Will this R70m radio upgrade change North West news?
KLERKSDORP — Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has officially unveiled upgraded broadcasting facilities at Star FM 102.9, signaling a significant investment in the community media sector. The handover of the newly digitised broadcast studio in Klerksdorp, North West, was conducted alongside the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) on Friday.
According to Morolong, the investment reflects a continued government commitment to strengthening community media as an essential pillar of democracy. The Deputy Minister emphasized that the upgrade ensures communities have access to reliable and locally relevant information. Star FM serves a wide listener base across the province, offering multilingual programming in isiXhosa, Setswana, English, and Afrikaans.
The timing of the studio handover coincides with South Africa’s commemoration of Women’s Month. Morolong noted the significance of the event as the country prepares to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March. He stated that the courage of the women who marched to the Union Buildings remains a defining moment in the nation’s democratic journey and inspires efforts to ensure every voice is heard.
This facility upgrade is part of a broader government strategy to promote diversity and dialogue. By reinforcing platforms like Star FM, the state aims to strengthen democratic participation and provide a space for development focused programming. The station acts as a critical hub for local news and community dialogue within the North West province.
The initiative also aligns with the Milestones of Freedom campaign, which was recently launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa. This campaign highlights several historic anniversaries this year, including the 30th anniversary of the Constitution and the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Youth Uprising. The Deputy Minister highlighted that these milestones serve as a reminder of the country’s progress toward justice and equality.
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