Internet talk radio coming to Soweto

Through www.sowetointernetradio.com, listeners will be able to have virtual tours of South Africa's biggest township, as well as shop online. There is also content on entertainment areas and the local culture.

“Our mandate is to keep the world informed about what is happening in the world's most famous township,” says Karabo Rapakgadi, marketing director for Soweto Internet Radio.

“Virtual idea”

“Our business strategy is broad, aiming at targeting local and international small businesses as well as big corporate to advertise on the site and the station. We are planning on giving the world a virtual idea of what Soweto looks like, especially now that South Africa and Soweto [have] evolved so much in the last 14 years.”

“We were given a go-ahead by ICASA to start broadcasting; currently there are no laws governing broadcasting via the net. This is something that ICASA is still working on implementing,” he explains.

So far the station has identified 12 presenters; all are currently training using the facilities of Rainbow Community Radio.

“We will be using Rainbow Radio's broadcast software as well as their studio while waiting for our broadcast centre to be completed,” says marketing assistant Nasang John Maleka.

Continues Maleka, “The lack of Internet access in the township shouldn't be seen as a challenge. There are growth opportunities; just as when cellphones first came in, they were considered to be luxury items but they moved to be a necessary communications tool in no time. The world is interested in South Africa [because of the 2010 FIFA] World Cup next year. SIR will give those who will be planning to visit our shores next month and next year with a picture of what to expect.”