Community turns radio off

Residents of Letlhabile near Brits, in North West, took over the control of a local radio station yesterday, demanding that the board disband and the station manager resign.

They wanted Letlhabile Community Radio (LCR) station manager Linco Sono and board of directors out, saying they failed to call an annual general meeting (AGM) for the past seven years.

Sono was accused of firing presenters without following proper procedures, allegedly channeling money from advertisers into her personal bank account, taking furniture donated to the radio station and allegedly keeping the station Wi-fi router at her home.

The protesters, waving placards calling for Sono to fall, arrived at the radio station escorted by police. They toyi-toyied at the gate and refused to be addressed by the acting chairperson of the board, Benjamin Diutlwileng, and secretary Patricia Smith, saying they were not elected at the AGM held in 2010.

“These two were co-opted by the station manager, we only recognise ntate [Mr James] Yolwa. He is the only member elected in 2010,” said protest convenor Paul Matopi.

After a lengthy discussion, a group representing the community was allowed into the radio station’s premises, but were not allowed to enter the station manager’s office where they were supposed to negotiate with the three board members.

One of the community leaders switched off the transmitter and ordered presenter Mmakgomotso Mazeleni out of the studio.

The station was off air for a short time before suspended presenter Lesley Maseloane was dramatically “reinstated” by the community leaders.

His first task was to inform the community that an interim board had been appointed to arrange an AGM and that the station manager had been sacked.

Diutlwileng and Smith were later escorted out by the police after they had locked themselves in an office, refusing to meet community representatives.

Community representatives remained locked in a meeting with Yolwa and Comfort Mnisi.

Mnisi is currently production manager and the community preferred him to take over the position of the secretary of the board, with Yolwa as deputy chairperson.

Letlhabile Community Radio was founded 17 years ago and broadcasts over a 50km radius. – ANA