14 August 2014
Deputy Minister of Communications Ms. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams will, on Friday 15 August 2014 visit two community media outlets in Gauteng. This visit follows as a continuation of constant engagements with communities and stakeholders that took place during the Imbizo Focus Week between 14 – 20 July 2014.
The Deputy Minister will also convene a meet and greet session with representatives from community media houses around the Gauteng province. “Community media plays a vital role in ensuring that ordinary members of the community have access to information on government policies, priorities and programmes. Government will continue to provide support to expand the development in community media sector” said Ndabeni-Abrahams.
In 1998, government established the community broadcasting programme that assists with the establishment of community radio stations across the country; over R400 million has been invested into the sector.
“Today there are over 140 community radio stations licensed in South Africa and over 75% of them have received support from government” said Ndabeni-Abrahams.
The Deputy Minister of Communications held similar engagements with communities and stakeholders in the past. Notable events include the Youth Sectoral Parliament that took place on 30 June 2014 in Mafikeng, North West.
To conclude the day, the Deputy Minister will attend the national interfaith thanks-giving ceremony that will be led by President Jacob Zuma at Regina Mundi Church in Soweto.
For enquiries:
Nthabeleng Mokitimi
Cell: 081 308 0193
Issued by Government Communication (GCIS) on behalf of the Ministry of Communications