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By: Durban Tourism Team Durban proudly joined forces with uShaka Marine World, Protea Hotel Karridene Beach, and the uMhlanga and Durban Central CTO to collectively showcase the depth and diversity of Durban’s tourism and business events offering. Through strategic partnerships and unified representation, we continue to position Durban as a dynamic, world-class destination for meetings, conferences, and incentives. Facebook post can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1bF58cGMbH/ Durban Tourism in collaboration with uShaka Marine World

By: KwaZulu-Natal Joint Municipal Pension / Provident Funds (NJMPF) We are pleased to invite all our valued members and pensioners to the NJMPF Annual Information Meeting (AIM) 2026 - a key gathering focused on pension education, accountability, and reflection. Join us on 27 March 2026 at the Durban International Convention Centre for an engaging and informative experience designed to empower, educate, and strengthen members understanding of their Fund. As an organisation, we remain firmly committed to serving our members with dedication, transparency, and integrity. In the coming weeks, we will unveil a distinguished lineup of speakers and key industry role players who will contribute to this important conversation on governance, accountability, and financial literacy. This initiative forms part of our CEO’s ongoing mission to promote clear, accessible, and reliable financial information for every member and pensioner. We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an insightful and impactful gathering. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E66A5wLEwG4 LinkedIn post can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/njmpf_annual-information-meeting-2026-invitation-activity-7431636057978441728-UIdd?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAADy0-kEBcP9ap-4qPZeTAq3_4r7PayoMc-E NJMPF Annual Information Meeting (AIM) 2026

The Biggest Workplace Safety Risk Hidden in Plain Sight When workplace risk is discussed, attention almost always turns to physical hazards: Forklifts, rotating equipment, conveyors, electrical switchboards, blades, and heavy machinery dominate risk registers and safety meetings. These risks are visible making them easy to identify, easy to measure, and easy to blame. Machines carry calculated, remarkably consistent and predictably dangerous risk. Machines are mentally absent and emotionally untainted. Their hazards do not fluctuate with mood, fatigue, or pressure. A grinder does not lose focus or shape unless it is forced to do so. Conveyors do not take shortcuts. Skill saws do not lose their patience. Humans are in fact the greatest safety risk. And when human behaviour shifts, even well-controlled hazards become dangerous. When physically present, but mentally far away, there is incalculable risk. The Drift Before the Incident Employees do not arrive at work unencumbered. They bring stress, fatigue, financial pressure, family concerns, health issues, poor sleep, and loads of emotional baggage with them. These invisible factors directly affect attention, reaction time, and sound judgement, and as employees’ mental presence declines, situational awareness follows. Familiar tasks feel safe. Known hazards feel manageable. Procedures feel negotiable. Speed starts to matter more than caution. Phrases like “just quickly” or “I’ve done this before” begin to replace deliberate risk-based thinking and the consequences of tragedy evaporate like an early summer mist. The equipment has not changed. The user has. The Behaviour Behind the Incident Most organisations invest heavily in engineering controls, Personal Protective Equipment, and compliance systems. And while these are necessary, they are not sufficient on their own. Controls reduce exposure, but it is culture that governs behaviour. In strong safety cultures, people pause, question, and intervene. Unsafe acts are challenged, and concerns are raised timeously. Safety is understood and even welcomed as a shared responsibility. In weak cultures, different patterns emerge. Production pressure outweighs procedure. Shortcuts are tolerated. Near misses go unreported. Silence replaces accountability. At this point, investigations often focus on equipment, when the real issue lies in mind of the employee. Machinery suddenly fails without warning, and the root cause analysis reveals the truth: Someone was rushing, was distracted or skipped a step. Someone assumed that it would be fine, and someone else saw it coming and chose not to speak up. These are human failures. A complex task performed by a focused employee can be completed safely. A simple task performed carelessly can have severe consequences. Culture Watches When No One Else Does Procedures guide action, but culture determines whether they are followed when no one is watching, and therefore becomes the first line of defence. A strong safety culture promotes mental presence. It gives people permission to slow down, to question, and to protect one another. Safety becomes a value, rather than an obligation or a grudge purchase. When this happens, risks are identified earlier and managed proactively, rather than reactively. The Human Factor Always Wins Machines will always be hazardous – that is why safeguards exist – but culture determines whether those safeguards are respected or bypassed. A healthy culture can make high-risk environments controllable. A poor culture can turn routine work into a serious threat. The most effective safety strategy begins with humans which is why a poor workplace culture can be more deadly than any piece of machinery. T: +27 (0)31 266 6570 C: +27 (0)82 786 7480 E: johanvd@labournet.com W: www.labournet.com The Biggest Workplace Safety Risk Hidden in Plain Sight- LABOURNET

