LEADERS of the Ndebele Nation say they need to be consulted and are tired of being undermined by the government.
On Monday, 26 April, amaNdebele picketed outside the SABC offices in Hatfield, Tshwane.
They’re are not happy about a plan to move Ikwekwezi FM to Joburg.
The protesters from KwaNdebele in Mpumalanga said they would not allow the station to be moved from Tshwane to the SABC headquarters in Auckland Park.
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They said no one in KwaNdebele would listen to the station if this happened, and staff from the area would not work in Joburg.
Speaking on behalf of the Vulamehlo Kusile Organisation, Sam Vimbela Mahlangu said: “Our main plan is to protect our language and culture. We don’t want the station moved to Joburg but rather to KwaMhlanga, or any other place in Mpumalanga.”
He said they picketed and handed over a memorandum of demands earlier this month, but never received a response.
Elmon Pondo Mahlangu, a praise singer for the Ndzundza Ndebele Kingdom, said the SABC was taking something precious away from them.
“We don’t agree with the SABC’s plan to move the station and we feel we’re not taken seriously,” he said.
Princess Ntombizodwa Mahlangu of the royal family was also opposed to the plan.
“We are against this decision because the station is part of us,” she said.
Ndzundza Top Five Royal Legacy general secretary, Nkosabo Kosabopetha, said Ndebele culture was disrespected.
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“We’re proud of our culture and the station.
“We want our station to remain where it is or be moved to KwaMahlanga. We will come in our numbers if our grievances are not heard,” he said.
Ikwekwezi FM programme manager, Nkosinathi Ntuli, said he received the memorandum on behalf of SABC management.
“We will send it to management to deal with your grievances.
“We will respond in 14 days,” he said.
