GOOD HOPE FM AND 5FM UNVEIL THEIR 2026 LINE-UPS — SETTING THE TONE FOR CAPE TOWN AND MZANSI
It’s that time of the year when radio changes reach the airwaves — and in true SABC style, both Good Hope FM and 5FM are stepping into 2026 with refreshed energy, familiar voices and a clear focus on what matters most: connection, culture and consistency.
From Cape Town’s coastal rhythm to the fast-moving pulse of South Africa’s youth, the new line-ups reflect two distinct audiences — yet share one common goal: keeping listeners tuned in, engaged and inspired.
Good Hope FM: Still the Beat the Mother City Moves To
Cape Town’s Original is leaning into what it does best — trusted personalities, strong local storytelling and a sound that mirrors the lifestyle of the Mother City.
With only a handful of strategic updates, Good Hope FM’s 2026 line-up is less about reinvention and more about refinement.
One of the most welcomed returns sees Mishka Loesch rejoin The Roger Goode Breakfast Show (weekdays, 06:00–09:00), bringing back a familiar voice to news and traffic after time away with her newborn. It’s a move that restores the chemistry of one of Cape Town’s most recognisable breakfast teams.
Afternoons also see a boost, with Morgan Newman stepping into The Great Drive (15:00–18:00) as sport presenter — adding a sharper, more localised sporting perspective to the daily commute.
Evenings, however, are where things get interesting.
After 13 years at 5FM, Stephanie Be makes her return to Good Hope FM with Late Nights with Stephanie Be (Monday–Thursday, 21:00–00:00). Expect a curated blend of chilled music, real conversation and that signature on-air presence that made her a household name.
Sundays close out on a softer note, with Michaela Muller taking over After Hours (22:00–01:00) — a reflective, easy-listening show designed to help Cape Town ease into the week ahead.
The rest of the line-up remains largely unchanged — a deliberate move that reinforces listener loyalty and keeps the station’s identity intact.
As Business Manager Masi Mdingane puts it, the focus is simple: give listeners more of what they love, while continuing to evolve the sound of Cape Town.
5FM: A Bold Pulse on Youth Culture
Where Good Hope FM leans into heritage, 5FM is doubling down on evolution.
The station’s 2026 line-up positions it firmly as South Africa’s youth platform — blending music, digital culture and real-time conversation into a multi-platform experience that goes beyond traditional radio.
Mid-mornings get a fresh voice with Karabo Ntshweng taking over 5 Mid Mornings (09:00–12:00), bringing a balance of ambition, wellness and relatable conversation for young professionals and students navigating modern life.
The lunchtime slot, 5 Lunch with Lula Odiba and Nadia Romanos (12:00–15:00), introduces the 5 Listening Sessions — a standout feature that gives artists a platform to debut new music, share exclusive updates and connect directly with fans.
Sundays are reimagined with The Sunday Social Club on 5 (10:00–14:00), hosted by Harrison Mkhize. It’s positioned as the ultimate weekly catch-up — blending trending topics, social media highlights and influencer culture into one seamless show.
Evenings bring a new wave of energy. Jodell Tantij steps into 5 Nights (Monday–Thursday, 19:00–22:00), while 5 After Hours with Boipelo Mooketsi keeps things bold and unfiltered late into the night.
And when the weekend hits, 5FM doesn’t hold back. Party with PH on Fridays and Taste the Weekend with Taste Champagne across Saturday and Sunday nights ensure the station remains a go-to for high-energy mixes and nightlife soundtracks.
A Shift Worth Noting
One of the more notable undercurrents in this year’s reshuffle is talent movement. Industry names like Stephanie Be and Roger Goode continue to shape both stations’ identities, reflecting a broader SABC strategy of strengthening its talent pool across platforms.
It’s less about competition and more about alignment — placing the right voices in the right spaces to maximise impact.
The Bigger Picture
At a glance, these updates might seem incremental. But in radio, small shifts often signal bigger intent.
For Good Hope FM, it’s about deepening its connection with Cape Town — staying rooted in authenticity while keeping things fresh.
For 5FM, it’s about scale and relevance — building a platform that lives as much online as it does on-air, speaking directly to a generation that moves fast and expects more.
Whether you’re tuning in from a car on the N1, streaming at your desk, or catching up via apps and podcasts, one thing is clear: South African radio is evolving — and 2026 is setting the tone.
Two stations. Two audiences. One shared mission — to stay part of your everyday soundtrack.
