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MARKETING TALENT
Busisiwe Phakathi appointed marketing manager at radio station 5FM
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025
Experienced marketer returns to the South African Broadcasting Corporation, where she began her career in 2011.
5FM, the South African youth-focused radio station and multimedia brand, has appointed Busisiwe Phakathi as Marketing Manager. She officially assumed her new role on 1 January 2025.
Busisiwe Phakathi. Photo: SABC
Phakathi holds a BA degree in Corporate Marketing from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), a certificate in Brand Management and Events Management from the IMM Graduate School, and a Marketing Analytics certificate from the University of Cape Town (UCT).
She began her career at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in 2011, where she honed her skills in audience engagement working across radio brands such as 5FM, SAfm and Radio 2000.
Phakathi then transitioned to Viacom South Africa, now Paramount Africa, where she served as a Trade Marketing Manager between 2019 and 2023. In this role, she successfully implemented trade strategies to drive sales, enhance brand positioning, and strengthen industry partnerships.
Career expanded into the EdTech sector
Her career later expanded into the EdTech sector in 2024, where she took on the role of Growth Marketing Manager for Sand Technologies, leading strategy and implementation initiatives.
“During this time, she revitalised approaches to understanding youth, youth culture and education, delivering innovative campaigns that resonated with younger audiences, while driving growth and engagement,” 5FM says in a press release.
“As she re-joins the SABC, she will bring her dynamic skill set, industry insights, and passion for youth-focused content to further strengthen 5FM’s connection with its audience and drive innovative marketing strategies.”
Comments Masixole Mdingane, 5FM and Good Hope FM PCS Combo Business Manager: “Busisiwe’s track record and expertise, heart to change people’s lives for the better, sheer passion for radio with impact, and masterful mind for campaigns that properly move SA’s youth, make her a perfect fit for the station’s continued evolution and success. We are privileged and massively excited to welcome her to the team.”
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