The Minister in the Presidency Manto Tshabalala-Msimang
is expected to open the R1.2 million Moletsi FM community
radio station building in Limpopo.
During the opening, the minister is expected to address
the community and take questions from listeners and
anchors.
Chairman
of the radio station's board Tommy Ntsewa, said the
radio station was proud, not only to announce the
opening of its new building but also that it was generating
a monthly revenue of over R300 000.
"We
are eight years old this year and have come a long
way from the days when we used to rely on R5 contributions
from each village. Today, we are able to pay salaries
to the station presenters."
Mr
Ntsewa attributes the success of the community radio
station to commitment and sacrifices made by the board
and the staff.
He
said none of the 15 board members, including the chairperson,
receives any money from the revenue generated.
"We
do not even claim a cent for travelling or for food
while on board activities," Mr Ntsewa said.
The
R1.2 million building was made possible following
a R480 000 grant from the Media Development and Diversity
Agency (MDDA), which is situated in the Office of
the Presidency, as well as from other donors.
Traditional
leader for the Moletsi area, Kgoshi Kgabo Moloto III,
said the radio station plays an important role in
the community.
"The
community radio station plays an important role in
uniting us as a tribe. Apart from important messages
and notices, we also use this community radio to call
community meetings," he said.
According
to station manager Modjadji Mphela, 17 people are
responsible for broadcasting community news and entertainment
to almost all 118 villages in and outside Moletsi.
Twelve
of the staff are hired on a full-time basis, while
five are freelancers.
Mr
Mphela, who has been with the station since it went
on air in 1999, has worked in various positions, as
news reader, producer and presenter of the sports
show Todi ya dipapadi and was a marketing manager
before she was appointed station manager in January
this year. - BuaNews
