Hot 102.7FM

About Hot 102.7FM

Hot 102.7FM is a commercial radio station that serves Gauteng from Johannesburg. It relaunched on 1 July 2021 under The Professional Consortium. That followed the business rescue of its predecessor, Classic FM 102.7, which began broadcasting in 1997.

The station has a community arm called Hot Cares. It runs charity drives that listeners support, such as the annual Hot 1027 Teddython. The money and goodwill raised in these events fund projects that help people in need, including a bursary for a future chef.

The Hot Cares and Guvon Academy bursary

This bursary is a joint effort. The Teddython 2025 helped make it possible, and Guvon Academy donated the study place. Guvon Academy is the training arm of the Guvon Hotels and Spas Group. It combines classroom theory, practical kitchen work and experience in the workplace.

The winner studies for a three-year Occupational Certificate: Chef in Johannesburg. The package was valued at about R350,000 in the latest call. It covers full tuition and textbooks. It also includes a professional knife set, chef uniforms and access to internationally recognised Highfield Qualifications from the United Kingdom.

It is a single award rather than a large fund. Each cycle, the station and the academy support one matriculant. Because there is only one place, the competition can be fierce.

What to know before applying

Applicants are school leavers who have passed matric and want a career in cooking and hospitality. The 2026 call asked for a certified copy of an identity document or passport and a matric certificate. It also asked for a motivational video and a second video that shows your passion for the culinary arts. That video element is unusual, so give yourself time to plan and film it well.

The 2026 call closed on 19 June 2026. However, the bursary is not guaranteed to repeat every year. It depends on funds raised by the station and on the academy's continued support. Watch the Hot 102.7FM website and its on-air announcements for the next call.

Finally, remember that chef training is hands-on. Expect early mornings, long hours on your feet and work placements. In return, a qualification from an established academy can open the door to hotels, restaurants and catering companies.

Hospitality offers many paths. Graduates can work in restaurant kitchens, hotels, banqueting, catering and food production, and some later open their own businesses. The Occupational Certificate: Chef is designed to prepare you for work in professional kitchens, which means practical skills count as much as theory. For your videos, speak honestly about why you love food. Show real effort, such as a dish you cooked or a story about cooking with family, rather than a rehearsed speech.