Central South Africa’s leading commercial broadcaster, OFM, is celebrating national recognition after securing two nominations at the 2025 Telkom Radio Awards.
The prestigious awards ceremony, which honors excellence and innovation in South African radio, will take place on Saturday, 6 December 2025, at the Sandton Convention Centre.
OFM’s popular drive-time presenter Nico van der Westhuizen has been announced as a finalist for Best Drive Show Presenter, while the station’s heartwarming festive initiative, Cycling Santa, has earned a nomination in the Community Project category.
Van der Westhuizen, the charismatic and relatable voice behind The Joyride (weekdays 3pm–6pm), has become a staple companion for thousands of listeners navigating the afternoon commute. Known for his warmth, authenticity, and ability to turn everyday stories into meaningful moments, he credits his nomination to his entire production team.
“I’m thrilled – and a little stunned – to be nominated,” he said. “I’m just the guy behind the wheel on The Joyride. Nikki, JayBee, and Kayla are the engine, GPS, and ‘force’ of the show. This nomination may have my name on it, but it’s a shared victory for the entire OFM family.”
The Cycling Santa project, now also recognized on a national level, was created after a long-standing Carols by Candlelight sponsor withdrew, putting OFM’s two-decade-long Christmas gift tradition at risk. The station responded by transforming the initiative into a mobile, community-powered campaign—bringing festive spirit and generosity directly to listeners across the region.
OFM’s sales and marketing manager Anchen Lintvelt expressed pride in the acknowledgment:
“What an honour to be nominated for these two awards. We’re proud to represent Central South Africa and can’t wait to share these successes with the audience that supports us daily.”
Programming manager Tim Thabethe added that the nominations reflect OFM’s commitment to delivering impactful content on air and within communities.
“Nico is deserving of this recognition for the effort and creativity he pours into The Joyride. And the Cycling Santa nomination speaks volumes about OFM’s dedication to uplifting its listeners.”
Content manager Elzette Boucher-Krüger noted that preparing entries each year offers a powerful reminder of the station’s real-world impact.
“Even if not every initiative gets a national nod, we are immensely proud of the excellent work our team delivers.”
With national recognition for both on-air excellence and community service, OFM continues to stand out as one of Central South Africa’s most trusted and engaging radio brands.