By: Dylan Naidoo   Richards Bay is a coastal city situated on a 30 square km lagoon off the Mhlatuze River. The once small fishing village has transformed into one of South Africa’s largest harbours and boasts one of Africa’s largest coal export terminals, exporting an estimated 65 million tons per year. The coastal city is not without its attractions, however, as Richards Bay remains a popular holiday destination in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), with features such as the Enseleni Nature Reserve and the Pelican Island. As such, Richards Bay remains a staple destination for both industrial experts and holiday travellers, and recent developments of the city may spark interest with investors.   Highlights from the Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA) for Richards Bay On 27 August 2025, TIFA was held at Richards Bay, outlines areas of investment and tourism opportunities. Here is a list of the events, and what it means for investors.   ● The redevelopment and relocation of Richards Bay Airport : This development is expected to create economic growth and investment. Redevelopment of the airport is expected to cost R1.25 billion, providing opportunities for investment in aviation, logistics and commercial real estate.   ● The Central Industrial Area (CIA) : The CIA is slowly being recognised as a prime investment location. The location has light industrial sites supporting manufacturing, logistics and warehousing. Planning has been approved, and phase one of planning has been funded with R172 million. This new infrastructure allows businesses to expand their capacity and meet demands. As such, the investment potential in this growing hub for businesses is forecasted to be quite big.   ● The Richards Bay International Conference Centre (ICC) : This development is more than just a conference centre, but will feature a hotel, resort, casino, retail, residential property, and water-based sports activities. The project is situated at the waterfront, part of the Waterfront Master Plan, which includes improving tourism, business and recreational activities. The Richards Bay ICC provides an opportunity to invest in a growing high-value waterfront hub.   ● The Ridge : This area is expected to be a landmark destination for Richards Bay, featuring a big 15,000m 2 residential area, a 9600m 2  hotel, and a 7700m 2  commercial hub. The Ridge aims to “redefine urban living, hospitality, and business.” To do this, premium retail and office spaces, restaurants alongside lifestyle amenities will be developed. The project is expected to bring long term economic benefits and community impacts. As such, investors are encouraged to have a look into The Ridge.   Major developments in Richards Bay suggest that current times offer a great opportunity for investors to take notice. The big developments announced at TIFA is a great start for investors, forecasting many opportunities of economic growth in Richards Bay. Upcoming projects announced at TIFA 2025 show major investment opportunities. Image source here .

By: Dylan Naidoo   Transnet recently announced that the dry bulk terminal at the Richards Bay port is up for bidding. The news was shared via a press release on 20 February, detailing the selection process for a Private Sector Participation (PSP) of the Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal (RBDBT). The bid is not for complete ownership, however, as Transnet will still retain 51% ownership of the port. Instead, the private sector buyers will operate and manage the terminal, whilst Transnet will operate as an observer over the operations.   The RBDBT is already a critical exporter for many bulk commodities in South Africa, such as chrome and magnetite. Transnet states that PSP allows Transnet to leverage the expertise of a private sector company to improve the efficiency and reliability of the terminal, whilst also gaining oversight into operations. Transnet further claims that the project also provides opportunities in “supplier development, local participation and community upliftment, particularly within the Richards Bay region.”   Terence Creamer from Creamer Media’s Engineering News  provided further context to the dry bulk terminal, stating the terminal can handle up to 16.7-million tons of dry bulk per year. However, Transnet’s decision to transition to private control of operations is to potentially increase export production to 26.9 million tons. These improvements are attractive to investors, as once private sector participation is underway, improvements in infrastructure could benefit Transnet profit-wise.   Private entities part of the Request for Qualification (RFQ) are required to demonstrate technical abilities and financial capacity in compliance to Transnet’s requirements. They are also required to drive community upliftment with this project. Once companies meet the criteria, they “may be invited to participate in a subsequent Request for Proposal (RFP) phase.”   Closing date for the bidding is expected to be 31 August, The full press release statement can be viewed here , under February 2026.” https://www.transnet.net/MediaCentre Richards Bay Port Terminal

