Univen Radio

Univen is a community radio station established on 05 September 1997. It is located at the town of Thohoyandou in the Thulamela local municipality. The station has a 50 km broadcasting radius which covers the following areas: the Vhembe and Mopani district municipality, Mutale local municipality, North of Kruger National Park on the eastern side, Greater Giyani municipality area and Makhado local municipality in the South, Western and Northern parts.

The station broadcast for 19 hours per day (05H00 – 24H00) in English, Tshivenda, Sepedi and Xitsonga. The station started with a listenership of 66 000-00, according to the 2000-2001 media connection survey. The number increased to 116 000 in 2002-2003, according to the latest survey in July 2009; the listenership is at 169 000.

Management of the station

The station is managed by a Board which is formed by members of the university and the surrounding communities. The management is responsible for the day-to-day running of the station.  

Univen Radio Board Members

a) Mr. A.J. Mudau: Chairperson
b) Mr. M.S. Mukhavhuli: Deputy Chairperson
c) Mrs. L.C. Ramakuela:  Treasurer
d) Mr. PK Munandi: People living with Disability representative
e) Mr. T. Ratshitanga: Representing the Immediate Public Community
f) Mr. Tshivhidzo Mulaudzi: Organised Business Representative
g Additional members - Chief BA Sikhwivhilu, Mr. MM Nengwekhulu

The daily running of the station consists of six departmental heads that includes the Station Manager, Marketing and Advertising Manager, Programmes Manager, News Editor, Technical Manager and Administration/Human Resource Manager.

Location

The station is situated in Thohoyandou at the University of Venda library building.

Target Audience

Age

• 12 - 35 years - primary listener ship
• 35 and above - secondary listener ship

Gender

Male and Female