Article source: Supplied
A Christian-based community radio station, Radio Khwezi, celebrated its remarkable successes at the 2024 Telkom Radio Awards on 30 November, where it secured impressive accolades. Khwezi, located in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, achieved an incredible milestone by winning the prestigious Community Project Award on 30 November at the annual Telkom Radio Awards ceremony. This accolade recognises the station’s impactful initiative, Ikhwezi Lizakuwe, a program designed to connect the station more closely with its audiences.
This award honours exceptional and creative excellence in the South African radio industry. It sets a benchmark for all radio stations and professionals to strive towards. This recognition highlights the station’s commitment to excellence in broadcasting and underscores its significant impact on the local community. It reflects the hard work and dedication of the Khwezi team, showcasing their innovative programming and engagement with their listeners.
Khwezi was honoured for continuing to look at new ways to reach out to the community it serves. By adding a new Outside Broadcast (OB) van to its services to the community, the station has enhanced its ability to reach rural areas, fulfilling its community engagement mission. The team addresses relevant topics in collaboration with local businesses, NGOs, and government entities, creating exceptional opportunities for communities in disadvantaged areas. Winning the Community Radio Station of the Year title is a significant achievement, as it allows Khwezi to measure its successes against other radio stations nationwide. This marks the second time Khwezi has claimed this distinguished honour, adding to the excitement as the station prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary next year.
The accolades didn’t stop there; Radio Khwezi received an impressive 19 nominations at the awards ceremony, showcasing its dedication to excellence across various categories. A team member, Saziso Dlamini, won a well-deserved award for the Nighttime Show. This program began in 2012 and features a diverse mix of well-researched content to inform audiences about issues affecting their communities. It offers expert advice from relevant sources and light-hearted conversations, entertainment, and music.
For the second consecutive year, Saziso has demonstrated his talent by winning the award for Afternoon Drive Presenter. Creating engaging and inspiring content that keeps the audience listening, growing, and loyal is no easy task. However, Saziso has succeeded with his infectious laugh, humour, and dedication to finding content relevant to his audience. This includes interactive phone-in programs that keep both listeners and presenters engaged with a wide variety of topics.
Thembelani Buthelezi received the News and Actuality Show Award for keeping the program current and relevant to local community events. He works with a small team and encourages listeners to share news that affects them. This initiative is carried out with great sensitivity. A helpline has been established to enhance the program further and follow up on particularly distressing events.
The team celebrates another team member, Phakamani Mkhwanazi, for receiving the Station Manager’s Choice Award. Phakamani, often referred to as Phaka by his co-workers, is currently the Sales and Marketing Manager who joined the radio station in 2008. Over the years, he has made remarkable progress in his career. Starting as a technical assistant, he gradually advanced to become a presenter and producer.
Phakamani’s talents are exceptional. He has acted in several dramas, is a renowned poet, is a well-known voice in advertising, and serves as the programming manager. Recently, he earned a law diploma while continuing to share his voice on the airwaves.
Khwezi, meaning “Morning Star” in isiZulu, was established in 1995. The station serves the north coast and the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and aims to educate, entertain, and empower its listeners. These achievements reaffirm the station’s vital role in promoting local voices and fostering a stronger sense of community through the power of radio. The recognition highlights the station’s commitment to serving its community and sets a high standard for future endeavours.
For more information about the radio station, visit: www.khwezi.org.za
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Date published: 24/12/2024
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