Johannesburg, 4 July, 2025 – 5FM is gearing up to Ampli5 something bigger than the music this Mandela Day - eradicating hunger on the African continent. On Friday, 18 July, the station will be at the Sandton Convention Centre, joining thousands of South Africans in packing nutritious meals alongside Rise Against Hunger Africa – an organisation that provided 5 254 598 meals to those in need in a single year.
Following the success of 12 June’s #5FMLunchboxDrive, where the 5FM team, listeners, celebs and influencers packed 26 000 meals in just six hours, the station is ready to bring that same energy to one of the biggest Mandela Day events in the country, where packing teams from various businesses – and those who tune in - will catch 5 Mid-Mornings with Stephanie Be and Yonaka broadcasting live from the venue from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., capturing the heart, hustle and joy of volunteering for a beautiful cause in real-time.
In 2024, 5FM volunteers helped to pack over 582 000 meals, supporting early childhood development centres and vulnerable communities through this very drive.
That impact continues in 2025 as Rise Against Hunger Africa sets out to pack 2.5 million meals in just 25 days, directly benefitting 225 ECD centres across South Africa for an entire year. The Sandton Convention Centre event is once again expected to be the largest on the national calendar, with more than 50 teams packing an estimated 650,000 meals in a single day.
As a youth station that seeks to not only entertain but empower, 5FM recognises that hunger is more than a crisis of food - it’s a barrier to education, growth and dignity. By powering its on-air personalities into action, the station is set on making a solid, practical and meaningful change.
“In a world often dominated by image and excess, the persistence of hunger is something we cannot ignore,” says Masi Mdingane, Business Manager for 5FM and Good Hope FM. “This Mandela Day, we’re showing up with our hands, hearts and voice - not just to talk about change, but to make it happen. We’re proud to once again stand with Rise Against Hunger Africa in packing meals, packing hope, and packing purpose.”
For more information, follow 5FM on social media, download the 5FM app for iOS and Android or visit www.5fm.co.za. 5FM - Ampli5ing 67 minutes to go even further.
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