That tragic misuse of radio became a convenient deterrent for policymakers wary of allowing citizens to take to the airwaves. Yet this narrative was always one-sided. Just across the border, South Africa’s vibrant community radio sector, with over 200 licensed stations, has been instrumental in preserving indigenous languages, nurturing local talent and addressing community-specific issues ranging from health awareness to youth unemployment. In Zimbabwe, community stations are gradually becoming key players in education, cultural revival and democratic participation.
These countries have shown that when managed responsibly, community radio is not a threat but a national asset. Consequently, when UB Radio recently received a licence to broadcast on FM, it was not just a win for the University of Botswana. It was a breakthrough for the country’s media development. As the first campus radio station in Botswana to be licensed under the community radio category, such a milestone represents more than the expansion of airwaves. It signals a long-overdue shift towards inclusive, grassroots-driven communication that bridges the gap between academia and society. Housed within the University of Botswana, the station is uniquely placed to merge theory with practice. It allows communication students to experiment, learn and grow in a real-world broadcasting environment while contributing to public knowledge. But more importantly, it offers a model of how radio can be used to inform, educate and empower, not incite. As you tune in, it’s hard to miss the buzz of students eagerly preparing their next segment—on climate change, student mental health, or the beauty of Setswana poetry. These are the voices and stories that rarely find space on commercial airwaves, yet they are deeply relevant to Botswana’s social fabric. This is what community radio nurtures - authenticity, diversity and local resonance. Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority’s (BOCRA) recent call for more community radio station applications is a bold and welcome step in the right direction. It is an acknowledgement, albeit delayed, that Botswana’s democracy can be strengthened - not weakened - by opening up communication platforms to the people. After all, who can better speak about village roads, local water issues or tribal heritage than the people directly affected? Thus, community radio plays a crucial role in combating misinformation and disinformation by providing accurate, verified information tailored to local contexts. Unlike mass media driven by commercial interests, community radio is rooted in trust, often drawing on voices familiar to the community.
