The double win celebrates the station’s strong relationship with Pretoria listeners, while highlighting the role it plays in communities across its wider footprint. Jacaranda FM reaches audiences across four provinces in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the North West, with Pretoria remaining an important part of its story. For many listeners, Jacaranda FM is part of the daily routine: the familiar voice on the morning commute, the music that gets the day going and the stories that keep people talking throughout the day.

That relationship also goes beyond the airwaves. Through initiatives such as Good Morning Angels, Jacaranda FM has helped listeners come together to support individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. The feature has become an important part of the station’s identity, showing what can happen when a community gets behind someone who needs a helping hand.

“Pretoria has always held a special place in Jacaranda FM’s story. This is a city that has grown alongside us, welcomed our voices into its homes and cars, and made us part of its daily routine,” says Vuyani Dombo, Managing Director at Jacaranda FM. “Winning Best Local Radio Station again is incredibly meaningful because it comes from the people who listen to us and make us part of their lives. Martin’s recognition is equally special, reflecting the connection he has built with listeners every morning. These awards are a reminder that radio is about much more than what comes through the speakers; it’s about belonging, trust and the relationships we build with our communities.”

As the host of Breakfast With Martin Bester, Martin brings his own energy and personality to the mornings, connecting with listeners through topical conversations, local stories, entertainment and the heartfelt moments that get Pretoria talking.

“It’s a massive honour to get a vote and a thumbs up from Pretoria. To every single person who listens to us in the morning and every single person that is part of our feel-good family, we appreciate you so much,” says Martin Bester. “I hope we can continue entertaining you, laughing and crying with you when the moments call for it, and supporting one another. Enjoy the music, have fun and keep feeling good with us. Thank you so much for this incredible honour. I really appreciate it, and I hope we continue to make you proud.”

Winning Best Local Radio Personality is a fitting recognition of the relationship Martin has built with listeners, while the station’s award reflects the loyalty of an audience that continues to make Jacaranda FM part of its everyday life.

The Best of Pretoria Readers’ Choice Awards recognise the businesses, people and experiences that matter to the city’s residents. For Jacaranda FM, this year’s results are a welcome reminder of the support it continues to receive from the Pretoria audience that has made the station part of its everyday routine.

The post Jacaranda FM and Martin Bester Claim Top Honours at 2026 Best of Pretoria Readers’ Choice Awards appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Today, she can be heard on Jacaranda FM every Monday – Thursday from 19:00 to 22:00 and hosts the weekly ‘Top 40 with Danny Painter Powered by Pick n Pay’ on Saturdays. But behind the recognisable voice, big personality and all those tattoos is a woman who has spent much of her life navigating experiences that have shaped her in ways audiences rarely get to see.

From becoming a household name as a teenager to experiencing profound personal loss and finding love again, Painter has lived through some of life’s biggest highs and lowest moments in the public eye. Now, she is opening up about the realities of growing up famous, navigating grief and embarking on a new chapter of her life that is focused on strength, discipline and learning to trust herself again.

Growing Up in the Spotlight

Painter’s career began when she was just three years old, performing in children’s theatre before landing her first major television role as a teenager on SABC 2’s children’s show ‘World of Winners’.

Growing up in the 1990s and early 2000s, she became part of a generation of young television presenters who were watched by millions of South African children every afternoon.

“I was with you during your homework. I was with you before your parents came home. I was your best friend,” Painter recalls. However, the level of fame that came with being a young television personality was something she says she was not prepared for. “I was just thrust into this audience of people that I had no idea of. It was to the point that you couldn’t go to the mall. I had to be escorted out of the zoo once. It was insane. TV was different back then.”

She remembers one particular moment that brought home just how recognisable she had become. “I remember driving through the airport and my face was on every pillar. That’s insane for a kid from Brakpan.”

While Painter loved performing and being on television, she says the pressures of being a young star were far less glamorous than they appeared from the outside. There were strict expectations around her appearance and behaviour, with the young presenter feeling she had to constantly meet an image set by the industry.

