Johannesburg – The chairperson of the National Community Radio Forum (NCRF), Patrick Kikine, has applauded community radio stations for giving a public platform to matters of local interest and for keeping citizens informed.
Kikine was addressing the forum’s three-day policy conference in Benoni in the East Rand on Friday.
He welcomed government’s support for community radio stations, saying this would pave the way to their success and long-term sustainability.
Kikine said since the establishment of the NCRF more than 20 years ago, it has grown from strength to strength. The NCRF has about 120 community radio station projects in its membership, with about 75 of the stations on air and others to be licensed by the Independent Communications Authority of Africa (ICASA).
Community radio collectively has almost five million listeners in the most rural areas of the country covering all provinces.
Kikine, however, said most community radio stations still struggle with the issue of licences. He said he hopes that this will be resolved.
The NCRF, registered as a Section 21 Company not for gain, was formed in 1993 to lobby for the diversification of the airwaves in South Africa and to foster a dynamic broadcasting environment in the country.
Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) chairperson Phelisa Nkomo said South African media has made remarkable progress over the years in informing the public.
“We are of the view that community media has changed for the better.”
She said the MDDA is in full support of development and capacity building in media.
ICASA representative Maano Dzebu said their role is to ensure that radio stations comply with the regulations. He assured radio station representatives of ICASA’s support.
Communications Deputy Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams is expected to address the conference tomorrow. The conference is attended by community radio station representatives throughout the country. It will end on Sunday. – SAnews.gov.za
