18 Community stations granted licences

Icasa has granted licences to 18 new community radio stations (Image source: © 123rf 123rf)

This marks the successful conclusion of Phase 2 of the Invitation to Pre-Register (ITP-R) licensing process for Community Sound Broadcasting Service (CSBS) and Radio Frequency Spectrum (RFS) licences.

The licensing process, which commenced following the publication of the ITP-R in Government Gazette No. 51727 on 10 December 2024, attracted 93 applications of which 41 were admitted to Phase 1.

Of these, 19 applicants progressed to Phase 2 after meeting the pre-registration requirements. Following the final evaluation process, 18 applicants were granted Community Sound Broadcasting Service and Radio Frequency Spectrum licences, while one applicant did not meet the licensing requirements.

Chairperson of the Committee on Sound Broadcasting Services, Councillor Ntombiza Sithole, says community radio plays a critical role.

"Community radio plays a critical role in promoting access to information, supporting local development, fostering social cohesion and preserving South Africa's diverse cultures and languages through storytelling.

“We encourage the newly licensed broadcasters to use these platforms responsibly to serve their communities, amplify local voices and contribute meaningfully to the growth and sustainability of the community broadcasting sector.”

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Successful applicants

The successful applicants that have been issued with Community Sound Broadcasting Service and Radio Frequency Spectrum licences are as follows:

KwaZulu-Natal

Entity name: Akili Community Evolution; Station name: Dash FM
Entity name: Lit Radio Academy; Station name: Lit Radio
Entity name: Nkungumathe NPO; Station name: Nkungumathe FM
Entity name: Gap Standers Network; Station name: Royal FM
Entity name: Uthukela News Times NPC; Station name: Uthukela FM

Eastern Cape

Entity name: Bulungula Incubator NPO; Station name: Bulungula Community Radio
Entity name: Ikhwelo Youth Radio; Station name: Ikhwelo FM
Entity name: Sabela FM; Station name: Sabela FM

Limpopo

Entity name: Elim Community Radio; Station name: ECR
Entity name: Lephalale Community Radio Station; Station name: Lephalale FM
Entity name: Sibasa Community Radio NPC; Station name: Sibasa FM

North West

Entity name: Bojanala FM; Station name: Bojanala FM
Entity name: Fishers of Men Ministries; Station name: Trust FM

Western Cape

Entity name: Cape Winelands; Station name: Cape Winelands FM
Entity name: Muzi FM; Station name: Muzi FM

Gauteng

Entity name: Bana Ba Bagodimo Drop In Centre and Awareness Centre; Station name: Mahube FM

Mpumalanga

Entity name: Music Garden Foundation; Station name: Mbombela FM

Northen Cape

Entity name: Goagwe Solutions; Station name: Tsantsi Rise FM