Cultural ambassadors rally for support

CULTURAL leaders have expressed concern and rallied support for Southside FM, a station facing financial challenges, as they discuss strategies for its future sustainability.

- YOSHINI PERUMAL

Selvan Naidoo, director of the 1860 Heritage Centre, said the station had consistently failed to meet the needs of the people it was meant to serve.

“It is sad that despite its incredible potential, SouthsideFM has failed to meet the needs of the majority Dravidian Indian African Diaspora living in South Africa.

“Bereft of a strategic vision to grow the station beyond a fiefdom of egoistic leadership, Southside FM has consistently failed to meet the needs of the people it was meant to serve. It is welcoming to see its present board reaching out to the community to develop a vision and mission that will help grow the station to meet its full potential.

“It is incumbent on the new board and all of us to put our shoulders to the wheel in ensuring that Southside FM develops a strategic vision that will be delivered with accountability, good governance and competence. Southside and its people deserve this much and much more,” he said.

Les Govender, deputy chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), said the financial crisis at the station was unfortunate.

“It was unfortunate to hear that Southside FM has been experiencing administrative and financial challenges and had to relocate from Westcliff to the premises in Silverglen.

“The meeting was robust, engaging the officials who have taken the initiative to call the meeting with a view of resolving the urgent issues,” he added.

Govender said it was agreed at the public meeting that the committee that was already in place should continue to resolve administrative issues such as the status of the licence, registration of the station as a non-profit company, and attending to tax compliance matters.