The role of radio in disseminating information that empowers communities remains ever important to the country's ongoing project of strengthening democracy and promoting social cohesion, says Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong.
Morolong on Friday handed over a new broadcasting studio equipment to Rainbow FM in the West Rand of Johannesburg.
The new studio equipment, valued at R2.15 million, was approved by the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) to help strengthen the station’s broadcasting infrastructure and enhance its ability to serve communities.
“Today, we are not simply handing over a new studio but rather strengthening a powerful voice in our community. This is an investment in the power of community media to inform, inspire, educate and unite people,” Morolong said.
Also known as the “Voice of Hope", Rainbow FM serves communities across the West Rand, including Roodepoort, Randfontein, Krugersdorp, Kagiso and Ennerdale.
The station broadcasts in English, isiZulu, Afrikaans, Tshivenda, Sesotho and Sepedi, reaching a diverse audience and ensuring that communities can share their experiences and stories in their own languages.
Morolong welcomed the station’s use of online streaming and podcasts to extend its reach beyond its traditional broadcast area.
As a religious community radio station, Rainbow FM also contributes to the spiritual wellbeing of its listeners, promotes positive values and strengthens the moral fibre of society.
“At a time when communities are confronting challenges such as substance abuse, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), crime and fragmented family structures ... institutions that promote positive values become increasingly important. The fight against these social ills cannot be won by government and law enforcement agencies alone,” he said.
Morolong emphasised that addressing these challenges requires a collective effort involving homes, schools, places of worship and community spaces.
“Community radio stations, such as Rainbow FM, help shape attitudes and behaviours by promoting values of integrity, compassion, responsibility and service to others.”
Morolong said community radio plays a significant role in connecting people, ensuring that communities are informed and heard, and provides platforms for dialogue and accountability.
“Community radio helps government forge conduits through which local stories are told by local voices. Community radio provides access to information in formats and languages that resonate with the communities they serve.”
Morolong said community media has grown into a vital platform for diversity, participation and inclusion since the advent of democracy in 1994, contributing to social cohesion and nation building.
Promoting active citizenry
With South Africa preparing for the Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026, Morolong called on Rainbow FM to use its platforms to encourage voter education and participation, particularly among young people.
“As we approach the Local Government Elections, community radio has the power to turn information into participation and voices into action.
“Through the microphone, Rainbow FM can take voter education into homes, taxis, workplaces and communities, helping people understand how local government affects their daily lives and why their vote matters. We must make a special appeal to our young people that their future is on the ballot,” the Deputy Minister said.
He encouraged the station to engage young people through interactive programmes, interviews with young leaders and initiatives aimed at mobilising eligible first-time voters.
“Let us use the airwaves to remind young people that democracy is not a spectator sport. It requires their voices, their choices and their votes.”
Morolong urged the station to help ensure that eligible voters are informed and encouraged to participate in the elections.
Government support for community media
The Deputy Minister said the handover demonstrates government's continued commitment, in partnership with the MDDA, to strengthening community media across South Africa.
Government has invested in funding, training, infrastructure and capacity building to help community media organisations operate sustainably and effectively.
The MDDA has played an important role in advancing media development, particularly in underserved communities.
The R2.15 million investment builds on the longstanding partnership between the agency and Rainbow FM, which received support in 2018 and again in 2024 through the current funding programme.
Morolong said the new facility represents more than an infrastructure upgrade, providing a platform for community expression, talent development and engagement.
“A modern studio is more than bricks, cables and equipment. It is a platform for community expression. It is a place where ideas are shared, faith is strengthened, talent is nurtured and communities find their voice.”
Rainbow FM reaches an estimated audience of more than 100 000 listeners, giving the station an opportunity to inform, uplift and empower communities through its programming.
Morolong encouraged listeners, volunteers, local organisations, faith-based institutions and community leaders to support the station's continued growth.
Also speaking at the same event, MDDA Board member Jayshree Pather said the handing over of the equipment is a proud milestone for the radio.
“The new facilities will strengthen the station to perform its duties. Our mandate is very important, and that is to communicate to the public through radio.”
Pather said the station provides a platform for communication for communities to express themselves.
“As the MDDA, we will continue to support community radio, as this is the most important tool that gets people together and informed.”
Local ward councillor Caled Finn said he has spent many years working with the station.
“I am happy to see progress and development at the station. The development is incredible, as this enables the station to serve its people better.”
Finn thanked government and the MDDA for supporting and guiding the station.
Rainbow FM broadcasts to the Gauteng area on the frequency 90.7 FM and live streams worldwide through its website. – SAnews.gov.za
