#Newsmaker: Jacaranda FM's Renaldo Schwarp receives 'Afrikaanse Taalraad Koker' Award

The ATR Koker Awards recognise individuals who actively promote the language and empower others using Afrikaans as a medium.

Jacaranda FM's Renaldo Schwarp receives the Koker Youth Award at the Afrikaanse Taalraad (ATR) Koker Awards. Image supplied.

Schwarp was recognised for the skilful way in which he stays true to his first language, Afrikaans while working in predominantly English media circles. He hosts Weekends with Renaldo Schwarp on Jacaranda FM and presents on KykNet and Kie’s actuality program, Klop!. He’s also the producer and director of Skeef: Die Dokumentêr, an Afrikaans documentary, which was screened as an official selection at the Cinema Diverse: Palm Springs Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in the USA.

“The awards honour people who actively empower others using Afrikaans as a medium. I’m extremely privileged that I get to ply my trade in my home language. The last few years I was able to create work that is inclusive and truly representative. Afrikaans should never be used to divide or exclude – it should actually bring people together,” said Schwarp.

He goes on…

“It’s an honour – truly. When one works in this ever-changing media industry, awards aren’t really top of mind. I’m grateful to have been recognised by such a prestigious organisation.”

Jacaranda FM's Renaldo Schwarp scoops a prestigious 'Afrikaanse Taalraad Koker' Award

Jacaranda FM  4 Dec 2019

What does your role entail?

A journalist once called me “a full-fledged multi-hyphenate: online, on air and on point!”, and I think that sums me up quite well.

In my role as digital lead I’m responsible for strategising and leading Jacaranda FM’s digital and audiovisual teams. This covers everything from client-centric content creation, editing online content, social media, video direction, and the list goes on.

I have a lot of fun with my weekend shows on the station. I get to connect with our listeners by playing them more music they love, and sharing fun real-life moments – like the fact that I’m a 27-year-old who only got my learners license a month ago. It’s been wonderful having the listeners on this journey with me and they’ve since shared some great tips to help my driving process go smoothly.

What do you enjoy most about Jacaranda FM?

The support and team spirit. We are a lean team but we get things done. Our growth in the last year has been remarkable, especially online. Since joining the station as digital lead, JacarandaFM.com has officially become South Africa's most visited radio station website in 2019, servicing more than 1.1 million unique browsers per month.

Tell us a bit about your experience, and why radio?

How long do you have? I started my journey in radio journey in varsity. I completed an undergraduate degree in Drama at the University of Stellenbosch – specialising in Media. I joined the campus radio station, MFM, hosted and produced a variety of shows during my five-year stint there. I also spearheaded the station’s marketing department for two years. In 2015, I joined Smile 90.4 FM as host of their early breakfast weekend shows, and in 2018 I was the host of a late-night talk show on CapeTalk before moving back to Johannesburg and starting at Jacaranda FM. I have also hosted a few lifestyle and actuality shows on Via TV and KykNet.

What do you love most about your career?

I love that I get to do it all, because I enjoy it all. It’s immensely creatively fulfilling to work online, on air and on screen.

Any other career highlights you’re particularly proud of?

Top two for 2019:

1. Being included in the Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans for 2019.

2. The documentary I independently produced and directed, Skeef, being screened at the Cinema Diverse: Palm Springs LGBTI+ Film Festival.

Jacaranda FM's Kenzy Mohapi and Renaldo Schwarp included in Mail & Guardian's prestigious #MG200Young list

Jacaranda FM  1 Jul 2019

What are you currently reading/watching/listening to for work?

Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead – I’m fascinated by her work and she has great practical advice for individuals in the workspace. Highly recommended.

I’m currently listening to Tarryn Lamb’s Christmas album – it’s actually on repeat!

Boer Soek ‘n Vrou on KykNet – not sure if this is for work purposes or just plain indulgence.

Tell us something about yourself not generally known?

I sometimes have McDonald’s for breakfast and by ‘sometimes’ I actually mean three times a week! I’ll work on my summer body in 2020.

Tune in to Weekends with Renaldo Schwarp every Saturday, 12h00-16h00 and Sunday, 10h00-14h00, and watch him on Klop! on Wednesdays at 20:30 on DStv, channel 145.