Johannesburg, 9 November September 2026 – 5FM is celebrating a major awards season, earning multiple nominations across two of South Africa’s most respected industry platforms: the 2026 Telkom Radio Awards and the 2026 Marketing Achievement Awards. The recognition reinforces the station’s position at the forefront of youth culture, entertainment, innovation and commercial impact.

The Telkom Radio Awards are South Africa’s premier celebration of broadcasting excellence, recognising outstanding work across content, production, innovation, talent and commercial partnerships from radio stations across the country.

Meanwhile, the Marketing Achievement Awards honour the campaigns, partnerships and brand activations that are redefining marketing effectiveness in South Africa, recognising work that delivers measurable business impact while resonating deeply with audiences.

At the 2026 Telkom Radio Awards, 5FM secured finalist positions in:

· Best Commercial Partnership: 5FM War Cry Championship brought to you by Standard Bank.

· Best Content Producer: Masego Chresh, producer of 5 Drive.

· Best Content Producer: Kirsten Jade, producer of 5 Weekend Breakfast.

· Best Radio Documentary: 16 Days, 16 Voices.

· Best Sports Show for Don’t Drop The Ball with 5 Drive’s Jude van Wyk.

· Station Imaging / Sonic Branding, where 5FM earned an extraordinary three finalist positions for 5FM – Station Positioning, 5FM – Station Power Intros, and 5FM – Endless Summer Campaign Imaging.

The station also celebrates one of its newest talents, Zanele Ndala, whose Tuks FM Drive with Zanele was named a finalist in the Campus Drive Show category, recognising excellence achieved before joining the 5FM family as 5 Mid Mornings Content Producer.

Adding to the momentum, the 5FM War Cry Championship brought to you by Standard Bank has also been named a qualifier in the Marketing Achievement Awards, earning recognition in the Excellence in South African Resonance Marketing category. The campaign brought together thousands of learners, educators and communities, turning school spirit into a national VIBE and movement, demonstrating the power of youth-focused marketing done right.

Masi Mdingane, Business Manager for 5FM and Good Hope FM, says: “Congratulations to every member of the 5FM team, our partners, our production teams, presenters and everyone who played a role in bringing these projects to life. What makes these nominations especially meaningful is that they come from two very different awards programmes. One recognises excellence in broadcasting and the other recognises excellence in marketing impact. Together, they provide a powerful benchmark for whether you’re truly moving beyond reach to truly impacting audiences. The kind of work that moves young people, shifts perspectives, powers movements and positively influences business outcomes is exactly the kind of work we strive to create every day. We are incredibly proud of these nominations and excited for both awards, while also looking forward to new and powerful business connections with brands who want to VIBE with the youth of Mzansi.”

To experience more of the award-nominated, brand-amplifying beats and content that moves SA’s young movers and shakers, download 5FM App and stay locked to 5FM on-air, online at 5fm.co.za and across all our socials.

Find a showcase of all our best content on SABC PLUS.