By: Tinman Tri-Series We are beyond excited to announce an inspiring new partnership between the Rare Diseases South Africa and the TINMAN Series — and it’s going to be powerful! Together, we’re bringing Rare Warriors to the start line, uniting athletes, families and supporters to race for something bigger than medals and finish times. This partnership is about courage, community and turning every swim stroke, pedal revolution and running stride into a symbol of hope. The TINMAN course is about to become a sea of purpose, where determination meets awareness and sport meets heart. Whether you’re chasing a PB or simply crossing the finish line, you’ll now be racing to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by rare diseases across South Africa. Let’s rally together, race together and make every moment — and every movement — truly count. Tinman Tri-series in partnership with Rare Diseases South Africa

By: GreenHill Laboratories Supporting Dairy Farmers During the FMD Outbreak The current Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak is placing enormous pressure on dairy farms — from movement restrictions and strict biosecurity requirements to heightened herd health risks. We recognise the challenges you’re facing and want you to know we’re here to support you. As Synergy Udder Health and GreenHill Laboratories, your herd health and business sustainability remain our priority. In response to these difficult circumstances, we’ve introduced temporary relief measures to help ease the burden. How We’re Supporting You • Reduced sampling fees: 30% discount to help manage costs • Lower laboratory testing fees: An additional 10% reduction, giving Synergy clients a 30% total discount under the herd sampling agreement These measures are about partnership, ensuring essential mastitis monitoring and testing can continue during this critical time. Our Commitment to Biosecurity To protect your herd and limit further disease spread, we follow strict protocols: • Dedicated vehicle based at GreenHill Hilton (never from a dairy or beef farm) • One farm per day, followed by a rest day between farms • Full disinfection after every visit using Ecolab products supplied by ABS Why Mastitis Monitoring Matters More Than Ever During FMD outbreaks, mastitis risk increases significantly. Monitoring and antimicrobial susceptibility testing help you: • Use the right treatment the first time • Protect milk quality and remain compliant • Reduce unnecessary treatments, control costs, and limit antimicrobial resistance We are committed to standing with dairy farmers through this crisis and beyond. Need assistance or want to arrange sampling? Shaun (GreenHill): 033 343 1844 |  admin@greenhilllabs.co.za Matt (Synergy): 076 430 7888 |  matt.seesam@gmail.com Strong herds start with informed decisions — even in the toughest times. LinkedIn post can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/greenhill-laboratories_southafricandairy-dairyfarmingsa-safarmers-activity-7429419505652527105-fire?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAADy0-kEBcP9ap-4qPZeTAq3_4r7PayoMc-E The current Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak is placing enormous pressure on dairy farms

By: eThekwini Municipality Durban’s tourism landscape is set for renewed growth as eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba intensifies efforts to unlock hidden heritage assets and expand the City’s tourism infrastructure. Recently, Mayor Xaba visited Stainbank Castle on Coedmore Road in Yellowwood Park Game Reserve. Built in 1885 by the Stainbank family, who owned a dairy farm in the area, the castle was later donated to the provincial government. The historic property remains structurally intact and showcases rich architectural heritage. It is currently home to the Wilderness Leadership School and also houses an art gallery. Mayor Xaba described the property as a “hidden gem” with significant potential to become a major tourist attraction, further expanding the range of tourism offerings available in the City. “My visit to the castle was aimed at assessing the condition of the property and exploring how it can be utilised to expand our tourism offerings. Since assuming office, I have consistently called for the expansion of tourism infrastructure. To this end, I convened a tourism stakeholder breakfast where I urged the business sector to collaborate with the City in developing more tourism products,” said Mayor Xaba. He added that government must lead with urgency in driving tourism development. In this context, the City is moving forward with plans to invest in new tourism products, including the unveiling of statues honouring two struggle icons. President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the unveiling ceremony on 6 March. Regarding the castle, Mayor Xaba said he was pleased that, despite maintenance challenges, the building remains intact and has not been vandalised. “I strongly believe this is a hidden gem that should form part of our strategy to expand tourism products and open the site to visitors. It will also promote our heritage and increase visitor numbers. I will engage the provincial government to establish whether there are existing plans for the property,” he said. Mayor Xaba reaffirmed his commitment to accelerating the process, noting that the property holds immense tourism potential for the City.

