‘Sound that sets you free’, turns 21
THE foundation for positive change lies within the hands of civil society, said Black Consciousness activist Peter “PC” Jones, at a gala event in Paarl celebrating 21 years of broadcasting for community radio station Radio KC.
As one of the oldest sustainable community stations in the country with a weekly listenership of 72 000, the station commemorated this achievement with a black tie event on Sunday at the town’s city hall.
Special guest speaker Jones said: “There are many positive activities taking place, where voluntary organisations like Radio KC are creating these types of spaces for our poorer communities. These are signs of our people claiming these spaces and in how their lives are going to be conducted.”
The sold-out event was attended by some of the Boland’s town’s well known residents, including former Cape Times sports writer John Goliath.
He said his first experiences as a reporter came through the station during its early years. Goliath appreciated what the station meant for his community and his own development.
Master of ceremonies Basil Appollis said his history with the station went back to Heritage Day a few years ago.
“Heritage is about coming together and telling our stories in order to move forward and Radio KC thought of that idea first. Lasting 21 years is quite an achievement and the struggles they had in obtaining a broadcast licence by the authorities makes it a miracle,” said Appollis.
The station came from an idea from a Bible study group in 1996 and evolved from only being able to receive month-tomonth broadcasting licences, resulting in many off air periods, before achieving a permanent licence in 2009.
Radio KC chairperson Harlan Cloete said the team behind the success of the station had shed “blood, sweat and tears” over the years and their slogan, “the sound that sets you free” was part of their liberation ideology.
Cloete said it was not an easy road but with a great team and a clear vision they were able to achieve success.“We want to grow our listenership to 100 000 and beyond and be our community’s one and only, by doing what we do best.”