Young people interested in pursuing a career in radio broadcasting will soon have an option to join an online radio station based in Lwamondo. The station will also serve as a training hub for broadcasters.
Punda Maria Channel R524 is the brainchild of Mvenda Wa Ha Ndou. The plan is to launch the station in mid-October this year. "It is operated by the Punda Maria Community Arts Youth and Disability Centre as part of a community-development project," said Ndou. The name "R524" is inspired by the R524 road that ends up in the Kruger National Park.
"The Vhembe District has no proper online community radio station, yet communities are yearning for online news," he said, adding that Channel R524 will be operating 24 hours a day.
Ndou's first encounter with the music industry was via a learnership under the Media, Advertising, Publishing, Printing and Packaging Sector Education and Training Authority. From 2006 to 2007, he worked at the NW Audio Visual company based in Thohoyandou. The following year (2008), Ndou established his own media company called Musengavhadzimu Media. Now he also wants to extend his experience to an online radio station.
Speaking to Limpopo Mirror, Ndou said, "I have noted that there are many community radio stations around Vhembe, but they do not offer training. Once we start in October, we will also offer training to those that we have engaged."
Punda Maria Channel R524 will offer a free seven-month training option that is accredited to the Media Information and Communication Technology Sector Education and Training Authority (Mict Seta).
Ndou added that he would engage other experienced professionals to assist in training his students.
Anyone interested in joining the team as news readers or show presenters should email mvenda@ymail.com or Whatsapp 082 590 2002 to schedule an appointment.