As the world celebrates and commemorates World Radio Day on the 13th February 2026, Radio Mics of some former famous radio stations in the Fezile Dabi District, remain muted.
Once regarded as the heartbeat of their own communities, Lentswe fm (Tumahole Parys), Karabo fm (Zamdela Sasolburg), not forgetting in the recent times Mozolo Fm in Kroonstad, remain in the shadows of former self.
Despite these setback in the Fezile Dabi District, Metsimaholo Fm Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Duncan Sinthumule believes community radio in the Free State province continue to show resilience and adaptability despite challenges they are facing, mostly of financial constraint and limited resources.
“Even though some of our sister radio stations have closed, the future of community radio lies in embracing digital tools, while preserving our core strength” said Sinthumule.
According to Sinthumule community radio continue to play an important role in giving the community a voice. “Community radio remain the primary source of news, and focuses directly on realities of local people, such as service delivery, information, sports, church news, entertainment and contribute to the local economy through promoting local businesses, job creation and skills development of many young people in areas of journalism, content creation, sound engineering and many other fields”.
“The arrival of Artificial Intelligence is presenting an opportunity for community radio to grow in terms of production, content translation, automation and in many other areas. Many community radio stations have expanded beyond Fm frequencies, into online streaming, off-air podcasting, social media engagements that allows stations to reach more and younger audiences’ add Sinthumule.
In celebrating World Radio Day Senthimule said “On behalf of Metsimaholo Fm, its management, staff and presenters, we express pride in our community and reaffirm our commitment to grow and celebrate this day with them.
“Our mission to Inform, Uplift and Unite the people of Metsimaholo and the province will remain the same. As the province joins global celebrations, one thing will remain clear, local radio is evolving and is a trusted voice of the people and will remain so” concludes Sinthumule.
>Duncan Sinthumule is the Founder and CEO at Metsimaholo Fm
