eKasi FM worth the long wait
Patience motivated by passion is when you wait 11 long years to see your vision come to fruition.
For Vincent Chauke, manager of the newly established community radio station, eKasi FM, based in this township, the long wait was worth it.
“It has been a long time coming. I remember when we started with preparations in 2009. We were a very large group who shared in the same common vision. Due to the challenges we faced along the way, many lost hope and resigned before this dream could be realised,” said Chauke.
Finance was a big challenge as it had no sponsors.
“Somehow we turned the corner. In 2014, we finally acquired a licence which allowed us to broadcast to the whole of the Ehlanzeni District. But still, there were challenges, such as lack of proper studio equipment. We remained hopeful and in 2018 the Media Development and Diversity Agency funded us with the studio equipment and running costs. Even then we were still not home free. We received the transmitter in 2019 from one of the generous businesswoman here in Matsulu,” said Chauke.
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After all the ups and downs, the radio station went live on air on May 11.
“It was not easy, but our vision finally came true. We have envisioned more as our aim is not to treat it as a community radio station but to be felt throughout the province and even beyond the borders,” said Chauke.
Chauke revealed that they still do not have sponsors in place, which creates a problem because they are forced to run the station using their own money.
“We are doing this out of love. Our presenters are not getting paid because we do not have the means, but believe me we would love to turn this station into a business and generate income so we can look after all our workers,” he continued.
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He said all the people volunteering at the station are from the Ehlanzeni District, with most in possession of tertiary qualifications and experienced in the broadcast field, while others just have raw talent.
The radio station hopes to broadcast short stories that educate and inform the community.
Chauke encouraged local artists to submit their music directly to the radio station at ekasifmmusic@gmail.com.
To tune in to the station, simply set the dial on 101.1 FM.
