DESPATCH – A new online radio station broadcasting from Khayamnandi in Despatch is aiming to give local communities a stronger voice while creating opportunities for emerging musicians, entrepreneurs and content creators.

Certified Despatch Radio (CDR), an internet-based radio station founded by local entrepreneur and music producer Vusumzi Mhlabeni, officially launched on 1 June and has already attracted more than 3,000 registered users in its first month of operation.

The station broadcasts online through the Famcast platform and can also be accessed via its mobile application, Despatch Radio, which is available through the station’s Facebook page, Despatch Khayamnandi. Operating from Khayamnandi, CDR serves listeners in Despatch, Kariega and Gqeberha, providing a mix of talk shows, educational content, music, sports and faith-based programming.

Mhlabeni, who is also known as DJ Mavusana, said the station was created to serve as a hyper-local platform focused on community development. “We are prioritising grassroots empowerment and local participation over typical corporate broadcasting. The station is designed to uplift the local community by supporting emerging musicians, promoting local businesses and providing educational and talk-based programming,” he said.

Mhlabeni is no stranger to the digital media sector. Through his company, iTech StartUp, formerly known as Mhlabenis Startup, he developed the mobile applications for Kariega Online Radio and Motherwell Online Radio. He is also the founder of Nine Stars Records, a record label established in 2019.

He said Despatch was a natural choice for the station’s home. “Despatch is close to my heart. My mother and her family live here in Khayamnandi, and I wanted to build something that would benefit the community,” he said.

CDR’s weekday programming begins with Vuka Ukhanye, hosted by Mhlabeni from 07:00 to 09:00, followed by Joining Hands with Pastor Vuyokazi Ningi from 09:00 to 12:00. Siphiwo Femele hosts Thetha Nathi from 12:00 to 15:00, while former Bloemfontein Celtic and Bafana Bafana player Siyabonga Nontshinga presents Sports, Fashion and Lifestyle from 15:00 to 18:00.

Other programmes include Umdyolo yi Pandemic with Sethu Mabangula and Joining Hands in Prayer. On Sundays, listeners can tune in to The Art of Love, hosted by Bra Steve.

According to Mhlabeni, the station’s rapid growth reflects a demand for community-driven media platforms that focus on local issues and talent.

“As an online-only station, Certified Despatch Radio does not broadcast on FM frequencies, relying instead on digital streaming to reach audiences across Nelson Mandela Bay and beyond,” he concluded.

To tune in, visit the Famcast official website.

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