Tshabalala-Msimang to open R1.2m community radio building

During the opening, the minister is expected to address the community and take questions from listeners and anchors.

Chairman of the radio station's board Tommy Ntsewa, said the radio station was proud, not only to announce the opening of its new building but also that it was generating a monthly revenue of over R300 000.

"We are eight years old this year and have come a long way from the days when we used to rely on R5 contributions from each village. Today, we are able to pay salaries to the station presenters."

Mr Ntsewa attributes the success of the community radio station to commitment and sacrifices made by the board and the staff.

He said none of the 15 board members, including the chairperson, receives any money from the revenue generated.

"We do not even claim a cent for travelling or for food while on board activities," Mr Ntsewa said.

The R1.2 million building was made possible following a R480 000 grant from the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), which is situated in the Office of the Presidency, as well as from other donors.

Traditional leader for the Moletsi area, Kgoshi Kgabo Moloto III, said the radio station plays an important role in the community.

"The community radio station plays an important role in uniting us as a tribe. Apart from important messages and notices, we also use this community radio to call community meetings," he said.

According to station manager Modjadji Mphela, 17 people are responsible for broadcasting community news and entertainment to almost all 118 villages in and outside Moletsi.

Twelve of the staff are hired on a full-time basis, while five are freelancers.

Mr Mphela, who has been with the station since it went on air in 1999, has worked in various positions, as news reader, producer and presenter of the sports show Todi ya dipapadi and was a marketing manager before she was appointed station manager in January this year. - BuaNews