Radio 786 is marking 31 years of being part of the community broadcasting landscape, celebrating more than three decades of giving ordinary people a platform and creating conversations that extend far beyond the confines of the broadcast studio.
For over three decades, the station has established itself as a voice within the community, providing a space where the concerns, experiences and aspirations of ordinary citizens can be heard. From local issues affecting neighbourhoods and families to broader social, cultural and international developments, Radio 786 has sought to connect its listeners with the stories and debates that matter to them.
At the heart of its journey has been the principle that community radio is about more than simply broadcasting programmes. It is about building relationships with listeners, creating opportunities for dialogue and ensuring that people have access to information and platforms through which they can express themselves.
Over the years, Radio 786 has championed issues affecting communities while also keeping its audience connected to developments beyond South Africa’s borders. In an increasingly interconnected world, the station has recognised that events taking place internationally can have a direct impact on local communities, whether through politics, economics, culture, religion or social change.
Its 31-year journey has also demonstrated the importance of collaboration within the community broadcasting sector. Radio 786 has worked alongside other community stations, including Bush Radio and Zibonele, highlighting the value of broadcasters coming together around the shared principles of community participation and public engagement.
After three decades, the station continues to be part of a broadcasting tradition built around connection, connecting people to one another, connecting local stories to global developments, and creating space for voices that might otherwise struggle to be heard.