Love filled the air at Oceans Mall on Saturday, 14th February, as Gagasi FM hosted the unforgettable LUV N U event at Black Lounge. This glamorous celebration of the month of love brought together music, romance, and fun in a way that left guests with memories to cherish. From a live performance by Mafikizolo to expert love advice and delicious treats, the night was packed with moments that captured the spirit of Valentine’s Day. A Night Designed for Lovers Gagasi FM’s LUV N U event was more than just a party. It was a carefully crafted experience aimed at celebrating love in all its forms. The venue, Black Lounge at Oceans Mall, was transformed into a romantic setting where couples and singles alike could enjoy an evening filled with music, laughter, and connection. Guests arrived eager to soak in the atmosphere, with the lounge decorated to create an intimate yet lively vibe. The event kicked off with smooth tunes and a welcoming ambiance that set the tone for the night ahead. Love Tips from Alex Mthiyane and Dr Shabalala Gagasi FM also brought in relationship experts Alex Mthiyane and Dr Shabalala to share practical advice and tips for couples and singles. Their sessions were engaging and insightful, covering topics such as communication, trust, and keeping the spark alive in relationships. Attendees appreciated the opportunity to learn from these experts in a relaxed setting. The advice was easy to apply and sparked meaningful conversations among guests, helping them deepen their understanding of love and connection. Food, Drinks, and Sweet Treats No celebration is complete without good food and drinks, and Gagasi FM ensured that guests were well catered for throughout the night. A variety of delicious dishes and refreshing beverages flowed freely, keeping everyone energized and satisfied. Magnum was the official sponsor of the dessert, adding a special touch to the evening. Guests enjoyed indulgent Magnum ice cream treats, which perfectly complemented the romantic atmosphere and added a sweet ending to the night’s festivities. Memorable Goodie Bags for Couples As the night drew to a close, couples received thoughtfully prepared goodie bags from Gagasi FM. These bags included keepsakes and treats designed to remind them of the wonderful time they shared at the LUV N U event. The goodie bags were a nice gesture that extended the experience beyond the event itself, allowing couples to take a piece of the celebration home with them. Why Events Like LUV N U Matter Events like Gagasi FM’s LUV N U play an important role in bringing communities together to celebrate meaningful moments. They offer a space where people can connect, enjoy quality entertainment, and learn valuable lessons about relationships. By combining live music, expert advice, and a welcoming environment, Gagasi FM created a unique experience that resonated with attendees. It showed how radio stations can go beyond broadcasting to build real-life connections with their audience. Looking Forward to More Celebrations The success of the LUV N U event at Oceans Mall sets a high standard for future celebrations. It demonstrated the power of music and shared experiences in creating lasting memories. For those who attended, it was a night filled with joy, learning, and love. For anyone looking to celebrate special moments with friends or loved ones, events like this offer a perfect opportunity to enjoy great entertainment and meaningful interaction. Gagasi FM LUV N U A Night of Love Music and Memories at Oceans Mall

By: Jeffrey Madkins | Marketing Manager: Unilever Professional When Cleaning Is Treated As Operational, Not Strategic In 2026, cleaning standards are no longer a facilities issue. They’re a governance issue. For many corporates, what was once a line item in the facilities budget now appears on the corporate Risk Register. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, and over the past few years, large South African companies have increasingly moved hygiene into the realm of compliance, risk and ESG oversight. Today, it is tracked, audited and reported — no longer an operational afterthought, but a measurable accountability standard. But what about the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) space? “It’s often still treated as a grudge purchase,” says Jeffery Madkins, Marketing Manager for Unilever Professional. “We know this because we call on these businesses every week. Cleaning is frequently seen as a cost to minimise, not a risk to manage. And, that gap is becoming expensive for many.” For Madkins, it’s not about negligence, but perspective. “When margins and cash flow are tight, business owners can’t help but put all their focus on revenue generation. Cleaning is simply operational. But when you strip away emotion and look purely at risk, the numbers tell a different story.” He outlines the tangible hygiene-related risks for non-compliance that SMEs often underestimate: Fines of up to R50,000 under the OHS Act Temporary closure following health inspections Lost supplier contracts due to failed hygiene audits Increased absenteeism linked to