43 radio stations facing closure in South Africa

As we at Bush Radio fight to keep the station going financially through our crowdfunding campaign and engagements with government, we are concerned to learn of developments to close up to 43 community radio stations in South Africa.

The National Community Radio Forum (NCRF), of which Bush Radio is a founding member, today issued a press statement highlighting the plans of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to shut down certain stations for various reasons.

Today we commemorate Black Wednesday 42 years ago – October 19, 1977 – when the apartheid government banned several newspapers, organisations and journalists.

Today, ICASA, an institution for which Bush Radio fought hard to be established, wants to shut down more than 40 community radio stations. The effect will be the same as then – limiting media freedom and alternative voices in the broadcast sector.

Bush Radio strongly urges our democratically elected government to intervene in this matter. We ask ICASA to look at a positive resolution to help secure the future of the community radio sector.

READ: Press Release: Shutdown of 43 Community Radio stations by ICASA

See below for the names of the stations affected.

1. Lekwa FM
2. Lukhanji FM
3. Mohokare FM
4. MP East Community Radio
5. Nkungumathe FM
6. Ncuthu Community Radio
7. Zibonele FM
8. Greater Middleburg FM
9. Merafong FM
10. KZN Capital FM
11. Catitura Community Radio
12. Mozolo FM
13. Lephalale FM
14. Greater Zaneen FM
15. Phalaborwa FM
16. The Rock FM
17. Devine Touch FM
18. Emmanuel Haven
19. East Griekwaland FM
20. Franshoek Community Radio
21. Giyani Youth FM
22. Hlanganani FM
23. Kanyamaza FM
24. Kingfisher FM
25. Kopel Studio
26. Lebowakgomo FM
27. Lekho Community Radio
28. Lentswe FM
29. Lethabong Community Radio
30. Letlhabile FM
31. Radio Kaap se Punt
32. Radio Sekunda
33. Radio Unique
34. Radio Renosterberg
35. Siyathuthuka FM
36. Sunshine Community Radio
37. Swartland FM
38. Ubuhle Beshowe FM
39. UCT Community Radio
40. Vaal Community Radio
41. Endermark Community Radio
42. Bophirima FM
43. Naledi Community Radio

Link to our crowdfunding campaign

What are they doing now? – (Foreign interns)

We contacted a few of our former foreign interns to give us an update on what they have been up to after they left Bush Radio. (click on the picture below to see their stories)

If you would like more information on Bush Radio’s Foreign intern programme click here.