The Kalahari Desert Festival 2015, Andriesvale

By: Moshe Maghundu
Archivist and Librarian, Platfontein, Northern Cape

On Thursday, 19 March, the X-K FM broadcast team got the privilege again to do the Kalahari Desert Festival 2015 (KDF 2015).

Left: Simon Hasjenda (Programme producer); Moshe Maghundu (Archivist);
Reinhardt Kampunda (Presenter)
Right: Jeta Manuel (Presenter)
[Camera: Rena Maghundu (Technical producer)]

It is an opportunity to do stories, interviews and oral history for SABC Platfontein Archives, but it does not come easy due to budgetary constraints.

This is the third festival that Moshe Maghundu attended where he could gather a sizeable amount of material for broadcast and for the Archive. Speaking to people around the festival is easier than speaking to them at home where they are asking for monetary compensation before telling their stories. He is appreciative of the fact that the people came to talk to him for free.

The broadcast location was centred right in the middle of all activities It was very easy getting hold of people for interviews.

They got hold of Andries Steenkamp on the first day. He is a respected leader from the area and he is one of the organisers of the Kalahari Desert Festival 2015. He has a very strong vision of the KDF and how he want the festival to survive in future.

The tent was used as a lecture venue for the three San languages; !xun, Khwe an !khomani. It was amazing to observe how encouraged the young people were in learning these languages.

The beauty of the Kalahari: dry, with grasses and plants
which can only grow in the Kalahari

One of the challenges they had was the booking of Telkom lines. Telkom could not give them any lines because of birds making their nests on these poles which became heavy and breaks the poles.

Thanks to technology, they used the mobile devices Comrex for Broadcast.

















At the festival there were many activities which kept the youth entertained, with drama performances, poetry and music.

There were young ladies modelling for the crowd.

The ladies team from Platfontein also took part in the traditional dance performances. This was very encouraging seeing the young people interested in the cultural affairs.

Moshe Maghundu arranged for an interview with one of the organisers of the Kalahari Desert Festival. She spoke on issues of the San people being exploited. Researchers and film crews do not compensate fairly for research and visual material being shot in the area.

Police and medical crews were on standby in case of emergencies.

Day 2 of the broadcast by X-K FM

They managed to do a number of interviews with Andries Steenkamp. Moshe Maghundu helped out to make sure that everything went well with the broadcasts before going off  "sound hunting".

Children were also given the opportunity to enjoy the festival with jumping castles. The day was cloudy with some drops of rain, but the wind was one of the main challenges. They were thankful that the Gazebo was not blown away.

There was also a session of storytelling around the fire where by all San groups came together to tell their stories. It was a very exciting experience for all!

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Thanks to the following people for believing in the work that's been done:
- Regina Beregho, the station manager of X-K FM - for taking the initiative to arrange for this trip for Moshe Maghundu. It would not have been possible without her and he would not have been able to do his work in the Kalahari.
- Hennie Swart - for all the financial support. Thanks for believing  in the development of the San people by supporting the X-K FM Archives: "Baie dankie Hennie, ek waardeur alles!"
- Colleagues: Simon Hasjenda, Rena Maghundu, Reinhardt Kampunda and Jeta Manuel - "Thanks for the co-operation you gave. I really enjoyed working with you all.You all are hard-working and we all had one mission to accomplish, and that was to do our best for our station X-K FM".


Related posts

- The Kalahari Desert Festival 21 - 23 March 2014 > "Sound Hunting" for archival purposes

- X-K FM archivist at the Kalahari Desert Festival

End-of-year festivities at the SABC Media Libraries

The SABC Media Libraries celebrated the end of 2014 with a braai!

One of the best ways we as South Africans love to celebrate!

A Heritage Braai at the SABC Media Libraries

Not only do the SABC Media Libraries help in preserving the rich heritage of South African Broadcasting in audio and print, but we also celebrated Heritage Day in true South African style!


