A few weeks ago, Bush Radio Managing Director Brenda Leonard and Programme Integrator Adrian Louw were nominated for the esteemed Nat Nakasa Award – and it’s just been announced that they made the 2018 shortlist!
The award is named after South African journalist Nat Nakasa, and is given to individuals who show exceptional integrity and courage in their work.
Nakasa embodied fearless journalism at a time – the 1960s – when media was anything but free. During a period when black voices were rarely printed or heard in the news, Nakasa was one of the most important and influential anti-apartheid reporters.
SANEF says that those who are nominated must have “shown integrity and reported fearlessly and tenaciously striven to maintain a publication or other medium despite insurmountable obstacles”, as well as resisted censorship and displayed commitment to serving the South African people. She began working at Bush Radio in 1993 and says that the biggest accomplishment of her career is ensuring that Bush Radio is on air and legal at all times.
Nat Nakasa was often called a brave journalist, and Leonard says South Africa still needs people like this, even in the post-apartheid era, because journalists can expose corruption and educate.
“Even when there were threats to our sustainability, Bush Radio is important historically and currently influential,” Leonard said.
She said that Bush Radio has shaped the establishment and legislation of the Media Development Diversity Agency, which was created by an Act of Parliament to help disadvantaged communities who lack access to media.
Louw says, while Brenda Leonard keeps the organization running, he is responsible for programming, staffing, and mentoring.
He says his favorite part of the job is creating a safe space for young people to develop and become courageous journalists.
“The experience people have here changes lives and that’s the joy of being a part of an organization like Bush Radio,” Louw said.
He said that through his career, he has witnessed Bush Radio at the forefront of developing and defending the community sector of radio in the country. He said he considers Bush Radio one of the last “truly independent voices for the community”.
“I think we create hope in people about what’s possible,” Louw said. “We only rise when the lowest of us rise, and Bush Radio has and always will rise with the people we serve in the community. This is my small contribution to making South Africa better.”
The winner of the Nat Nakasa Award will be announced on Saturday, June 23 at Randlords in Braamfontein, Johannesburg*.
* Brenda and Adrian have asked a former Bush Radio staff member (now based in Johannesburg) to represent the station at the awards dinner.
Cape Town has lost another jazz legend. Ronnie Green passed away on the 15th April 2018.
Ronnie was a former volunteer presenter on Bush Radio and was a giant in the Cape Town jazz music scene as the host of Ronnie Green’s Jazz Scene which he ran from his home. It was a place where many received an education and appreciation for the music he loved.
Ronnie chatting to Sathima Bea Benjamin at Bush Radio
Mr Green, as he was affectionately called at Bush Radio was born on the 16th March 1939 and was introduced to the station by our former MD, Zane Ibrahim.
Our condolences to all who knew Mr Green, especially his family and friends. Ronnie, you made the world a better place.
Ronnie with Archie Schepp broadcasting from the Cape Town International Jazz Festival
We were very sorry to hear that Bronwyn van Graan passed away suddenly on Saturday, March 31. Bush Radio would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Bronwyn.
Bronwyn was part of Bush Radio for many years and participated in various projects at the station; from Alkemy (Alternative Learning Curriculum Mentoring Youth), radio drama projects, HIV HOP and the Bush Radio / Canada World Youth Exchange.
She also served as a host and producer for Sakhisizwe and was featured several times at the station for both her award-winning acting and social activism. Rest well Bronwyn.
Bush Radio is giving you and your partner the chance to attend both days of the 2018 Cape Town International Jazz Festival happening at the CTICC on the 23rd and 24th of March.
We are giving away a set of double passes to 2 lucky listeners.
To enter this lucky draw SMS the keyword: JAZZ + your name and surname to 32158. (You will receive a sms confirming your entry)
Each double weekend pass is valued at over R2500.
The SMS line will close at 10am on Friday 23 March and the winners will be announced after 11am during the Morning Cruise. * You will need to collect your tickets by 2pm Friday if you are a winner with positive identification.*
Enter as often as you like to improve your chances.
13 February 2018 is World Radio Day– a day to celebrate radio as a medium: to improve international cooperation between broadcasters; and to encourage major networks and community radio alike to promote access to information, freedom of expression and gender equality over the airwaves.
Radio is the mass media reaching the widest audience in the world. It is also recognised as a powerful communication tool and a low cost medium
Tonight at 8pm on Connected 2 Jazz on Bush Radio 89.5FM we celebrate another centenary: that of innovative trumpeter and bandleader Dizzy Gillespie, who, with Monk, Charlie Parker and a few others, was responsible for introducing bebop into jazz.
Thelonious Sphere Monk was born 100 years ago today. This bebop pioneer, who wrote some of the most memorable compositions in jazz, was a true original – as a person, as a pianist, as a composer.
In CONNECTED 2 JAZZ on Bush Radio 89.5fm tonight (Tuesday, 10 October 2017) at 8pm, Nigel Vermaas will profile this great musician.
Bush Radio has places available in its newsroom for volunteer recruits. Read the post below carefully!– Deadline: Wednesday, 20 September 2017
Are you:
Curious, adventurous, always looking for a story, willing to hunt down a source, energetic?
Able to speak, write and read in English & Afrikaans/Xhosa, willing to explore new frontiers in media? From the Cape Flats? Willing to learn and work hard?
Would you like to:
Record sound, conduct interviews, compile bulletins, read bulletins, take pictures, record video, cover events, test your skills LIVE to a listening and online audience of over 375 000 people, build your career and profile?
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)
You will be required full-time and to work shifts (06h00 – 14h00 and 10h00-18h00 -including weekend and public holiday shifts.)
You will not receive payment! This is a volunteer internship at Africa’s leading community radio station. Transport allowance of R 1000 only – non negotiable
This is a full-time contract position (1 year contract after 6 months’ probation) – NB: Students SHOULD NOT apply.
She began working at Bush Radio in 1993 and says that the biggest accomplishment of her career is ensuring that Bush Radio is on air and legal at all times.
We were very sorry to hear that Bronwyn van Graan passed away suddenly on Saturday, March 31. Bush Radio would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Bronwyn.
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