For many years, one needed a radio set to tune into their favorite radio show. South Africa might even be surprised to learn that the first online radio station was launched in 1993 but only in recent years many are becoming accustomed to accessing radio online.
With many online radios emerging, there is one specific online radio station making airwaves and that is Diepkloof Community online Radio also called DK radio. The radio station is known to be the new legends amongst their competitors. DK radio is a multilingual radio station that offers entertainment, information and inspiration to every South African. Since the launch in March 2021, they have managed to put a smile on their community in Diepkloof, Soweto. Micheal Mkhwanazi and Nkosinathi Gwele founded the station.
“Our radio station empowers the youth to strive for greatness by encouraging them to get involved in activities empowered by the station such as our Annual Community Appreciation awards, cycling for charity, soup kitchen, sneakers league, GBV/LGBTQ awareness campaigns, just to mention a few. We have collaborated with GBV organizations and agro-farming organizations, which help, supply us with necessary produce for our soup kitchen for the community. Another strong partnership formed is with the zone 6-community forum, which tackles crime, substance abuse, unemployment and other social ills “said Tshegofatso Kolobe who is the spokesperson for the radio station.
Tshegofatso is also a host on whistleblowers, a sports show aired on Sundays from 8am-10am. The radio station has an exciting line-up of shows such as the Breakfast show aired Monday to Friday (8am-10am), All about the music with Druza Dk aired Monday to Friday (10am-12pm), The hang outs with Beau Masenya every Monday and Tuesday (2pm-4pm), Teenzone hosted by Swartbooi on Wednesday and Fridays (2pm-4pm), Finding balance with Kaymor Sebastian on Wednesday and Fridays (12pm-2pm), The discussion lounge with Tebogo Mbau and The Queen of Zamunda aired Tuesday and Thursday (12pm-2pm).
The online community radio station also has an extraordinary line up on weekends. South Africa can listen to their favorite shows by going to https://www.radio-south-africa.co.za/dk-radio
Dk Community Radio’s growth in listenership has been phenomenal, making the station the fastest growing online station in Johannesburg. “The station may be new and some might struggle to get access because its online however our community has been supportive and extremely proud of the radio station “said Kolobe.
When one of the residents of Diepkloof was asked how they felt about the existence of the radio station, she expressed: “I can’t believe that my community is one of the first few townships to have an online based radio. This goes to show that the youth of Diepkloof is innovative and progressive”.
It is a priority for the radio station to keep listeners informed and has become a hub that is known to create opportunities for the community.
Tshegofatso Kolobe on behalf of Diepkloof Community Radio station concluded by saying: “let us all play a role in liberating enslaved minds.
By Sandra Lesenyeho
