Jacaranda FM's GM Kevin Fine on a movement for poverty eradication through education - The Sun International CEO SleepOut™
The CEO SleepOut™ Brand was born out of a global need to reinvent the way we look at philanthropy. It asks business leaders to commit to looking beyond profits towards purpose, to create positive social change. This year, Jacaranda FM proudly showcases the country's biggest fundraiser.
For the past 5 years, Kevin Fine has been the driving force behind the award-winning team at Jacaranda FM, the largest independent radio station in South Africa, currently with 2,024 million listeners a week.
As the leader at the helm of Jacaranda FM which proudly showcases The Sun International CEO SleepOut™ 2016, Kevin says: "What The (Sun International) CEO SleepOut™ represents is an opportunity to be part of a social movement, of a global movement. This is not just about CEOs and it’s certainly not just about South Africans - this happens all over the world. But South Africa has been the most successful in raising just over R26,5 million last year - it’s the biggest fundraising event ever in this country and this year, we’re looking to raise about R40 million. Jacaranda FM of course - with me, having to sleep out on the bridge - is very committed to this project. But it’s not just me, I have to select a member of staff - as does every CEO who participates - as well as a university student and a matric learner and together, we are going to be the four leaders for change #4leaders4change. "
Kevin continues: "So people are asking ‘where is the money going to?’ - we’ve chosen The Asha Trust, Columba Education and The Steve Biko Foundation. Each one of these organizations works closely with educating the youngest of the young to post-university, along with all of the elements of sustainability. And we’re confident that the more we are educated in the country, the more we eradicate homelessness.”
Kevin's radio experience covers University, Community, National and Regional broadcasting, and spans over 20 years. Additionally, Kevin also founded (and is a director of) the Little Champs Sports Academy, a sports development programme for early childhood development. His passion for sport, and sports marketing also saw him manage the EA FIFA game Franchise in South Africa for 3 years, managing the FIFA Interactive World Cup Event for South Africa.
He later went on to head up the Football for Hope Program at the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa, while handling stadium activations for a sponsor at the World Cup Stadia. His career has been characterised by broadcasting, brand management, brand activation, community development and entrepreneurship and he is currently studying a Senior Management Programme at GIBS.