Mabena to manage iGagasi, Heart

Makana Radio Communications has appointed broadcast veteran Bob Mabena as its MD, with iGagasi 99.5 and Heart 104.9 FM under his supervision, it was announced on Friday, 27 March 2009. Mabena last month quit as SABC head of commercial radio stations under a cloud of controversy.

Mabena's key objective will be to monitor their individual performances, engineer and unite the operations of the KwaZulu-Natal-based iGagasi 99.5 and Cape-based Heart 104.9 FM sister stations and ensure advertisers receive value as close to that of one national footprint.

Commented Peter-Paul Ngwenya, Makana Investments executive chairman, “Makana Radio Communications has a vested interest in the success of its radio station assets iGagasi 99.5 and Heart 104.9 FM and wish to drive a strategic directive to streamline offerings and ensure the stations operate as a unit. We wish to offer advertisers a flexible, syndicated platform which will serve both regional and national markets.”

According to Ngwenya, having a single radio operations manager spanning both regional operations will facilitate precise performance monitoring and efficient syndicated programme management.

Mabena has been in broadcasting for over 20 years, having started out as a radio presenter in 1989 on Radio Bop. Operating from KZN, Mabena's permanent contract as MD of Makana Radio Communications commenced on 1 March.