A Mitchells Plain resident is turning his three-decade dream into reality with the official launch of what he says is the area’s first online radio station.
James Tempers, who broadcasts under the stage name Jay-Tee, registered Community Impact Radio (CIR) on 29 July 2022 and has been broadcasting from Portland for the last two years.
“This is a realisation of a dream of nearly three decades. I’ve always loved radio,” said Tempers, who grew up in Surrey Estate. “I started gravitating towards radio back in the ’60s.”
Accessible everywhere
With the slogan, “Where The Heart Of Cape Town Lives”, CIR operates online without a terrestrial frequency, making it accessible to anyone with internet access.
“It is the only online radio station in Mitchell’s Plain currently,” Tempers said. “The need has arisen and it has been identified.”
The station focuses on community issues with emphasis on safety, business development, and supporting youth, unemployed and vulnerable community members. Programming features local Cape Flats artists including Emile Jansen of Black Noise fame.
Talk and music
Tempers works with three presenters, including Cecelia Less, known as Lady C, whom he describes as “the top presenter in all online radio stations”. The station broadcasts live segments throughout the week, with automated music playing 70% of the time when not live.
When live, the programming splits to 70% talk and 30% music.
Tempers says he also plays music from mostly local musicians and the station aims to create a platform for local artists, over and above discussing community issues.
Timing with milestone year
The station’s official launch took place on Friday 20 March to coincide with Mitchell’s Plain’s 50th anniversary celebrations and World Storytelling Day, which carries the theme “light in the dark” this year.
The radio station is registered in the International Trademarks Office with a vision “to derive national resilience through informed communities, shared purpose, and powerful communication”, according to speakers at the launch event.
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The mission statement focuses on empowering and connecting communities through informative programming, engaging interviews and local news to foster a sense of belonging and self-support.
Guest speaker Dr Alicia English, who runs the Olive Exchange, reminded Tempers of the auspiciousness of the timing of the launch. She pointed out that this year it is 60 years since the 16 June youth massacre, 70 years since the historic women’s march to parliament on 9 August and the 30th anniversary of the signing of the South African constitution. “You are launching in the year of milestones,” she said.
Programming focus
The station’s programming includes informative interviews on local issues and initiatives, news updates covering Mitchell’s Plain and the broader Cape Town area, community stories and events, and music entertainment.
Safety updates feature prominently, with partnerships planned with community leaders and grassroots organisations. The station uses the hashtag “the public has the right to know” and aims to create a safe space for dialogue where every voice counts.
Startup challenges
Speaking at the launch, organisers acknowledged the station is in its startup phase and not yet fully operational, with various teething problems expected as the team works to establish their footprint in the broadcasting space.
“Radio has never been for the broadcaster or the presenter. It’s always about the people,” Tempers said, adding that he is seeking investment to grow the vision.
To listen to CIR, visit: https://www.ciradio.co.za/
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