The Spirit of the Silinga’s (Tribute to Raymond Silinga)

Raymond Silinga (31 January 1977 to 30 March 2023)

A tribute to Raymond Silinga by Bush Radio Programme Integrator, Adrian Louw

April is a significant month in South Africa – it is the month we mourn but also celebrate the life of one of the greatest leaders, Chris Hani.

Unfortunately, this time of the year will now also be a reminder of the loss of another leader who passed on to soon.

Raymond Silinga.

Raymond joined Bush Radio, Africa’s oldest community radio station project, as an intern in our newsroom in the late nineties – a time when we were still euphoric about the change that occurred in our country, and filled with hope, passion and energy for the potential of our new democracy.

He then grew from being a journalism student doing his practical from the Peninsula Technikon to be the head of our newsroom.

At Bush Radio every department is important but we felt, due to our history, that news was at the forefront of our newly earned democracy. We wanted to make sure that we hold the government and its institutions accountable to the people – one of its most important functions.

Bush Radio felt lucky in having Raymond, someone who understood the importance of this role of the media…and to make sure that we never…ever see the darkness of our terrible past again.

But luck had nothing to do with it… it was the struggle… the struggle, for our people to be free, to demand, and fight for the rights for all our people. Especially the rights of those who still suffer from the evil legacy of apartheid.

Raymond never called on his families’ struggle credentials to prove his worth – but the spirit and blood of Anne Silinga ran strong in his veins.

Raymond’s passion to hold officials accountable was visible in his passion for leading the team in covering our second democratic national elections. Even with his own strong political beliefs, he ensured that all political parties in Cape Town received fair coverage on Bush Radio.

Perhaps this was because he knew how fragile democracy is, or remembering the sacrifices of so many to achieve our liberation, he never took his role lightly.

We asked Raymond’s former news editor at Bush Radio, Juanita Williams, to share a memory of Raymond and of her time working with him: “His smile. Not something he did often while working, but it did the light-up-the-room thing. Also his no-nonsense attitude. We didn’t always agree, and debates were plentiful. I’m so sad that I won’t randomly run into him in town to see him flash that smile and hear his smooth voice. I’m so sorry that his career was cut short, he had so much to contribute.”

We also asked another of Raymond’s former colleagues, Berenice Joshua Moss, who is a journalist at the SABC to share her thoughts with us: “When I started my journey at Bush Radio in 2002, Raymond Silinga was my Editor and mentor in the news room. A smart dresser and always very precise. He was always straight to the point and you knew what was expected of you.

Raymond enabled me to follow my passion for court and crime reporting by allowing me to go on certain assignments. But made sure that I produced a story worthy of making it to air. Early morning diary meetings set the tone for the day and Raymond made sure we all understood what we needed to do.  He was my first Editor in my journalism career. Thank you for the lessons learnt Raymond.

May you rest in peace and rise in glory.”

Raymond’s passion for politics and his willingness to debate created a newsroom that any journalist would have been proud to serve in – and his snazzy dress sense meant Bush Radio didn’t look too disheveled at public functions.

To those who knew Raymond, we share your sense of loss, but we think as Raymond knew… that our democracy is precious, that our futures are precious… that taking care of this fragile gift that our ancestors gave us can also be a burden… but it is something that must be protected, and we must remember who we are doing it for.

In radio training we always remind people that when you are in studio you need to imagine that you are talking to one person…at Bush Radio we also remind newcomers that we exist to make our people’s lives better – that we are here to serve.

When our previous managing director, the late Zane Ibrahim, ended our staff meetings, he would always remind people that they need to visualize Mrs Silinga in Langa — much to Raymond’s embarrassment — and would ask staff and volunteers: “Did you? At the end of your shift … make her life better?”

Raymond, you made our lives better– you always made sure that Mrs Silinga in Langa’s life was better at the end of your shift.

We will miss you.

Aluta Continua

Bush Radio is offering space for newsroom recruits

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 27 November 2022

Read the following carefully!

* 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.

