The virtual event is aimed at raising half a million for volunteers within the community radio sector while encouraging the public to be physically active
The South African Community Radio Foundation (SACRF) has launched a virtual Relief Fund Walkathon scheduled for Sunday 25 October 2020 between 08h00 and 18h00. Tickets are available from R135 for the 5KM edition of the event on championchip.co.za which is the official sports timing partner for the Comrades marathon. As they will be walking or running remotely, participants will receive an electronic race number upon registering and a certificate once they have completed their choice of event from the 5km, 10km and 21km editions. “Its important to highlight that while participants will receive certificates with their official time for the event, the most significant reward is being able to make a difference to thousands of volunteers,” says Phankha Sakoane, Founding Director of the SACRF.
There are some 200 community radio stations in South Africa which operate under license from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) with a combined listenership of over 25 million. SACRF estimates that there are more than 5000 volunteers within the sector as most radio stations can’t afford to compensate some of the members of the team that drive the generation of content to suit the needs of the community. Many of the people within the sector go on to provide world-class entertainment at commercial radio and national tv stations having learned the necessary skills to produce and present shows at community level.
“We urge the public to support this initiative as we seek to lessen the burden on the community sector and help volunteers who are worst hit by the covid-19 pandemic,” adds Sakoane. “We will be working closely with the participating community radio stations to ensure proceeds from the event are used appropriately”.
The Virtual Relief Fund Walkathon is one of many initiatives that the organisation has undertaken with the aim of enhancing the sector’s ability to serve the communities in which they broadcast. This includes an online auction which will take place between 24 September and 16 October as well as the inaugural Volunteer Awards scheduled for 5 December, International Volunteer’s Day. The SACRF has also facilitated free financial literacy training for over 30 community radio stations.
For more information:
Phankha Sakoane
Founding Director
South African Community Radio Foundation
Mobile: +27(0)71 530 0954
Email: phankha@sacrf.co.za
Website: http://www.sacrf.co.za
