Editor’s Note

GM’s Note

News • South hosts the second summit of the Forum on China-Africa (FOCAC) by Milton Maluleque. Events/Achievements • Fun Walk by Joe Manciya. • Channel Africa Year End Lunch by Lerato Phoofolo. Feature • Fusing the old with the new (Rachel Makhura and Ntswaki Charlotte Mathoka). Matters • New Appointment (Igega-Chacell Lurhakwa Bahati) • Birthdays (Jan’ & Feb’ Babies)

Contributions: Editor: Mamolefe Segakweng Main Contributor and compiler: Lerato Phoofolo Edition Contributors: - Lerato Phoofolo - Joe Manciya - Milton Maluleque Layout / Design: Neo Bogoshi Brought to you by Channel Africa Communications Channel Africa is an International Radio Service of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

The broadcast product is designed to address the station’s vision, which is “To be the Voice of the African Renaissance”.

Our mission statement is to produce and broadcast innovative and dynamic programming that informs, educates, entertains and empowers African citizens.

The programming mix covers amongst others, the areas of Governance, Health, Socio-Economics, Politics, Human interest and Environment. The station’s broadcast is carried on multi platform, i.e Shortwave, Satellite, Internet and DSTV.

The station broadcasts in six (6) African languages, which are English, French, Portuguese, Kiswahili, Chinyanja and Silozi.

As part of information integration and empowerment, Channel Africa is partnering with other broadcasters in the continent with the aim of exchanging programmes, staff and skills.

Contact us on: Address: SABC Radio Park, Cnr Henley & Artillery Roads, Auckland Park P.O Box 91313, Auckland Park, 2006,

Marketing & Communications: • Email: [email protected] • Fax +27 (0)11 714 4088 • Tel: +27(0)11 414 2014 To listen live and on demand, go to: www.channelafrica.co.za

Catch us and follow us on: 50 and still going

This is a BIG year for the station as it marks the at Channel Africa. Rachel Makhura, our up and BIG 50 of existence. It’s an exciting time as we look coming first Lady of Sports, shares her passion for back and see how far we have come; nonetheless everything that is sporty. Highly inspiring. Indulge! the future looks bright. These are the interesting AfroChannel.com features the latest addition to times the station, Ms. Igega-Chancell Lurhakwa Bahati, Perhaps I should begin by wishing all our readers a the new producer at the French service. Read happy 2016 as we also embark on another twelve about how she intends to contribute positively as a month journey. 2015 has been remarkable in its own journalist and her plans for the future. sense; in this issue we will take you through most of On an exciting note, we are looking forward to the what happened in the year through the eyes, pens celebrations. The station will be celebrating the and ears of our able journalists and reporters. I take big 50 this winter. Do keep abreast with exciting it we all welcomed the New Year with positivity, and plans and different stages of this exciting campaign hopefully enjoyed the Holiday break. though our website www.channelafrica.co.za; and This issue highlights some of the successes that our social media platforms, i.e. Facebook page: the station encountered in the last year. Two of the Channel Africa, Instagram: Channelafricaradio milestone events that South Africa had a privilege and Twitter: @channelafrica1 of hosting, and the station has the opportunity of covering fully; Africities summit and 2nd summit of Do allow this issue to contribute towards the Forum on China – Africa Co-Operation (FOCAC). development of the continent and productivity of Milton Maluleque had an opportunity to attend the Channel Africa. latter event and he shares his experience with our Editor readers. In support of health and wellness, the station Mumzy! partnered with SANTA for a Fun Walk in Soweto, South Africa. The discussions revolved around how to manage diseases such as TB and live a normal life with those. The station was there; do read all about it in this issue. We also feature the station’s year-end function celebrations The permanent feature on our newsletter, the new and the not so new; we caught up with Ms. Charlotte Mathoka, who shares her memorable experiences Message from the GM’s Desk

