Elim Community FM on its way back

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Elim Community FM, once a cherished radio station, made its return to the airwaves on Monday, 19 February, as an online broadcaster. The station is now expected to broadcast 24 hours per day, seven days a week. While the main studio is set to open at Elim, the station’s operations will be based at the studio in Nwaxinyamani until this process is completed.

The break was attributed to the station’s non-compliance with regulations set by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). Mr. Innocent Maringa, the station manager, told Limpopo Mirror that despite initially opening in July 2021, unforeseen challenges led to its temporary closure in May 2022. “ICASA is still processing our application, but we have obtained the Sentech letters and map coverages, enabling us to reopen. The station patiently waited for the necessary approvals and clearances during this time,” he said.

Maringa outlined the expected shows for listeners, including “The Morning Experience” from 09:00 to 12:00, “Rivoningo” from 12:00 to 13:30, and “Zwa Marhamani” or “Itale Marhameni” from 13:30 to 15:00. According to Maringa, the mission of the Elim Radio Project is to build participatory radio as a tool to promote social justice and to serve as a voice for community expression.

By: Thembi Siaga

Thembi Siaga started as an intern during 2021. He assisted with video photography and editing. He also produced numerous small documentaries, focusing on the Vhembe region and its people. Currently he works as a freelance journalist, covering stories in the Elim area.

Thembi studied at the Tshwane University of Technology, where he completed his diploma in Journalism in 2021.