A critical assessment of the role and governance of Muslim community radio in South Africa : the case of Radio Al-Ansaar.

Abstract

Community participation is a fundamental element of community radio. Therefore in

countries where this form of radio exists, community participation is one of its most

important licence criteria. It is no different in South Africa. Community radio in this

country is a relatively young form of radio, just over a decade old, and is based on

models in countries where community radio is a long established institution. Many of the

South African community radios are faith-based stations. However, existing research on

community participation in such radios are based mainly on Christian stations. The focus

of this paper is on Muslim community radio.

The study evaluated the extent of community participation in the ownership,

management, programming and other aspects at Radio Al-Ansaar, a Muslim community

radio based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. As this radio serves a Muslim constituency

characterised by ideological, racial and class divisions, the study sought to find out if

optimal and meaningful community participation from all sectors of the community is

actualised. Furthermore, given this diversity in the Muslim community, the paper

examined if Al-Ansaar, through its programmes, induces transcendence of or accentuates

differences through discourse of divergent ideologies, views and beliefs among Muslims.

In addition to the examination of the level of community participation in Radio Al-

Ansaar, the paper assesses the economic viability of the station. It highlights the

significance of advertising as an important revenue stream and assesses the prospects for

financial sustainability within the context of the hegemonic influence of vested

mercantile interests.

The evaluation of the Al-Ansaar project took place against the stipulations of the

Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and against the

backdrop of key Islamic precepts. Furthermore, in the analysis of the various elements

mentioned, cognisance was taken of the perceptions of the varied individuals associated

with the station.