Community radio station Radio Thohoyandou has spread its wings. For an hour every weekday, the station now broadcasts live on GauTV, DStv Channel 265.
GauTV is owned by well-known theologian, businessman and former musician Dr Tuwani Victor Phume.
According to the station's manager, Mpho Beatrix Makosholo — better known as Zazi — negotiations began some time ago. Dr Phume always had a vision of connecting Radio Thohoyandou with GauTV.
"Ever since I became the station manager, I have been hard at work and helped him to make his vision a reality. It feels good to be the first station manager to actually pull something like this off. As a young woman in the media industry, it is a dream come true," she said.
She added that expanding Radio Thohoyandou's reach to include DStv was a major achievement. "It can only be good. Hard work really does pay. God is showing off His grace and I am really living my dream, and more is still in the pipeline," she said.
Dr Phume, who also owns Zallywood, is upbeat about the partnership. "Radio Thohoyandou 91.7 will broadcast for one hour on GauTV in order to highlight some of the province's events and programmes. As the administration at GauTV we have taken the initiative to supply TV broadcasting equipment and also train Radio Thohoyandou's staff in its use," he said.
The station airs live on weekdays from 19:00 to 20:00. The broadcasts started on 11 May.