By Marius Bloodstaan, Station Manager
Keetmanshoop, a town steeped in history and cultural diversity in southern Namibia, is home to Kharas Community Radio, a beacon of information, education, and entertainment for the Kharas Region. Since its inception in 2008, this community-driven radio station has played a vital role in preserving local heritage, fostering education, and empowering residents to shape their community actively. Kharas Community Radio has been broadcasting for 15 years, serving as a platform for local voices and addressing the diverse needs of its community.
One of the cornerstones of Kharas Community Radio's mission is promoting and preserving the region's rich cultural tapestry. The station offers diverse programming that showcases traditional Nama and Damara music alongside storytelling sessions where community elders share captivating myths, legends, and historical accounts. These programs resonate deeply with older listeners, providing a cherished link to their cultural roots while ensuring that younger generations inherit and appreciate their unique heritage. The radio station further amplifies cultural celebrations by providing live coverage of local festivals, capturing the vibrant energy of these events, and encouraging broader community participation.
Recognizing the transformative power of education, Kharas Community Radio is deeply committed to providing educational programs that cater to all age groups. After school hours, the station transforms into a valuable learning resource, broadcasting lessons in essential subjects like mathematics, science, and languages, effectively supplementing classroom instruction. This initiative proves particularly beneficial in a region where access to educational resources can be limited, ensuring that individuals of all ages have opportunities for continued learning and skill development.
Beyond its cultural and educational focus, Kharas Community Radio serves as a vital platform for community engagement and civic participation. The station provides a space for residents to voice their concerns, exchange information, and stay informed about local issues. This fosters a sense of collective responsibility and encourages active involvement in addressing community challenges. This commitment to civic engagement has empowered residents to become agents of change, contributing to a stronger, more unified community.
The impact of Kharas Community Radio on the Keetmanshoop community is undeniable. The station has become an integral part of the community's fabric by championing cultural expression, facilitating educational advancement, and providing a platform for civic engagement. Its dedication to preserving local culture ensures that future generations remain connected to their roots, while its educational programs contribute to higher literacy rates and skill development. By giving a voice to the community, Kharas Community Radio has fostered a sense of empowerment, enabling residents to shape their future actively.
The success of Kharas Community Radio is a testament to the dedication and passion of its diverse team, comprising permanent staff, volunteers, and a dedicated board of directors. Each member brings unique skills and experiences, contributing to the station's vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. Volunteers support the station's operations, assisting with administrative tasks, event organization, and content production. Their selfless contributions are invaluable in maintaining the station's connection with the community and ensuring its continued success.
Kharas Community Radio broadcasts in various languages, reflecting the region's linguistic diversity. Nama and Damara, both Khoekhoe languages with unique click sounds and cultural expressions, are widely spoken in the Kharas Region. While not indigenous, Afrikaans is also widely spoken in Namibia and enjoy a significant presence in the station's programming. Additionally, Oshiwambo, originating from northern Namibia, is represented, catering to a segment of the community with roots in that region. This multilingual approach ensures that the station's broadcasts are accessible and relevant to the community, fostering inclusivity and celebrating the region's linguistic richness.
The impact of Kharas Community Radio is best reflected in the voices of its community members. Maria/Hoebeb, a local teacher, praises the station as a lifeline for the community, emphasizing its role in keeping residents informed and providing invaluable educational resources. Simon //Gawaxab, a farmer, appreciates the station's ability to connect him with his cultural heritage and offer practical agricultural advice. David Gariseb, a volunteer host, finds deep fulfillment in contributing to preserving local languages and traditions through his work at the station.
The Cultural Survival Grant has also profoundly impacted the training and capacity-building initiatives at Kharas Community Radio. Staff, volunteers, and community members have benefited from enhanced training opportunities, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to produce compelling content and effectively manage station operations. Lydia /Khaeb, a volunteer broadcaster, attests to the value of these training sessions, highlighting the improvement in her scriptwriting and editing skills. Geraldine Rooi, a participant in the community reporting training, expresses her newfound confidence in gathering stories and reporting on events that matter to the community.
Kharas Community Radio is a testament to community media's power to effect positive change. Its unwavering commitment to cultural preservation, educational advancement, and community empowerment has transformed it into a cornerstone of the Keetmanshoop community. As the station continues to evolve and expand its reach, it will remain a vital resource for the people of the Kharas Region, ensuring that their voices are heard, their heritage is celebrated, and their active participation shapes their future.
In 2023, Kharas Community Radio received a grant from Cultural Survival’s Indigenous Community Fund, which provides opportunities for international Indigenous radio stations to strengthen their infrastructure and broadcast systems and creates training opportunities for journalism, broadcasting, audio editing, technical skills, and more for radio journalists from Indigenous communities around the world. In 2023, the Indigenous Community Media Fund supported communities with 60 grants totaling $420,000 to Indigenous community media in 20 countries, supporting 87 Indigenous Peoples.
