Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has welcomed the upgrading of broadcasting facilities at Star FM 102.9, saying it is a reflection of government’s commitment to strengthen community media.
“This investment reflects government's continued commitment to strengthening community media as an essential pillar of our democracy and ensuring that every community has access to reliable, diverse and locally relevant sources of information,” the Deputy Minister said on Friday.
He said the radio station is an important platform for communities.
This was as he, together with the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), officially handed over Star FM’s newly digitised broadcast studio in Klerksdorp, in the North West province.
Broadcasting from Klerksdorp, the community radio station serves listeners across the province in multiple languages, providing a platform for local news, community dialogue and development-focused programming.
He said the diversity of the North West province is one of its strengths, as Star FM reflects this in its multilingual programming. The station broadcasts in languages including isiXhosa, Setswana, English and Afrikaans.
“While we celebrate the completion of the upgraded facility, we are reinforcing a platform that promotes diversity, dialogue and strengthens democratic participation and ensures that local voices for our communities continue to share the conversations that matter most,” he said.
He explained that the occasion was significant as the country commemorates Women’s Month. South Africa will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings on Sunday.
Morolong said the women who marched in 1956 remind the nation of the courage of women.
“Their courage is one of the defining moments in our democratic journey. Their call for justice, dignity and equality continues to inspire our efforts to build a society where every voice is heard,” he said.
The Deputy Minister referred to other anniversaries the country is commemorating this year, namely 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution; 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprising; 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March and 60 years since the forced removals in District Six.
Speaking at the provincial launch of the Milestones of Freedom campaign at the uMfolozi TVET College in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, the Deputy Minister said the provincial leg of the campaign forms part of the wider rollout of the Milestones of Freedom campaign, which was launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June this year. -SAnews.gov.za
