5FM PRESENTER PROFILES + QUICKFIRE Q&A

Presenter name: Thomas Hele

Radio Jock

Show(s) involved in: 5 Weekend Early Mornings (Saturday & Sunday, 4am to 7am)

@Tomjhele – Instagram

Thomas Hele – Facebook

Quick intro

Tom started with 5FM in April 2024.

Growing up in a household where radio was ever-present, Tom developed an early passion for the medium. He cut his teeth in broadcasting during high school, which led him to UCT Radio, where he further honed his skills and voice. He is currently pursuing his ‘Plan B’: A Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics at the University of Cape Town.

Tom isn’t your average boy next door. Always up for a good time, he has a reputation for laughing in awkward situations, irritating his friends (and co-presenter), and making jokes even when they aren’t always appreciated. For Tom, the beauty of radio lies in its power to connect people through shared, intimate experiences.

5FM – QUICKFIRE Q&A:

If you had to sum up yourself in 10 seconds, what would you say?

GOOD VIBES ONLY! I love people and care deeply. VERY keen for a good time, happy hour is every hour :)

Where were you born and raised?

Sandton, Jobreezy!

In which towns have you lived and where are you living currently?

Joburg and CPT. I live and in CPT (where 5 Weekend Early Mornings is proudly broadcasted from) but home is Joburg.

Which languages can you speak?

English!

Favourite towns or cities visited in SA and abroad:

I've been fortunate to experience the very best of South Africa, from the Kruger National Park to the Cape. The Eastern Cape has a very special place in my heart: the culture and variety is astounding. My family farms in the Stormberg region and parties at Kenton-On-Sea so there is a winner in my head…

Abroad, I’ve been to some incredible places in Europe to Asia.

What are your hobbies?

Honestly, radio (from consuming to creating). I’m foremost a listener, I have been for my whole life and I love and appreciate the artistry. It’s such a privilege to-do the same every week. It’ll never be a job because jobs suck so it’s definitely a hobby!

What is the craziest thing you’ve done?

Giving away almost all my worldly possessions and beginning to live a nomadic life – jokes. I wish. Craziest thing was my 4 day party, uni, repeat BENDER.

Which pets do you have, if any?

2 dogs, Finn and Bruno. Finn is really smart and Bruno is chronically stupid.

What’ll Google say you search for most often?

How can I do everything and nothing at the same time? What does burnout look like?

5 famous people, living or not, that you would have a kuier with?

Greg James, Dolly Parton, Barack Obama, Anj & Dec and Nelson Mandela.

Favourite movies and / or series of all time?

Designated Survivor

Describe your home’s interior style:

Pared-down homely vibe

5 hash tags to describe your fashion sense:

#Easy #timeless #colourful #drippyyyyyyyyyy #WhateverIsClean

Your ideal holiday in one line:

Beach, rave, sleep

Which things would you most want to learn to do?

Surfing!!!!!

A hidden talent that you could probably get paid for:

Insulting with love.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

(This deserves no praise but) Driving with my knees. I do NOT need my hands – they can be used to eat, change the song, etc. I am brilliant at it….

Which sports, if any, do you watch?

Rugby is so swag but I have no idea what is happening half the time.

Which causes are you really passionate about?

Mental Health for sure, very close to my heart.

What are the top things on your bucket list?

1. Ibiza
2. Skiing in Canada
3. Kilimanjaro

Things in the world (and people) that you dislike:

1. Rude people
2. Pickles
3. Certain American presidents with blonde hair and nasty rhetoric.

Things that make the world (and people) awesome:

Kindness, there are some seriously kind people in this world. Also people can be funny AF.

What’s your favourite thing about your 5FM gig?

Sharing time with the 5Fam. I am FOREVER grateful that people take time out in their morning to listen and spend time with Mtha and me. It’s such a privilege.