Cultural ambassadors rally for support station faces financial crisis

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

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 is 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. 

“Once these issues have been resolved, all of us who are committed to preserving and promoting South Indian languages and culture need to work together and ensure that Southside FM grows in popularity and audience numbers. This will encourage advertising and sponsorship that will make the station sustainable. 

“It's unacceptable that staff are not receiving regular salaries due to a lack of funding. I must commend the present staff component for their commitment and dedication. In these difficult times it's not easy to find such dedicated individuals who make themselves available to keep the station going. I have full confidence in Thaniga Moodley, Tansen Nepaul and others who are in the committee and I pledge my support to them in their efforts,” added Govender.

Kiru Naidoo, historian, author, and former board member of Southside FM, said the station brought huge pride to the community.

“We must work together to make sure the station succeeds. Fundraising will be a lifeline but we cannot raise funds to clear a deficit. I'm certain there is enough goodwill between the previous board and the incoming one to sit down and hammer out a solution to the financials. Hats off to the presenters, management and sponsors who have kept the flag flying in spite of the challenges,” he added.

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