GEORGE NEWS - There are no limits for Muzi FM, the community radio station and NPO founded by Siyamthanda Johns in 2018.
On Friday 17 July, the station celebrated a major milestone with the launch of its newly upgraded studio, complete with new furniture and broadcasting equipment.
"I am deeply grateful for the support that has made this achievement possible, particularly from Hollywoodbets, which sponsored the latest upgrade," said Johns.
The celebrations followed another significant achievement. On Tuesday 14 July, Johns won the Western Cape leg of the Standard Bank Kasi SME Pitch Challenge in Cape Town, finishing first ahead of 10 other entrepreneurs. He will now represent the province at the national finals in the Eastern Cape in August. The competition forms part of the Kasi SME Summit, a nationwide initiative aimed at supporting and funding township-based small businesses.
Muzi FM has also received approval for its licence from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa).
Siyamthanda Johns and his first prize in the Western Cape leg of the Standard Bank Kasi SME Pitch Challenge. Photo: Marguerite van Ginkel
Johns' journey began in 2018 when he founded Thembalethu Media and registered it as a skills development initiative. The Covid-19 pandemic forced the closure of the operation. He briefly moved to Johannesburg in search of better opportunities, but soon realised his future lay back in George. He returned in 2022 and relaunched the station as Muzi FM. The name, derived from the Nguni word for 'home', was inspired by young people who said they felt at home while working with him.
The station now occupies several rooms at the Thusong Service Centre in Jeriko Street.
In 2025, Muzi FM received funding from the National Heritage Council, an entity of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture. Working with local heritage experts, the station documented the history and cultural heritage of George, resulting in the publication of a book promoting social cohesion and community development.
Johns attributes the station's growth to hard work, faith and the support of partners, including the National Youth Development Agency (Nyda).
Around the desk: Francolene Campher, Siyamthanda Johns, Simangile Solwandle, Zac Coetzee, Sandise Sondlo and Mfundo Macingwane celebrate the studio upgrade. Photo: Emhile Klaasen
His dream is to establish a media school, as he believes the Garden Route has the potential to become a thriving media hub.
For now, the station's biggest challenge is an unreliable electricity supply. Johns is appealing for sponsorship to install eight additional solar panels and one more battery to expand the existing solar system, enabling Muzi FM to operate off the grid.
Those wishing to support the initiative may contact him on 044 004 0540/087 265 2220.
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