By Obakeng Maje
Taung- Community radio stations are an important part of the media landscape in many countries. They make up one part of a three-tier system of radio, the other parts being public and commercial radio.
They were set up to provide a platform for communities to communicate between themselves and with their governments without interference.
In many ways the sector entrenches the democratic process in which freedom of communication and speech plays a central role. Wealthy sectors of the society have many media choices but community stations often represent the only space where poorer communities can discuss the issues that affect them.
Our crew took time to speak to one and only Phenyo “Smooth Operator” Kujane of Vaaltar FM to hear more about his plans to take Vaaltar FM to greater heights. So, let’s us take you through into Kujane’s world.
Mokgareng-born Programme Manager at Vaaltar FM said, like any other kids, he grew up playing soccer in the dusty streets of Mokgareng village, near Taung.
“Like any other kids , I grew up playing soccer in the field until the sunset. I am a down-to-earth person who loves people and believes in positivity” smiles shy Kujane.
Kujane joined the community radio station not so long ago and he plans to swivel it around.
Even though Vaaltar FM dropped its listenership and relinquished their title to Mafikeng FM as number one community radio station in the province according to statistics, he is adamant that the station will perforates its way to the top.
“I wouldn’t get much into my vision regarding the dropping of
listenership but I would say every institution have its own ups and
downs and there will be time in our lives where we should experience
the “FALL” and start to see where one went wrong and begin to
recollect and reconnect every piece to see where one can go onwards” said Smooth Operator as Phenyo is affectionately known.
Kujane said he was inspired by different radio stations an its radio personalities. “The type of music I always listened to on various radio stations with the combination of the presenter on duty by that time, propelled me to become a radio presenter.”
Phenyo “Smooth Operator” Kujane said community radio station is of a good value to its community and is a legacy to those who didn’t have the chance to voice their opinions.
As any man with vision and ambitions, the pretentious presenter said he want to see himself as independent and exploring other avenues in terms of growing his brand and helping the community through powerful Vaaltar fm.
“As a Motivational Speaker, I would like to grow and help the community to achieve its ideal dreams through an instrumental medium, Vaaltar FM” he said.
The sometimes shy presenter shared his views on what is needed to become a radio presenter. “Yourself nature, good voice, good relation with people and be able to communicates well with different people at the same time.”
Kujane is not yet married and said if one want to be successful in life, need unadulterated life and set yourself goals and objectives.
He said it does not matter where one comes from and do not let one’s background to determine their future.
“All those things are part of our daily lives and we should look at
them as challenges. We need to face the world with an open eye and be able to give guidance to those who may lack knowledge into how to handle the
challenges” he concludes.
Community radio stations play such a critical role in society, their health should be an important matter and of concern to communities and to the broader society.
You can listen to the sassy presenter Phenyo “Smooth Operator” Kujane only on Vaaltar Fm 93.6Mhz or on audio streamline http://www.vaaltarfm.co.za from Monday- Friday at 12H00-15H00.
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The Guardian 