The DRM SA GROUP is the revitalised voice of digital radio in South Africa – a bold new chapter born from the re-launch of what was formerly known as the DRM SA PLATFORM, now under the banner of the DRM Consortium.

Following the South African government's July 2020 policy directive on introducing Digital Sound Broadcasting, the timing was perfect to re-ignite efforts to drive awareness, engagement and adoption of the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) standard in the region. Our mission? To prepare Southern Africa’s radio landscape for its digital evolution.

The journey toward digital radio began over two decades ago in South Africa. In 2014, the DRM Consortium launched the Southern Africa Platform, spearheaded by the visionary Managing Director of Radio Pulpit. This led to South Africa’s first successful DRM trial on AM (mediumwave).

Soon after, Kofifi FM 97.2 – a dynamic community station in Johannesburg – achieved another milestone with a successful DRM trial on FM, supported by Wecodec and local partners. This trial’s findings were so impactful that they’ve been recognised as an official ITU document, now ready for global publication.

At DRM SA, we are passionate about shaping the future of radio across Southern Africa. Our core objectives are to:

• Promote DRM as the digital broadcasting standard of choice for South Africa and beyond
• Build widespread awareness among broadcasters, government, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and the public
• Champion adoption and influence key stakeholders across the radio ecosystem
• Serve as South Africa’s trusted DRM authority, offering credible, up-to-date information and guidance on all things DRM

DRM is a global digital radio standard that works across all frequency bands – AM, FM, SW and VHF. It's tailor-made for countries with large, diverse geographies like those in Southern Africa. Whether you’re a national broadcaster, regional station or a grassroots community radio operator, DRM empowers you to deliver crystal-clear audio, interactive content and enhanced services to more people than ever before.

It’s cost-effective, spectrum-efficient, energy-saving, and ready for Africa.

DRM SA is proud to stand alongside national DRM platforms from countries like India, Germany, Brazil, Russia and the USA, all working toward a shared global vision: the digital transformation of radio.

We are a non-profit group committed to supporting broadcasters, communities and governments in making this digital leap together.

Radio in Africa is evolving. DRM SA is here to make sure you’re ready.