How to submit your application:

• Download and complete the CV Application, attach documentation (certificates etc)
• 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 People’s Airwaves – culture and challenges of community radio

Bush Radio‘s Programme Integrator, Adrian Louw will be participating in an online event hosted by the Museum of Art and Photography (MAP) in Bengaluru, India.

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.

Register to be part of the event.

Winter Advertising Specials #BushRadio

Start your media journey with us (Volunteer Internships)

Bush Radio, Africa’s leading volunteer-driven community radio station is opening applications for internships for those interested in getting into media.

No prior experience or formal qualification is required.

The internship will provide basic experience and training in journalism, radio content production and multimedia.

Read the requirements below CAREFULLY.

Are you…

Curious, adventurous, always looking for a story, willing to hunt down a source, hungry to learn, energetic, able to speak, write and read in English & Afrikaans/Xhosa, willing to explore new frontiers in media?

Would you like to…

Record sound, conduct interviews, compile bulletins, read bulletins, take pictures, record video, cover events, test your skills LIVE to a FM and online audience of over 275 000 people, generate interview ideas, liaise with guests, assist presenters, research, package and present, liaise with listeners regarding programmes, updating blogs/websites, present as needed/capable, participate in outside broadcasts or events, build your career and profile?

Requirements

• No formal qualifications are required but the candidates must have basic computer literacy and understand, write and read English and one other language (Afrikaans or Xhosa)

• You will be required full-time (i.e. Monday – Friday) or shifts (06h00 – 14h00 and 10h00 –18h00 –including weekend and public holiday shifts depending on the area you are placed.

• You must be available to start immediately.

• Cape Town- based

• Not currently a full-time student or learner

• You will not receive payment! This is a volunteer position.

• Transport allowance of R1000 per month for 3 months (probation), increased to R 1500 thereafter, non-negotiable for 9 months.

• Shortlisted candidates will be put through a combination written test (for computer skills, language, general knowledge) and a voice test.

How to submit your application:

Only emailed applications will be considered.

Download and complete the CV Application, attach documentation (certificates etc) and email to intern22@bushradio.co.za

In the subject line clearly state: Intern intake April 2022 (Your Name + Surname)

Application deadline: 24 April 2022

Download application (CLICK HERE)

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 two weeks of the closing date you should consider your application unsuccessful.

Related:

Working at Radio Station and what it taught me

Former BushRadio intern on 60Minutes

Radio is thriving in South Africa: 80% are tuning in

Former BushRadio intern on 60Minutes

Micah (left) and Mkhuseli on Robben Island in 2015 when Bush Radio conducted radio workshops as part of the museum’s summer school

One of Bush Radio’s former interns Micah Loewinger – was featured in a 60 Minutes special for his reporting.

Micah interned at Bush Radio in 2015.

The New York Times described 60 minutes as the “one of the most esteemed news magazines on American television”.

More about Bush Radio’s Foreign Internship Programme.

25 Years and Beyond

At 2pm on the 9 August, 2020, Bush Radio marks the 25th anniversary of broadcasting with a license from the broadcast authority.

Read: Bush Radio, Africa’s oldest community radio station project

9 August 1995 – South Africa’s first National Women’s Day – was chosen because we wanted to honour all the women who had been instrumental in giving rise to the community radio sector and establishing Bush Radio, in particular.

Listen to an audio documentary on Bush Radio and community radio

This year COVID19 has proven the importance of community media in helping the fight against the pandemic, by being a vital source of information and supporting the communities we serve through our programming.

Our events to celebrate 25 years of broadcasting were put on hold, but now we have an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve and look towards the next – dare we say it – quarter of a century!

READ: Radio, community and identity in #SouthAfrica: A rhizomatic study of Bush Radio in Cape Town – By Dr Tanja Bosch

During the pandemic, we can be together via 89.5FM and stream on http://www.bushradio.co.za

The Struggle to launch community radio – Partial Eclipse

Thank you for your support, and keep safe.

