Disgruntled Motsweding FM listeners picket outside station’s studios

A group of disgruntled listeners of one of the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) regional radio stations, Motsweding FM, has picketed outside the studios in Mahikeng in North West.

The picket comes after the news broke on social media that contracts of some of the presenters would not be renewed.

However, no disruption was caused to the normal programming of the Setswana language station during the picket.

The group is demanding that the current station manager be removed. Group leader Oupa Maatla says the station manager has failed to address the issues they have raised with him.

“He goes on not renewing the people who know Setswana like Alpheus Koonyaditse, Stella Sebalo, Goitse Modimo Seleka, Refilwe Madisa, Will Tiro and Essence Moumakwe to make matters worse Refilwe Madisa as the producer got nominated for awards and as a result the station manager is removing her. We do not know why, so we are saying Katlego Mokgele must resign, he completed his term of destroying Setswana language and Motsweding radio station.”

Meanwhile, SABC’s Acting Corporate Communications Manager, Vuyo Mthembu says there are numerous factors that influence changes in radio stations.

“I must highlight that these changes are guided and informed by each radio station with their objectives and of course they do look at the investment, how the particular programme performed as well as the revenue generated. These are some of the factors which are considered.”