As 2015 has reached its end, we as members of Channel Africa enter a new phase of our station in our efforts to build a better radio station for ALL Africans. There was a positive response that must be First, I want to thank you for your great work and appreciated and that is the way individual staff your commitment to turning our station around members responded to the various empowerment and deliver on our mandate and our mission. training courses. There’s room to do better. We had our successes Not everything went according to plan or our wish. and failures but I am proud to reflect some of our Amongst them: achievements and these include; The delays in the studio upgrade. This project has Successful and fruitful meetings with critical been experiencing a number of challenges that stakeholders namely DoC, Sentech, African Union include the exchange rate due to the weakness of and ACCORD (a South African-based organisation our currency and attempts by some inexperienced involved in Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and companies wanting to try their luck. Preventive Diplomacy throughout the continent The introduction of social media into our of Africa.) to discuss the future of the station and programming has been extremely slow. However possible partnerships. there are pockets of excellence where social Formulation of a team to investigation possible media has been successfully implemented. sustainable and profitable Channel Africa. A draft Partnership projects have not produced the business proposal was submitted to SABC OPSCO desired outcomes however we’ll continue to through the office of Group Executive – Radio for engage a number of potential partners. consideration May the year 2016 give you the opportunity to Channel Africa continues to promote social cohesion realize your dreams, by reclaiming your position by celebrating major African calendar events that as one of the biggest and best radio station in the includes amongst others; South Africa’s elections, African continent. My wish for you as Channel S.A. SONA, annual AU summit, Nelson Mandela Africa family is to aim high but be happy with Day, etc. the small contribution you’re making towards the We have partnered with SENTECH on the DRM- empowerment of the African audiences we’re SW Trial Project. This is part of the digital migration reaching. On behalf of the entire SABC Radio of SENTECH to replace Shortwave, an analogue Management I would like to take this opportunity transmission platform that is used by Channel Africa to wish you a Merry Christmas and may the to broadcast to sub-Sahara Africa. The shortwave new year bring success, good health and joy in technology is obsolete resulting in the majority your lives and guide you towards excellence in of Channel Africa audiences moving to the more broadcasting. advance and reliable technologies such as FM, GM Mobile, Internet and Satellite to consume radio. Solly Phetoe Milton Maluleque (FOCAC)

he city of , South Africa, hosted leaders such as Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe who fromT the 4th to the 5th December the second summit have faced Western criticism of their human rights of the forum on China-Africa co-operation (FOCAC), record. the first in the African Continent. The first summit was ”To ensure the successful implementation of these held in Beijing in 2000. 10 cooperation plans, China has decided to provide Under the theme, “China-Africa progressing together a total of $60 billion of funding support,” Xi told the for common development,” the second summit summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. held at the Sandton Conventional Centre, brought South African President Jacob Zuma, co-chair along together 36 heads of state and five prime ministers with Xi of the summit, said African countries needed from the African continent. Chinese help to process their abundant natural The Forum on China Africa Co-operation (FOCAC) resources, which he said had made the continent was thus launched in October 2000 in Beijing as a tri- vulnerable to exploitation in the past. annual collective dialogue platform for co-operation Africa provides not only a huge market place for between China and Africa, as a signal of the dynamic Chinese goods and services but it also offers strategic and expanding nature of China-Africa relations. opportunities. FOCAC is an important platform to jointly implement The Forum on China-Africa Co-operation (FOCAC) cooperation in six major areas of co-operation under was the second time China has brought together which industrial co-operation, health co-operation African leaders since the forum was launched in and peace and security are the key priorities. Beijing in 2000. Speaking at the opening of the FOCAC, the Chinese The Chinese President added in his closing speech President, Xi Jinping told African leaders his country that the co-operation with China was based on would pump $60 billion into development projects, “sincerity, mutual trust, equality, win-win co-operation cancel some debt and boost agriculture under a and mutual benefit”. three-year plan that will extend Beijing’s influence in Channel Africa covered the Summit. All services the continent. (English, French, Portuguese, Swahili, Lozi and Xi said China would not interfere in African countries’ Chinyanja), were represented. internal affairs, a stance that drew applause from Joe Manciya (Out and about in Soweto)

