"The National Association of Broadcasters and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2023. This year also marks 30 years since the official start of community broadcasting, and 100 years of radio in South Africa.
This presents an opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable history of promoting participatory democracy through the airwaves that have unfolded over the past three decades and that have helped reshape and transform the contours of the broadcast industry.
The story of community broadcasting is closely interwoven with the evolution of South Africa’s democracy. It is characterised by adaptability, agility, resilience, and the ability to keep pace with a constantly changing landscape and context. It is also a story of persistent gaps and challenges. This reflective piece traces the journey of community broadcasting in South Africa through some of its turning points and highlights." (Page 2)