Bush Radio: Celebrating 30 years of empowering community voices

Bush Radio is celebrating 30 years of fearless storytelling and community engagement this year.

To mark the milestone the station hosted a gala dinner - a night filled with memories, music, and a powerful reminder of their journey.

The energy was electric as Bush Radio pioneers, special guests, family members, and beloved listeners gathered under one roof on August 8. It was more than a dinner - it was a powerful reminder of their journey from rebellious pirate broadcasts in the early 1990s to becoming a cornerstone of South African community media.

During her keynote address, Bush Radio managing director, Brenda Leonard said: More than three decades ago, what started as a dream - a rebellious, community-rooted idea in the heart of Cape Town - became a legal voice for the people. Bush Radio didn't wait for permission to care about its community."

The evening was particularly poignant as they remembered the cherished souls who paved the way. These included Sandile Dikeni, Edric Gorfinkel, Judge Essa Moosa, Vince Kolbe, and many others whose contributions built the foundation of what Bush Radio is today.

Women in Jazz: A musical celebration of excellence

The celebrations continued on Friday, August 9 with a spectacular Women in Jazz concert at the Artscape. Babalwa Meintjies served pure artistry that captivated the entire venue, Auriol Hays reminded everyone why she's jazz royalty, Lu Dlamini brought soulful sophistication to the stage, Fancy Galada was a dynamic force of excellence, The Lady Day Little Big Band absolutely blew the roof off with their performance. The concert wasn't just about entertainment - it was a powerful statement about the role women have played in shaping both jazz and media.

More than broadcasting: Building a movement

Throughout both events, the speeches reflected a fundamental truth: Bush Radio has never been just a radio station. "We've been a movement, a teacher, an activist, a friend, and a fearless truth-teller for over 30years. When Bush Radio began this journey, it wasn't just about airtime. It was about justice. About making sure that our stories - real stories from the ground - were told by us, for us. "

Since officially going on air on August 9, 1995 - just a year after South Africa's first democratic elections - Bush Radio has:

• Trained generations of journalists, broadcasters, and change-makers;
• Given voice to communities from Langa to Gugulethu, Mitchells Plain to Khayelitsha and beyond;
• Pioneered dedicated music programmes and launched the careers of many musicians and artists;
• Remained fiercely independent through funding challenges, political shifts, and media transformations; and
• Continued to be a platform for freedom of expression and social justice.

Looking Forward: The Next 30 Years

Bush Radio's spirit remains as bold and unbreakable as ever, ready to face the next chapter with innovation, stronger governance, fresh leadership, and deeper connections with new generations. "To every pioneer who started this journey, every volunteer who kept it alive, every staff member who carried it forward, every partner who supported us, and every listener who trusted us with their time - this celebration was for you. You are Bush Radio. You are our compass and our reason for every decision we make."

A Legacy That Continues

Bush Radio is committed to amplifying voices, broadcasting truth, music, and the unstoppable spirit of the people. "Because that's who we are, and that's who we'll always be. Viva Bush Radio, viva! Here's to keeping that community fire burning bright for generations to come."

Weekend Argus