Looters cleaned out Alex FM 89.1 studio, stealing everything including the awards bestowed on the community radio station in its 27 years of dedicated service to Alexandra residents.
After a savage destruction of a butchery, liquor store and other essential retail outlets on the ground floor of Yarona Building at the Pan African Mall on Third Avenue and Watt Street, the plunderers ascended to the second floor and ransacked the broadcasting space with all the energy, strength and vengeance of a medieval army.
Studio equipment and other broadcasting paraphernalia estimated at R5m was stolen and obliterated within minutes. Furniture and computers were also stolen and stuff that they couldn't remove was vandalised.
Some of the station's staff members were robbed of personal belongings that included four laptops and two headphones but were lucky to escape with their lives. The attack happened after 11pm during the Transformation of Radio, a weekend slot presented by Ronald Steele.
He escaped minutes before their arrival after they looted a supermarket store downstairs. The attacks happened hours after SABC crew suffered broad daylight robbery of personal items and work equipment in the same neighbourhood.
According to Isaac Mangena, chairperson of the station's board, these barbaric acts of criminality were an attack on the media, particularly a community station that has served with distinction as the voice of the people.
"It still boggles the mind that a right thinking person who stays in Alex would raid a community radio station. This is nothing but criminality which looked so well organised," Mangena said.
"The people who did this have no interest of Alexandra at heart and are nothing but criminals. As a community we should not allow them to win. We should stand up and protect our important infrastructure against these criminals. We should say no to looting, no to vandalism, no to theft and no to anarchy."
And in the midst of what appears to be degradation and despair, there's actually a ray of hope for Alex FM and the community it serves.
The corporate sector, religious institutions, local businesses and the broadcasting industry had pledged financial, technical and logistical support for the resuscitation of the community mouthpiece, while the residents seem determined to pick up the pieces and rise from the rubble and ashes of the wanton destruction that has left thousands jobless and on the verge of despondency.
The DJs and presenters are back on air at a different address in neighbouring Sandton. It's the home of Radio 2000, LM Radio and Cliff Central, an online content hub that was founded by radio personality Gareth Cliff and specialises in podcasting and online radio. Despite this monumental setback, Alex FM station manager, Takalani Nemangowe is upbeat about the latest developments.
"The criminals have decided that they don't want us in Alex, but Alex is us and we are Alex. One way or the other we shall find our way back to our community."
Geraint Crwys-Williams, chairperson of Primedia Broadcasting, a subsidiary of the media giant, Primedia and the company that owns commercial radio stations 702, 947, KFM 94.5, said as a broadcasting sector they were in it together and supporting the beleaguered station was part of 702's motto of 'walking the talk'. His company had pledged R50,000 and technical skills towards the rebuilding effort.
Other broadcasting and media brands such as Jacaranda FM, Wild and Mar (audio-visual equipment), The Media Connection (leader in community radio solutions) and Groot FM have also responded to the call for support and assistance.
The latter, a Pretoria East-based Afrikaans-medium station, has pledged a R10,000 donation. James Garden, MD of Eclipse Innovation and Skyside SA, has promised to donate radio equipment and installation.
Alex Radio first went on air on September 1 1994 at a time when community radio was still a novelty in local broadcasting.
Since then it has played a significant role in informing, educating and entertaining the community of Alexandra, while on the other hand serving as a training ground and launching pad for young broadcasters. Some of them have gone on to become household names on national radio stations and television.
For further enquiries contact Takalani Nemangowe on 076 155 9777.
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