ANCR is situated in Mount Ayliff within the Alfred Nzo District Municipality. The station has been granted a four-year broadcasting licence since 5th April 2007 to May 2011 to broadcast to the community of Alfred Nzo and surrounding areas. Working together with the community the station produces and broadcasts quality programmes to address socio-economic issues that the community faces.
The event was attended by Minister of Public Works, Mr Geoffrey Quinton Michael Doidge; Chairperson of the Parliament Portfolio Committee on Communications, Mr Kgotso Khumalo; MDDA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Lumko Mtimde; Executive Mayor of the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, Mr. G.G. Mpumza; Mayor of the Matatiele Municipality, Mr Sello Ntai; Mayor of the Umzimvubu Municipality, Ms B.P. Mabengu; representatives from the Department of Sport; religious and many traditional leaders.
The celebration kicked off with opening devotions and guests were welcomed by the ANCR Board Member Mr J Mzozoyana. The purpose of the day's gathering was outlined by the Station Manager Mr Mike Lunika. In his address Lunika reflected on the stations accomplishments since inception and also highlighted the many challenges they face. Lunika stated “the ANCR touched many lives especially the members of the community.” Lunika added 'the 21st November 2007 has gone down in the annals of this district as one of the most important dates in our calendar of events as it is associated with the birth of the most powerful communications tool of the country: ANCR.” Lunika expressed that this day has ushered in a new dawn of hope and pride to the young and old of the district and surrounding areas.
MDDA CEO Mr Lumko Mtimde introduced the guest speaker for the celebration, Chairperson of the Parliament Portfolio Committee on Communication Mr Kgotso Khumalo. Mtimde also wished the station all the success and encouraged the community of the licensed area to ensure ownership and control of this medium of communication. Mtimde highlighted the important task staff of ANCR has in serving the community, providing quality information, platform of communication, relevant programming to the needs of the community, entertainment and education to its listeners. In his keynote address Khumalo also reflected on the importance of community radio stations and pledged his support to the radio station for the coming years. Khumalo made a financial pledge of R6 000 to the 2009 ANCR Awards event. In his address Khumalo drew attention to the importance and power of local community radio stations and the need for them to be able to actively engage with the community that they are located in. Well wishes and expressions of support were received by many including Minister of Public Works Mr Geoffrey Quinton Michael Doidge and many traditional leaders.
ANCR broadcasts in three languages (Xhosa 50%, English 15% and Sesotho 35%. ANCR's broadcast percentage breakdown in 60% talk and 40% music. ANCR aims to close the information gap that exists in the region. It's vision to be the leading and preferred information source and empowerment tool for the community. Through its programming the station's mission is to inform, educate and entertain its community.
Chairperson Zanekhaya Gxarisa in his closing message and vote of thanks said that he truly believed that ANCR have taken an important step and they can look back with pride at what they have achieved so far.
The highlight of the celebration was the writing competition and radio personnel awards for 2008. ANCR hosted a competition where young talented writers of the community sent in pieces including articles and poetry and were judged on the quality, language and content. The radio personnel awards were categorised into 4 sections: The Board Chairperson's Award; the LCM Ludidi Award; Executive Mayor's Award and the Station Manager's Award. The Board chairperson's award in the category of news was presented to Ms Zimbini Kapa and in the category of Programmes was presented to Ms Nthatis Bolofo. The LCM Ludidi Awards in the category news was awarded to Mr Mncedi Dzingwe and in Programmes, Ms Sibongile Sifolo. Executive Mayor Awards in the news category was presented to Mr Simpiwe Tyaleni and in Programmes to Mr Lucky Shinta. The Station Manager's Award was presented to Ms Kibitsamang Moshoeshoe.
ANCR provides a platform on which all community members can discuss and debate and reflect on diverse issues that will contribute towards nation building. The station focuses much of its attention on the role of news and information in human and socio-economic growth and a catalyst for positive and progressive development. The Alfred Nzo Radio 1st year anniversary celebration showcased the talent that the Station has to offer the media sector as a whole and it was undoubtedly evident that ANCR indeed has a valuable contribution to make towards the development of a strong civil society in SA.
