Since launching its own online radio early this year Mfuleni will never be the same again.
The Mfuleni Online Radio Station, situated in Klipfontein Road, was launched on Saturday 25 January to entertain and educate people from Mfuleni and its surrounds.
Co-founder Sicelo Mpemba described its establishment as being long overdue, a dream come true, a way to change the perception people have of the area.
“Mfuleni has many people with brilliant ideas that we need to implement. It’s also a way to reclaim our community, by changing its outlook and wresting it from criminals. This online radio is a new platform to unveil the new talent in the community.”
He said there was more to come, with a view to moving from online radio to a community radio station at some point.
Mpemba said a registration process was underway with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa). Also a radio presenter at Radio Eerste River, he said the Mfuleni station had at least 45 volunteers, including presenters and news reporters.
“We don’t have funds. We appeal to anyone to support us. The reporters we have don’t even get a stipend. They work because they have a passion. Our programmes are strictly local, our news community-driven. Local is lekker.”
He said the radio depends on the community to grow.
“We’re working with community stakeholders such as neighbourhood watches, for security.”