The violent protests that started in KwaZulu-Natal and hit the province of Gauteng over the weekend have led to damage to property, community radio station’s equipment has been stolen from four of the MDDA funded projects in the KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng Provinces. The affected community radio stations, whose media assets has been vandalized include Alex FM, Ntokozo FM, Mams FM and West side FM. The reported damages amount to millions of rands. The community media plays a pivotal role in the dissemination of information at community and local level.
“It is with regret that our communities are damaging their own community radio stations which are a source of fresh information that empowers their daily lives. We urge community members to take care of their own media assets. Communities must refrain from vandalising their own community radio stations during this time of unrest, “said the MDDA.
The MDDA takes this opportunity to express their shock at the violence directed towards the investment made to the community. The agency’s support towards community media is an effort to contribute towards building a better South Africa. It further promotes the growth of a vibrant community media sector that gives a voice to all our people. In addition, the MDDA urges all communities to assist in guarding and protecting this critical media infrastructure.
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