Channel Africa celebrates 49 years and Africa Day

Channel Africa The SABC’s International Public Service radio, Channel Africa is celebrating Africa month and its 49th year of existence this May. Amongst the celebrations, the station will be at the forefront of the continent in celebrating the African Union (AU), previously known as the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) founded in 1963.



With the station in the process of repositioning itself in the continent, it is a way of holding and confirming its vision of  “To be the Voice of African Renaissance”. This month, the station is embarking on various projects and supporting several initiatives that address and promote development in the African continent. This campaign will also create awareness for the station and emphasize the self-pride of being an African.



One of the projects includes supporting the Africa Week Carnival and Festival taking place from the 16th to 25th May 2015 in Yeoville, Johannesburg, in partnership with African Diaspora Forum (ADF). The station will broadcast live at the Yeoville Recreation Centre as part of celebrations, where it will also be launching the new station’s music programme, ‘Africa in Song’ presented by Richard Nwamba. Africa week celebrates the richness and diversity of African culture in song, dance, music, art, film, craft, clothing and food; also fostering dialogues and discussions on a variety of themes relating to human rights, the African diaspora, culture, politics and the economy.



The station will also run competitions where listeners will be quizzed about the African Union, Channel Africa and general knowledge about the continent with winners receiving prizes. On air campaign will also include music and themes surrounding Africa month and awareness about the African continent. The campaign will culminate with the 5th African Unity for Renaissance conference and Africa Day Expo starting from 22nd May to 25th May 2015 in Pretoria and Johannesburg respectively. The station will broadcast live at the Kara Heritage Institute in Pretoria on Monday, 25th May 2015. This initiative is in partnership with Human Science Research Council (HSRC).



“Interaction with the listeners is very important in order to create brand loyalty. The campaign will assist in promoting the importance of Africa month and instill the sense of pride in all Africans. We therefore encourage our listeners to celebrate with us this exciting time of celebrating our African unity” said the Marketing and Communications Manager, Mamolefe Segakweng