Celani Sikhakhane
Two popular community radio stations are working together to do what politicians have been trying to do for centuries.
Nongoma FM, a northern KwaZulu-Natal station and the Zibonele Community Radio Station based in Khayelitsha in the Western Cape, have held a shared vision for some time. But their plans for an event were interrupted by Covid.
The two radio stations have organised a joint live broadcast and they will also host an iNgxekela Maskandi concert in Khayelitsha.
Nongoma FM station manager Prince Sbo Zulu told Scrolla.Africa that relations between the Xhosas and Zulus have come a long way since they were labelled sworn enemies in the 90s.
“These two Nguni groups have since reconciled and it is our duty as radio stations to use our platform to revive the unity that we see in the Xhosas and the Zulus,” said Prince Sbo.
“Our aim is to make sure that we have a common understanding of the different cultures and make the people believe that, as different as they are, they can coexist peacefully.”
Maskandi can be used as a cultural platform to unite these two Nguni groups.
The show will be broadcast on Saturday and the most famous maskandi artist, Khuzani Mpungose and Mthandeni Manqele will be performing.
The show will be hosted by Siyaxola Sobantu, one of Zibonele’s most popular DJs, and his Nongoma FM counterpart, Welcome Ntombela, live from 9am to midday.
Prince Sbo said their annual collaboration with Zibonele FM was started two years ago.
“When we were in the United States we realised how radio stations work together to unite different groups in order to bring peace and harmony,” he said.
“We came back to South Africa to work together with different radio stations such as Zibonele FM, Sajonisi FM, Rise FM and other community radio stations to promote peace.”
