By BAKANG MOKOTO
Taung community-based radio station, Vaaltar FM scooped three awards at the North West Media Awards recently. The North West Media Awards prestigious event was held in Brits near Letlhabile.
The Vaaltar FM’s Board of Directors deputy chairperson, Omphemetse Leshobo said: “It is yet another year-end of greatness for the station. We have wrapped it nicely at the 2022 North West Media Awards and we have normalised being the biggest achievers.
“We did it in two consecutive years and as we wished every participant the best of luck, it is now befitting to congratulate them. So, congratulations to Remmogo Re Iketlile show for winning the best radio program of the year award, while Irish Motswamere won the best newsreader of the year award.”
Leshobo also congratulated Katlego Moncho after winning the best presenter of the year award. He further said, they will continue to strive to pursue the best in broadcasting and stays relevant in delivering suitable content.
The founder and organiser of the North West Media Awards, Ananias Ndlovu said the event is set to honour and recognise exceptional and innovative excellence in the media industry in the province.
“We are actually doing it out of passion. What I like about these awards is that they are organised by people from North West, recognise the people of the province, and they are supported by the people from this province.
“We cannot wait for other provinces to pave the way for us. We are tired of people from other provinces like Gauteng, who come to the province, take the money and go,” he said.
Ndlovu also lambasted the North West Provincial government for not supporting these awards. He further said, they went to many departments including the North West Provincial government, but they refuse to support them.
“Instead of supporting the local events, our provincial government will rather spend millions of rands on events like SAFTA, SAMAs, and others. There are a lot of challenges within the industry, but we are pushing.
“So, this day is to say, we see the hardships that you’re subjected to. The media industry is slowly dying in the province and the communicators are contributing to its death. Many newspapers did not come back after the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ndlovu.
Meanwhile, the media mogul, Baba Gaoganediwe shared the same sentiments. Gaoganediwe, who was one of the judges said they are happy that the North West is pioneering this.
“So, we need to stop looking down on ourselves and grow to greater heights. This is similar to what the North West province used to do, by setting positive narratives and leading the country.
“So, congratulations to the nominees including the winners. I want to take a minute and speak to the nominees. The organizers can do all they can to ensure that the awards are successful, but if you submit substandard submissions, you will contribute to the downfall of these awards,” he said.
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