This moment comes on the back of an extraordinary 2025 for the station, a year defined by eight nominations across the awards' toughest categories, a  birthday celebration of turning five decades old, a national Heritage Tour, and recognition as one of the Top 3 Coolest Radio Stations in South Africa at the Sunday Times Gen Next Awards, says the radio station.

 

According to 5FM, at the 2025 awards, the station's momentum translated into two wins:

  • Roger Goode, a long-standing 5FM personality, still with 5FM but now also the breakfast host on Good Hope FM, took top honours in the Best Music Show category for The Roger Goode Show — a testament to his influence on South African radio.
  • Leah Jazz, the voice behind 5 After Hours, also claimed a win in her category, Best Night Time Show.

Adding to the celebrations, 5 Weekend Early Mornings Host, Mtha Agbiriogu — who was instrumental in getting global superstar, Tyla, to be local learner Mo Madiba's matric farewell date — received the highly coveted Rising Star award, marking her as one of the industry's brightest emerging talents, and a name South Africans will be hearing a lot more of in the years ahead, adds the radio station.

Goode, who couldn't attend the awards event due to a prior commitment, says, "I was halfway through a sweaty three-hour DJ set at a party, wondering why my phone was having a full-on seizure in my pocket. Massive thank you to the SA Radio Awards and, more importantly, to every single listener who tunes in, blows up the hotline and comes out dancing with us. You make this madness worth it. My team and I are truly grateful.”

Jazz says, "5 After Hours is the passion project that allows me to be myself, to make people laugh, and most importantly to provide sex education that is medically accurate, evidence-based and judgement free. We made history as a double award-winning household between myself and my husband Rob Forbes, and I'm so proud of us both."

"It's an honour to be recognised by the industry, and the privilege of my life to have a platform that has the power to make someone's day or change someone's life. I took the leap from my corporate job in 2019 to take a chance at the possibility of being hired by 5FM, and every risk was worth it. Staying true to myself at every step is the reason I get to celebrate this award," adds Jazz.

Agbiriogu was humbled by her induction and has her sights set on a future that legends are made of. "Being recognised as a Bright Star so early in my commercial radio journey is something I'm still trying to wrap my head around. Standing in a room full of broadcasters I've admired for years reminded me of the 12-year-old version of myself who dreamed of being behind a microphone one day."

"This award is a reminder of how powerful and intimate radio still is, and how much space there is for new voices and new ideas. I'm so grateful that the industry sees value in the fresh, sometimes chaotic, always passionate vision that my us Gen-Zers bring to radio. If this is the beginning, I'm excited for everything still to come," adds Agbiriogu.

Reflecting on an already landmark year, Masi Mdingane, Business Manager for 5FM and Good Hope FM, says, "Walking into this year's awards with eight nominations was already a massive achievement. To walk out with two wins and a Rising Star honour shows just how powerful, relevant, results and future-focused our brand has become."

"5FM continues to attract meaningful investment from top local, national and multinational brands because our offering delivers: not just chart-topping music, but sharp news, thoughtprovoking views, unforgettable interviews, CSI initiatives that changelives and rock-solid results. We're incredibly proud of Roger, Leah and Mtha, and proud of every single person in the 5FM team – nominees and beyond — who keeps pushing 5FM into bold new spaces. We're not just part of youth culture, we're shaping it."

As the station heads into 2026, 5FM remains committed to driving youth entertainment, championing rising talent, expanding its digital footprint and amplifying the voices and stories that move South Africa forward, says the radio station.

5FM concludes that it also extends heartfelt congratulations to every other nominee and winner across the industry.

For more information, visit www.5fm.co.za. You can also follow 5FM on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor