Entries in the MTN Radio Awards were reviewed by a panel of industry experts who scored each entry individually. These scores were then centrally collated in order to determine the various winners.
Comments Rich Mkhondo, chairman of the MTN Radio Awards, "We received a bumper crop of entries this year and the quality of submissions was of a very high standard. I know that the adjudicators had their work cut out for them in listening to so many entries, but I am delighted with the outcome of the awards and believe that we have exemplary winners this year.
This year, the competition attracted 866 entries, in excess of double the number of entries received in 2011.
"I congratulate the broader radio industry on the depth and breadth of talent within the industry and I am enthused by the passion and dedication which shone through in the body of entries," adds Mkhondo.
| Category | Type | Person/show | Radio station | Judges' comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast Show | Commercial | John Robbie Show | Talk Radio 702 | This show is constantly relevant and maintains an excellent balance between controversy and entertainment. |
| Breakfast Show | PBS | Vuka Mzansi | Ukhozi FM | This show stood head and shoulders above competitors in its category in terms of its ability to engage with - and inform - listeners. |
| Breakfast Show | Community | Blewitt for Breakfast | Mix93.8FM | This show is amusing, light-hearted, entertaining and professionally presented. |
| Breakfast Show | Campus | The FirstBeat | Tshwane FM | This is a new show presented by fresh talent. The judges felt that it has the potential to rival some of its commercial counterparts. |
| Breakfast Presenter | Commercial | Ryan O'Connor | 94.5 Kfm | Ryan presents the breakfast show with flair, stamping his own brand of fun and his unique warm personality on the show. |
| Breakfast Presenter | PBS | Linda Sibiya | Ukhozi FM | Linda makes a difference in people's lives though his witty, fun and enthusiastic presentation style. |
| Breakfast Presenter | Community | Tony Blewitt | Mix 93.8FM | Tony brings fun, entertainment and easy listening to the morning commute. |
| Breakfast Presenter | Campus | Rob Forbes | TUKS FM | Rob's style, energy, approachability and talent have seen him gain the attention and interest of commercial stations and he has now moved on to a full-time slot on 5FM. |
| Business & Finance Presenter | Bruce Whitfield | 567 Cape Talk & Talk Radio 702 | Bruce has made this category his own over the past few years. His insightful interviews and his breadth of coverage of his subjects make him a clear and worthy winner. | |
| Business & Finance Show | The Money Show | 567 Cape Talk & Talk Radio 702 | This show has become the benchmark against which other Business and Finance Shows are measured. | |
| Community Presenter | Thabo Mdluli | Impact Radio 103FM | Thabo is still a relatively new and young presenter and yet he has his finger on the pulse of his community and speaks to their hearts. | |
| Community Project | Commercial | Toy Story | East Coast Radio | This was a heart-warming project that brought joy to the lives of thousands of children. Judges commented that this was one that really touched them and had them reaching for their Kleenex. |
| Community Project | Community | Children of Heaven | Radio Islam | This was a campaign that told personal stories of special needs children in its broadcast community, highlighting their plight and raising awareness across the entire audience spectrum. |
| Content Producer | Commercial | Gary Oberholzer/JD Mostert (joint winners) | Talk Radio 702/Algoa FM | After intense debate, the judges were unable to come up with a single winner and for the first time in the MTN Radio Awards history, gave a joint accolade to individuals. Gary Oberholzer of Talk Radio 702 for the exceptional dexterity he demonstrates in sourcing relevant guests and making sure the show is topical and always interesting. JD Mostert of Algoa FM for his ability to manage and smoothly produce a broad range of content and consistently adding value to the programme. |
| Daytime Presenter | Commercial | Saskia Falken | Heart 104.9FM | Fun, friendly and fast paced presentation, Saskia has a very engaging manner and is easy to listen to. |
| Daytime Presenter | PBS | Dudu Khoza | Ukhozi FM | Dudu is entertaining and engaging, but most of all she is relevant and important to her listeners. |