 We had a Heritage "Braai" (barbecue) sponsored by our manager, Bennie Jacobs and his managers. Thank you! It was on Tuesday, because Wednesday, the official Heritage Day on 24 September, was on a Public Holiday here in South Africa!

The Braai Master, Themba Mtshali, made sure that the meat was grilled to perfection!


Blog post and photos by Karen du Toit.

The Kalahari Desert Festival 21 - 23 March 2014 > "Sound Hunting" for archival purposes

SOUND HUNTING 
by Moshe Maghundu
Archivist: SABC Platfontein 

The Kalahari Desert Festival took place for a second time in the Kalahari at Andriesvale, ten kilometres from Ashkam. This event is very historical in nature to the SAN people as it brings together all San people from different countries with their traditional festivities.

The San people from Platfontein, the Kalahari, Upington and others from the Western Cape took part as the festivities started on the evening of Friday, 21 March, on Human Rights Day.

Moshe Maghundu was there with a crew to do “sound hunting”. He was able to host storytelling sessions with the Kalahari people and others. The people gave their full cooperation. He faced challenges with some people expecting to be reimbursed for their oral contributions. He complied out of his own pocket because of his love for the project. He understands and put a great value on their contributions for heritage and archival purposes.

Station X-K FM covered the event live from its opening till the evening of the last day Saturday 22 March.They were also responsible for arranging some of the interviews which Moshe recorded.

• Mr Markus Jetembo        Presenter
• Mr Joe Mpungo               Presenter
• Mr Piorro Mushavanga   Producer
• Me Rena Maghundu       Technical Producer
• Mr Moshe Maghundu     Archivist

X-K FM

X-K FM struggled with some technical difficulties, but luckily the technical producer took care of the problems.

It is highly appreciated that Mike Nemane provided the gazebo in which the broadcast took place.

The challenges of the Kalahari sand did not put a damper on the uplifting spirit of the festival.
Moshe Maghundu was working non-stop to get the people to tell their stories. Although it was hot, time was limited for him to get all the interviews.

Moshe Maghundu during a short break
before taking up the Marantz recorder again

DRAPJJ STARS

There were music performances in the main tent. The group from Platfontein, called the DRAPJJ STARS, with hip hop and rap music, mixed it up with the San language and the English language.

DRAPJJ STARS

The moment DRAPJJ STARS stepped  on the stage, every one in the surrounding areas ran to the tent to watch their performance.

X-K FM presenter interviewing young people

On the evening of the last day the presenter interviewed  young people about their  experiences at the Kalahari Desert Festival 2014. The presenters did an excellent job.

The donkey carts were the only transport allowed at the venue. People had to pay to be transported around in the area and it was found to be very trustworthy.

Hennie Swart

Special thanks goes to the main man, a friend, organiser and everything of the Kalahari Desert Festival.
He started the initiative for the San people to share their cultural heritage. His name is Hennie Swart, the only white man with a black surname. He drives a black Isuzu truck and likes wearing his black t-shirt.

Also thanks to the following people for making the trip a success:

• Me Regina Beregho, X-K FM station manager.
• Mr William Heath, Line Manager RBF.

Retha Buys, Springbok Radio custodian, farewell - SABC Radio Archives

Retha Buys, archivist and custodian of Springbok Radio Revisited, is leaving the SABC Radio Archives at the end of December 2013.
We had a small function on 5 December in the SABC Radio Archives to say goodbye before everybody break for the holidays.

Little that we know that it was a good time to have said our goodbyes, because the next day it was time to say goodbye to our former President, Nelson Mandela.
The SABC Media Libraries had to jump in with shifts and requests and cataloging of material coming in in one of South Africa's landmark historical events!

More photos can be seen here: Retha Buys farewell - SABC Radio Archives.


Photos by Karen du Toit, Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.

Saying goodbye to the manager of the SABC Radio Archives

Bennie Jacobs was the manager of the SABC Radio Archives for 9 years. He worked in the SABC Radio Archives for 15 years.

