South African radio broadcaster Jacaranda FM has raised more than R4 million (about US$210,000) in cash and in-kind support for flood-affected communities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, following weeks of torrential rain that left at least 37 people dead and displaced thousands.

The funds were mobilized through Good Morning Angels, the station’s long-running social upliftment initiative, after severe flooding caused rivers to overflow, bridges to collapse and critical infrastructure to fail. Large areas of both provinces were left without electricity, clean water or access to essential supplies, prompting the South African government to declare disaster status as damage estimates climbed into the billions of rand.

Working with humanitarian organization Gift of the Givers, Jacaranda FM identified urgent needs on the ground, including bottled water, non-perishable food, baby formula and nappies, toiletries and other essentials. In response, the station launched Project Flood Relief, a five-day on-air and digital campaign calling on listeners, advertisers and corporate partners to assist communities hit by the floods.

The response was swift and wide-ranging. More than R1 million was donated in cash, alongside over 60 tons of bottled water, eight tons of canned food, five tons of dried goods, four tons of baby supplies, four tons of toiletries and 10 tons of dog food. All donations have been handed over to Gift of the Givers for distribution to affected families.

“When we saw how badly Limpopo and Mpumalanga were impacted, we knew we had to act,” said Martin Bester, host of Breakfast with Martin Bester. “The needs were basic, which meant everyone could contribute, whether it was one bottle of water or a large corporate donation. Our listeners stepped in immediately.”

Bester highlighted the range of contributions, from a child donating R20 saved from the tooth fairy to a corporate donor contributing R200,000, calling the response a reflection of the station’s deeply engaged listener community.

Jacaranda FM managing director Vuyani Dombo said the campaign underscored the broadcaster’s commitment to the regions it serves. “Limpopo and Mpumalanga are a vital part of our broadcast footprint. When our listeners are hurting, we feel a responsibility to act,” he said. “Raising over R4 million in such a short time will make a real difference to families who have lost everything.”

Now marking its 20th anniversary in 2025, Good Morning Angels has become a cornerstone of Jacaranda FM’s identity, using the station’s reach to mobilize public support during times of crisis. The broadcaster thanked listeners, advertisers and partners for their contributions, and praised Gift of the Givers for ensuring that aid reaches communities most in need.

Jacaranda FM broadcasts across four South African provinces and brands itself as “South Africa’s No.1 Feel Good Station,” combining entertainment with community-focused initiatives aimed at delivering tangible social impact.