{"id":37068,"date":"2026-05-26T11:35:36","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T11:35:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/?p=37068"},"modified":"2026-05-26T13:55:34","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T13:55:34","slug":"vutfm-ushers-in-a-new-era-with-state-of-the-art-studios","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/st\/vutfm-ushers-in-a-new-era-with-state-of-the-art-studios\/","title":{"rendered":"VUTFM ushers in a new era with state-of-the-art studios"},"content":{"rendered":"

“VUT officially unveiled upgraded VUTFM studios with the MDDA and Deputy Minister Kenny Morolong, advancing youth empowerment and media innovation”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

26 May 2026 | Story by: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Peter Masela<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 minutes read time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"VUT<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The atmosphere at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Isak Steyl Stadium was filled with excitement, pride and celebration as students, government leaders, community stakeholders and broadcasters gathered for the official handover of the newly upgraded VUTFM studios on 22 May 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event, supported through a R1.95 million investment by the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), marked a significant milestone for the university radio station affectionately known as \u201cThe Rhythm of the Vaal\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the sounds of music, applause and anticipation echoing through the venue, guests celebrated not only the unveiling of a modern broadcasting facility but also the strengthening of a platform that continues to shape young media professionals and amplify community voices across the Vaal region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Programme Director Mr Lehlohonolo Boye opened the proceedings by reflecting on the station\u2019s powerful slogan, \u201cInforming Minds\u201d, while expressing appreciation for the support received from government and university leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe really need to continue informing minds,\u201d Boye said. \u201cWe appreciate the support from the government and the Office of the Vice-Chancellor in ensuring that VUTFM continues to grow as a platform that empowers communities through information.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking on behalf of the MDDA Board, Ms Jayshree Pather described the handover as an investment in the future of community and campus media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is a privilege to officially hand over this studio to VUTFM, a platform that not only gives a voice to students and the broader community but also contributes meaningfully to developing the next generation of media practitioners and content creators,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pather explained that the infrastructure investment would strengthen the station\u2019s operational sustainability while advancing media diversity and democratic participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCommunity and campus media remain critical platforms for access to information, local storytelling and amplifying voices that are often underrepresented in mainstream media,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The newly upgraded studios represent more than just sophisticated equipment and modern infrastructure. For the university, the facility signals a bold commitment to innovation, practical learning and community engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delivering a message of acceptance and support, Professor Khehla Ndlovu, VUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, described the day as \u201ca proud and defining moment\u201d for both the university and the wider community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe gather here not merely to unveil a building or hand over equipment,\u201d said Prof Ndlovu. \u201cWe gather to celebrate possibility, the power of communication, and the important role media continues to play in shaping an informed, inclusive and democratic society.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He emphasised that the state-of-the-art studios would provide students with an environment that mirrors professional broadcasting standards, enabling them to develop industry relevant technical and communication skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe studio represents access, empowerment and opportunity for young broadcasters, journalists, content creators and communication professionals who will carry the voices and stories of our communities into the future,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prof Ndlovu further linked the investment to the university\u2019s Strategy 2033+, which positions the institution as a leader in innovation, industrial transformation and socially responsive education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local government leaders also welcomed the development, highlighting the role of community radio in strengthening civic participation and social cohesion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Representing the Emfuleni Local Municipality, MMC for Finance Cllr Hassan Mako said the station remained an important partner in community development and communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCommunity radio remains a powerful tool for social connection and transformation,\u201d said Cllr Mako. \u201cIt reaches people where they are, informing, educating, inspiring and uniting communities across generations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He noted that platforms such as VUTFM would become even more important ahead of local government elections, providing space for civic education and public dialogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, MMC for Corporate Services at the Sedibeng District Municipality, Cllr Rethabile Hlakane praised the station for remaining a trusted voice within the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVUTFM is more than a radio station; it is a companion, an educator and an empowering platform for our communities,\u201d said Cllr Hlakane. \u201cIt gives local government an avenue to communicate directly with citizens during important campaigns, crises and development programmes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The highlight of the day came with the keynote address by the Honourable Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Mr Kenny Morolong, who reaffirmed the government\u2019s commitment to strengthening community media platforms across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis moment represents a meaningful investment in the voice, identity and cohesion of young people and the broader Vaal community,\u201d said Honourable Morolong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Describing community radio as \u201cthe heartbeat of communities,\u201d he highlighted the role stations such as VUTFM play in preserving local stories, encouraging democratic participation and empowering young people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCommunity radio is not just about transmitting sound across the airwaves; it is about connecting people and ensuring communities are informed and heard,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honourable Morolong also reflected on the significance of youth empowerment ahead of the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the 16 June 1976 student uprisings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe youth of 1976 changed the course of our nation\u2019s history. Today, young people must once again rise, this time to tackle unemployment, poverty and inequality,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe role VUTFM plays becomes increasingly significant because it gives young people a dedicated and powerful voice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Closing the programme, Chairperson of the VUTFM Board, Dr Jacob Thamaga, thanked all stakeholders for supporting the station\u2019s growth and sustainability journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis milestone represents growth, resilience, accountability and renewed commitment to the future of community broadcasting and student development,\u201d said Dr Thamaga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He further commended the station\u2019s commitment to governance, compliance and indigenous language programming, noting that VUTFM had earned national recognition for excellence in community broadcasting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As guests toured the modern facility and celebrated the milestone achievement, one message resonated throughout the event: VUTFM is entering a new chapter, one in which technology, creativity, youth development and community engagement converge to shape the future of broadcasting in the Vaal and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For students, aspiring broadcasters and loyal listeners of 96.9 FM, the upgraded studios are more than a new radio home. They are a symbol of hope, innovation and the enduring power of community voices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catch the full experience on Flickr <\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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