Every weekday, the airwaves across the North-West University (NWU’s) campuses tell a story. Stories of student voices rising, the laughter shared between lectures, the pride in sports, heart-to-heart conversations, and the music of campus life.
PUKfm (93.6) and NWU FM (105.5) have both been nominated in five categories of the 2025 Telkom Radio Awards, demonstrating that NWU’s talent should not be underestimated. For campus radio stations, being recognised alongside top commercial and community stations is a powerful affirmation of the growing influence of youth-led media.
Although they are on different campuses, they operate like siblings with separate studios but a shared passion for storytelling. Together, they form the heart of the NWU radio ecosystem, providing a platform where young broadcasters can hone their skills.
PUKfm: Four nominations of excellence
Under the leadership of Katlego Nkwe, the station manager, PUKfm has impressively received four nominations. The nominated shows reflect the diversity of the NWU student body.
· PUKfm’s ‘Cruise Control’ afternoon show is a vibrant mix of humour, relatable topics, and music that helps students unwind after a long day of lectures.
· The breakfast show ‘PUKfm Breakfast’ offers campus news, interviews, conversations, and the day’s buzz for early listeners.
· ‘The Night Fight’ is a bold and honest night-time show that delves deep into relationships, sexual health, and real-life dilemmas, with two student presenters providing contrasting perspectives.
· PUkfm Sports Show is a home for sports fans, offering highlights, insights into campus sports culture, and exclusive interviews with NWU’s Varsity Cup athletes.
Nkwe says that the nominations demonstrate that the stations’ hard work is moving in the right direction, and he confirms that PUKfm can compete with other radio stations in the country, including those with traditional reputations.
Although PUKfm is no stranger to these awards, Nkwe emphasises that they never take recognition for granted. “The judging process is thorough, and the competition is tough. Each nomination is an achievement in itself.” He speaks warmly about the individuals behind the mic and the people who support the station every day.
“Some wake up early, others leave late at night, all to make sure the station runs smoothly. To our students, listeners, advertisers, partners, and advisory board: thank you. Your support has helped us overcome challenges, and these nominations demonstrate that PUKfm continues to be an enthusiastic training platform for young talent.”
NWU FM: a historic milestone
Led by Kamo Ledwaba-Moadi, station manager, NWU FM has achieved something uniquely special: its first-ever nomination for the Telkom Radio Awards. Their weekday show, Brunch Vibes, has been recognised as one of the best in South African radio.
Brunch Vibes is a dynamic, all-female magazine-style show that covers trends, wellness, music, and everything shaping the NWU and Mahikeng communities. Broadcasting from 9 am to midday, Monday to Friday, the show’s energy is fresh, confident and unapologetically feminine. According to Ledwaba-Moadi, this is its “magic”.
Kamo describes the nomination as “a moment of pride, humility, and validation for NWU FM. The station must be doing something right”. He adds: “This is the first time that NWU FM has been recognised on this national platform, where all South African stations compete. We are flying the NWU flag high among the country’s broadcasting elite.”
This recognition represents more than just the success of a single show. For NWU’s wider radio ecosystem, it signals growth and momentum in the right direction.
“Radio is the mouthpiece of the community. This nomination validates 16 months of hard work and suggests that our methods are producing broadcast-quality content that is gaining industry recognition,” Ledwaba-Moadi explains.
Looking ahead to the awards ceremony, Kamo expresses ambition and gratitude. “We would love to bring the award home, but we are also focused on networking and rubbing shoulders with radio giants. It is an opportunity to gain experience and grow, and to support our PUKfm siblings.”
As the awards ceremony draws closer, both PUKfm and NWU FM are walking tall with pride, not as competitors, but as siblings who share the same community and inspire the same university.
The PUKFM family
From left are the presenters of ‘Brunch Vibes’ Tsholofelo Moruapheko and Shantel Mahwiliri
