Held at Hot House — HOT 102.FM's headquarters — the ceremony was filled with excitement, optimism and the kind of camaraderie that forms when people discover both their voice and their community, adds the radio station.

The Hot Radio Academy was founded by HOT 102.7FM Managing Director Lloyd Madurai, with one core mission: to nurture and grow the broadcasting industry by offering accessible, industry-level radio training free of charge, thereby opening doors that would have traditionally been closed to many, says the radio station.

"We believe it's important to hold out a helping hand to the next generation of radio talent in this country," says Madurai. "Someone once took a chance on me, and I have always learnt to give back. That's what we're all doing here at the Academy."

Led by respected industry veterans Tim Zunckel and Grant Nash, the eight-week programme gives students an all-access introduction to radio — from presentation skills and content creation to technical broadcasting, copywriting, audio production, digital strategy, news, music management and the business behind the microphone, adds the radio station.

A Class as Diverse as South Africa

What makes the Hot Radio Academy remarkable is the diversity of backgrounds, ages, ambitions and perspectives that the graduates bring. They range from school leavers taking their first steps into media to adults exploring second careers, podcasters sharpening their craft, and individuals who arrived not knowing where they fit, but left understanding exactly how broad and full of opportunity the industry is, says the radio station.

Among the graduates was Bongi Nawa, known to her listeners as "Miss Glam & Positive", who enrolled to turn her dream podcast into a polished, professional platform, adds the radio station.

Janina Posadowski, an actress, joined to broaden her storytelling skills and learn what happens behind the scenes in radio. 

Lukhanyo Msimang discovered that radio was the place where he could finally be himself, and let his personality, authenticity and voice shine through. 

There was also Emmanuel Makanda. He had dreamt of working in radio his entire life. With the support of his wife, he finally took the leap, describing graduation day as the moment that dream become tangible.

In a full-circle moment, one of the graduates, Pearl Mogan, was also a recipient of Hot Cares. Thanks to the generosity of listeners, she was able to finish her broadcasting degree and chose to hone her new skills by joining the Academy, says the radio station.

A Commitment to the Future of South African Radio

HOT 102.7FM is dedicated to growing the industry by giving aspiring radio professionals training that is immersive, relevant and genuinely life changing, adds the radio station.

For the station, the Academy is a legacy project; a way to ensure South Africa's radio landscape remains vibrant, innovative and filled with new talent who understand the heart of the medium.

"Learning radio should not be rocket science," says Madurai. "We teach that radio is a conversation with a friend, so keep it simple." Madurai also emphasises that, when choosing candidates, they select for passion. "The rest you can teach." 

The 2025 crop of passionate graduates all received a Hot Radio Academy Certificate and a set of new headphones, and left with real skills, industry knowledge, confidence, and, perhaps most importantly, a community they will carry with them into their careers, concludes the radio station. 

For more information, visit www.hot1027.co.za. You can also follow HOT102.7FM on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor