Deputy Minister of Communications Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has visited Karabo FM, a community radio station in Sasolburg that was burnt down last weekend.

She was accompanied by the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications Sikhumbuzo Kholwane and the Chief Executive of the Media Development and Diversity Agency Lumko Mtimde.

They met with the Executive Mayor of Metsimaholo Local Municipality, Councillor Brutus Mahlaku and the radio station management.

"The devastation at the station is noticeable but the resilience of the management and community is profoundly encouraging. This community is determined to ensure that their voice is not silenced and that Karabo FM emerges even stronger from this despicable act," said Ndabeni-Abrahams.

She said the Department has tasked one person to work with the relevant stakeholders being; MDDA, Sentech, the local municipality, Sasolburg community and the station management until the station gets back on air.

"We call on the community to work with law enforcement to ensure that the culprits are brought to book," said Ndabeni-Abrahams.

PCC Chairperson Kholwane said; “We welcome the integrated approach by all spheres of our government in line with the principles of co-operative government, to work together towards ensuring that Karabo FM gets back on air. The collective wisdom and approach from the Municipality, Free State Province, Department of Communications and MDDA will indeed ensure that the community is able to jealousy guard its license from ICASA.

MDDA CEO emphasised the integral role community media plays in our country’s democracy. 

"Through stations such as Karabo FM, communities have an alternative voice and this ensures the generation and transmission of local content. The MDDA is most disturbed by the station’s treacherous burning which sought to silence the voice of the community. We therefore commend the work spear-headed by the Deputy Minister and pledge our utmost support.”

Karabo FM broadcasts to 73 000 people in and around the Sasolburg area.

Issued by the Ministry of Communications