Bringing (radio) power to the people

In line with the Bush Radio philosophy of “Don’t curse the darkness, light a candle”, the station has been hard at work looking for the resources to ensure that we remain on air during load shedding.

In 2018 the station installed a UPS system, but the constant load shedding led to the batteries degrading to such a point that the station would only remain on air for 20 minutes when the power went out at its studio in Salt River.

This past weekend the Bush Radio team guided AB Technical Solution installed and tested an auto-start diesel generator system which will allow us to stay broadcasting during load shedding.

As much as the new system relieves the immediate need for the station to remain broadcasting, it is not the final step. We would like to have a more environmentally and economic solution to power the entire station (the newsroom and administration). To this end we are looking for partners who could assist in taking the station to the next level, perhaps exploring a solar power solution and make sure that the “Mother of Community Radio in Africa” keeps bringing light to the airwaves and online with its dynamic programming and social upliftment projects.

@bushradio895fm

When you know it is going to be #Fridaypsydayon #BushRadio and you don’t have to worry about #loadshedding @mr.meyer05

♬ original sound – BushRadio

We keep going as a nation #southafrica

For a long period of time now we as South Africans have been facing a challenges that seem overwhelming and relentless. Loadshedding, the economy, COVID 19 and many other hardships.

The Bush Radio team went out to collect messages of inspiration from Capetonians to their fellow citizens.

We would like you to remain positive, embrace the challenges and remember it is ok to ask for help or assistance.

SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) – 0800 567 567

LifeLine South Africa National Counselling Line: 0861 322 322

Gender Violence Helpline – 0800 150 150

AIDS Helpline – 0800 012 322

Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Helpline – 0800 121 314

Always be recording

Bush Radio volunteer, trainer and mentor Nigel Vermaas was spending some time in the Eastern Cape and ran into Rachel and Siya Kolisi.

He grabbed the opportunity to get Bush Radio an exclusive interview with the couple just after it had been announced that South Africa’s 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning captain would be joining a new club in France.

You can catch Nigel swopping his rugby boots for the best in jazz with Connected 2 Jazz every Tuesday from 8pm till 10pm on Bush Radio 89.5FM or online.

Listen to the interview with Rachel and Siya Kolisi: