A new kind of radio station that offers free Wi-Fi is set to hit Potchefstroom’s airwaves on 15 May.
Youth Drive FM, with the tagline, ‘The future begins now’, is a 24-hour, online community radio station based in North West 405 Municipality. According to Thabo Mainailane, the station manager, it will form an integral part of the Dr Kenneth Kaunda (Tlokwe, Matlosana, Ventersdorp and Maquassi Hills) District Council’s urban renewal programme by providing a link to the grassroots level of the community. Youth Drive FM is not only a tool for information dissemination but also a catalyst for change, says Thabo. ‘We see radio as a tool to educate, inform and entertain people within our footprint. It can also motivate people to change their situations and stimulate economic growth and community development. The station is community development-based with a specific focus on education and raising community awareness on various developmental initiatives and socio-economic matters,’ he said.
He added that the station will have different genres of music and content that speaks to lifestyle and culture and promotes home languages. ‘We will empower local DJs from Ikageng between the ages of 21 and 35.’
Youth Drive FM’s free Wi-Fi will be installed in all businesses around Ikageng, including taxi ranks, salons and pubs, as well as schools, churches and clinics, among others. It will offer programming that deals with local music, job creation, taxi commuters, community development, current affairs, education, health and social development, SMMEs and religious matters.
‘Youth Drive FM is a ‘positive vibes’ station, real and in touch with conversations that resonate with the people and youth diversity. It will celebrate African tradition, heritage and cultural relevance. This is a South African station, conscious of its position in Africa and appreciative of what makes Africa special,’ he said proudly. To listen to the station, Thabo says Youth Drive FM will be available on all devices including desktop, tablets and smartphones. The mobile streaming app can be downloaded and is available on iPhone (App Store) and Android (Google Play Stores) Windows phones. To get the app for Youth Drive FM, go to www.youthdrivefm.co.za or, for more information, contact Thabo Manailane at 073 264 0605 or email thabo@youthdrivefm.co.za.
