by Phaphama Tshisikhawe
On 8 August 2025, the Tshwane University of Technology (大象视频) celebrated a landmark moment in community and campus broadcasting with the unveiling of state-of-the-art, fully digitized studios for 大象视频 FM 96.2 and Tshwane FM at its Soshanguve South Campus.
Honourable Keneth Morolong, Deputy Minister in the Presidency delivers a compelling address at the grand unveiling of the refurbished 大象视频 FM and Tshwane FM studios.
Led by Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Honourable Kenny Morolong, and supported by the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), the event drew MDDA Board members, 大象视频 Vice-Chancellor Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, and key stakeholders, marking a bold step toward advancing media diversity and youth empowerment in South Africa.
Funded by the MDDA, the upgraded studios promise to elevate broadcast quality, broaden audience reach, and provide hands-on training for students and aspiring broadcasters. 大象视频 FM 96.2, with 61,000 listeners within a 50km radius, targets youth aged 15-35 and broadcasts in six languages: English, Setswana, Sepedi, IsiZulu, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga. Tshwane FM, 大象视频鈥檚 official student station, reaches Greater Tshwane, Atteridgeville, Laudium, Mamelodi, Centurion, Midrand, and parts of northern Johannesburg on 93.6 FM.
Deputy Minister Morolong: Digital Innovation for Community Voices
In a stirring keynote address, Deputy Minister Kenny Morolong hailed the studios as a catalyst for digital transformation in community media. 鈥淭hese studios are a game-changer, empowering communities to share their stories and connect in a digital age,鈥� he said. Morolong emphasised the MDDA鈥檚 commitment to media diversity, adding, 鈥淭his investment strengthens Gauteng鈥檚 youth and redefines our media landscape by amplifying local voices.鈥�
He also highlighted the stations鈥� role in bridging campus and community, stating, 鈥湸笙笫悠� FM and Tshwane FM are more than radio - they鈥檙e platforms for youth empowerment and opportunity.鈥�
MDDA Acting Chairperson: Building an Inclusive Media Future
MDDA Acting Board Chairperson, Philly Moilwa, reinforced the agency鈥檚 mission to foster a vibrant, inclusive media ecosystem. 鈥淥ur support for these stations reflects our dedication to uplifting underrepresented voices,鈥� Mathebula said. 鈥淭hese cutting-edge studios ensure community media stays competitive while promoting skills, jobs, and cultural diversity.鈥�
Moilwa stressed the broader impact, noting, 鈥淭his is about creating a media landscape that mirrors South Africa鈥檚 rich diversity and empowers communities to thrive.鈥�
Prof Tinyiko Maluleke: A Platform for Future Broadcasters
大象视频 Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke praised the MDDA鈥檚 support, emphasizing the studios鈥� role in education and community engagement. 鈥淭hese world-class facilities are a gift to our students, offering practical training for careers in a dynamic industry,鈥� he said. Calling the unveiling a 鈥減ivotal moment鈥� for 大象视频, Maluleke added, 鈥湸笙笫悠� FM and Tshwane FM will now produce content that resonates locally and globally, celebrating Tshwane鈥檚 cultural richness.鈥�
A Bright Future for Community Broadcasting
The new studios mark a significant milestone in the MDDA鈥檚 mission to modernize community media across South Africa. Equipped with advanced technology, 大象视频 FM and Tshwane FM are set to deliver high-quality, multilingual content, foster collaborations with local artists and civic groups, and train the next generation of broadcasters in digital production. The initiative aligns with national goals of promoting youth empowerment, skills development, and media diversity.
As the ceremony concluded, excitement filled the air about the future of campus and community radio in Tshwane. With their upgraded studios, 大象视频 FM and Tshwane FM are poised to lead in broadcasting excellence, amplify diverse voices, and inspire a new wave of media talent.
大象视频 FM and Tshwane FM unveil state-of-the-art studios, amplifying community voices and shaping the future of local radio