HelderbergFM 93.6 is a community radio station situated in the Helderberg basin area of the Western Cape, South Africa. They broadcast on FM at a frequency of 93.6 MHz and the only one located in Somerset West area.
History
Radio Helderberg went on air at 06h00 on 1 July 1995, broadcasting on the frequency of 95.9FM from Southey Vines, Somerset West.The first announcer on air was Martin Bailie, previously a breakfast DJ on a national commercial radio station, 5FM. He now presents an afternoon show on BBC Radio Cornwall. Other presenters making up the first day's schedule were Keren Bracey, Andre Michael & Nik Blundell. The value of this fledgling community radio station was first illustrated during a fire at the nearby AECI chemical plant in 1995, when clouds of poisonous gas enveloped Somerset West and Macassar. The volunteer presenters continued to broadcast throughout the night, becoming the central drop-off point for food and clothing donations, and providing hints and tips to panicked listeners.
Initially broadcasting for 15 hours a day, the station broadcasts a wide range of MOR music, interviews and community notices in three languagesEnglish, Afrikaans and Xhosa, live 24 hours a day.
In September 1996 the station relocated to premises in the Somerset Mall from where the volunteer presenters and a full-time staff of six kept the station going. Radio Helderberg has grown from a charitable association to a business, flourishing on advertising income only.
At the end of January 2004, Radio Helderberg relocated to Garden Pavilion in the Somerset West Business Park.
Finally the studio then relocated to its current address inside the Sanctuary Shopping Centre in 2016.
It changed to stronger transmitter, now broadcasting on 93.6 MHz on the FM band which reaches as far as the southern suburbs and Riviersonderend. Longtime presenters include Fanie Bam (deceased 2008), Erna Ridge, Nik Blundell, Neil Ovens aka "Lend 'n Ear", John Floyd, Kobus Schmidt, Mike Plummer (deceased 2007), Tommy Dell, Annelia Preiss, Marius Dippenaar and Eddy Carter-Smith.
In 2022, Radio Helderberg change the brand name to HelderbergFM 93.6 with in studio WhatsApp contact on +21 100 6936, while broadcasting from The Sanctuary Shopping centre. The station moved premises again in 2024 to further expand its operations
Current Studio Location
The Studios are located at H Block, Grove Business Park, Somerset West.
Presenters (Permanent & Stand-in's) Bantu Landingwe Christie Hansen Jan-Willem Lotz "JDubs" Khaya Makuleni Lunga Jakuja Mornè Mundey William Sigwinta Fanie Schoeman Marilize du Plessis Cleopatra Kadzunge Dijan Botha Elton Jack-Gordon Heinz Schofield Mariana Keyser Micka Alexander Gizela Moller Mawande Gcilitshana Ryan Mayne Maryka Roux Rechaux Browne Rochelle van der Merwe Wilne van Rooyen Sindisa Tobi Wouter de Wet
See also List of radio stations in South Africa
References
External links HelderbergFM 93.6 Official Website Helderberg Community Site South African Government