The SABC-owned siSwati broadcasting station, Ligwalagwala FM, made some changes to its line-up, introducing automated programming for the graveyard shift.
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“We are repackaging the brand in line with operational cost containment measures to attain financial sustainability. The past year has been hard globally due to the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on businesses; the station is no exception, hence the basis for rationing some time channels and exploring automation for the first time. This will definitely not impact our on-air delivery; listeners can still rely on the station for credible content, news and everything entertainment,” said Thembi Madubandlela, Ligwalagwala FM’s acting station manager.
It has become the norm that radio reinvents itself continuously, hence the changes implemented in April every year. The shift to automation has necessitated an adjustment to the lengths on some shows (00:00-04:00 on weekdays and 00:00-05:00 on weekends).
“Listeners may, however, rest assured that daytime slots will retain their duration and show names,” added Madubandlela.
The station’s listeners can expect some changes to the programme line-up mainly on the midday and graveyard shows this year.
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In the pipeline is a couple of presenter shifts aimed at bringing some flair to the on-air offering of Mpumalanga’s leading radio station. Introduced changes will see Sweet Mike bidding farewell to the midday show (12:00-15:00) and heading to the Hit Parade on Saturdays from 07:00 to 09:00.
He will also continue doing what he does best; serenading audiences with soulful sounds every Sunday between 12:00 and 15:00. Hlengiwe Sindane, who has a long career in radio, will drive the midday show, with The Prince as her producer, and together they are tasked with bringing fresh and innovative content ideas to serve the needs and interests of consumers.
The station has had to release the midnight duo Afrotellus after a nine-year stint with the station. Ligwalagwala FM turns 39 on April 1, and according to Madubandlela interesting programming and on-air prizes will celebrate this landmark in the growth of the siSwati station.
