"We focused on giving our community an experience they could appreciate," says Leith Smith, marketing manager at Jacaranda FM.

Jacaranda FM was the first to pull the trigger during the lockdown and created the free virtual world 'Mzansi Quest'.

The station was awarded a Gold PRISM Award for Digital Media Relations and a Bronze PRISM Award in the Gaming & Virtual Reality category — a first for radio in Africa.

"I think this led to our results and awards. 'Mzansi Quest' was brave and innovative — the game attracted over 10 000 players over a week and elevated the broadcast sector by showcasing the use of innovative technologies in tandem with the marketing mix to promote a campaign," adds Smith.

Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp, host of Jacaranda FM's Workzone, bagged the Bronze Presidential Award for Radio Presenter of the Year.

"We love the culture of excellence our entire team brings to the table — and Elana is no exception. Her consummate professionalism and relatability have made her a standout broadcaster and we are thrilled to see her honoured by the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa," concludes Smith.

At the ceremony, the radio station bagged two Gold, one Silver, and two Bronze Awards:
  • Gold: Digital Media Relations — 'Mzansi Quest' 2021
  • Gold: Corporate Citizen — Spar 'Carols By Candlelight' 2021
  • Silver: Digital Media Relations — Spar 'Carols by Candlelight' 2021
  • Bronze: Gaming & Virtual Reality — 'Mzansi Quest' 2021
  • Bronze: Radio Presenter of the Year — 'Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp'
For the Spar 'Carols by Candlelight' campaign, Jacaranda FM won Gold as a Corporate Citizen after raising over R250 000 for Johannesburg's most vulnerable over the festive season and giving local talent and musicians the chance to earn money when the events industry was crippled.

Jacaranda FM also won a Silver PRISM Award for Digital Media Relations in this category.

For more information, visit www.jacarandafm.com. You can also follow Jacaranda FM on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.