Lukhanji FM in the running for top community award

Lukhanji FM is one of two radio stations in the Eastern Cape nominated at the National Community Radio Awards to be held in Bloemfontein in February.

Head of news, Thembakazi Yiweni, said it was the station’s fourth nomination for the awards, having been nominated this year in the best listeners’ choice category, along with the Alfred Nzo community radio station.

Yiweni said Lukhanji FM is home to 80,000 listeners and there are 33 staff members, including radio presenters, news readers and producers.

“After seven years of success, our main objective is to develop talent and prepare people for bigger things. We aim to educate, inform and entertain and I believe we were nominated because of the hard work by our staff members, working together with the community under sometimes difficult circumstances, which include lack of resources.

“Although we are volunteer workers,we all have the drive and a mission to represent the community. We are also grateful for the support we get from businesses.”

Yiweni said the station had produced some of the industry’s finest radio hosts who had advanced to the SABC, “which is one of the reasons why, I believe, we are now recognised as one of the best stations nationally.

“The primary focus is to support the local community at all levels and to improve socio economic conditions within the region. We plead with our valued listeners and The Rep readers to vote for us, just like they did last year when we won best sport show award. Locals can cast their votes by texting ‘choice 17’ to 45844. Votes are not limited.”

She said dates for the event had not yet been confirmed.