| Daytime Presenter | Community | Helen Desbois | East Rand Stereo | Helen has an inviting, friendly and entertaining presentation style. |
| Daytime Presenter | Campus | Alex Caige | TUKS FM | Alex injects fun into his show and his enthusiasm and dedication to his show make him a worthy winner in this category. |
| Daytime Show | Commercial | Grant and Anele | 5FM | This show has fun, pace, wit, entertainment and above all, an X-factor that is one of the special properties of radio. |
| Daytime Show | PBS | Afternoon Talk - SAfm | This show does not shy away from controversial issues and encourages listener participation and involvement. | |
| Daytime Show | Community | Butterfly Corner | Radio Islam | Aimed at a young audience, this show is different in the way it engages with children. |
| Drama Programme | PBS | Radio Vuka - SAfm | A daily drama programme that seeks to highlight national imperatives in an entertaining manner. | |
| Drama Programme | Community | Discrimination | Radio Khwezi | A compelling insight into an important recurring issue that affects all South Africans. |
| Music Presenter | Commercial | Marian Nyako Lartey | OFM | Marian has an excellent approach to informing - whilst interacting with and entertaining - the listeners. |
| Music Presenter | Community | Cavall Burgess | Radio Today | Clear, entertaining and interesting presentation. |
| Music Show | Commercial | Take 40 SA | 94.5 Kfm & 94.7 Highveld Stereo | The Take 40 programme is professionally produced and presented. It is an excellent example of production preparation that culminates in an excellent show. |
| Music Show | PBS | The Bollywood Billboard | Lotus FM | Presented with enthusiasm and flair, this show is a star in the Lotus FM constellation. |
| Music Show | Community | Jubel en Juig | Radio Pulpit | True to its community roots, this show is honest and entertaining. |
| Music Show | Campus | Totally SA Show | TUKS FM | Campus radio has always played an important role in introducing listeners to new music and this show is even more important in that it focuses on SA music. |
| News & Actuality Presenter | Commercial | David O' Sullivan | Talk Radio 702 | David O'Sullivan handles the issues of the day in a professional and engaging manner. He is always on top of the news issues and ensures that he gets relevant and insightful answers from his interviewees. |
| News & Actuality Presenter | Community | Nothile Zwane | Radio Khwezi | Nothile presented political issues with balance, fairness and integrity in the run-up to the local government elections. |
| News & Actuality Producer | Commercial | Glynis Crook, The Midday Report | 567 Cape Talk & Talk Radio 702 | As the producer of The Midday Report, Glynis has an enviable contact book and is constantly able to source new voices for a variety of issues. |
| News & Actuality Producer | PBS | Veronica Fourie, AM Live SAfm | Veronica is a producer who researches her subjects thoroughly and produces thought-provoking radio. | |
| News & Actuality Producer | Community | Ejaz Khan | Radio Islam | Ejaz is able to source content that is meaningful and of relevance to his audience. |
| News & Actuality Show | Commercial | The Midday Report | 567 Cape Talk & Talk Radio 702 | This is a show that consistently analyses and interprets the news of the day with professionalism, speed and authority. |
| News & Actuality Show | PBS | 50 Jarige Herdenking van Umkonto we Sizwe | RSG | This special broadcast on the history of MK was dramatic, fascinating and professionally presented. |
| News & Actuality Show | Community | The Big Picture Programme | Radio Islam | A compelling radio programme that reports on the big issues of the day in a professional manner. |
| Afternoon Drive Presenter | Commercial | Martin Bester | Jacaranda 94.2 | Martin reduces |
| Afternoon Drive Presenter | PBS | Ba2cada Leine | Lesedi FM | The pace and entertainment of this presentation and the way in which there are no sacred cows makes this an entertaining and relevant show for the younger target audience. |
| Afternoon Drive Presenter | Community | Yusuf Moosagie | Radio Islam | Yusuf presents a variety of content and issues, keeping his audience company and ensuring that they are informed of the events of the day whilst commuting. |
| Afternoon Drive Show | Commercial | The Fresh Drive | 5FM | This show is fun, entertaining and exciting and will most certainly reduce the stress of commuting. |