poor sanitation practices Civil liability from slip-and-fall incidents Reputational damage amplified through online reviews “For a small or medium-sized business, even a short closure period can be catastrophic,” Madkins notes. “A few days without revenue can undo years of hard work, a few weeks can close doors.” He adds that the real shift in 2026 is not about intent, but about evidence. “It’s no longer enough to claim you clean. You have to prove you clean. Documentation, safety data sheets, proper chemical storage, staff training; these are increasingly expected, not optional.” Cleaning has moved into the realm of governance. So, what can business owners do? Madkins offers some practical steps: 1. Conduct a Hygiene Risk Audit Identify high-risk areas: kitchens, bathrooms, warehouses, shared equipment. Not sure where to start? Begin with a walkthrough. Ask yourself: Where is food handled? Where do people touch most? Where is there water or moisture? Where could someone slip? Where are chemicals stored? Those are your high-risk zones. 2. Document Cleaning Schedules Set up daily, weekly, and monthly checklists per area, assigning a responsible person with a checkbox, signature, and date. For example: Bathrooms: Clean and disinfect twice daily Kitchen surfaces: Wipe down after every shift Floors: Mop daily Drains: Deep clean weekly Remember to file them because if it isn’t recorded, you can’t prove it was done. 3. Verify Chemical Compliance Know what products you’re using. Every cleaning product on your premises should have a Safety Data Sheet. These are supplied by the manufacturer or distributor and explain safe handling, dilution and storage. Then check: Are chemicals clearly labelled? Are they diluted correctly? Are they stored away from food areas? Are they kept out of reach of unauthorised staff? Incorrect chemical use is one of the fastest ways to fail an inspection. If you can’t immediately access the safety information for a product, that’s a compliance gap. 4. Train Staff Cleaning is only as good as the person doing it. Ensure staff understand: What needs to be cleaned How often Which product to use How to dilute it correctly When to wear gloves, masks or other PPE Remember, an hour product training session is better than none — staff can’t meet standards they don’t know. Cleaning standards are no longer about appearance. They are about protecting the business you’ve worked hard to build. For SMEs juggling cash flow, staff, customers and growth, hygiene can feel like just another operational task. But the risk doesn’t shrink simply because the business is smaller. “Most SME owners are doing their best with limited time and resources,” notes Madkins. “This isn’t about adding complexity. It’s about simple systems that protect your people, your reputation and your right to operate. In 2026, hygiene is no longer invisible. It is measurable, auditable and expected. And with the right structure, it is entirely manageable,” he concludes. THE SME BLINDSPOT - Unilever Professional

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Cox Yeats Shortlisted for Business Rescue and Turnaround Transaction of the Year 2025 at the DealMakers Awards 2026 The DealMakers Awards are among South Africa’s leading recognitions of excellence in corporate finance and restructuring. The shortlisting underscores the strength and depth of Cox Yeats’ restructuring capability  Partner, Gareth Cremen and Senior Associate Steven Saunders led the matter. Johannesburg, 20 February 2026 – Leading South African law firm, Cox Yeats,  was shortlisted for Business Rescue and Turnaround Transaction of the Year  2025 at the 2026 DealMakers Awards for its role in the Concor restructuring, a matter recognised for its execution complexity, stakeholder coordination, and commercially sustainable outcome. Concor is a construction, project development and opencast mining services contractor. The DealMakers Awards are among South Africa’s leading recognitions of excellence in corporate finance restructuring and turnaround transactions. Shortlisted transactions are evaluated by an independent panel against criteria including complexity, impact, value creation, and overall market contribution. Gareth Cremen, Partner in the firm’s Business Rescue, Restructuring and Insolvency practice, led the Concor matter, supported by Senior Associate Steven Saunders. The team navigated significant commercial pressure and competing stakeholder interests within the framework of Chapter 6 of the Companies Act. The transaction demanded disciplined execution, careful negotiation, and alignment across creditors, management, practitioners and affected parties to secure a viable path forward. Cox Yeats’ Business Rescue, Restructuring and Insolvency team combines legal precision with commercial clarity in moments of financial distress. Advising boards, creditors, business rescue practitioners, turnaround specialists, liquidators and listed companies, the team’s experience spans sectors including construction, retail, logistics, financial services, manufacturing and mining. Its approach is structured