Zibonele FM will be back on air on Thursday 1 September after it was taken off the airwaves by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) nearly six weeks ago (“Radio Zibonele silenced as ICASA pulls them from the air” City Vision, 20 July).
The station was accused of failing to renew its broadcasting licence in nearly three years.
On Friday 19 August, the regulatory body released a statement saying the station has now been granted a chance to go live.
“This licence was granted for the Heritage Day celebrations and associated celebrations leading to and after Heritage Day. The SE-CSBS licence is non-renewable and is valid for 45 days, effective from 1 September – 16 October 2022,” reads the statement.
The station’s Special Events Community Sound Broadcasting Service licence allows Zibonele to broadcast between Thursday 1 September and Sunday 16 October.
“The station applied for two licences which is for a special event and five year licenses. Now the station is operating with the special licence which we will renew every 45 days till the five year licence is approved,” he explained.
Vellem said it is exciting and revives hope to the listeners.
The station’s Chief Executive Officer Mawande Jara tendered his resignation.