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.
Lihle Mbikwana from Bulungula Community Radio in the Eastern Cape got to spend some time at the station to learn more about the operations of Bush Radio.
Providing listeners in Cape Town and globally, with interesting and varied content is one part of the work done by Bush Radio.
As the oldest community radio station project in Africa, and known as the “Mother of Community Radio” we assist other community radio stations and organisations in navigating the media landscape and providing training.
* This is NOT a call for DJs, music show presenters or newsreaders *
Are you:
Interested in developing news that matters to the Cape Flats?
Curious, adventurous, always looking for a story, willing to hunt down a source, energetic?
Able to speak, write and read in English & Afrikaans or Xhosa?
Willing to explore new frontiers in media?
Able to work hard in a challenging environment?
Would you like to learn how to:
Record sound, conduct interviews, compile bulletins, read bulletins, take pictures, record video, cover events and test your skills LIVE to a listening and online audience of over 375 000 people.
Develop what it means to be journalist in a changing news environment?
If your answer to the above is yes, then a volunteer news trainee position in the Bush Radio newsroom is for you. (Download application form)
Things to pay attention to:
You will be required full-time with shifts (06h00 – 14h00 and 10h00 –18h00) – 5 days a week, including weekend and public holiday shifts.
You must be available to start immediately.
You will not receive payment! This is a full-time trainee position at Africa’s leading community radio station.
Transport allowance of R1500 per month for 3 months (probation).
Students attending class should not apply.
Candidates must be computer literate.
Candidates must be Cape Town based.
Understand, write and read English and one other language (Afrikaans or Xhosa)
Shortlisted candidates will be put through a combination interview, written test (for computer skills, language, general knowledge) and a voice test at a specified date.
In the subject line write: (name) and (surname) – Newsroom trainee November 2022
Email completed application form to news2022@bushradio.co.za
Application deadline: 27 November 2022 (no late applications will be considered)
Bush Radio reserves the right not to make an appointment – Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted – No correspondence will be entered into. If you have not been contacted within one week of the closing date you should consider your application unsuccessful.
The event is called “The People’s Airwaves” and is part of MAP’s series Beyond Borders; which brings global practitioners and experts in conversation with each other, reimagining the meaning and significance of borders by blurring the boundaries between different genres and media, and exploring people and spaces that cross imagined borders.
Hip Hop Tuesday is back on the original home of hip hop – Bush Radio 89.5FM – tune in every Tuesday from 8am, and check out live performances, free styles and more.
In support of #WorldNoTobaccoDay the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa came to do Health Risk Assessments #HRA for BushRadio trainees, staff and volunteers – because of the importance we did them even if we don’t like needles 🙂
Bush Radio with the support of The Other Foundation has been working with a number of organisations in developing a radio programme addressing violence towards the LGBTIQA+ community.
Part of the training will see the following people host and produce a radio programme for the first time with an introductory radio piece called “The Rainbow Table”.
Backchat on Bush Radio 89.5FM from 2pm till 3pm on Friday, 28 January 2022
Bush Radio was the first radio station in Africa to have a dedicated gay and lesbian focus radio programme called “In the Pink” which started in 1995 and was followed by “The Salon”.
The first of our local government elections 2021 debates started today and it generated lots of interest, in Cape Town but also internationally (see pic above)
Local government elections directly affect your neighbourhoods so we encourage everyone to select the representatives who meets your needs. Bush Radio is the best platform to get the information you need to make your mark on the 1st November 2021 – Democracy is not a spectator sport – listen, engage, do!
The debates will take place between 2pm and 4pm on the days below and will be broadcast live on Bush Radio 89.5FM and online via http://www.bushradio.co.za
Wednesday, 20 October 2021 : Manifesto and Service delivery.
Thursday, 21 October 2021: Housing
Tuesday, 26 October 2021: Transportation
Wednesday, 27 October 2021: Job creation/Unemployment
Thursday, 28 October 2021 : Independent candidates
Bush Radio Managing Director, Brenda Leonard giving Cornerstone Institute CEO, Noel Daniels some in studio tips and tricks while Mkhuseli Veto looks on
The first is the Cornerstone Critical Dialogues and the second is Community Champions.
Cornerstone Critical Dialogues which starts at 7pm, will feature some of South Africa’s most influential thinkers, activists, performing artists and business people to debate the topics that matter most for society. Journalist Ryan Fortune will lead this collaborative project – a live radio show and podcast on Bush Radio and other platforms – is a direct offshoot (and next logical evolution) of the popular Cornerstone Critical Dialogues series.
Community Champions at 9pm is where Noel Daniels, CEO of the Cornerstone Institute, will be chatting with one community champion, social or cultural activist, who may not always get the attention they deserve in the mainstream media. Noel will take us on a journey, exploring the world of leaders of non-profit organisations, social entrepreneurs, ground breakers and doers who are making a difference in their communities. They all have one thing in common – they are the people who play it forward.
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Bushradio 89.5 FM 