GMFM (the Greater Middelburg radio station) is returning to the airwaves under new management.

The station closed down periodically and relaunched in 2015 and again in 2019.

According to the announcement made during the weekend, the station closed and went off-air due to ‘internal challenges’.

Management has been restructured, and the focus will be on ‘professionalism, accountability and community upliftment’.

Management plans to reestablish the station as a ‘platform for community voices, empowerment and change’.

The station will again brand itself as ‘The pulse of the community’.

Auditions has already been held by the station to fill numerous available positions.

The search focused on the selection of radio presenters, news anchors, sports presenters, and voiceover artists.

Management says the mission is clear; to serve listeners with integrity, by providing a platform for important community discussions, while offering trustworthy information and entertainment.

A formal opening date has not been announced.

In 2023, the council expressed support for the station to return to the airwaves after only business-related applications had been received by the municipality, despite the facility having been earmarked for community-focused applications such as home-based care facilities and drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

The property is 507m² in size and is located in a vibrant business hub, close to all township amenities like schools, a clinic, the police station, a filling station and a community hall.

It is also close to recreational spaces like parks and the Mhluzi Stadium.

The property is fenced on all sides and boasts a paved walkway, accessible to wheelchairs.

It is, however, in poor condition due to a lack of maintenance over the years while standing vacant.

Municipal Manager Mandla Mnguni weighed in on the matter, commenting, “A local radio station will provide common ground for residents with the same background to listen to talk shows about issues that impact them the same, enjoy programming aligned with their interests, and find news reports about subjects that concern them particularly.”

He recommended that rent should be capped at R500 per month.

Despite calls for proposals, only business applications were received.

Since 2014, the station went off air numerous times due to internal squabbles, conflicts between board members, and faulty equipment.