around three core phases of recovery — Recover, Restructure and Resolve — enabling the delivery of integrated solutions ranging from informal workouts and business rescue proceedings to strategic restructuring, asset sales, insolvency and debt recovery. While the firm did not take home the award this year, the shortlisting reflects the strength of its restructuring and turnaround capability and its continued role in complex, high-impact matters that preserve value and support long-term sustainability. Congratulations to the winner in this category, Langeberg & Ashton Foods. Cox Yeats remains committed to providing commercially grounded, technically rigorous advice to clients navigating financial distress, restructuring and insolvency challenges, and to supporting businesses in restoring stability and confidence in demanding circumstances. ENDS  Issued by:  Cox Yeats Media Enquiries:  Lerato Ramango, National Marketing & Brand Manager Email:   lramango@coxyeats.co.za   Website:   www.coxyeats.co.za About Cox Yeats  Founded by Graham Cox in 1964, Cox Yeats is a full-service South African law firm with offices in Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. The firm is known for its partner-led, collaborative approach and its ability to deliver legal advice closely aligned with clients’ commercial objectives. The firm and several of its professionals have also been recognised in national, continental, and international legal directories, including Legal 500, PMR Africa, the African Legal Awards, and Best Lawyers ® . This includes being named the 2023 Insurance Law Firm of the Year by Best Lawyers®. Through its membership of TAG Alliances , Cox Yeats also supports clients on cross-border matters across more than 100 jurisdictions worldwide. For more information, visit  www.coxyeats.co.za  and https://www.linkedin.com/company/cox-yeats . Cox Yeats Shortlisted for Business Rescue and Turnaround Transaction of the Year 2025 at the DealMakers Awards 2026

Iconic milestones are not only a chance to celebrate but also an opportunity to reflect on growth, influence and impact. 2026 is such a milestone for Gagasi FM as they celebrate twenty years of being the Sound of KZN. Start-Up Mode Alex Mthiyane, HOD: Audience Experience Hub, has been with Gagasi FM since its inception in 2006 and describes the early days as pure start-up energy, fuelled by belief rather than resources. He recalls that before going live, the station ran for two weeks playing music only, building anticipation before officially launching on 13 March 2006. Mthiyane presented the first live morning show, opening with Sweetie, My Baby , a track that went on to become part of Gagasi FM’s early soundtrack. The operational realities were modest. The newsroom, presenters and producers shared a single desktop computer, yet news bulletins were delivered every hour from 6am to 6pm. What the station lacked in equipment, it made up for in spirit, pride and collective commitment. In its earliest phase, Gagasi FM’s broadcast reach was limited, covering Durban and surrounding areas through a single transmitter. Students and listeners returning to smaller towns across KZN often complained about losing the signal, a challenge that reinforced the appetite for a station that truly reflected their lives. Over time, those limitations were overcome, but the start-up mindset, resourcefulness and hunger to serve the audience became part of the station’s DNA. A Station that Belongs to Its People Minenhle Dlamini, Managing Director of Gagasi FM, says the station transitioned at a time when no one was paying attention to regional youth audiences. The birth of Gagasi FM filled that void and became a brand that embraced code-switching, cultural fluidity and modern KZN identity. Gagasi FM is a space where listeners can be their full, authentic selves. This deep rootedness has been central to the station’s success. Mimi Kesaris, HOD: Consumer Insights and Technology, says from its inception the brand was built by KZN talent, speaking to KZN people, about KZN life. It is why the audience celebrates Gagasi FM with unmatched loyalty. It is why activations fill up, why Beach Fest sells out and why listeners say the station makes them feel seen and gives audiences a sense of belonging. Understanding the Audience Gagasi has always been structured around a “people first” philosophy which as a strategic foundation has shaped two decades of growth. Kesaris says putting the audience at the core of everything Gagasi FM does has delivered a powerful, measurable result with remarkable audience consistency. The station’s average listener age has remained 31 for nearly twenty years, signalling continuous renewal and youth relevance in a media landscape where ageing audiences are common. The modern Gagasi FM listener is digitally savvy, mobile, interactive and engaged across audio, visual and social platforms. Rene Schutte, CEO of the Gagasi Heart Media Group, adds that the energy, ambition and sense of identity in the audience is strong. She describes them as deeply rooted in KZN culture, yet confidently future-focused, shaping