From childhood farming dreams to pioneering radio tech, Jan van der Walt’s journey at OFM is a testament to adaptability, hard work, and living life with passion and purpose.
In Bloemfontein, Jan van der Walt, Chief Technology Officer of Central Media Group, has forged a dynamic career at one of South Africa’s top radio stations, OFM. From childhood dreams of farming to leading technological innovation, his story is one of adaptability and passion.
Jan’s early ambitions were rooted in the land. “As a child, my dream was to become a farmer. I had a huge passion for an Afrikaner cow. For me, it’s the most beautiful animal on the planet,” he recalls. With no family farm, life led him elsewhere. After military service, a bursary from the SABC sparked his path in electrical engineering. By 1990, he was a technician at the SABC in Bloemfontein, starting his journey in the radio industry.
The industry’s unpredictability fuels Jan. “The radio industry is probably one of the most dynamic environments to work in,” he says. “I don’t think I would have survived any other place, as routine work is not for me!”
From broadcasting atop a fire truck’s ladder to airing live from a helium airship, Jan turns creative ideas into reality. “In the radio industry, there’s no such thing as a typical day,” he laughs. Operating 24/7, his team tackles equipment failures at any hour, balancing maintenance and round-the-clock support.
As a Bloemfontein businessman, Jan knows success demands effort. “If it was easy, we’d all be rich! Only hard work, commitment, perseverance, and honesty will ensure you can fulfil your obligations,” he says. His philosophy is simple: “Success is reaching your goals. Set realistic goals and work towards them until they’re reached. Then reset and go for it.” This cycle creates a “powerful positive snowball effect.”
Jan credits OFM’s success for shaping his career. “The fact that I’m privileged to be part of a very successful radio station had a huge effect on my career,” he reflects. Yet, balance is key. “Besides the glorification of God, man’s purpose is to live a full and balanced life that contributes to the community. I work to live, I don’t live to work,” he says. A former skydiver with over 600 jumps, Jan’s adventurous spirit also includes scuba diving and bow-hunting. “I was somewhat of an adrenaline junky,” he admits.
Community is central to Jan’s life. “We humans are herd animals. We cannot exist without a community,” he says, actively engaging in his children’s school, church, and beyond. His childhood farming dream persists through a small cattle herd he manages with friends, calling it “food for the soul.”
For aspiring tech or radio professionals, Jan’s advice is clear: “Be honest, work hard, and always grab opportunities!” Leading with ingenuity, Jan van der Walt embodies the power of embracing change and living fully, driving OFM’s technological future while staying true to his roots.
Text: WARREN HAWKINS
