Latest news with #MartinBester
The South African
3 days 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.
TimesLIVE
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Jacaranda FM's 'Good Morning Angels' celebrates two decades of changing lives
Jacaranda FM's community upliftment initiative, Good Morning Angels. is celebrating two decades of changing lives across South Africa. . Good Morning Angels, which since 2005 has delivered hope, healing and generosity to countless people, can be heard every Wednesday morning on Jacaranda FM's Breakfast With Martin Bester. The radio station says the success of Good Morning Angels is 'intrinsically linked to the incredible compassion of the Jacaranda FM listeners and the unwavering support of corporates. These 'angels' consistently step up, donating through impactful fundraisers like the annual Good Morning Angels Golf Day, which famously raised more than R4.85m in 2024 alone, or donating throughout the year to assist those whose stories have resonated with them.' ' Good Morning Angels is more than a feature; it's the beating heart of Jacaranda FM and a true reflection of the power of radio to unite for good,' says Vuyani Dombo, the station's MD. 'Reaching 20 years is a testament to the unwavering generosity of our listeners and corporate partners. Their consistent support has allowed us to deliver life-changing interventions, from critical medical assistance and educational opportunities to rebuilding homes and supporting vulnerable communities. We are immensely proud of every life touched and every story of hope we've been privileged to share.' 'Every Wednesday, and now every Monday morning with our 20-year legacy celebration, Good Morning Angels reminds us of the profound impact that collective kindness can have,' adds Bester. 'To see the ripple effect of our listeners' generosity, and to witness the incredible resilience of the people we've been able to help, is truly humbling.'
The South African
21-06-2025
- Health
- The South African
'Good Morning Angels' secure R2.7 million for burn care technology
Jacaranda FM's 'Good Morning Angels' has raised an impressive R2.7 million to support child burn survivors in South Africa. The fundraising took place on Youth Day, 16 June, during the popular Breakfast with Martin Bester show. The goal was to replace a specialised laser machine at the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital in Johannesburg. The machine is essential for treating burn scars in children, but broke down in late 2024 and cannot be repaired. These advanced laser machines cost around R1.4 million each. The machines are vital for restoring mobility and reducing scarring caused by burns, according to Media Update . Trained plastic surgeons operate the machines, which play a crucial role in the physical and psychological healing of young burn survivors. The Avela Foundation will use the funds to help up to 40 children every month on their recovery journey. A brave young girl named Avela inspired the foundation, which focuses on offering hope and healing to child burn survivors across South Africa. Listeners of Jacaranda FM responded generously, reaching the target for one machine just before 8 a.m. Donations continued to pour in after that. When the supplier offered a discount on a second machine for R1.3 million, the station set a new challenge. By the end of the show, R2.52 million had been raised, and the final total reached R2.7 million the next morning. This means two laser machines will be purchased, doubling the impact of the fundraiser for burn victims. Martin Bester, host of the Breakfast show, expressed his gratitude. 'It's hard to describe the emotion in the studio that morning. Knowing that our listeners didn't just show up, they showed up big. This was about giving children their futures back. We started Youth Day, celebrating the resilience of our young people, and ended it knowing hundreds more will get the chance to heal. That's what radio can do – it connects people and inspires miracles'. The campaign also received significant support from LottoStar, whose donation of R697,000 helped reach the first target early and motivated others to continue giving. The Machi Filotimo Cancer Project also contributed, supporting the campaign for burn victims and bringing joy to young patients at the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital through a toy distribution. This initiative showcases the power of collective generosity and the commitment of South Africans to uplift the next generation. It stands as a fitting tribute to the courage of child burn survivors and the transformative role of community-driven efforts like Jacaranda FM's Good Morning Angels. 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
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
WarmFees collects 667 blankets in the West
WarmFees made its debut in the West Rand recently when it hosted an event that brought together hundreds of people collecting blankets for the homeless and animal shelters through their Winter Knights project. The event, held at Berlin Bear, featured live music and surprise performances that brought the community together in a spirit of celebration and excitement. Organised by Round Table North Ridge 117 in partnership with Berlin Bear, and supported by Jacaranda FM, WarmFees collected an impressive total of 667 blankets, which will be donated to those in need. 'Words cannot describe how grateful we are for the amount of love and support we received at this amazing event,' expresses the chairperson of Round Table 117, Wynand Warren. Entry to the event was free, and people had to bring blankets, and those who couldn't were allowed to purchase one at the venue. Popular Jacaranda FM presenter and singer Martin Bester entertained the crowd. There was a surprise performance by Prime Circle and a surprise song by none other than The Parlotones, which made the night a special one to remember for the people. 'We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in our event on Saturday,' says Wynand. He also went on to thank the event organisers and people who made the event a heartwarming and successful one. The Round Table will be hosting more blanket drives, and people who would like to get involved or find out more information can contact them via their Facebook page, Northridge 117 or send an email to PRO@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
