Stop the mayhem, urges GCIS

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) condemned what it called the abhorrent looting of Alex FM and other business properties in Alexandra.

“It’s a sad day for Alex FM and the community at large that their only asset, a community radio station, has been looted by its own people of all its broadcast equipment. These are
nothing but acts of criminality that should be condemned in the strongest of terms,” GCIS acting director-general Michael Currin said.

The looting occurred in the early hours of July 13 and led to the temporary silencing of the station. Fortunately, it was soon back on the air, broadcasting from the studios of LM Radio in
Sandton.

The radio station has been serving the community for the past 27 years and has been the sole voice of the residents of the township.

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“We are equally livid that just two days before the Alex FM incident, an SABC news crew was robbed of their equipment while covering the protests in the same township,” said Currin.

He said the culture of violence, looting and destruction needs to stop, because violence is never the answer to challenges.

The media plays a crucial role in the economic and political life and development of citizens.

It produces a broad range of information to stimulate awareness of the various developmental issues in the country, he said.

“South African media is a platform to amplify voices, facilitate meaningful participation, and foster social change. We need to work together to build our country. We cannot destroy what we have worked so hard to build.”

Currin said every South African has a role to play in rebuilding South Africa.

He urged religious leaders, traditional leaders, trade unions, businesses, community organisations and political parties to come together for the greater good of the country.