2026 marks a historic milestone for the airwaves of Central South Africa. OFM, the region’s leading commercial radio station, is officially celebrating 40 years on air – reinforcing its legacy as the undisputed “Sound of Central South Africa”.
Since OFM’s first broadcast in 1986, it has grown from a regional broadcaster into a multimedia powerhouse across multiple platforms. For four decades, the station has remained deeply embedded in the lives of its listeners, delivering a unique blend of music, news and entertainment curated around the interests, lifestyles and values of its audience.
OFM’s success has been built on the foundation of its deep-rooted connection with the community. As the region’s leading commercial station, it has remained a constant companion through South Africa’s changing history – evolving from FM broadcasting into the digital era of streaming services and social media, while remaining true to its core mission: to inform, entertain and inspire.
And for national advertisers, this is where the OFM story becomes commercially powerful.
Because 40 years of consistency has created something that few media brands are able to achieve: genuine audience trust.
OFM’s listeners don’t simply consume the station, they actively engage with it. They trust the personalities, participate in the conversations, support the events and respond to the brands that align with the station. This makes OFM far more than a traditional radio platform; it is a highly influential regional media ecosystem capable of mobilising audiences at scale across one of South Africa’s most economically important agricultural and commercial regions.
“Reaching the 40-year milestone is not only a celebration of a brand; it’s a celebration of the people who tune in every day,” says Nick Efstathiou, CEO of Central Media Group, of which OFM forms part. “For 40 years, our listeners have welcomed us into their homes, cars and businesses. We have grown together, and it’s that bond that makes OFM the first choice in Central South Africa.”
Sales and marketing manager Anchen Lintvelt says: “It’s a historic year for OFM. Over the years, the brand has grown and evolved tremendously and has become part of so many stories and memories shared by listeners and advertisers. We’re celebrating this milestone year with great joy, pride and passion. Here’s to 40 years!”
“Over more than four decades, the OFM brand has reported on the end of the Cold War, witnessed the dawn of democracy in South Africa, journeyed through the eras of the Walkman, iPod and Napster, and embraced the digital technologies that revolutionised the world in which we live,” adds programme manager Tim Thabethe. “The fact that we have remained consistently relevant to our audience throughout this period speaks to the heart and evolving strategies that have been in place since 1986.”
This deep-rooted connection and long-term relevance have enabled OFM to become more than a broadcaster. Today, the station serves as an important economic driver within the region and a trusted platform for brands wanting meaningful engagement with affluent, loyal and economically active consumers.
One of the clearest examples of this influence is OFM’s longstanding relationship with the agricultural sector, particularly its partnership with Grain SA and involvement with NAMPO Harvest Day, the largest agricultural exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere.
From the early years of shared agricultural programmes to today’s extensive initiatives, OFM and Grain SA have worked closely together to share practical, grassroots farming insights with farmers nationwide. The latest market news, weather forecasts and industry developments are broadcast timeously to strengthen decision-making. Innovative farming practices, sustainability and agricultural resilience are highlighted, while a platform is provided for agricultural voices, industry discussions and policy engagement.
The 40-year partnership between OFM and Grain SA is a testament to what can be achieved when the media, industry bodies and farmers unite behind a shared objective: strengthening agriculture in South Africa and improving the livelihoods of local communities.
NAMPO Harvest Day remains the premier agricultural exhibition connecting farmers, agribusinesses and service providers. It’s here that OFM plays a key role as the leading communications partner of the agricultural sector. The event serves as a central platform for knowledge exchange; product showcases and industry collaboration.
For national brands, this is particularly significant. OFM provides advertisers with trusted access to one of the country’s most influential regional economies – connecting directly with farming communities, agricultural decision-makers, business owners and consumers who are deeply invested in the brands and platforms they trust. As OFM celebrates 40 years, the milestone is not simply about longevity. It is about sustained relevance, enduring trust and the ability to continue mobilising audiences in ways that create measurable value for advertisers.
Four decades later, OFM remains more than a radio station. It remains the trusted sound of Central South Africa.
For further information or to advertise please contact:
Candy Dampers, Commercial Manager Algoa FM and OFM
candy@unitedstations.co.za
