The radio station created employment for the people of Mbombela for 25 years and had thousands of listeners supporting them. But its microphones have since been switched off and the radio station shut down. The doors of Barberton Community Radio (104.1) in the City Of Mbombela, Mpumalanga, has closed down.

SHATTERED DREAMS

The dreams of hopeful radio station employees who had plans of gaining experience in their community radio station before branching out into national stations have been shattered. This was a decision made by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). They shut down after their signal was suspended by Sentech for payment failure.

DO NOT CUE THE SONG

Thestation was once home to established broadcasters Carol Sanders, Sipho Motsa, Given Mathaveka, Sindisiwe Mlangeni, and many others. Their chairman of the boards Qhawe Sam Jele says the station needed R163 582.40 to remain operational. "We needed financial assistance, which we have not received, and we've had to close shop,' he says. The newly employed leader says, "When I was elected in November last year, I was not aware of the debt until the day when Sentech interrupted  broadcast.' Although the station is off air; we are not giving up. "We are still trying to raise funds and we urge anyone to assist. We are currently streaming online in order to keep our listeners updated but we are working on going back on air soon.' BCR is not the first station to close down in Mbombela due to lack of funds, The Voice Of Hope also switched off their microphones after failing to pay Sentech.

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