BCM TV to tell local stories and create jobs
MDANTSANE entrepreneurs Siviwe Mahlahla and Anele Silinyana are hoping to start a television station that will cover events in and around Buffalo City.
Their idea to start BCM TV was conceptualised late last year, followed by a presentation made to Ward 11 councillor, Mashwabate Gcilishe.
Shortly thereafter, a presentation was made to the mayor’s committee, including mayor Xola Pakati.
Mahlahla said they were referred to the municipality’s local economic development (LED) section to assist them with a formal business plan.
“In 2003, the government proposed that each province must have its own provincial television station,” he said.
“At the time, I was still working as a technician at Sentech. I always had an interest in broadcasting.”
Mahlahla said they had approached Multichoice DSTV requesting a slot among the other community television stations, provided they met the proper requirements.
“What I have realised is that in our province, Port Elizabeth is the only place that has a television station.
“They do broadcast content from BCM, but they are not showing enough. That is where BCM TV comes in,” Mahlahla said.
“To produce proper content, it cannot only be done by a few people, so we are willing to work with other journalists and media houses to make this project a success.”
Mahlahla said they would hold workshops for people interested in broadcasting.
“We will hold workshops and training clinics at the Border Training Centre in Mdantsane for those who are keen on this type of work. The classes will be free of charge,” Mahlahla said.
“Television presenter Luyanda Potwana has also offered to share some of his experiences.”
Mahlahla anticipated that the station would be on air in a year’s time.