As South Africans commemorate the 68th anniversary of National Women’s Day on Friday, Africa’s oldest community radio station - Bush Radio - is celebrating its 29th year of broadcasting legally in a democratic South Africa.
At 14:00 on 9 August 2024, it will mark the time Bush Radio
89.5FM switched on with a license from the broadcasting authority. The first
person on air was volunteer news co-ordinator, Juanita Williams, who read the
first news bulletin followed by former station manager, Farah Moosa and a host
of guests from various organisations.
South Africa’s first National Women’s Day – was chosen
because the station wanted to honour all the women who had been instrumental in
giving rise to the community radio sector and establishing Bush Radio, in
particular.
Bush Radio has been a beacon of independent, community-driven media. Through times of great change and challenge, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to elevating diverse voices, fostering open dialogue, and empowering the people of South Africa and beyond. It broadcasts shows and news in three languages: English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa, something the station prides itself on.
On weekdays, after the 10a.m news, the station plays John Lennon’s Imagine – symbolising that a better world is possible; A world of
peace, in our homes, in our communities and in our country.
On the 9th of August 2024 we celebrate a monumental milestone for #BushRadio - our 29th year of officially licensed broadcasting in the new democratic South Africa! pic.twitter.com/GXdHCR34EC
— Bush Radio 89.5 FM (@Bushradio) August 9, 2024
Bush Radio’s Managing Director, Brenda Leonard, reflects on
her journey at the station.
‘’I was in support of Bush Radio’s protest regarding their
license being taken away and that sparked my interest in the station. As an
activist, a year later Bush Radio was looking for an admin assistant and it
came through fax and then I applied and was accepted. After being at the
station for 5 years, I decided to study communications, as I initially wanted
to be a food technologist.’’
A former Bush Radio presenter, Evann Wessels, says the station made him fall in love for radio.
''They [Bush Radio] have been giving people like me the chance to be myself on air and do things my own way. Long live Bush Radio and thank you for giving The Dankish the airtime to grow and help others grow too. We salute you, the Mother of Community Radio Stations in Africa.''
Bush Radio board chairperson, Lunga Goza, wished the station well.
‘’The country is celebrating 30 years of democracy,
meanwhile your favourite radio station, Bush Radio, is celebrating 29 years of
legal broadcasting, we wish to thank the loyal listeners for keeping the
station going and we wish Bush Radio for the next coming years. Happy Birthday
Bush Radio 89.5FM.’’
Done By: Mitchum George
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