He is now the new manager of the SABC Media Libraries.

There was a small cake function to say goodbye to him in the Radio Archives. The Radio Archives wish him well for his new endeavours as Manager of the bigger unit, and looking forward to still be working with him.


Bennie Jacobs has a vision for the SABC Media Libraries:

 "The Media Libraries has a solid foundation and it is up to us to build on that foundation. We are increasingly faced with the prospect of digitisation. I believe that the time has come that we stop talking about digitisation. We need to act on it. I believe that we can start small, while the organisation is still deciding what to do about digitisation. Starting small and getting it right will be a confidence booster and it will be proof that it can be done. We need to start believing in our own ability to make digitisation happen and take ownership of the process. 

The Media Libraries has been and is still focusing on delivering excellent service to its internal and external clients."

Blog post and photos by Karen du Toit, Afrikaans Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.

Farewell to Ilse Assmann

The SABC Media Libraries had to say goodbye yesterday to our manager, Ilse Assmann, who left the company for a new career challenge.

The photos were taken at the farewell function organised by the SABC Media Libraries yesterday.
The Picasa photo album is here.

We wish her all the best in her new endeavours!
She will be missed!



Post and photos by Karen du Toit, Archivist, SABC Radio Archives.

The importance of radio – on World Radio Day 2013 #WRD13 #worldradioday

As seen from the perspective of the SABC Radio Archive archivists.

This is the second year in a row that World Radio Day is being celebrated worldwide.
It is a day to highlight the importance of radio, and for broadcasters to make a connection to cooperate.

World Radio Day and UNESCO are focusing on the “promotion access to information and freedom of expression over the airwaves”

The SABC Radio Archives in South Africa collects and receives radio material from all South African Broadcasting Services (SABC) public broadcast services (PBS).
The material is catalogued and stored in various repositories across South Africa.


The archivists at SABC Radio Archives in Johannesburg have the following to say about the importance of radio:

Refiloe Jele (Acting Manager & Music Archivist): My history and my culture on record!

Johann Greyling (Sport Archivist & Team Leader: Cataloguing): Radio is the most important medium of communication in the world; it reaches where TV, the internet and no print medium can dream to reach.

Obakeng Phiri (Archivist: Sound Restoration): 1. Radio as a wealth of information is always readily available; 
2. Radio continues to play an important role in information sharing; and,
3. Radio broadcasts provide real-time information, broadcasting 24 hours a day to provide the most recent updates to listeners.

Retha Buys (Request archivist & Springbok Radio custodian): Radio is your any-time  anywhere companion and memory….

Morongwa Mokwena (English archivist): I think radio is a powerful tool for social change as it provides access to information . . .addresses issues for social change like gender inequality, HIV etc. and in this way it empowers society.

Joseph Lobeko (Archivist: Sound Restoration): Old preserved records of historical nature are re-purposed by being broadcasted on radio; e.g. the Mandela treason-trial speech is still relevant today in nation-building.  

Peter Raseroka (Ikwekwezi archivist): Radio is important because it updates you each hour on  news and programmes that are educational, religious, youth orientated and sports, to name a few. Radio people also watch television, but sometimes turn down the audio to listen to radio simultaneously, especially with sports.  Blind people are enjoying radio because they are able to visualize more. Radio gives you more information on what's happening! 

Elizabeth Mate (Channel Africa archivist): Radio is very important in the rural areas, especially where people don’t have television. It helps tremendously with death announcements!

Ntokozo Khanyile (News & Actuality archivist): Radio tells various stories and brings news to the listeners as soon as they are available. Radio Archives bridges the history gap and makes all news accessible to all generations.

Nare Monyai (News, actuality & sport request archivist): Radio broadcasting is the modern instrument for informing, educating and entertaining listeners, even in remote areas of the country. 

