A 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 Community Radio Award. 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 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.
Khwezi also won the Community Project Award at the ceremony. This accolade recognises the station’s impactful initiative, Ikhwezi Lizakuwe, a program designed to connect the station more closely with its audiences. By adding a new Outside Broadcast (OB) van to its community services, 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.
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 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.
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
Comments