Kgolagano FM Calls for Aspiring Radio Hosts in Mangaung

Bloemfontein, South Africa — June 18, 2025

Kgolagano FM, a prominent community radio station in the Mangaung Metro, has officially opened its doors to local talent with the announcement of its 2025 Sports and News Auditions. Aspiring radio presenters with a passion for current affairs and sports broadcasting are being called upon to showcase their skills and join a dynamic platform that celebrates community voices.

Operating under the ethos of inclusivity and grassroots media development, Kgolagano FM is inviting applications from individuals who can present in one or more of the following languages: Setswana, Sesotho, English, and IsiXhosa. The station’s management is especially interested in applicants who have a flair for storytelling, an ear for accuracy, and the voice to command attention across the airwaves.

A Platform Rooted in Community

Kgolagano FM has long been regarded as a beacon of local engagement within the Free State province. Broadcasting from the heart of Bloemfontein, the station provides a platform for ordinary residents to engage with news, issues, and opportunities that directly impact their communities. The current audition drive is a testament to its commitment to developing local talent while offering residents the chance to contribute meaningfully to the public discourse.

“This is not just about filling airtime,” said Masentle Seate, Head of News at Kgolagano FM. “It’s about grooming the next generation of media professionals. We’re looking for individuals who are enthusiastic, community-oriented, and eager to tell the stories that matter to our people.”

What’s Required: A Two-Minute Window of Opportunity

Applicants are required to submit a two-minute voice clip as part of the audition process. The recording should demonstrate the individual’s ability to read or report a news or sports story clearly, confidently, and engagingly. The clip can be recorded using a smartphone or any standard audio recording device and must be sent via WhatsApp to one of the station contacts listed in the call for auditions:

• Masentle Seate (Head of News): 081 507 1215
• Tebogo Kotwana (Station Manager): 063 422 1559

The deadline for submissions is July 7, 2025, and all entries will be reviewed by the station’s editorial and programming teams.

Who Can Apply?

According to the audition guidelines, only residents of the Mangaung Metro Municipality are eligible to apply. This includes Bloemfontein, Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu, and surrounding areas. The selection is aimed at building hyper-local content teams who can bring authenticity and immediacy to the station’s broadcasting agenda.

It is important to note that all positions are currently voluntary, though they come with significant benefits in terms of exposure, mentorship, and hands-on experience in radio journalism and broadcasting.

“For many people, this will be a stepping stone,” noted Tebogo Kotwana, Station Manager at Kgolagano FM. “We’re offering a chance to build a portfolio, gain training, and potentially transition into full-time opportunities—either here or elsewhere in the industry.”

Bridging the Language Gap

With South Africa’s rich linguistic landscape, Kgolagano FM is specifically seeking presenters who can communicate in the most widely spoken local languages. By doing so, the station continues its tradition of breaking down barriers and ensuring that language does not become a hindrance to accessing reliable information.

“Whether it’s IsiXhosa in Rocklands, Sesotho in Botshabelo, or English in the CBD, we want our listeners to hear themselves reflected in the voices on air,” said Seate.

This multilingual approach also ensures that the content is both inclusive and accessible, allowing for more nuanced engagement with listeners across different demographics.

A Launchpad for Media Careers

While the roles offered are voluntary, past participants in similar programs at Kgolagano FM have gone on to pursue successful careers in mainstream media. Former volunteers have transitioned to commercial radio, television, and even digital newsrooms.

One such success story is that of Lerato Mokoena, who began her journey as a sports presenter at Kgolagano FM in 2019. “I never imagined that a small community station would open so many doors,” Mokoena reflected in a past interview. “It gave me the skills, the network, and the belief in myself.”

Such testimonies reinforce the station’s role as both a media outlet and an incubator for future talent.

Community Impact and Accountability

Kgolagano FM has consistently emphasized its responsibility to the community. The inclusion of local voices ensures that issues such as service delivery, local governance, education, and public health are given the attention they deserve. By empowering community members to become the storytellers, the station fosters accountability and civic engagement.

“Media should not be a monologue from the top down,” said Kotwana. “It should be a dialogue—one where every resident has the right and the opportunity to speak.”

A Call to Action

With the July 7, 2025 deadline fast approaching, the station encourages all interested candidates to act swiftly. Whether you’re a young journalism student, an aspiring broadcaster, or simply someone with a passion for radio, this is an opportunity to make your voice heard.

To participate, record a two-minute clip reading a piece of news or sports content in Setswana, Sesotho, English, or IsiXhosa, and send it via WhatsApp to the numbers provided. Ensure the audio is clear, and include your full name, age, area of residence, and preferred language for broadcasting.

No prior experience is required—just dedication, clarity, and the will to represent your community on air.

For additional information, you may contact:

• Masentle Seate (Head of News): 081 507 1215
• Tebogo Kotwana (Station Manager): 063 422 1559

Follow Kgolagano FM on social media for updates, audition tips, and community news.

About Kgolagano FM:
Kgolagano FM is a community-driven radio station based in Bloemfontein, operating under the Mangaung Metro. The station focuses on local news, sports, music, education, and social empowerment, broadcasting to a diverse multilingual audience. It serves as a critical platform for civic education, youth development, and cultural exchange in the Free State province.

For those with a voice and a vision, this is your moment. Your community is listening.