Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni accompanied by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency ,Ms Nomasonto Motaung, Members of the Executive Council in Mpumalanga and Media Development and Diversity Agency’s (MDDA) Board Chairperson Professor Hlengani Mathebula will on Tuesday 9 January 2024, lead the official unveiling of state-of-the-art studios at Kanyamazane FM in Mpumalanga.
The unveiling forms part of the MDDA’s ongoing work to support the development and diversity of community and small commercial media.
Community media forms a vital part of any society, as it ensures that communities are represented and reflected as part of a diverse nation. It engages people from different cultures and backgrounds, and through the use of indigenous languages advances dialogue and promotes participatory democracy.
The year 2024 marks 30 years of democracy in South Africa, and it is also an election year where citizens can exercise their democratic right to vote. The media, especially community media therefore plays a crucial role in providing access to relevant, reliable and timely information upon which citizens can make informed choices.
Kanyamazane community radio station was licensed by ICASA in 1998 to provide a community radio service to the community of Kanyamazane near Mbombela in Mpumalanga. The station has been operational for 26 years, and it is the first time it has been funded by the MDDA. The languages of broadcast are 65% siSwati, 15% IsiZulu, 15% English & 5% Township Lingo.
The unveiling of the brand-new broadcast studios for Kanyamazane FM signifies the MDDA’s mission to support the development of a vibrant, innovative, and people-centred community media sector.
Media is invited to the unveiling of the broadcast studios is scheduled as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 09 January 2024
Time: 08h00-12h00
Venue: Kanyamazane FM, 1214 Chris Hani drive office 3459
For more information and media queries:
Margaret Ndawonde
Tel: 082 785 6071
Email: margaret@mdda.org.za
MDDA Communications Unit
Sipho Mbele
Spokesperson: Minister in The Presidency
Tel. 0836253446
Bongo Nazo
Head: Deputy Minister in The Presidency
Tel. 082 185 6888
