"I'm so excited about all the new shows - these changes demonstrate that 5FM has the best available stable of presenting talent and these new drive shows in particular feature the two hottest personalities in the business. It's a dream line-up and signals an exciting growth phase for the 5FM brand," enthused Helen Graham, the new 5FM station manager who took over from John Langford who resigned a couple of months ago.
Gareth Cliff's breakfast team includes Leigh-Ann Mol on news, KB on sport, newcomer Mabale Moloi on traffic, with Damon Kalvari and Thabo Modisane producing. Mabale is a 5FM listener who regularly called into the show. The station recognised her passion for the show and broadcasting in general, and took the bold step of offering her a role in the new breakfast team.
Fresh's afternoon drive crew features Mlu Dlukulu on sport, Poppy Ntshongwana (who previously read news over weekends) on news, Catherine Strydom on traffic, with Travers Solomon (previously Good Hope FM station producer) producing.
Elana Afrika will be hosting the primetime midmorning, weekday slot (Mon-Fri; 9am-12pm) from Monday, 3 July - filling the space left vacant by Zuraida Jardine. "I am more than happy, I am ecstatic! My new slot on 5FM is not just my way forward, but a gentle start to what 5 means to me: success and happiness. I love my job! And thank god, no more waking up at 3am!!" exclaimed Afrika. Reuben Goldberg will continue to contribute news and NetDaily reports for the slot.
Sureshnie Govender will be taking over Elana's previous slot on weekday early mornings (Mon-Fri; 4-6am). She will also continue to join the F&Martinengo duo (Mon-Fri; 12-4pm) to read the daily news bulletins over lunchtime.
Following the departure of weekend afternoon presenter Dicksy, ex-Good Hope FM presenter Catherine Karstel will be hosting the new lifestyle-show on Saturdays, 2-5pm. She will be joined by Dlukulu to present a fresh guide every week to what's hot in the world of lifestyle ranging from music to fashion to design to gadgets to trendsetting pop culture. Karstel will also be hosting the Sunday morning 4-6am slot.
Monde Kapa moves from Good Hope FM to host "The New Sound Selection" on 5FM, Sundays 2-5pm. He will also be hosting the 4-7am slot on Saturdays, as well as the 1-4am slot on Mondays.
Nicole Fox will be hosting the popular weekly "World Chart Show" (Saturdays; 10am-2pm), following the departure of Ursula Stapelfeldt/Brown Sugar - who contributed to 5FM for over 10 years. Fox will continue to host the weekday 7-10pm slot.
"This new line-up has been four years in the making, and we're now incredibly well geared to realise our ambitions of being the most relevant hit music station for young adult South Africans," said Programme Manager Nick Grubb.
"I've never been through a more exciting and positive line-up shuffle, and whilst its sad to say goodbye to some of our station stalwarts who have chosen to further their careers in other areas, its presented us with an opportunity to introduce some fresh voices who will build on the good work done by their predecessor" Grubb said.
