Johannesburg – Thursday, 3 April 2025 – This Autism Awareness Month, 5FM is Ampli5ing its commitment to powerful social change, and making a practical difference, with a heartwarming initiative aimed at supporting Thulasizwe School for Autism in Soweto.
As part of its #YB5 (Young Blood 5) campaign, spearheaded by 5 Breakfast host, Nick Hamman, the station will be shining a spotlight on the vital work being done to provide specialized education and skill development for learners with autism, and also help to drive the school’s efforts of building a kitchen for the learners within the school.
Established in 1948 as a mainstream school and transformed into a dedicated autism support institution in 2016, Thulasizwe School for Autism is the first public institution of its kind in Soweto. The school provides individualized learning programs (ILPs), focusing on practical skills such as baking, catering, gardening, sewing, and entrepreneurship—equipping learners with essential tools for independence.
Throughout April, 5FM will use its full broadcasting muscle to highlight Thulasizwe School’s needs and achievements, with exclusive content and live discussions featuring educators and other experts, parents, advocates in the autism community and the learners themselves – all in a bid to rally support for the school’s mission and help raise funds for the development of essential facilities, including the primary goal of building a dedicated kitchen for the learners within the school.
5 Breakfast will also be broadcasting live from the Thulasizwe School for Autism on Wednesday, 9 April 2025.
5FM and Good Hope FM’s Business Manager, Masi Mdingane, says, “5FM has always been about more than just pumping music and epic youth parties - we believe in using our platform to inspire and drive change. Through the #YB5 initiative, we’re not just raising awareness about autism; we’re actively contributing to a brighter future for the learners of Thulasizwe School. By sharing their stories and challenges, we aim to mobilise our audience and partners to make a real, life-changing impact.”
Nick Hamman, who has been at the forefront of the Thulasizwe initiative for #YB5, emphasises the importance of raising awareness and mobilizing resources for the school. “Thulasizwe School is doing phenomenal work in supporting children with autism, but they need all the help they can get. We’re calling on our listeners, partners, and other brands to join us in making a difference. Whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, everyone has a role to play in changing these learners’ lives for the better.”
For more information or to donate to this fantastic initiative, stay tuned to 5FM, download the 5FM app for iOS and Android, visit www.5fm.co.za, and follow 5FM across all social media platforms.
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About 5FM
5FM is not just a radio station. 5FM is a multimedia brand that builds and shares content across digital and on-air media channels informed by the youth. 5FM’s purpose is to bring together the youth of South Africans through the power of music. As an entertainment powerhouse 5FM features some of the most well-known media personalities and music DJs in South Africa. The station embraces content that is relevant, youth driven and co-created with the 5FM community while proudly supporting the South African music industry. 5FM has won numerous awards at the Rapport Reader’s Choice Awards, Sunday Times GenNext Awards and Telkom Radio Awards, to name only a few.
Visit 5FM online at www.5fm.co.za, or find us on the following social media platforms:
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Distributed by: Altus Venables
PR Specialist - 5FM
altus@5fm.co.za / 079 632 9852
On Behalf of: Masi Mdingane
5FM and Good Hope FM PCS Combo Business Manager
