Good 54 years for Phalaphala FM
FM recently celebrated its 54nd birthday with listeners in different areas.
LIMPOPO – The Acting Station Manager of Phalaphala FM, Sharon Ravele said the staff were excited to look back on their journey.
The station started broadcasting in Tshivenda in 1965 on the then Radio Venda.
“Today we continue to made a positive impact on the different communities, with campaigns such as the donation of school shoes, houses, boreholes and food hampers.”
She emphasised the good relationship with the listeners saying, “we made it easier for them to reach us, unlike back in the day when they had to write letters to reach us”.
“We also have social media platforms that show our activities and events, and an annual overseas tour,” she said.
This tour, which has been done for more than 20 years, has visited countries such as Greece, France, India, China, Argentina, Thailand, Brazil and Turkey.
The tours have been the flagship of the station, ensuring that Phalaphala appeals to non-Tshivenda-speaking audiences as well.
The celebration of 54 years also highlights Phalaphala FM’s integral role in community development by creating activities such as the traditional-dance competitions that have been running for more than 10 years.
These cater to Xitsonga, Sepedi and Tshivenda dance groups in Limpopo and Gauteng. For the past few years, the station has embarked on a journey of developing Tshivenda music. This was done through the annual TshiVenda Music Awards. Since the inception of the awards, Vhavenda musicians
SABC Limpopo Acting General Manager, Freddy Sadiki, said in his congratulatory message that Phalaphala FM continued to source news and have different programmes that educated and entertained the listeners. “We thank the leadership and the entire Phalaphala FM staff for their contribution towards the success of the station. We also thank the station’s listeners for their support because the station is what it is today because of their continuous support,” he said.
Makuya added that they were proud of the listeners “as they continue support our station and participate daily in our shows, including our events.” He said that the aim of the station was to educate, preserve, promote and protect the Tshivenda culture and customs.
Under the leadership of the station management, Phalaphala FM is broadcasting shows that are aimed at not only informing, educating and entertaining listeners but also covering every aspect of Tshivenda life in a contemporary world. The radio station is rebranding but remaining firm in being an endearing and friendly radio station that is always readily accessible, relevant, and a custodian of the Tshivenda language and culture.
