5FM and Good Hope FM.

"It's about so much more than 'just food'. It's a grassroots effort that makes a big picture difference. A nourished tummy means a strong body and a strong mind — ready to grow, ready to learn, ready to achieve, ready to help others and ready to create a better Mzansi for us all. It was absolute magic and a massive privilege to be part of this. We strongly encourage anyone who can to get involved with this organisation's efforts," adds Mdingane. 

The 2025 Mandela Day meal-packing drive was a powerful reminder of how collaboration between media, corporates, non-profits and ordinary South Africans can help build the kind of future Nelson Mandela dreamed of — one meal, one child and one act of service at a time, concludes the duo.

For more information, visit www.5fm.co.za. You can also follow 5FM on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor