Page 5 - IFV_Issue 2_Feb_2022

Estate News

Dear Residents

s there is a brisk feel to the air
early in the morning, it seems as debate, irrespective of their educational
Aif we are gradually moving from level.
summer into autumn. After the wettest It also plays a crucial role in
rainy season we’ve had in years, with emergency communication and
everything around us in our gardens disaster relief. It is uniquely positioned
and parks turning the most amazing to bring communities together and
shades of green, it’s really tempting to foster positive dialogue for change.
spend as much time as we can outdoors, By listening to its audiences and
to enjoy the wonders of nature. responding to their needs, radio services
Most of us are back at work and the provide the diversity of views and voices
Anna-Mart Steyn needed to address the challenges we all
kids have all started the new school
year. January has literally flown by – it is face.
unbelievable that we can tick off the first arena where all voices can be expressed, As we in South Africa have load-
month of the year and are already in the represented, and heard, hence why shedding, there are two things that I
second month. radio is still the most consumed medium have learned to always have in my home
worldwide today. – a battery-operated radio and a torch,
World Radio Day celebrates radio as actually three things – also fully charged
part of humanity’s history, following the batteries for these items.
various developments in our society and The older generation – of which I am
adapting its services to remain relevant. a part – grew up with stories on the
As the world changes, so does radio. radio, as well as with very informative
Thus, during the COVID-19 pandemic, radio programmes. Will we ever forget
for those without Wi-Fi and computers listening to a rugby match or cricket
or smartphones, radio made it possible game, relying on the voice of the
to ensure continuity of learning, fight commentator to bring the game to life?
against misinformation, and promote We had to wait to hear if a try was scored
barrier gestures, such as the wearing or a batsman was bowled out.
of masks, hand hygiene and social When last did you switch off your cell
distancing. phone and television, and sit in a chair
Radio is a low-cost medium and just listened to the radio?
specifically suited to reaching remote Let’s celebrate the radio on the
communities and vulnerable people, 13th of February as one of the best
giving them a platform to join the public communication instruments invented.

WORLD RADIO DAY
Although the month of February is
renowned for Valentine’s Day on the
14th, February the 13th is an important
day for the radio, as it is ‘World Radio
Day’, as proclaimed by the United
Nations, therefore, an ode to the
resilience of radio.
A radio is accessible anywhere and IMAGE: ERIC NOPAN_UNSPLASH
anytime, and the broadcasts reach a
wide audience. It presents itself as an

The Villager • Issue 2 2022 • 3