Bushbuckridge Salutes Munghana Lonene FM

It is often said that the problem with most of us is that we choose to be ruined by baseless praise than to be saved by constructive criticism. I have always believed that in order for all of us to see the light, we need other people to spot and expose our shortcomings, thus unconsciously motivating us to do better.

On this note, I would like to congratulate my favourite radio station, Munghana Lonene FM, for reaching out to the people of Bushbuckridge by conducting community outreach events in that area. For many years, we, the people of Bushbuckridge, have been weeping for recognition by this radio station, after realising that communities in Limpopo were the only ones mostly benefiting from the station’s outreach programmes, despite us also being its target audience.

It was for this reason that some time last year, I wrote an article expressing my disappointment and sadness concerning the unequal treatment that the people of Bushbuckridge were constantly subjected to, by the radio station. This unpalatable treatment ranged from less airplay of songs of musicians from Bushbuckridge by the radio station, to other issues such as minimal engagements with local communities, which precisely worked against socio-economic transformation in our areas.

Let me put it categorically clear today that I am proud to highlight that after a spontaneous confirmation that the station had seen and read my article, live on air by one presenter, we have witnessed multiple dramatic changes concerning the relationship between the area of Bushbuckridge and Munghana Lonene FM.

The station has thus far managed to conduct a back-to-school campaign at Mugena High School in Hluvukani, interviewed Petrus Mdluli, the man behind the construction of many schools in the area of Manyeleti, in its show called Mikondzo Ya Tinghwazi and also embarked on numerous community outreach projects.

Some of these outreach activities took place in areas such as New Forest, Angincourt and Casteel, where the station also donated a borehole. The radio station also travelled all the way to Kwinyamahembe to honour our local hero, Sam Nzima, who captured the historic photo of the June 16 Soweto Uprising, many years ago.

The recent function that took place at Timbavati in Acornhoek saw the station's employees engaging in corporate social responsibility activities to commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day. The massive turnout by the people of Bushbuckridge to all the abovementioned functions bears testimony to the fact that the station is well received in the area.

What has been encouraging about Munghana Lonene FM’s recent moves is that all the outreach programmes provided a platform for musicians such as General Muzka, Themba Nyathi, Clive S, DJ Kukza and many other local arts groups to entertain the crowds and also showcase their talents.

It is for this reason and many others that I personally take my hat off to the radio station for hearing our plea and acting accordingly. We appreciate the efforts recently made by the station and, in the same breath, we encourage it to continue to equally cater for the people of Bushbuckridge and also make them feel a sense of belonging. We are grateful that artists from Bushbuckridge are also receiving fair airplay at the radio station, as opposed to how it was in the past.

Keep up the good work Munghana Lonene FM and be rest assured that your great deeds cannot by any measure, and under any circumstance, escape our ululation and applause. We hope that even the annual Munghana Lonene FM Xitsonga Music Awards will soon be directed to Bushbuckridge. Let the good times roll.