Another milestone for Estcourt’s Ukhahlamba Community Radio 89.9FM

Ukhahlamba Community Radio 89.9FM is now official. Finally after more than two years of waiting, the members of the board of directors are celebrating yet another achievement of obtaining the long awaited Class Broadcasting Service Licence and Sound Broadcasting Licence. This licence allows the formal establishment of a radio station in Estcourt.

Broadcasting is permitted to within a 100 kilometer radius for the communities of Umtshezi and Imbabazane municipalities, and will be the ONLY one permitted by ICASA in the vicinity.
This has been regarded as great news considering this will be a first for Umtshezi and surrounding communities.
The road has been long and challenging and it all started five years ago.

Background
The road began in 2009 with the establishment of Uncedo Community Organisation, which is a fully fledged and accredited Non-Profit Organisation (NPO).
Ukhahlamba Community Radio 89.9FM is an entity of this NPO and is governed within the auspices of this organisation. The core priorities of Ukhahlamba Community Radio 89.9FM are within the context of a NPO.
They are to create an amicable and conducive environment to nurture and grow our community.

The intention is to address socio-economic challenges and issues faced by our communities through outreach and beneficiary programmes and the now available radio broadcasting medium.
These will include community based initiatives that identify economic diversities, youth development, skills upgrade, educational advancement, unemployment alleviation, health awareness and treatment, drug and substance abuse, crime prevention, political diversities, religious diversity consciousness and engagement, gender equality, challenges faced by people with disabilities programs as well as special talent identification.

This will be addressed through this medium.
Ukhahlamba Community Radio 89.9FM is now proceeding with the next phase, which is obtaining financial assistance and funding through donors and carrying out the intended objectives.
The road going forward will not be easy however, the members are determined, motivated and focused in making a success of this project.
The broadcasting station is intended to be operational and broadcasting by January 2015. Willing donors or funders are kindly welcome to contribute to the success of Ukhahlamba Community Radio 89.9FM.

An official consultation and community liaison session will be presented in the near future to inform stakeholders as well as to promote the views and ideas of the community.
Members of the community are invited to enquire and interest themselves with the project, as many opportunities and prospects are anticipated for the community at large from the project.
Community members and the corporate sector are also encouraged to engage dialogue towards this project to enable a content that will target and address their issues and challenges within the boundaries of Umtshezi and Imbabazane municipalities.

Ukhahlamba Community Radio 89.9FM would further like to convey thanks and appreciation to all of the businesses, organisations and individuals who have given their continuous and open support.
For any enquiries or contributions in regard to the project or should you wish to arrange a meeting with Ukhahlamba Community Radio 89.9FM please consult with the following members of the board of directors: Board Chairperson Mr. S Khanyeza 081 014 0652/ 061 014 0298 or Board Secretary Mr. V Mhlanga 072 135 7928 / 073 406 5262.