The residents of Bungeni Xitachi village woke up to the sad news on Sunday (14 May) that the building that hosted their local radio station, Hlanganani FM, had been burnt down by unknown individuals.
The community radio station ceased operations five years ago because of non-compliance with ICASA legislation, causing them to lose their license.
The latest incident took place just as the community members were eagerly anticipating the reopening of the radio station. The community had previously dismissed the board members of the station and appointed two leaders from the local traditional council to handle the license-renewal process in 2020.
According to a reliable source interviewed by Limpopo Mirror, the attack on the radio station's offices has left the community feeling hopeless. "The incident was preceded by two gunshots [by the perpetrators, before they set the station on fire]. As community members, we deeply feel the loss of the radio station, as it was our only local station and we had been eagerly awaiting its return," she said.
The chairperson of the Bungeni royal council, Mr Makhayisani Mabunda, expressed his disappointment, highlighting the radio station's importance as a vital source of information and communication for the community. "We received a call from the local headman and discovered that the fire was uncontrollable, resulting in nothing being left. Prior to the fire, the station had already been vandalised, prompting us to salvage some of the remaining equipment," Mabunda said.
Mr Vicky Muvhali, the chairperson of the Njhakanjhaka traditional council, referred to their efforts to renew the license in 2020 and the subsequent request to reapply. "We reapplied last in 2021, and our application was acknowledged. We were awaiting the gazetting of the license, as our application had been recognised," Muvhali said. He said that they had no idea as to why the building was set alight and what the motive behind it might be.
The Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba confirmed the arson attack. "The officers attended to the scene and the fire fighters were summoned and arrived and extinguished the fire. Several items, including furniture, were gutted. No arrests were made so far," Ledwaba said.
The police are investigating the incident. Anyone with information can contact the branch commander, Capt. Marivate, on the number 082 468 8673 or their nearest police station.