what is next in music, business, fashion and lifestyle. The Gagasi FM listener is active, responsive and participatory, making them influential not only in size, but in how they move markets and shape trends. Gagasi FM understands what this audience values most because they ask. It is not accidental. It is curated, monitored, researched and refined. The station is always trying to understand the “glocalist”, a young KZN adult who is proudly local while actively plugged into global culture. Mthiyane explains that human-interest stories from smaller towns across KZN often outperform national news in engagement, particularly on digital platforms. This has reinforced the station’s commitment to telling stories about people who sound like, live like and think like its audience. Gagasi FM The Big Two-Oh: Two Decades Strong Dlamini adds that the audience is upwardly mobile, ambitious, resilient and they  constantly looking to improve themselves,. They do not sit around and wait for handouts. They are a generation of entrepreneurs, thinkers and doers. A Commercial Powerhouse Gagasi FM’s growth story is one of the most compelling in South African radio. The station reached one million listeners within its first year. Kesaris remarks that even as the media landscape has become increasingly fragmented, Gagasi FM has remained in the top ten stations nationally in cumulative audience reach. Its digital footprint is equally impressive. It has more than 1,3 million Facebook followers, one of the largest digital communities for a regional station, and more than 200 000 mobile app downloads with a strong adoption of on-demand audio. A fast-growing TikTok presence fuelled by authentic, real-life storytelling from KZN creators ensures the brand is where the audience is. Experiential impact has been just as significant. The Annual Gagasi FM Beach Fest now attracts 12 000 people and has become one of the province’s most iconic music events, and a platform that merges brand visibility with deep cultural resonance. This combination of broadcast influence, digital reach and experiential scale, positions Gagasi as a unique marketing partner with a hyper-local identity and national impact. Authentic Connections Twenty years of success does not happen without people who live the brand and carry the station. Behind the scenes the station is supported by a powerhouse team that looks after the operational elements of the business. This includes the commercial team, technical support, digital creators and content innovators. Young presenters continue to push the brand forward, reflecting a culture where talent is nurtured and platforms for growth are constantly being expanded. Why Advertisers Choose Gagasi FM The commercial conversation is clear. Advertisers who understand the audience and speak to their needs are winning. They are hustlers, entrepreneurs, dreamers, professionals and culture-setters. And Gagasi FM has become the most powerful channel to reach them authentically, where they live and do business. Schutte says in a province like KZN, trust is built locally and that listeners do not simply consume content, they form relationships with voices, stories and brands that consistently show up in their world. Regional media works because it delivers relevance at scale. Brands that partner with Gagasi FM benefit from decades of authentic market insight powered by internal research and time on the ground. With radio and digital being the perfect amplifier, cross platform integration as well as personalities who truly move audiences are a non-negotiable for clients, and Gagasi FM delivers. The station’s ability to zoom in on localised messaging is complemented by its ability to convert feet on the ground at activations. As Dlamini notes, malls, major retailers and national brands have already recognised this economic power and Gagasi FM is there to add their voice. For advertisers, celebrating twenty years of Gagasi FM is not just acknowledging a milestone. It is recognising a partner with unmatched insight into one of South Africa’s most powerful and resilient consumer groups. What’s Next? As the station enters its twentieth year, its ambition is clear, continue to expand beyond radio while doubling down on community. What does this look like? With people being a central theme to their success, it is no surprise that creating more pathways for young KZN talent to grow within the Gagasi FM ecosystem is key. From musicians, DJs, creators and creatives, talent incubation has a home in KZN. With more talent comes more content and audiences and advertisers can expect more digital engagement and on-demand audio. Gagasi FM’s Big Two-Oh is about a journey of cultural relevance, commercial strength and emotional connection. Gagasi FM has created a home for an influential, aspirational and proudly Zulu audience. It has shaped careers, ignited genres, built communities and driven the township and regional economy. Twenty years in, Gagasi FM continues to grow, continues to lead and continues to belong to KZN, to its people and to the brands that choose to grow with it.