Jacaranda FM has been voted Best Local Radio Station by 55% of all votes tallied, outpacing Groot FM and Pretoria FM as local radio station favorites.
Martin Bester, host of the Breakfast with Martin Bester show, also won the Best Local Radio Personality.
The station said Bester has been driving Mzansi to work and keeping company, in stitches, or in tears every Monday to Friday from 06:00 to 09:00, adding that his in-depth radio knowledge ensures that he knows what his audience wants to hear, responding with beautifully crafted storytelling that genuinely builds anticipation and a community around that ‘What’s next?!’ moment.
As the ultimate champion for local people, places and products, Bester has his finger on the pulse of local events, stories, and makers. He is a softy at heart, often raising money for animal shelters, rescuing dogs, and bringing the Good Morning Angels feature to life every Wednesday morning, the station revealed.
“If you’ve ever tuned in and cried — don’t worry; we all have — including Bester, who loves nothing more than to use the Jacaranda FM platform to change lives,” the station added in a statement.
Resident Workzone presenter Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp took third place as Pretoria’s Favourite Local Radio Station Personality, making Jacaranda FM the only station to be awarded with three Best of Pretoria Readers’ Choice Awards 2023.
According to the station, Afrika-Bredenkamp makes sure that listeners’ workday remains productive by bringing a smile to their faces, every weekday from 09:00 to midday.
“She’s as real in life as on radio, sharing experiences and ideas we can all relate to while remaining light and joyful as she brings you all the news you need to know and traffic updates.”
The station noted that radio personality radiates positive energy throughout her show and is one of the most recognized media personalities in South Africa. The highly influential businesswoman uses her platforms to emit positivity and motivation. She prioritizes a feel-good approach, which not only considers her listeners but actively nurtures topics pertaining to mental health and overall well-being.
2023 boasts the 10th Best of Pretoria Awards, where Jacaranda FM has featured every year for a decade.
“To be able to capture the hearts of Pretoria listeners every year, for 10 years, is a momentous achievement, especially because our journey started in Pretoria — a city very close to our hearts. Thank you to each and every person who has voted and tuned in for the past decade,” Jacaranda FM Managing director, Deirdre King concluded.