It’s not over and out for radio amateur enthusiast of 50 years

Garnett Gould’s passion for amateur radio started while he was doing a radio maintenance apprenticeship. Over the years Garnett has spoken to the likes of kings, senators and doctors. “When I talk to people over the radio, there is no status, everybody shares a common interest for radio,” said Garnett.

In South Africa there are about 5,000 radio amateurs who communicate with radio amateurs locally and internationally via short wave radio and even satellite.

The governing body of the Radio Amateurs Society in South Africa is the South African Radio League. To become a radio amateur, enthusiasts will need to attend classes and sit for an exam to qualify for a radio amateur licence. “Anybody with a sufficient interest can study to get a licence. You don’t have to be an engineer. We even have female radio amateurs,” said Garnett.

Garnett relocated to Toti from Port Shepstone with his wife, Dawn is 2005. Every Saturday and Sunday, you’ll find Garnett talking to friends in southern Australia, Brisbane and Sydney. “I talk to people from all walks of life, we share interests and technical ideas,” said Garnett.

The 83-year-old who also has a Facebook page says that radio technology has kept pace with the times we live in. “We have three satellites to keep up with technology, it’s very high tech, “said Garnett.

Amateur radio has its place for emergencies. “I have spoken to yachtsmen who happen to be radio amateurs and talked them through emergencies,” said Garnett.

Garnett’s passion for amateur radio helped re-establish the Hibiscus Amateur Radio Club in 2001, of which he was the chairman. “Amateur radio has been a great way to make friends as we all share a hobby,” said Garnett.

This radio amateur, who is also qualified in radio communications, spends hours in his workshop helping friends repair radios. “This is ZS5ZT calling, over and out.”

For more information on how to become a radio amateur visit www.sarl.org.za.