Latest news with #JacarandaFM
The South African
14 hours ago
- Business
- The South African
'Her Perfect Pitch' returns to empower South African women
Jacaranda FM has officially relaunched its acclaimed women's empowerment campaign, Her Perfect Pitch, for the fourth year running. This year's theme, Unlock the Next Level , aims to help women-led businesses across South Africa gain the exposure, mentorship, and crucial support needed to scale their ventures. The campaign coincides with Women's Month, making it a timely opportunity for female entrepreneurs to showcase their talent. The grand prize offers winners R500 000 in advertising credit on Jacaranda FM, including the creation and production of a bespoke radio advert. Winners will benefit from the station's extensive digital platforms, providing a powerful boost to their brand visibility. But the rewards don't stop at advertising. Jacaranda FM will also offer tailored business mentorship. Winners will receive expert advice on developing business models, research consultation, strategic branding, and specialised digital and PR guidance. This comprehensive support ensures winners can sustain growth long after the campaign ends. Vuyani Dombo, Jacaranda FM Managing Director, spoke passionately about the campaign. Her Perfect Pitch is more than just advertising. It's a commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs. We want to celebrate their resilience and help them reach new heights. Our support includes not only exposure but hands-on mentorship that makes a lasting difference.' All entrepreneurs entering the competition must submit their applications between 7 and 31 August 2025 via the Her Perfect Pitch or Jacaranda FM websites. The application process requires detailed information about the business, including a thorough business model overview, unique selling points, and financial statements, according to Tech Financials. Applicants are encouraged to take their time to complete their forms carefully to strengthen their chances. From the pool of applicants, Jacaranda FM will shortlist the Top 30, who will then submit a two-minute video pitch. These entrepreneurs will also have the chance to network with fellow innovators and industry professionals at an exclusive session. From this group, the Top 10 finalists will be invited to pitch live at Jacaranda FM's studios in Johannesburg before a panel of expert judges. Each of the Top 10 finalists will receive R100 000 worth of radio airtime. The big winner will be announced at a special #HerPerfectPitch event and live during the Breakfast with Martin Bester show on Jacaranda FM. ' Her Perfect Pitch has transformed many women's businesses over the past three years, and we are eager to see how this year's entrepreneurs unlock their next level,' said Dombo. South African women entrepreneurs looking for growth and recognition should not miss out on this unique chance. The campaign promises real business transformation. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
7 days ago
- Automotive
- The South African
End of Wanatu? Afrikaans e-hailing responds to 'bankrupt' rumours
Popular Afrikaans e-hailing service Wanatu has shut down rumours that it has gone bankrupt and has been forced to shut down. This comes after a screenshot of a 'fake news' article circulated on the X app. According to its founders, the service only employs drivers who speak the language. However, the service is openly available to the public who live in the Centurion and Pretoria areas. On its Instagram account, Wanatu reposted a viral screenshot concerning a 'fake news' article about the Afrikaans e-hailing service going bankrupt. The post read: 'We are aware of spreading fake news and misleading information about Wanatu. If there is anything important to share, Wanatu will communicate it via our official channels. 'We appreciate your continued support. We are still fully operational and ready to take you everywhere'. According to Wanatu, the e-hailing service aims to create job opportunities among Afrikaans-speaking South Africans and 'restore the dignity' of the community. Director Van Rooy van den Berg told Jacaranda FM: 'A dignified job is one of the foundations for making a person feel valuable. Many people in the Afrikaner cultural community have lost their jobs in recent years. That is why it is a calling to create dignified work opportunities'. While drivers are required to speak Afrikaans fluently, passengers do not have to. Afrikaans e-hailing service via Instagram: @warnatu_vervoer Since its inception in October 2024, the e-hailing app has employed close to 100 drivers. It has a fast-growing database of subscribers, including actress Reandi Grey and former Springbok Victor Matfield. According to Wanatu, drivers utilise branded Toyota Corolla Cross HEV hybrid electric vehicles. The service – which is mainly used by schoolchildren, business people, and the elderly – offers school transport and airport shuttle services. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
7 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Boy (6) from Leandra suffers from a femoral hernia and urgently needs surgery
