Platfontein-Friday, 17 September 2021 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) radio stations will unite to celebrate XK-FM’s 21 years in radio and to keep the heritage of the !Xun and Khwe alive during heritage month, and beyond.
Starting Monday September 20th through to 26th September, six (6) African Language SABC radio stations will carry a 3-5min simulcast broadcast of XK-FM at various points throughout the day. This exposure is designed to give listeners an opportunity to hear and learn more about the !Xu and Khwe languages and culture.
Both digital and on–air crossings will take place on Motsweding FM, Munghana Lonene FM, Ukhozi FM, Tru-FM, Ikwekwezi FM and Umhlobo Wenene FM. The radio platforms will also showcase XK-FM’s digital banners and audio translations of typical phrases in !Xu and Khwe languages.
XK-FM is the only radio station in the country that supports the! Xu and Khe languages of the indigenous San people.
“XK-FM is one of the SABC’s most prized possessions” says Northern Cape Regional Operations Manager Refiloe Maraka. “It truly is the lifeline of the community it serves in Platfontein. The station is a prime example of the value that the SABC brings to its listeners as it entertains and informs and perhaps even more importantly, preserves the languages and heritage of our most marginalized and vulnerable communities” he adds. “We encourage listeners across the country to take this opportunity to learn a phrase or two and use it when they come and visit our beautiful region.”
XK-FM’s maiden broadcast on 18th of August 2000 was launched from a stationary container in Schmidt’s drift in the Northern Cape. The hours of operation at the time were 06:00 to 13h00 which is a far cry from today’s schedule which broadcasts for 15hrs a day in both languages from its current home in Platfontein.
For the complete schedule of the times of the live crossings to XK-FM from the various radio stations visit www.sabc.co.za
#SABCHeritage2021
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About SABC
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is South Africa’s only public service broadcaster, established 85 years ago, in 1936. The corporation currently boasts nineteen (19) radio stations and six (6) television channels and has aggressively expanded its platforms to include digital platforms, reflecting the changing consumption patterns of its audiences. In 2013, the Corporation launched its 24-hour SABC News Channel 404, which has fast become a market leader since its inception. The SABC News division further extended its services to online and digital platforms with the launch of the SABC News App in 2019. The corporation launched its 24-Hour Sports Channel in April 2021 on the Openview platform, channel 124.The Sports Channel is also available on the SABC’s DTT service and TelkomONE’s mobile platform. In its commitment to fulfilling its mandate, the SABC will continue to play a critical role in ensuring that nation-building and social cohesion are promoted by acquiring and scheduling content that reflects South African stories on its radio, television and digital platforms.
Issued By: Group Communications
Media Enquiries: Ms. Gugu Ntuli (Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing)
NtuliGM@sabc.co.za|T. 011 714 3311|C. 071 877 0513