“I loved every minute of the work; the fame was hard for me,” she says. “You couldn’t do anything wrong as a kid. You’d mess up, you’re out. If you weighed five kilograms over what you were contracted to weigh, you’re out. If you dyed your hair, you’re out.”

She recalls being weighed every Monday as part of the expectations placed on young talent. “I would go in every Monday and get weighed. You were supposed to look a certain way.”

Looking back, Painter says the experience has given her a unique perspective on fame, particularly in an era where young personalities are now able to build audiences through social media without necessarily going through the traditional gatekeepers of the entertainment industry.

A Life Changed By Grief

In 2023, Painter experienced one of the most devastating moments of her life when her husband of 17 years, Phil, died suddenly following a heart attack. “It was immediate; he thought it was heartburn. He was at the doctor that day, and that night he was gone,” she says.

A year later, Painter faced another devastating loss when her father died by suicide. The back-to-back losses forced her to confront grief on an entirely different level. “Just after my husband, a year later, my dad took his life. So it was grief on grief.”

For Painter, the experience has changed the way she thinks about loss and the process of moving forward. “We are going to move through life, all of us losing people, and we’re going to start navigating it differently. All you need to do is get up every day and try your best.”

Finding Love Again

After losing her husband, the idea of opening herself up to a new relationship came with its own complicated emotions.

Painter has been dating Nick Storm for the past year, and says their relationship has given her space to experience love again without pretending that grief has disappeared. “Nick is amazing. He is very calm about it and allows me the space to talk about it, and he allows me to grieve.”

She admits that finding happiness again can sometimes bring its own sense of guilt. “Even though grief never ends, I’ll have days with my new partner where I’m still like, ‘Oh damn, I shouldn’t be doing this.'”

Today, however, Painter says she is in a relationship that feels different from anything she has experienced before. “I feel terrible to say this, but it’s the best relationship I’ve ever been in, because I’ve done the work.”

Rebuilding From the Inside Out

Painter’s journey of rebuilding has also extended to her physical health. After experiencing a series of significant losses, including the deaths of her grandparents, husband and father, she says she lost 40kg amid stress and unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Now, she is four weeks into a six-month life and body recomposition journey focused on strength training, nutrition, fitness and building a healthier relationship with herself.

For Painter, however, this isn’t about a quick transformation or chasing an idealised body. “This isn’t a quick-fix transformation or a dramatic before-and-after story,” she says. “I am only four weeks into a six-month commitment, and it is hard. Recomp requires patience because you are asking your body to build muscle while gradually reducing fat. The changes are not always immediate or visible, but the work still has to happen every day.”

Her journey began simply, with a membership at her local gym and a trainer once a week. Over time, her commitment to strength training grew, eventually leading her to train alongside her partner, a professional powerlifter and coach. “I didn’t start here. I started where I was, with what I had and what I could afford.”

Painter has chosen to approach the process naturally, focusing on strength training, balanced nutrition, recovery and consistency rather than performance-enhancing drugs or shortcuts.

For someone who describes herself as a “complete party girl, drama kid-nerd” who never considered herself sporty, the process has been challenging. She is also candid about the emotional reality of changing her body. “There are days when I feel powerful and days when I question whether anything is changing. I still cry on the scale, even though I am working my literal butt off,” she says. “You can be doing everything correctly and still need to wait for your body to catch up with the work. That’s where discipline becomes more important than motivation.”

Perhaps the biggest changes, however, have been psychological. “Training has taught me that I can keep promises to myself,” she explains. “It gives structure to my day, helps me manage stress and reminds me that strength is something we build. It is not something we either have or don’t have.”

The Work Behind the Transformation

Painter is also determined to be honest about the often unseen reality of personal transformation. Social media is filled with dramatic before-and-after photographs, but she says the most important part of any transformation happens in the middle – in the ordinary, repetitive days when progress isn’t always obvious.