any call it Soweto which stands for South which is broadcast on SABC News Channel 404 on WesternM Townships of Johannesburg, but elders in DSTV. Presenting a technology programme makes the township claim it was a question from the African him a champion of the young people in South Africa people who were forcefully removed from the city and the whole continent. When a person of his of Johannesburg and dumped in this land, hence calibre participates, broadcast and mingle with the they asked, “so where to?”. But like all Africans they community members, what more could anyone ask created something out of nothing, now this township for. As a team that was presenting the event to the is one of the biggest and most historic in the world. whole of Africa during the day, we send our heartfelt There are two Nobel Laureates in one street former condolences to Mr Benjamin Moshatama who was president Nelson Mandela and Bishop Emeritus Tutu; supposed to be part of the team but could not it hosts the biggest taxi rank in Africa which is one because of the funeral in the family. of the biggest companies owned by Black Africans. The team members that were present outdone There is so much to reminisce about which resonates themselves in their respective portfolios and with all Africans from this side of the continent. representing both Channel Africa and SABC When I descended into Soweto for the SantaFunWalk Foundation in general. It is always pride and honour organized in partnership with SABC Foundation, to show up in an event that is aimed at putting a SANTA and Channel Africa as a broadcast sponsor, I face to one radio station that is broadcasting for felt the goose-bumps on my stomach, for two reasons, Africa. When it was announced that Channel Africa being out of the radio studios to meet the community was going to be part of SantaFunWalk, different that we broadcast for and walking on the streets of audiences hope and wish to see their heroes and Soweto. Little did I know that there would be so many heroines in the event, more especially the youth that people, that were going to stand outside their houses aspire to be presenters in the near future. to cheer, shout, support and even walk along the side I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of an of the road with you to show support of the event event this magnitude. My experiences from being out that we were walking on behalf. The fun walk which and about in Soweto had been phenomenal! was meant to advocate for Zero new HIV Infections, Zero Deaths due to TB and Zero Stigma attached to HIV positive and people with TB, turned to have a lot more of un-intended benefits to the participants, hosts and the entire population. People found it easy to disclose their HIV status both on air and even outside our mobile studio. My hat goes out to our colleague, Sphumelele Zondi from Channel Africa’s current affairs for taking a live blood testing and disclosed his results. Mr Zondi is also a host of a television programme called, Networkx Lerato Phoofolo (Channel Africa Year End Lunch @ Chaf Pozi)

et at the base of the iconic Orlando Towers and the dreams to become (2016) over some Shiza inS Soweto, Chaf Pozi is a local hang-out spot Nyama and cold drinks, well to be honest the drinks where you will experience food and a vibe that’s were a bit warm but nonetheless fun was had. The authentic to South Africa. It’s been said that Chaf year-end function was not about work, but rather Pozi was established to create an open Shiza Nyama about getting to know the people you have been restaurant where people could come and eat good working with on a more personal note. No professional local food, have a drink and listen to township music. hierarchy, just a change of gear into the holiday On some days it even becomes a Fan Fest. season after a year of hard work. It represents the vibrant Soweto. A vivid atmosphere, I must say, knowing your fellow colleagues more on rich in Culture (which is exactly what Channel Africa a personal level helps a lot with future work relations. is about) and a Sisha Nyama no-one will ever forget, I for one enjoyed the time spent with them (Channel hence this was the place everyone wanted to go to Africans) outside the work place and look forward to for the year end function. a prosperous 2016 with them. I think it’s safe to say On the 11th December 2015 Channel Africa that they are more than just colleagues, they are my employees shared the memories that were (2015) family. Charlotte Ntswaki Mathoka

Q: How has Channel Africa affected you personally, A. Most people would not know that Channel the changes you went through as a person? Africa was Radio South Africa (RSA) before and they also used to bradcast in Spanish and Yes it has! It has made me more of a team player. German, including Zulu. Working with people from different cultural B. Most people might not know that respect goes backgrounds has been amazing and eye opening long way for me (it’s a two way street) and it’s for me. very important to me.

Q: What are your fondest Channel Africa Memories? Q: Please tell us a bit of what your job entails? One of my fondest memories is when I used to be I am a Senior Administrator. I really enjoy my job and a Data Capturer for Channel Africa, accumulating equipment is my responsibility, the security, ordering letters and information from listeners from different it and making sure that everything is in order when it countries. I must say that I really enjoyed that role. comes to that department.

