Pheli FM gets new equipment

Pheli FM

Pheli FM, a community radio station based in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria, has been a cornerstone of its local community for a decade. Deputy Minister Kenny Morolong lauded its longevity, describing it as a "beacon that has touched countless lives, offered hope and served as a trusted companion." The station's deep integration into the daily life of Atteridgeville is evident through its engagement with local schools, small businesses, community organizations, religious centers, and sports clubs. This sustained presence underscores its critical role in fostering local identity and providing a platform for community dialogue.

The station's commitment extends beyond mere broadcasting, actively collaborating with residents to document the history of Atteridgeville. This initiative highlights how Pheli FM's identity is intrinsically linked with the people it serves, empowering the community to find its own solutions by providing a voice and a space for engagement. Its 10-year milestone is particularly significant given the increasingly challenging media landscape, demonstrating its resilience and the vital support it receives from its listeners and stakeholders.

Kenny Morolong

Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, played a central role in the recent handover of new studio equipment to Pheli FM. His presence and remarks underscored the government's recognition of community media's importance. Morolong praised Pheli FM's dedication to its mandate to "inform, educate, and entertain," particularly its efforts to counter historical disadvantages by cultivating skills development and hope among local youth. He highlighted the station's proactive approach in training local youth as presenters, producers, and technicians, thereby placing "real tools for growth directly into the hands of the community."

Morolong's address also contextualized the broader impact of community media in South Africa, noting that the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) has funded 361 community radio and television stations since the 2004/2005 financial year. This statistic emphasizes a sustained governmental strategy to empower local voices and ensure media diversity. His message reinforced the idea that community platforms are not just broadcasters but active participants in societal solutions, especially in areas grappling with the legacy of apartheid.

Atteridgeville

Atteridgeville, like many townships across South Africa, continues to grapple with profound socio-economic challenges, including crime, unemployment, poverty, and limited opportunities. These issues are direct consequences of the apartheid regime's deliberate design of the township as a segregated dormitory settlement under the Group Areas Act. Deputy Minister Morolong explicitly acknowledged this historical context, stressing the need for media platforms that "do not merely broadcast what is wrong but actively illuminate what can be done."

Pheli FM's role in Atteridgeville is therefore not just about news and entertainment, but about actively contributing to overcoming this difficult history. By connecting people to opportunities, inspiring young talent, and strengthening social cohesion, the station acts as a catalyst for positive change. The new equipment will enhance its capacity to fulfill this crucial mandate, providing a more effective platform for community members to engage with these challenges and work towards collective solutions, fostering a sense of agency and hope within the township.