Radio Station
Vukani FM
Vukani community radio started broadcasting in 1996 covering Cala and when the station decided to extend its broadcast area in 2003, there has been constant growth which showed a rapid increase in August 2006, lasting up until to date.
Vukani Community Radio Listening
The graphic illustration below is a true demonstration of growth informed by the involvement of communities from the below-mentioned areas in our local programming and overall production of the station’s local content.
Vukani Community Radio audience research is done by South African Audience Research Foundation (SAARF), a body that is constituted to do research for the media industry in South Africa. However, SAARF does not research in rural areas as they say it is expensive, which is an indication that radio stations like Vukani have more Listening than stated in SAARF’s estimations.
Coverage Areas: Cala, Elliot, Ngcobo, Tsomo, Cofimvaba, Lady Frere, Indwe, Dordrecht and Queenstown. Spill Over to Ugie, Maclear, Mthatha, Ngqamakwe and parts of Dutywa.
Target Audience and LSM: Vukani generally targets community members with the purpose of uplifting our communities. This is reflected by the improvement of listener’s Living Standard Measurement (LSM) and participation of middle class on our programme is increasing. Growth in our area is informed by new employment opportunities, establishment of municipal structures, influx of businesses and infrastructure development programmes.
Vukani’s programme listening is 226 000 currently and its growing year by year.
Brief Background
Vukani Community Radio is situated in Cala. It was established in 1993 by Cala University Students Association (CALUSA) and broadcasted for the first time on 09 April 1996. Due to legal requirements CALUSA had to transfer Vukani authority to the community through a community elected structure, the Board of Trustees. Vukani was granted a four year broadcasting licence in 2000 and in 2004 to broadcast in communities in the Chris Hani District Municipality consisting of the following towns: Cala, Elliot, Ngcobo, Tsomo, Cofimvaba, Lady Frere, Indwe, Dordrecht and Queenstown. Spill Over to Ugie, Maclear, Mthatha, Ngqamakwe and parts of Dutywa.
Vukani Community Radio broadcasts on 99.90 FM, targeting general listeners of all ages within the Chris Hani District Municipality. She prides herself with programming that addresses topical issues of local, provincial and national interest such as crime, health, social development, disability, economy and so on. Most of the programmes are locally produced and contribute to development of our society by using air-waves to educate, entertain and inform the communities Vukani serves.
Key Details
Vukani Community Radio foundation is based on geographics. She is broadcasting in three languages (Xhosa 96%, English 2% and Afrikaans 2%). Broadcasting percentage breakdown is 60 % content and 40% music.
Vision
Vukani is a community owned tool for gathering, dissemination of information and encourage maximum community participation in development.
Mission Statement
VCR is a community organ/tool for gathering, dissemination of information relevant to community development. We broadcast to communities of Chris Hani District Municipality with emphasis to previously disadvantaged communities. We believe and encourage community participation of our community in their own development and broadcasting. Our on-air programmes focus on providing information, entertainment and education to communities so as to enable them to participate meaningfully in their own development.
Vukani Community Radio is an entity carried out for non-profit purposes and uses the funds in sustaining the project, staff as well as social development of our communities. Through our commitment to the development of the community media sector, Vukani is a founder member and the coordinating office of Eastern Cape Community Radio Forum (ECCRF). The Station Manager is also the Provincial Coordinator and has initiated strategic partnerships with the German Development Service (DED), Engender Health (USA), National Community Radio Forum (NCRF), German Technical Corporation (GTZ), IDASA, Office of the Premier, Media Training Center for Health, Institute for Advancement of Journalism (IAJ), provincial and national government, advertisers and sponsors.
Vukani Community Radio broadcasts on 99.90 FM, targeting general listeners of all ages within the Chris Hani District Municipality. She prides herself with programming that addresses topical issues of local, provincial and national interest such as crime, health, social development, disability, economy and so on. Most of the programmes are locally produced and contribute to development of our society by using air-waves to educate, entertain and inform the communities Vukani serves.
Partnerships
Funding Organizations
Training Institutions
Beneficiaries
District Forums
Since Vukani is community owned, for communities to fully participate in her governance and operations, District Radio Forums had been formed. Community stakeholders form these forums and each district forum has 10 members Executive Committee from which one member is deployed to the Board of Trustees.
Board of Trustees
As aforesaid each district deploys one of its Executive Committee Members to the BOT and since we operate within nine districts, each district is being represented. Cala has two deployed members as full BOT members as it is the founder hence we have a total of 10 BOT members.
Advertisers and Local Content Program Sponsors
Vukani has history with various advertisers, some are previous and some current advertisers.
Local Businesses
Ngcobo Spargs Enspa, Cala Build It, Cala Spar, Lady Frere Spar, Dr. Lubowa [Herbalist], Queenstown Jacksons, Boxer Build, Queenstown CTM, Furn City, Eastern Cape Tombstones, Gwiliza Funeral Scheme, Conjwa Funeral Palours, Jumbo Bazaars, Eskom, Cala Garage, Elliot Powersave, Independent Electoral Commission [IEC], National Lottery, Dr. Wamala [Herbalist], Cala Fisheries, Lewis Furniture Shop, Old Mutual, Speed Fit, Nelson Mandela Museum, African Bank, Standard Bank, National Credit Regulator and Boxer Superstores.
Advertising Agencies, Communication and Production Houses
2 Boyz Advertising Agency, Media Connection, Motswako Media, Multi Layer Advertising Agency, Intengu Communications, Imbokotho Communications, Bullion Public Relations and Keith Ngesi Production.
Government Departments
Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture, GCIS, Justice, Education, Health, Roads & Traffic, Social Development, Housing, Local government & Traditional Leaders, Land Affairs, Chris Hani District Municipality, Emalahleni Local Municipality, Engcobo Local Municipality and Intsikayethu Local Municipality.
Objectives
– To cover events and issues that occur in Chris Hani District Municipality.
– To afford businesses especially local business sector, an opportunity of advertising their services to wider communities of Chris Hani District Municipality.
– To develop local talent in broadcasting.
– To promote local music talent
– To organise public debates through radio programmes on issues that are likely to affect the communities of Chris Hani.
– To invite various government departments to come and explain their developmental programs and policies.
– To undertake any activity that will promote the wellbeing of the communities of the district.
Contact Details
Xola Nozewu
Station Manager
Tel: 047- 877 0095/6
Fax: 047-877 0068 / 086-678 5028
Mobile: 083-951 6160
Email: manager@vukanifm.org
Physical Address:
Vukani Community Radio
Arthur Tsengiwe College of Education
Department of Public Works Building
Cala
5455
Ayanda Nyaka
Sales Manager
Tel: 087 160 0146
Fax: 086 660 2168
Mobile: 062 218 3312
Email: sales@vukanifm.org
Postal Address:
P.O. Box 977
Cala
5455
Organizational Details
Income Tax Number: 9732747143
Eastern Cape Community Radio Forum
Phone
(047) 877 0095/6
Fax
086 660 1308
Address
Arthur Tsengiwe College, P.O. Box 997, Cala, 5455