By Gerda Potgieter
KwaZulu-Natal Christian-based community radio station Radio Khwezi shone at the 2024 Telkom Radio Awards event on November 30 where it won the prestigious, national Community Radio Station Award for the second time.
In addition to scooping this award which honours exceptional and creative excellence in the South African radio industry, the station won the Community Project Award for its impactful Ikhwezi Lizakuwe programme which connects it more closely with its audiences.
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By adding a new outside broadcast van to its community services, the station has enhanced its ability to reach rural areas, fulfilling its community engagement mission. The team addresses relevant topics in collaboration with local businesses, NGOs, and government entities, creating exceptional opportunities for communities in disadvantaged areas.
The accolades didn’t stop there. Khwezi received an impressive 19 nominations at the awards ceremony, showcasing its dedication to excellence across various categories. Saziso Dlamini, won a well-deserved award for the Nighttime Show. Afternoon Drive presenter Thembelani Buthelezi received the News and Actuality Show Award for keeping the programme current and relevant to local community events. Phakamani Mkhwanazi, won the Station Manager’s Choice Award.
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Over the years, Khwezi has received numerous accolades and awards for the quality they bring to the industry. “Those awards are important to us because they provide us with a benchmark to help us stay on track and give our community our best,” says Daniel Wunderlich, station manager.
Khwezi, meaning “Morning Star” in isiZulu, was established in 1995. The station serves the north coast and the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and aims to educate, entertain, and empower its listeners. These achievements reaffirm the station’s vital role in promoting local voices and fostering a stronger sense of community through the power of radio broadcasts. The recognition highlights the station’s commitment to serving its community and sets a high standard for future endeavours.
The value of community radio lies in its ability to enhance the livelihoods of its community. It plays a significant role at the grassroots level in rural development, communicates with listeners in their own language, fosters a sense of community, and, most importantly, informs and uplifts its audience. Community radio not only keeps listeners updated on global events but also provides information that enables them to form informed opinions.
Khwezi lives up to its motto, “Changing lives, giving hope.” Its vision is to “uplift communities and improve their lives.” As one of South Africa’s most successful and largest rural community radio stations, it broadcasts to more than 100 000 listeners. Khwezi’s content is a unique local flavour of languages and culture, and its broadcasts represent high-quality regional, national, and international standards.
Station manager David Wunderlich highlights the success of their daily German program, which airs for an hour each afternoon and has garnered a strong following among the extended German community. Interestingly, they have discovered that members of their Zulu community also tune in, drawn primarily by the vibrant music featured in the show.
A notable initiative that exemplifies the station’s commitment to making a difference is the Listeners Club, which boasts over 7 000 registered members across 40 branches within the community. This club serves as a vital link between the station and local political officials, fostering dialogue about service delivery issues and other significant topics that impact the community. Through these interactions, the club has played a crucial role in educating residents and enhancing their understanding of local authorities’ functions and challenges. Additionally, the club organises annual meetings and year-end celebrations, creating a sense of unity among its members.
Beyond programming and community engagement, Radio Khwezi is dedicated to uplifting, informing, and educating its listeners. They provide accessible mentoring helplines, ensuring that support is readily available for anyone in need.
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