South Africa’s biggest community radio station – Jozi FM – has done it again! Led by CEO and founder, Mr Mpho Mhlongo, the station is proving that ‘More than just Radio’ is not just a pay-offline – it’s a way of life!
Understanding the devastating socio-economic impact of the Covid 19 pandemic on communities within the greater Johannesburg area, the Soweto-based radio station, through its Jozi FM Cares outreach platform continues to make significant strides in meaningfully touching the lives of its more than 600 000 listeners*.
This includes handing out grocery hampers at various informal settlements and to senior citizens throughout the station’s 26th Birthday month, as well as a newly launched local township business revitalisation project aimed at assisting spaza shops that have been adversely affected by the recent unrest and Lockdown restrictions. As part of the drive, the station has pledged to aid selected small business owners with up to R20 000 in trading stock and other basic business management tools.
Commenting on these initiatives, Mhlongo says; “I don’t think there’s any South African who hasn’t been negatively affected by this pandemic. Notwithstanding that, Jozi FM has a responsibility to assist the loyal listeners who have become family to us over our more than 26 years in existence. As the SeTswana proverb goes; ‘bana ba motho ba kgaogana tlhogo ya tsie’ loosely meaning that siblings share the little they have. That’s exactly what we’ve set out to do as a station.
Having assisted in the rebuilding of houses burnt through fires, donating sanitary towels, winter clothes and blankets and the burial of family members who have called on the station for help in past years, the work of Jozi FM Cares is by no means done. As the effects of the lockdown and the pandemic intensify, the station is determined to continue to assist communities.
“We’re incredibly grateful to all of our partners and advertisers. It’s through their support that a radio station like Jozi FM can have far-reaching impact and be a beacon of hope within its community”, added Mhlongo.
(*Source: BRC RAMS Apr 2019-Mar 2020)