| Afternoon Drive Show | PBS | Sekunjalo the Exclusive Drive | Ukhozi FM | This show brings together many elements of social media, news and entertainment and has a huge degree of audience involvement making it an essential daily listening experience. |
| Afternoon Drive Show | Community | The Drive Show | Bay FM | This show is highly informative to its community. |
| News Bulletin Reader | Commercial | Tessa van Staden | 567 Cape Talk | Tessa's presentation is clear, competent and delivered with authority. |
| News Bulletin Reader | Community | Karlien Kruger | Bok Radio | This entry won on the style, clarity and tone of the presentation |
| News Bulletin Reader | Campus | Anton Meijer | TUKS FM | Anton presents the news in a professional manner and that his clarity and delivery make him a worthy winner. |
| Night Time Presenter | Commercial | Thabiso Sikwane | Kaya FM | Thabiso is professional, empathic, and welcoming and she selects topics and guests that add value to the listeners experience. |
| Night Time Presenter | PBS | Ashraf Garda | SAfm | Ashraf is a consummate radio professional who undertakes thorough research into his topics and provokes excellent debate amongst his listeners. |
| Night Time Presenter | Community | Sakha Isizwe | Radio Khwezi | This informative, entertaining and though-provoking presentation won the favour of the judges |
| Night Time Show | Commercial | That Show with Rian | Jacaranda 94.2 | Controversial and sometimes confrontational style makes this a clear winner. |
| Night Time Show | PBS | The Weekend Fix | Lotus FM | Innovative, cutting-edge show that has increased listenership by 900% due to its entertaining music and presentation. |
| Night Time Show | Community | Sakhisizwe | Radio Khwezi | Innovative and thought-provoking radio. |
| On-Air Packaging | Commercial | Sung Intros | 94.5Kfm | The scripting, the humour and the relevance of this entry found favour with the judges. |
| On-Air Packaging | PBS | African Renaissance | SAfm | This was part of a broader series which sought to promote and increase awareness of African issues and to promote the concept of a unified Africa. |
| On-Air Packaging | Community | Jingles etc | Radio Islam | This entry won favour with the judges due to the attention-to-detail and the relevance to the station's programming and audience. |
| Promotion/Stunt/Event | Commercial | Double up | Jacaranda 94.2 | This promotion increased audience retention and participation and achieved exceptional results in terms of increasing time spent listening and RAMS numbers. |
| Promotion/Stunt/Event | PBS | Wafa Wafa | Ukhozi FM | This high energy promotion uses music and sports to keep listeners locked onto the station. It includes a high level of audience involvement and participation. |
| Promotion/Stunt/Event | Community | Go Green | East Rand Stereo | This promotion exceeded the station's expectations by creating maximum visible promotion for the station in its broadcast area and encouraging community participation. |
| Promotion/Stunt/Event | Campus | 93.36 hour Marathon | PUKfm 93.6 | This promotion and marathon broadcast on the station captured substantial attention amongst the target listeners and the broader connected community. It established the frequency of the station through the targeted time of the marathon. |
| Sports Commentator | PBS | Jo Hudla | Ukhozi FM | Jo makes his commentary exciting and the game that he is calling comes alive in the eyes of his listeners. |
| Sports Presenter | Commercial | Sias du Plessis | 5FM | This is a competitive category and Sias does excellent preparation and presents with knowledge, authority and enthusiasm. |
| Sports Presenter | PBS | Feroz Shaik | Lotus FM | Feroz is knowledgeable and enthusiastic and this transmits through his reports |
| Sports Presenter | Community | Josie Raath | Radio Pulpit | Josie had a great ability to communicate his passion and knowledge to his listener. |
| Sports Presenter | Campus | Andrew Hope | UJFM 95.4 | Andrew manages to get excellent content and shares this in an engaging and professional manner. |
| Sports Show | Commercial | The Discovery Sports Centre | Metro FM | Metro FM through Robert Marawa have made this their own award over the past three years. Robert is a sports fanatic and the show is a fine example of his passion and enthusiasm. |
