by Phaphama Tshisikhawe
On 8 August 2025, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) celebrated a landmark moment in community and campus broadcasting with the unveiling of state-of-the-art, fully digitized studios for TUT FM 96.2 and Tshwane FM at its Soshanguve South Campus.
Honourable Keneth Morolong, Deputy Minister in the Presidency delivers a compelling address at the grand unveiling of the refurbished TUT FM and Tshwane FM studios.
Led by Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Honourable Kenny Morolong, and supported by the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), the event drew MDDA Board members, TUT Vice-Chancellor Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, and key stakeholders, marking a bold step toward advancing media diversity and youth empowerment in South Africa.
Funded by the MDDA, the upgraded studios promise to elevate broadcast quality, broaden audience reach, and provide hands-on training for students and aspiring broadcasters. TUT FM 96.2, with 61,000 listeners within a 50km radius, targets youth aged 15-35 and broadcasts in six languages: English, Setswana, Sepedi, IsiZulu, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga. Tshwane FM, TUT’s official student station, reaches Greater Tshwane, Atteridgeville, Laudium, Mamelodi, Centurion, Midrand, and parts of northern Johannesburg on 93.6 FM.
Deputy Minister Morolong: Digital Innovation for Community Voices
In a stirring keynote address, Deputy Minister Kenny Morolong hailed the studios as a catalyst for digital transformation in community media. “These studios are a game-changer, empowering communities to share their stories and connect in a digital age,” he said. Morolong emphasised the MDDA’s commitment to media diversity, adding, “This investment strengthens Gauteng’s youth and redefines our media landscape by amplifying local voices.”
He also highlighted the stations’ role in bridging campus and community, stating, “TUT FM and Tshwane FM are more than radio - they’re platforms for youth empowerment and opportunity.”
MDDA Acting Chairperson: Building an Inclusive Media Future
MDDA Acting Board Chairperson, Philly Moilwa, reinforced the agency’s mission to foster a vibrant, inclusive media ecosystem. “Our support for these stations reflects our dedication to uplifting underrepresented voices,” Mathebula said. “These cutting-edge studios ensure community media stays competitive while promoting skills, jobs, and cultural diversity.”
Moilwa stressed the broader impact, noting, “This is about creating a media landscape that mirrors South Africa’s rich diversity and empowers communities to thrive.”
Prof Tinyiko Maluleke: A Platform for Future Broadcasters
TUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke praised the MDDA’s support, emphasizing the studios’ role in education and community engagement. “These world-class facilities are a gift to our students, offering practical training for careers in a dynamic industry,” he said. Calling the unveiling a “pivotal moment” for TUT, Maluleke added, “TUT FM and Tshwane FM will now produce content that resonates locally and globally, celebrating Tshwane’s cultural richness.”
A Bright Future for Community Broadcasting
The new studios mark a significant milestone in the MDDA’s mission to modernize community media across South Africa. Equipped with advanced technology, TUT FM and Tshwane FM are set to deliver high-quality, multilingual content, foster collaborations with local artists and civic groups, and train the next generation of broadcasters in digital production. The initiative aligns with national goals of promoting youth empowerment, skills development, and media diversity.
As the ceremony concluded, excitement filled the air about the future of campus and community radio in Tshwane. With their upgraded studios, TUT FM and Tshwane FM are poised to lead in broadcasting excellence, amplify diverse voices, and inspire a new wave of media talent.
TUT FM and Tshwane FM unveil state-of-the-art studios, amplifying community voices and shaping the future of local radio