The community of Ngcobo in the Chris Hani district of the Eastern Cape finally has its own community radio station that serves as an information platform and adds value to residents’ lives.
Engcobo FM 96.6 MHz recently received state-of-the-art broadcast studios from the minister in the presidency, Mondli Gungubele. The studios were sponsored by the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA).
Speaking at the launch, Gungubele said the residents of Ngcobo would now be able to consume news from their own locality, in the language of their choice and about people they know.
“If people believe in their communities, they are able to work together, develop themselves and be prosperous. To do all of this, they need information and Engcobo FM is the source that can release this positive energy needed to lift Ngcobo to greater heights,” said Gungubele.
According to station manager Lusindiso Tantsi, the radio station will not only benefit Ngcobo, but exists to link all the Chris Hani district communities.
“This radio station was started by a community group in 2017, but could not take it any further [due to various challenges]. They then approached me to assist them with getting a licence from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa and to set the business up, and I was happy to be involved,” says Tantsi.
After numerous delays, the radio station finally went on air officially in July 2022. It broadcasts 95% in Xhosa and 5% in English.
Because the station is still new, Tantsi says the Broadcast Research Council of SA, which does research into radio stations’ listenership, has not yet included Engcobo FM in the radio audience measurement survey.
However, the community radio station caters for listeners of all ages and has already gained over 8,000 followers on Facebook.
“We have 18 employees at the station so far. Our radio station is run professionally and will ensure that our clients from the private sector and government receive the best service,” he says.
The MDDA also unveiled new studios at the Barberton Community Radio 104.1 in Mpumalanga, Aganang FM 90.0 in Potchefstroom in the North West, and Kasie FM 97.1 in Katlehong in Gauteng.
– This article first appeared in GCIS’s Vuk’Uzenzele
Engcobo FM to serve entire Chris Hani district
Rural community radio opens to fanfare and hope
Image: VUKUZENZELE
The community of Ngcobo in the Chris Hani district of the Eastern Cape finally has its own community radio station that serves as an information platform and adds value to residents’ lives.
Engcobo FM 96.6 MHz recently received state-of-the-art broadcast studios from the minister in the presidency, Mondli Gungubele. The studios were sponsored by the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA).
Speaking at the launch, Gungubele said the residents of Ngcobo would now be able to consume news from their own locality, in the language of their choice and about people they know.
“If people believe in their communities, they are able to work together, develop themselves and be prosperous. To do all of this, they need information and Engcobo FM is the source that can release this positive energy needed to lift Ngcobo to greater heights,” said Gungubele.
According to station manager Lusindiso Tantsi, the radio station will not only benefit Ngcobo, but exists to link all the Chris Hani district communities.
“This radio station was started by a community group in 2017, but could not take it any further [due to various challenges]. They then approached me to assist them with getting a licence from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa and to set the business up, and I was happy to be involved,” says Tantsi.
After numerous delays, the radio station finally went on air officially in July 2022. It broadcasts 95% in Xhosa and 5% in English.
Because the station is still new, Tantsi says the Broadcast Research Council of SA, which does research into radio stations’ listenership, has not yet included Engcobo FM in the radio audience measurement survey.
However, the community radio station caters for listeners of all ages and has already gained over 8,000 followers on Facebook.
“We have 18 employees at the station so far. Our radio station is run professionally and will ensure that our clients from the private sector and government receive the best service,” he says.
The MDDA also unveiled new studios at the Barberton Community Radio 104.1 in Mpumalanga, Aganang FM 90.0 in Potchefstroom in the North West, and Kasie FM 97.1 in Katlehong in Gauteng.
– This article first appeared in GCIS’s Vuk’Uzenzele
New studios bring joy to Intokozo FM
Careers in creativity, innovation are in demand globally
WATCH | This radio host turned conservationist is amplifying protection for Kenya’s rangers
Here's how to apply for community media funding
MDDA introduces new funding application process
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Related articles
Latest Videos