| Sports Show | PBS | The Sports Show | Phalaphala FM | This award winning presenter makes the show interesting and compelling. |
| Sports Show | Community | Sportsfire | Radio Today 1485AM | Clear consistent presentation by a real sports enthusiast make this an excellent show. |
| Sports Show | Campus | The Sports Network | UJFM 95.4 | As a comprehensive production from a small campus station, this show punches above its weight. |
| Traffic Presenter | Kgomotso Meso | Kaya FM | Concise and straightforward traffic reports which take listener input into account. This is traffic reporting as it should be. | |
| Weekend Radio Show | Commercial | The Epic Rhythm | Kaya FM | This show is entertaining, informative and relevant. Listeners are left wanting more. |
| Weekend Radio Show | PBS | The Bollywood Billboard | Lotus FM | A delightfully presented look at the highlights of Bollywood. Interesting and entertaining radio. |
| Weekend Radio Show | Community | Screaming Reels | Radio Islam | This fishing programme appeals to the pastime of a large selection of the audience and is captivating. One could say that an enthusiast could get hooked on this programme. |
| Programme Innovation Award | Sedibeng | Thobela FM | This is an empowering, informative and interesting show that covers a variety of topics without skirting controversial issues. | |
| Programme Concept Award | Phat Joe Morning Show | Heart 104.9FM | ||
| Documentary | Long | Gangsterism | The Voice of the Cape | A brave and dramatic insight into gangs in the Western Cape. |
| Documentary | Short | Metered Taxis | 567 Cape Talk | Whistle blowing on the metered taxi industry in the City of Cape Town. |
| Bursary Winner | Mfanafuthi Khumalo | |||
| Bright Stars Club | Amoré Truter | PUKfm 93.6 | ||
| Bright Stars Club | Motseki Mabuya | Thetha FM | ||
| Bright Stars Club | Zaid Bhoola | Lotus FM | ||
| Bright Stars Club | Zeenat Abdool | SABC Radio Channel Africa | ||
| Bright Stars Club | Tim Zunkel | OFM | ||
| Hall Of Fame | Stan Katz | |||
| Hall Of Fame | Peter De Nobrega | |||
| Hall Of Fame | Robin Alexander | |||
| Hall Of Fame | Cocky "Two Bull" Tlotlalemaje | |||
| Hall Of Fame | Martin Rattle | |||
| Hall Of Fame | Cyril Mchunu | |||
| Hall Of Fame | Lindi Nthuli | |||
| Hall Of Fame | Bob Mabena | |||
| Hall Of Fame | Dan Setshedi | |||
| Hall Of Fame | Dumile Mateza | |||
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Pietie Lotriet | |||
| My Station Award (as voted for by the public) | Most Number of Votes | Ukhozi FM | The My Station competition is a new inclusion in the MTN Radio Awards programme and entails stations getting listeners to vote for them. There are two sections to this award, firstly the station that generates the most votes; and secondly the station that generates the most votes as proportion of the stations RAMS audience figures. The competition yielded some interesting indications. | |
| My Station Award (as voted for by the public) | Most Loyal Listeners | Radio Islam | ||
| Station Of The Year | Campus | TUKS FM | ||
| Station Of The Year | Community | Radio Tygerberg | ||
| Station Of The Year | PBS | Ukhozi FM | ||
| Station Of The Year | Commercial | 5FM |
The MTN Radio Awards were conceptualised and founded by Future Group's Jeremy Maggs (@maggsonmedia) and Richard Lendrum.
Explains Serame Taukobong, "chief ayobaness officer" of MTN, "Our support for the MTN Radio Awards exemplifies our commitment to radio and underlines our intention to continue to use radio well into the future. We see the MTN Radio Awards as a driver for excellence in radio and as a motivator for stations to make increasingly compelling programmes that ensure listener enjoyment. After all, happy and fulfilled listeners remain loyal to their station.
"At MTN, radio has always played a key role in our media communications mix. We launched the brand on radio, we have grown the brand on radio, and today we still use radio as one of the key influencers in communicating our messages to our customers."
According to Lance Rothschild (@lancerza), MTN Radio Awards CEO, "The awards banquet is the radio industry's chance to get together as an extended family and to celebrate success, to highlight achievement and to ultimately honour those within the greater radio family whose great work ensures the longevity of this industry about which we are all so extremely passionate."
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