Boy (6) from Leandra suffers from a femoral hernia and urgently needs surgery A BackaBuddy account has been created for six-year-old Janco Hanekom, who urgently requires surgery for a femoral hernia caused by testicular torsion. Testicular torsion occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot or opening in the surrounding muscle or tissue. If left untreated, it can cause irreversible damage. In June 2024, Janco was treated for two abscesses in his mouth. Two days after treatment, his left testicle began to swell and moisture accumulated. 'He was given medication to reduce the swelling, but the doctor warned us it could return and now it has,' said his mother, Nadia Hanekom. She explained the only way to treat Janco's condition is through surgery to drain the hernia and repair the affected tube. 'If the operation is delayed or unsuccessful, it could affect his ability to conceive children as an adult,' she said. The family is not on medical aid and the procedure could cost about R35 000. 'There are government hospitals, but as his mother, I feel his future depends on this surgery and I cannot take that risk,' said Hanekom. She prefers a specialist urologist experienced with such conditions. Hanekom also shared her difficult experience with government hospitals when her own mother fell ill with emphysema. She had to leave work to care for her mother, who sadly passed away on June 23. Her husband AJ is self-employed and the family's sole provider. 'My hands are tied. There is no money for further medical consultations for Janco,' she said. ALSO CHECK: Lekwa's electrical issues in the spotlight The family has reached out to Jacaranda FM's Good Morning Angels, and relatives and friends are sharing Janco's BackaBuddy campaign to raise funds. The campaign can be found at 'Janco is a farm boy, rough and always busy. He doesn't sit still. To keep him calm, she fixed an old cellphone for him to play with. The slightest bump or wrong movement could cause serious damage. We try to keep him as still as possible,' said Hanekom. Janco is a Grade R learner at Laerskool Goedehoop. 'We have explained to him that if he hurts his testicle while playing, it could burst. He loves riding his bike but can't anymore because of the pressure it puts on his testicle. He can't even wear underpants due to the discomfort,' said his mother. The swollen testicle causes him continuous pain and discomfort. The family asks the public to support Janco by donating or sharing his BackaBuddy campaign to spread the word and help save his future. ALSO CHECK: Seriti hands over R10m in infrastructure projects to Lekwa
The Citizen
01-08-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Limpopo businesswomen to be recognised at awards
Limpopo businesswomen to be recognised at awards LIMPOPO – Some of the province's most dedicated and enterprising women will be recognised at the upcoming Limpopo Business Women Awards. The prestigious ceremony will be held alongside the Miss Limpopo Province pageant on Saturday, August 9, at Bolivia Lodge in Polokwane. Among the standout nominees is Gavaza Mhangwani, an influencer, land surveyor, and founder of Gavaza Sesinyana Designs in Giyani. She has made a name for herself with her custom bridal aprons, often featured at lobola celebrations. Also nominated is former Mrs Limpopo Province and current Mrs South Africa Top 30 finalist, Manani Botes from Tzaneen. She's being celebrated for her impactful charity work and her voice on Jacaranda FM. Many of the finalists are entrepreneurs in the beauty industry, owning nail bars, spas, and salons across Limpopo. The overall winner will receive a R10 000 cash prize. However, public support is crucial; winners are determined by a combination of 60% public votes and 40% judges' scores. To vote, visit the Miss Limpopo Province Facebook page, select your favourite contestant. Each vote costs R5, and you can vote as many times as you'd like. Voting closes at 20:00 on Friday, August 8.
The Citizen
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Tzaneen's Manani Botes makes Mrs South Africa top 30
LIMPOPO – Manani Botes from Tzaneen has been named one of the top 30 finalists in the Mrs South Africa competition. The announcement was made last week at Hotel Sky in Sandton, Johannesburg. A popular Jacaranda FM radio presenter, Botes describes the achievement as 'amazing' and dedicates it to women who have given up on their dreams and those working to create change in their communities. Last year, Botes progressed to the top 100 in the competition. The journey to the top 30 began during the semi-finals week from July 2-4. Over three intense days, semi-finalists participated in leadership roundtables, mentorship sessions, interviews, and a live showcase at the Theatre of Marcellus. The following days, July 5-6, included workshops on media relations, business, and social responsibility, along with a professional photo and video shoot to build their personal brands. 'This programme has been a life-changing journey of growth, self-discovery, and sisterhood,' said Botes. 'It pushed me beyond my comfort zone and reminded me of the strength I carry as a woman, a mother, and a leader. I've learned to embrace my story, use my voice with purpose, and stand confidently in who I am.' Looking ahead, Botes will host the 'Paws with Purpose' charity event to raise funds for the South African Animal Cancer Association (SAACA), one of Mrs South Africa's official charities. 'Animals don't have a voice, but we do. Supporting this cause means standing up for the vulnerable and creating a kinder world, one paw at a time,' she said. 'As a mother and community leader, I believe teaching compassion starts with how we treat all living beings.' Originally from Giyani, Botes grew up in Modjadjiskloof and attended Modubatse Secondary School. She is married to Charlton Botes and has a son, Nathan. Her career shifted from luxury car sales to radio after winning a presenter search at Jacaranda FM. Since then, she has become a prominent voice, inspiring many with her story. The Tzaneen beauty will compete at Emperor's Palace in November, with preliminaries on November 13 and the crowning ceremony on November 14. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
