In a move to empower local businesses in the Ekurhuleni region, the Ekurhuleni Peermont Chambers of Commerce Trust (EPCoCT) granted EKasi FM 103.6 (EKFM 103.6) over R300 000 to migrate from analogue to digital broadcast.
The exact amount funded was R339 891, which will contribute to the use of more specialised studio equipment and parts.
The station employs 40 people who are learning the trade and broadcasting to the greater Ekurhuleni region.
“EKFM approached the Trust with a very compelling business plan for the Trust to get involved in helping the station by sponsoring much-needed equipment,” said Makomane Ntabo, trust administrator at Peermont.
“It was and continues to be our absolute privilege and pleasure to be able to help members of the local communities we operate within through financial investment, support, advice and encouragement.”
EKFM 103.6 is a 24-hour station based at Faranani Multi-Purpose Centre in Tsakane.
The community radio station serves not only Tsakane but also areas like Springs, Duduza, Kwa-Thema, Brakpan, Geluksdal, Benoni and
Daveyton, broadcasting in major languages most prevalent in the catchment areas, such as isiZulu, isiXhosa, isiSotho and English.
EKFM 103.6 prioritises information, education, entertainment and development of the previously disadvantaged communities by empowering them with knowledge and opportunities.
Velly Nxumalo, the station manager at EKFM 103.6, said: “The migration from analogue to digital broadcasting will help the station to increase its listenership and revenue.
“The new equipment will enable the station to reach the entire geographic area our station targets, unlike as the old equipment which was of inferior quality, resulting in poor transmission.”
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