102.7FM Supports Restore The Westside FM Community Radio Station After Looting Equipment Stolen Or Destroyed.

Key Sentence:

• Consequences of robbery and destruction of new infrastructure Recently in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal continued to be felt like the country’s efforts to recover.
• Gauteng-based HOT 102.7FM is helping local radio station Westside FM get back on the air after it was destroyed by looters last week.

Westside FM is one of four urban broadcasters who have not escaped criminal activity in which structures and facilities worth millions were stolen and destroyed by protesters. “It is heartbreaking to see our studios being searched and vital equipment stolen or destroyed.

“It requires the voice of our community because we don’t have the resources to deliver a program that is so important to our community,” said Goodhope station founder Ledwaba concern Lloyd Madurai, executive director of HOT 102.7FM.

“As members of the big family of South Africa’s radio industry, we can’t just sit and watch because public broadcasters can’t provide programs for their listeners,” Madurai said. He added: “I immediately contacted Carmen Rocha, HOT CARES manager, to see what help could be provided.” HOT CARES is a non-profit organization affiliated with HOT 102.7FM.

“I want to know what it takes to get Westside FM back on the air. “That’s why I contacted Goodhope Ledwaba to see where we can help. “We are blessed with the ability to help churches in our area, and our priority is getting Westside back to work.

“After all, they also belong to the big family of South Africa’s radio industry,” explains Rocha. HOT CARES was successful in procuring the equipment and components needed to get the station working again. “HOT 102.7FM is honored to be able to help our colleagues and bring them back into society,” Madurai said.

“We love the radio industry, we are privileged to do what we do, and we are blessed with the opportunity to give back to our friends in need.” I am very happy that we will soon be able to offer our community the program they have come to expect from Westside,” Ledwaba said.

He continued: “After demolishing our facility, which was built for R1.4 million in 2016, I felt pressured, but now I firmly believe that we will be back soon – stronger than ever.”