Help keep us on air

The signage that greets you on arrival at the Bush Radio offices

Dear Friend,

For more than two decades Bush Radio has been at the forefront of broadcasting in South Africa, playing an integral part in the development and advancement of both the industry and individuals in the local broadcasting landscape.

Over the past three years, however, this pioneering radio station and training centre has been hit hard by the current economic climate, recently resulting in Bush Radio having to re-evaluate its operations in order to remain sustainable and influential in this fast-changing and exciting environment.

From campaigning against the apartheid government for a free and independent broadcasting authority, to being present on Cape Town’s Grand Parade when Nelson Mandela addressed the nation as a free man, Bush Radio has played an indelible part in the shaping of the history of the new South Africa.

Tragically, this institution and symbol of media freedom is teetering on the brink of closure unless it can find a substantial amount of cash to cover rent, transmission and other running costs.

Watch a video clip of some of the training done at Bush Radio (click here):

Our landlord has given us until the 31 August to come with a tangible proposal, and we have decided to use this time to try and raise this money. The total cost we are trying to raise is R300,000 = Euro 30,000 = US $ 43,000.

Bush Radio provides a valuable, relevant and much-needed service in the communities of the Western Cape. Our legacy of assisting and being supported by communities all around the Cape is extensively documented, and due to our role as the pioneer of community radio in South Africa, we feel that our work is not yet done.

Bush Radio provides broadcast training to individuals, radio stations and media institutions in Africa, with a special focus in all the countries of Southern Africa. Bush Radio also has partnerships with organisations such as Public Achievement in Northern Island, which focuses on youth development and civic participation.

We hereby request you to assist us in this fundraising venture by making a donation, requesting your friends and colleagues to make a donation, or asking your company to make a donation.

All donations, irrespective of size, are welcome.

Donations can be paid directly into Bush Radio’s bank accounts and the details are:

Name of Account : Bush Radio
Name of bank : Standard Bank
Branch name : Mowbray
Branch code : 02-4909
Account number : 07 122 0194
Swift code (for foreign transfers): SBZA ZA JJ
Address: 37 – 39 Main Road, Mowbray, South Africa, 7705

For more information, contact Brenda Leonard or Sharon Salies or Adrian Louw on  +27 21 – 448 5450.

Related:

* Bush Radio urgently needs financial support

* Watch the Richard Wicksteed documentary: Partial Eclipse – The Struggle to launch Community Radio

* Download our request letter

Training Opportunity: Western Cape Community Radio volunteers

 

Bush Radio, in partnership with the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA), is conducting a part-time course in radio journalism from January to April 2011.

We are inviting applicants from community radio sector in the Western Cape that have an interest in news and current affairs, to apply for this course.

The programme will achieve the following outcomes:

•     Recording sound in studio and from location

•     Collecting information for journalistic use

•     Interview for journalistic purposes

•     Presenting a journalistic story

•     Report for a variety of journalistic purposes

•     Operating studio equipment for production

DURATION OF COURSE:

The duration of the course will be 12 weeks (One and a half days a week), and sessions will be every Tuesday and Saturday.

VENUE: Bush Radio, 330 Victoria Road, Salt River, 7925

COST: No charge for tuition, training and materials as this training is sponsored by MAPPP-SETA. Successful candidates will pay a registration fee of R200.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION:

•     Candidates must have a Matric or Grade 12 Certificate

•     Must be unemployed volunteers for any Community radio station in the Western Cape

•     Must be computer literate

•     Must be available to attend an open day on the Thursday, 2 December 2010

•     If selected, must be available to attend compulsory induction programme from the 13 – 17 December 2010 (includes 16th December).

HOW TO APPLY?

In order for your application to be considered, all applications must include the following documents:

– completed application form (DOWNLOAD HERE)

– copy of your matric certificate

– a signed reference letter from the station indicating your involvement

E-mail your documents to: mother@bushradio.co.za or fax to: 021 – 448 5451

Please call 021 448 5450 to confirm that all your documents were received in good order.

DEADLINE:  Tuesday, 23rd November 2010

No late applications will be accepted. Limited place is available, so get in your application today!

For more information, contact Sharon Salies on 021 448 5450.

Music and laughs

***WATCH SELECTED VIDEO CLIPS OF THE EVENT – CLICK HERE***

While it seemed like the whole of South Africa was putting the final preparations together for the FIFA Soccer World Cup final – and a few warned us about the impact of hosting this event – Bush Radio was organising an evening of music and comedy for the Bush Radio / Vodacom Community Funny Festival.

Everyone was captivated by the performances

After weeks of careful planning, sound checks, rehearsals and running around it all came together on the evening of July 9 at the Joseph Stone Auditorium in Athlone.

Dyllan and Victor hosted the first part of the evening

Excited listeners and supporters arrived early to wait for the doors to open at 5pm.

Denisia kept things moving backstage

Shiraaz Ismail was tasked to head the Bush Radio team which included Denisia Adams, Victor Jay, Sive Msolo, Dyllan Canterbury, Brenda Leonard, Elroy Williams, Belinda Sepkit, Sharon Salies and Adrian Louw.

Great job guys!

Shaz & B encouraged the crowd to come with them

Byron Clarke asked the audience to imagine their Cape Town

We at Bush Radio would like to express our gratitude and thanks to the Stereotype Records family, especially Chad Saaiman and Byron Clarke, as well as SA/Canadian artist, Zaki Ibrahim, and local duo Shaz & B who all had the crowd begging for more. (CLICK HERE TO WATCH SELECTED CLIPS)

Chad Saaiman getting soulful

Zaki Ibrahim expressing her joy

Thanks also to the comedians Ndumiso Lindi, Zinzi Mangweni and Riaad Moosa who had the audience in stitches with their fantastic stand-up routines. (CLICK HERE TO WATCH SELECTED CLIPS)

Ndumiso Lindi was the host for the second half of the event

Zinzi Mangweni keeping it real

The doctor, Riaad Moosa prescribed lots of laughs

Our thanks also to Eddy Cassar and Parveen Dalvie – from Eddy Cassar PR – and Lucille Peter from Vodacom.

And most importantly, a very big and special thank you to the Bush Radio listeners and supporters who came out to enjoy this event with us.

Ndumiso Lindi getting some audience participation

We have heard your requests for more – and hope to satisfy them soon!