For Painter, the six-month journey is about far more than physical change. After years of living in the spotlight, navigating fame from a young age and experiencing profound loss, she sees the process as another chapter in rebuilding her relationship with herself. “This is not punishment for the body I currently have,” she says. “It is an investment in the woman I am becoming. I am not trying to disappear or make myself smaller. I want to be strong, athletic, capable and fully present in my own life.”

Catch ‘Love Songs with Danny Painter’ every Monday – Thursday between 19:00 and 22:00 and catch Danny counting down the biggest songs of the week on the Top 40 with Danny Painter, powered by Pick n Pay, every Saturday between 10:00 and 14:00, only on Jacaranda FM.

The post Danny Painter Opens Up About Fame, Grief and Finding Love Again appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Johannesburg, 20 May 2026 | Few voices in South African broadcasting have evolved alongside the medium quite like Carol Ofori. With a career spanning over two decades, the award-winning presenter, voice artist, podcaster, author, MC and TV host has seen firsthand how radio has transformed and what it takes to remain relevant in an ever-changing media landscape.

From the days of demo tapes and cold calls to the era of social media and personal branding, Ofori has witnessed and embraced the industry’s evolution firsthand. Her journey not only mirrors the broader shifts within radio but also highlights the resilience and adaptability required to build a lasting career in broadcasting.

“Breaking into radio 20 years ago was a completely different game,” Ofori explains. “There was no social media, no LinkedIn, no easy way to showcase your talent. You had to do your homework, find out who the programme managers were, and then figure out how to get their attention. It took persistence, creativity, and a lot of guts.”

In the early 2000s, aspiring radio personalities relied on demo tapes and CDs, often going to great lengths to ensure their work stood out. Programme managers acted as the ultimate gatekeepers, and getting a foot in the door required not just talent but ingenuity. As Ofori recalls, crafting a memorable introduction or concept could make all the difference in being noticed.

Today, the barriers to entry have shifted dramatically. Social media platforms have democratised access to audiences, allowing emerging talent to build their own platforms and showcase their abilities without waiting for traditional approval. While this has opened doors for a new generation of broadcasters, it has also introduced new challenges, particularly for seasoned professionals navigating an increasingly digital-first world.

“Now, anyone can create content and put themselves out there,” says Ofori. “That’s incredibly exciting, but it also means the space is more competitive than ever. For those of us who’ve been in the industry for a long time, it’s about learning, adapting, and finding ways to merge what we know with how things are done now.”

Ofori is a strong advocate for embracing change rather than resisting it. She believes the future of radio lies in blending traditional broadcasting skills with modern platforms, creating a more dynamic and multi-dimensional media presence. It’s an approach she actively embodies, maintaining an engaged presence across social media while continuing to build her on-air legacy.

Her perspective positions her as a leading voice in South African radio, not just because of her longevity, but because of her willingness to evolve. In an industry where relevance is constantly being redefined, Ofori’s career stands as proof that adaptability is just as important as talent.

As radio continues to transform in the digital age, one thing remains clear: the power of authentic storytelling and human connection endures. For broadcasters like Carol Ofori who have successfully navigated both the old and new worlds of media, the future is less about keeping up and more about leading the way.

The post Carol Ofori Reflects on Two Decades of Radio Evolution appeared first on Stage and Screen.

‘5 Mid Mornings with Karabo’ on 5FM is a brand new radio show that will see Karabo pivot into yet another milestone in her powerful media industry journey.

Airing weekdays from 09:00 to 12:00, 5 Mid Mornings with Karabo blends music, conversation and high-energy audience interaction – reflecting the fast-paced lives of young professionals and students navigating modern life in real time.

The show brings a fresh, relatable voice balancing ambition, wellness, career growth and socially active living, all while staying firmly on the pulse of culture and what’s happening now.

Rooted in everyday experiences and honest conversations, the show creates a space that is both informative and entertaining, where listeners feel seen, heard and part of the moment – with just the right amount of fun, energy and personality.

“This next chapter feels incredibly aligned with where I am in my life and career. Mid-mornings are such a real part of people’s day, you’re working, studying, figuring things out or taking a breather, and I love that I get to be part of that. Music is such a big part of what I do, and this show becomes the soundtrack to your day. Whether you’re locked in or just vibing. It’s about reflecting real life as it happens”, says Karabo.

