Hot 102.7FM’s annual Teddython fundraiser once again captured hearts and headlines today, as actress and philanthropist Caroline Steyn found herself at the centre of a light-hearted moment that perfectly embodied the event’s spirit of giving.

In a playful twist, Steyn was ‘arrested’ by Brigadier Veeshani Arikum and Warrant Officer Nicholas Mokwena, from the Douglasdale Police Station, for ‘failing to crochet without explaining at all’.

The fun skit saw her handcuffed and pleading her case: “I’ve done nothing wrong,” while officers insisted, she ‘pledge or pay the price’.

Read more: Fourways residents fear security and environmental effects as K60 Road project gets underway

Steyn was eventually ‘bailed out’ for R500 000, and, in a show of generosity, added another R100 000 donation on top of it.
The Douglasdale Police Station itself joined in the fun, contributing R1 000 towards the cause.

The moment drew laughter and applause from the crowd gathered at Papachinos in Broadacres, where the event took place, reinforcing the light-hearted yet impactful nature of Teddython.

By midday, just five hours into the broadcast, Teddython had already raised an incredible R8m with donations continuing to climb steadily toward the R20m goal set for this year.

“It’s become an annual tradition of generosity that unites our listeners, partners, and community,” said Lloyd Madurai, managing director of Hot 102.7FM. “Each year, we’re blown away by the scale of giving; it’s a reminder of the power of collective kindness.”

Driven by Hot Cares, the station’s charitable arm, the fundraiser supports four pillars: Humanitarian, Education, Medical, and Animal Welfare. Over the years, it has made a lasting impact through projects such as supporting children’s homes and early learning centres, funding medical interventions, empowering students, and aiding animal welfare organisations.

Also read: Hot 102.7FM’s Teddython returns, aiming to raise R20m for communities in need

“Animal welfare is close to our heart,” said Carmen Rocha, managing director of Hot Cares. “We’ve provided a trailer for Rhino Connect to assist injured rhinos and supported sterilisation campaigns. Funds raised today will continue to make a tangible difference for both people and animals.”

For those who couldn’t attend the in-person event, donations, whether once-off, recurring, or in kind, remain open via www.hot1027.co.za or by calling in during the broadcast.

“Every donation, no matter the size, helps us reach another person, family, animal, or community in need,” Rocha added.

@caxtonjoburgnorth The much-anticipated annual Teddython, organised by Hot 102.7FM in collaboration with Hot Cares, is currently taking place at the lively Papachinos in the Broadacres Shopping Centre. The event aims to raise an impressive R20 million to support those in need, as well as animal welfare initiatives. Video: Ditiro Masuku #Localnews #caxtonlocalmedia #trendingvideo #SA #HOT102.7FM ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

From Steyn’s good-humoured “arrest” to the flood of pledges pouring in, the event once again proved why it’s a highlight on South Africa’s festive charity calendar.

“Year after year, our listeners show up not just with donations, but with open hearts,” Rocha said.

@caxtonjoburgnorth Douglasdale police officers playfully ‘arrest’ actress Caroline Steyn at the Hot 102.7FM Teddython, all in the name of raising funds for a great cause. Video: Ditiro Masuku #Localnews #caxtonlocalmedia #trendingvideo #SA #HOT102.7FM #johannesburg #SAPS #News #fundraising #Fourways ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

“The Teddython is their event as much as it is ours — and their belief in making a difference is what keeps the spirit of giving alive.”

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!