Are you looking forward to retirement? Q: What are your worst Channel Africa memores? Q: Oh yes I definitely am! I’m just looking forward to When my boss at that time Promise Zamisa left, things resting, spending a lot of time with my family and were never the same without her. opening a catering business for myself or a floristry one. Q: What’s the one thing you think Channel Africa employees might not know about the organization and about you? Ms. Rachel Makhura is one of the young employees at Channel Africa. She shares he experiences and memories.

Q: How has Channel Africa affected you personally, Q: What’s the one thing you think Channel Africa the changes you went through as a person? employees might not know about the organization and about you? I love the fact that I work not only with South Africans A. I think the majority of the employees including but some of my colleagues are from across the myself do not know the history of the station; its African continent. This has allowed me to learn a inception. How it started. lot from them. The fact that Channel’s focus is on B. Well about me, hmmmm. I am a twin. So some African news has also allowed me to be more aware colleagues might not know that. Another thing is and pay attention to the happenings around the that I not only report on sport, but I play sports. I’m continent. My mind has broadened to the fact that truly a sports person. it’s not and shouldn’t be South Africa and the rest of Africa but it should be Africa. Q: Please tell us a bit of what your job entails? Q: What are your fondest Channel Africa Memories? I am a Sports Reporter/Bulletin Writer and Presenter. So in a nutshell my job requires me to go out and Arriving at the Station for the first time and meeting attend stories (press briefings) happening outside of new people throughout the years is what stands out the office. If I’m in the office and there is nostory the most and of course gradually growing in my job. to go out to; I can conduct NUMEROUS telephonic I also remember the first time I presented the sports interviews with a couple of my contacts and that news. Might have not been the best (hahahaha), happens almost every single day. I also write my but it’s a memory I hold close to my heart. own stories which will be edited by the Editor. I’m also required to source sound and edit it. The best part of What are your worst Channel Africa memores? Q: my job has to be presenting the sports news. Love it! Might not point out the worst moments, they have been a lot (honestly) and it will take the whole day if not two days or more to pin point them. But I believe one goes through such moments for a reason and I have definitely grown stronger. Welcome to Channel Africa

Q: Please provide us with a brief description of who that’s how I met Pamela Koumba and I told her the you are (where you were born and bred, your likes Lord put you here to prepare a place for me, she and dislikes, what we are most likely not to know just smiled. A while after that she called me saying about you, what gets you up in the morning, habits, my job application had be approved to work for the qualifications, where you completed your studies, French service desk. etc.)? Please tell us a bit about what your new job at My name is Chancelline Lurhakwa bahati igega Q: Channel Africa entails? , I was born in Kinshasa capital of Republique Democratique of Congo and got my bachelor I am journalist. This is my dream job. My job includes degree in international politics and diplomaticat me working with political personnel from my country Institute Faculty of sciences and Communications and experts in communication at High authority of in kinshasa. I arrived in South Africa in 2006 for Media. professional reasons. I continued my studies at the university of Pretoria doing iCT “Information What are you looking forward to in your new Communication Technologies’’ and I then decided Q: position? to do nursing where I worked for four years in different places like retirement village in Montana, Medi clinic I really want to prove myself as a qualified journalist. in Pretoria medical ward, oosvalley , garsfontein, Every day I ask the Lord to let me be excellent in until I landed here at Channel Africa. everything I do at work. My advice is that one must not give up on God no matter how bad the situation, Q: Where did you previously work before Channel you are going to get through it, so keep on trusting Africa and what was your role there? God. I worked at a call center at Purpose College in Pre- toria after I resigned at Kamdebo Lodge old ages in Florauna. My job was to convince customers to do online publications for their company. It was quite nice but I was always under pressure with weekly tar- gets in mind.

Q: What inspired your decision to join Channel Africa? When Only God can inspire you and guide your life… I did a journalism course in 2008 with Henley production one of the SABC Tv programme where I met Manhie Alho and he was always sending email whenever there was a post at the SABC. He introduced me to a Channel African employee and