With over 23 impeccable years of experience across Television and radio, Karabo has developed an undeniable, strong foundation and has gone on to build a respected and reputable career. Her work is rooted in meaningful conversation, longevity in the media industry and remaining passionate about content and experiences that resonate with the South African audience across platforms.

5 Mid Mornings with Karabo sees her making the move from hosting 5 Nights with Karabo Ntshweng, and is another bold and refreshed addition to the much-loved 5FM youth radio station’s 2026 line-up.

Listeners and followers can keep up with Karabo Ntshweng’s latest updates, behind-the-scenes moments and daily highlights across her social media platforms. On Instagram, follow @karabontshweng for visual updates and lifestyle content. On X (formerly Twitter), connect with @KaraboNtshweng, where she shares commentary, conversations and show updates. Fans on TikTok can find her at @karabontshweng for short-form content and engaging clips, while her Facebook presence can be followed via Karabo Ntshweng, offering additional updates and community interaction.

The post Karabo Ntshweng Powers Up 5FM’s Mid-Morning Airwaves appeared first on Stage and Screen.

With the station experiencing its strongest year in both audience growth and brand perception shifts, the newly announced roster promises a rich tapestry of fresh faces and enduring favourites. The result? A reimagined schedule that’s as ambitious as the listeners it serves.

New Faces, New Energy, Same Unstoppable Vibe

Club Y storms into the spotlight, replacing the legendary YTKO mix show, delivering an electrifying rotation of DJs from Monday through Saturday. Expect a high-octane mash-up of cutting-edge sounds from talents like Shakes x Les, Thee Buhle, Ggoldie, DJ Venom, Legendary Crisp, and Just Mo, amongst others.

Weekday mornings get a fresh burst of fire with The Way Up, hosted by charismatic duo Nia Brown and Okay Wasabi. Not stopping there, Xtremme is joined by Noni Khumalo for a revitalised Morning Break, while lunchtime remains locked in with Caddy and Yvette Floss on The Lunch League.

In the afternoons, Ayanda MVP continues to own the Home Run slot, now alongside Sinaye, the reality TV firebrand who will also helm his own Happy Hour slot at 18:00.

Evenings introduce a newly intensified UNCENSORED with Tulz Madala and Dimpho Mokgotho, while Thabo X and Shamiso drive Savage Nights from 22:00 to midnight.

Beyond FM: Y’s Digital Leap

Not content with just ruling the airwaves, Y expands its digital footprint with three fresh digital shows:

• Tell Us Y hosted by Hey Shawty
• Culture Unlocked with Perceey ASF
• Yonda Way by Zingah

Part of Y’s “Beyond FM” strategy, these dynamic offerings aim to engage digital-native audiences with exclusive online content and unfiltered conversations.

The Full 2025 Line-Up

From The Way Up at dawn to Savage Nights under the moon, and from Supreme Saturdays to Sundaze, the 2025 line-up is a calculated, diverse mix of empowerment, entertainment, and culture.

2024’s BeTheNext winner, Karen Mthethwa, ascends to a pivotal role, helming both The Glow Up and Sunday Feels II — a testament to Y’s commitment to talent incubation.

Fond Farewells

The station also bids a heartfelt farewell to radio stalwarts Supta and Mthaux. Their contributions remain etched into Y’s DNA, with wishes for their continued success beyond the mic.

A Bold Future

“As much as the 2025 line-up keeps your favourites, the new voices joining them will propel this platform into its boldest chapter yet,” says Y’s MD, Haseena Cassim.

It’s clear — Y isn’t merely adjusting its schedule; it’s making a statement: #YNotBeUnstoppable.

Listen live via the YFM App, yfm.co.za, OpenView HD, DStv Channel 859, or FM 99.2.

The post Y Shakes Things Up With Its Bold 2025 Line-Up Reveal appeared first on Stage and Screen.