On 13 February 2025, the University’s radio station joined the rest of the world and celebrated the annual World Radio Day. The day was designated by UNESCO in 2011, to celebrate radio broadcasts, improve international cooperation among radio broadcasters and encourage decision-makers to create and provide access to information through radio, including community radio stations. The 2025 World Rady Day theme is: ‘A century informing, entertaining and educating’. For its part in the celebrations, the MUT Radio lined up a fantastic programme, which one of the authorities described as a “great programme”. All its shows incorporated the elements of climate change education and awareness.
The Vuk’ubangene Breakfast Show, which runs from 7am to 10am, aired from Umlazi Senior Secondary School located at V-section. Before the start of the show, Awethu Kelese, MUT Radio Programmes Manager, and Head of News, addressed the learners of the school, telling them about the importance of radio. The show was co-hosted by some learners who are doing Drama Studies and Geography. The Drama students gave some climate-related performances – one a poem on climate change, and about the effects of mining on the climate, and how all that put together, affects people.
Grade 12 learners took part in the show: Lwandile Mbatha did the traffic report; Nomcebo Ngcobo reported the weather. Kelese said both learners did very well. “It was amazing. Their vocals were on point. They came prepared,” said Kelese. Esihle Zuma, a grade 11 and Sandiswa Maphumulo, grade 12, talked about climate change, its causes and its effects on the economy and the environment, and what people can do to mitigate climate change.
Ayanda Jwara, Dramatic Arts teacher, and organiser of the visit, appreciated the University efforts at highlighting these important changes that are frustrating human nature. “I thank MUT Radio for giving our learners a chance to talk on radio. The theme inspired my drama learners who did a performance”.
The Hlanganani Midday Show, from 10am to 1pm, hosted Dr Thobile Poswa, Head of the Department of Environmental Health. Dr Poswa, an expert in environmental studies, also talked about climate change. The show’s host, Spha Mhlongo, also collaborated with MFM, a Stellenbosch University radio station, and the Rhodes Music Radio, a Rhodes University radio station, as part of World Radio Day celebrations.
The Hangout, from 1pm to 4pm, was broadcast at the University’s Students Centre, where the whole radio team celebrated with the students. The show hosted Nokuthula ‘Nkuleh’ Malunga, a popular student entrepreneur, who was studying towards an Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Extension and Community Development last year. Nkuleh shared what she does, using natural resources, and the effect of Climate Change on her products.