World Radio Day is celebrated globally on 13 February, while Unisa Radio celebrates 20 years of existence. 

This is a day to celebrate, reflect and honour the station's journey. In conjunction with World Radio Day, we want to take this moment to appreciate the station's current joys and milestones, and reflect on our future plans.

As a knowledge-driven radio station within the parameters of an institution, Unisa Radio recognises radio as a critical tool in advancing conversations around digital transformation, innovation, skills development and inclusive access to information.

Unisa radio, therefore, celebrates on World Radio Day not only the medium itself, but its contribution to education, freedom of expression, cultural diversity and social cohesion within the university and beyond. Over the past two decades, Unisa Radio has grown from a campus station into a trusted platform for knowledge production, youth development and community empowerment. Since its inception, the station has played a pivotal role in amplifying student voices, nurturing media talent, and bridging the gap between theory and practice. The station’s journey reflects the power of radio to educate, connect and transform lives today and for generations to come.

Unisa Radio Programmes Manager, Tumelo Makgoara, says that the mandate for the station this year is clear: "The mandate is to provide social gains and foster community development," says Makgoara. "In our entirety as a radio station, we exist to serve a specific, local and special-interest community. As the saying goes, we are 'of the people, for the people, by the people'. We have big plans for the station, ultimately landing a local frequency where our listeners can easily access the station in their cars and at their houses. People must watch the space."

"As a community/campus radio station, we act as a citizenry that people can hear, and we are, at our best, a member of the community, rather than just a broadcaster," continues Makgoara. "We are currently running a Back-to-school Charity Drive in partnership with the City of Tshwane, where we will be donating school shoes and stationery to underprivileged primary schools. Our primary contribution revolves around enhancing local empowerment, fostering social cohesion, and acting as a hub for development-related communication."

Unisa Radio also serves as a bridge between traditional broadcasting and emerging technologies, integrating digital platforms, social media and interactive content to remain relevant to Unisa's catalytic niche area 6: the fourth industrial revolution and digitalisation. By aligning broadcasting with research, innovation and future-focused dialogue, Unisa Radio positions itself to help shape a society that is informed, technologically aware, and prepared for the opportunities and challenges of the digital age.

Here is to 20 years of telling inspiring stories, and of being intentional about creating content for the curious, the courageous and the ones who want better for themselves.

About World Radio Day

World Radio Day was established by UNESCO in 2011 to underscore the power of radio to reach diverse audiences and serve as a medium of communication worldwide. Throughout the years, radio has remained one of the most trusted and widely consumed media platforms worldwide. Its significance lies in its accessibility, affordability and ability to reach even the most marginalised communities. In times of crisis, radio continues to serve as a lifeline, delivering accurate information, fostering dialogue and strengthening democratic participation.

Social media: @unisaradio

Listen live: https://iono.fm/s/207

* Submitted by Unisa Radio