SUPPORT OUR WORK

Basic protective measures against the Novel #Coronavirus – click here

Official websites for accurate information regarding COVID19:

COVID-19 Corona Virus South African Resource Portal

Regulations and Guidelines – Coronavirus Covid-19

World Health Organisation

Western Cape Government Health Department

Celebrate #AfricaDay with the Mother of Community Radio in Africa – #BushRadio (Images to download and share)

Africa Day on the 25th May is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union in 1963.

Join us as we celebrate all that makes us African. As Africa’s oldest community radio station project, this day has a special significance to us.

Below are graphics you can use on social media.

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On your phone click on the image and sa. On a computer right-click and save as

The video clip above features an amended extract from the, “I am an African” speech by Thabo Mbeki at the adoption of the RSA Constitution Bill, 8 May 1996 and was made by our trainees a few years ago.

Basic protective measures against the Novel #Coronavirus – click here

Official websites for accurate information regarding COVID19:

COVID-19 Corona Virus South African Resource Portal

Regulations and Guidelines – Coronavirus Covid-19

World Health Organisation

Western Cape Government Health Department

A call for journalism without fear or favour – World Press Freedom Day 2020

World Press Freedom day (3 May) is a date which celebrates the principles of press freedom, to evaluate and defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of UNESCO’s General Conference in 1991. This in turn was a response to a call by African journalists who in 1991 produced the Windhoek Declaration on media pluralism and independence.

· Support independent journalism so that media workers can report without fear or favour. Newsrooms should be free to make independent editorial decisions that favour public interest and preserve accountability.

· A free and independent press is essential at all times, but is particularly important during a health crisis such as the one we are currently experiencing. At a time when many seek information primarily online, the role of professional journalists, whom are trained to help sort through the flow and provide necessary guidance, is vital.

· No crisis can be resolved without accurate and reliable information. At all levels, from governments to individuals, the decisions we make can be a matter of life and death and must be based on facts and science.

· It is only through joint multilateral coordination that these crucial issues can successfully be addressed, and we are deeply committed to this global effort.

· It is also important to help the media and journalists report on the crisis effectively and safely, and to promote critical thinking to limit the spread of rumors and misinformation.

· On World Press Freedom Day, on 3 May, UNESCO calls on governments, media and civil society to join us in a global online movement to draw the world’s attention to these issues which are essential to the survival of our democracies. Together, we will ensure that our response to the crisis is effective. This unprecedented health crisis has the potential to rebuild citizens’ trust in the media.

Text: UNESCO

How you can keep Bush Radio’s work moving. CLICK HERE

Related:

Basic protective measures against the Novel #Coronavirus – click here

Official websites for accurate information regarding COVID19:

COVID-19 Corona Virus South African Resource Portal

Regulations and Guidelines – Coronavirus Covid-19

World Health Organisation

Western Cape Government Health Department

Ministers indifferent to the plight of the community radio sector

The National Community Radio Forum issued a press statement after their meeting with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) yesterday.

The meeting was held to discuss the current crises with regards to the planned closure of certain community radio stations by the broadcasting authority.

READ NCRF STATEMENT 7 November 2019 – Ministers indifferent to the plight of the #communityradio sector

Again Bush Radio is very concerned about these developments and we believe that a closure of one station is worrying. We call upon all parties involved to look for an amicable solution for the continued survival and growth of the community radio sector.

We also encourage communities, individuals, organisations and businesses to support their community radio stations.

Related:

Community Media demands to be heard

Keep your voice alive

Don’t just like what you hear.

The end of revolutionary radio in South Africa?

Don’t just like what you hear.

Have you received airtime on Bush Radio?

Have you received training at the station?

Have we promoted your song, organisation, issue or start-up?

Please consider making a contribution to the continued running of Africa’s oldest, volunteer driven, not-for-profit community radio station.

Check out: https://www.givengain.com/cc/bushradio/

Spread the word so that we can keep doing what we do by being of service.

For more information visit: www.bushradio.wordpress.com

Or visit www.bushradio.co.za to listen online and find links to our social media pages.

Find out more about the work of Bush Radio and the struggles of community media visit these articles:

allAfrica.com

Mail and Guardian