Karen du Toit (Afrikaans archivist): Radio records the heritage of the cultures in South Africa. The radio archives are vital to store this memory for future generations.

Links to follow today's proceedings on World Radio Day:

World Radio Day

UNESCO celebrating World Radio Day


Related posts:

Springbok Radio - a radio station lives on because of dedicated listeners

World Radio Day 2013 - Press Release


Blog post by Karen du Toit.

SABC Media Libraries 2012 end of year function

The SABC Media Libraries had their end of year function at the Vaal River.
A river cruise on the Liquid Lounge was followed by a lunch at the Emerald Hotel.

It was a great day in the South African sun!

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We are back and already working hard in the new year.
2013 seems to be a busy year!


Best of 2013 wishes to all the libraries and archives, as well as our SABC Viewers!

Remembering SAN heroes who died in the war (SADF)

Blog post by Moshe Maghundu, Librarian/Archivist at SABC Platfontein.

The 31/201 BN Replica Obelisk Unveiling at Platfontein, Kimberley

201 BN, Omega

Moshe Maghundu reporting about the ceremony at Platfontein for the 31st Bushmen Battalion (which became 201 BN) at Omega Base Headquarters:

"For the first time in history, the affairs of the Khwe and !xun of Platfontein have been given recognition. I would like to thank the organisers and the involment of the SA Army for the contribution they made to this day."

SADF setting up

"The activities included  traditional dance and veterans who are still alive were dressed according to tradition while others wore the same the uniform  of the old 201 BN, Omega." 

From left: Effie Dixon, Piorro Mushavango (X-K FM producer) and Nicolas Tenda

"The white contingents also came to celebrate with us, and thanks to all those who came from Cape Town for the day."

"The names of the soldiers will be remembered by the Obelisk that was unveiled."     

"The military base Omega is not beautiful as it was. It is being vandalised, but apparently the government has new plans for the new Omega."

Photos by Moshe Maghundu during his September 2012 viusit to Namibia

"Chief Kamama Mukua was there to witness the day as he himself was also in 201 BN.

The day was a very emotional day as we remembered our friends, uncles and fathers who died in the war between SA and the PLAN (People’s liberation army of Namibia).

The day was celebrated with mixed feelings as it opened up old wounds for some.

SABC News Kimberley and X-K FM was there to cover the whole event.

The communities of Platfontein,!xun and Khwe came in a large numbers."

"The traditional dance groups started off with a typical SAN value which is very precious; the making of the fire with a stick which are called "bushman magic."

                               

"A significant event was the hoisting of the flags; the old 201 BN Omega flag and the South African flag."

"This day will be remembered and celebrated each year on 15 September, a fitting reminder of our collective heritage."

InfoBuddy and inFundi function - SABC Media Libraries rewards & social media

 The Manager of the SABC Media Libraries, Ilse Assmann, announced a new InfoBuddy internal reward system for the Media Libraries. An internal reward system is used to recognise excellence in the Media Libraries when it is not possible to recognise it by monetary means.

The previous reward system called InfoBuddy has evolved. A new committee has been formed to address the previous issues of subjectivity as well as buddies voting for buddies. A new name will possibly be selected, as well as a new way of rewarding internally. The issue of merit in the different departments will be looked at by looking at core job functions... (One of the possibilities being investigated.)
It is a work in progress. ..

See the history of InfoBuddy in the SABC Media Libraries here.

The SABC Media Libraries are constantly trying to expand their social media awareness and digital footprints. One of the ways flowed from the Knowledge Café called LibCafe of the previous year where we started an inFundi mentored programme.
Certain criteria were set when we set out to determine "What do we need to start using social media in the SABC Media Libraries?"

The person who achieved all the criteria for an inFundi in the Media Libraries is Vickey Steyn. She was congratulated on Friday for her efforts.
Manti Grobler, the facilitator of our Knowledge Café, sponsored the awards of the day. A big thank you to her!

The SABC Media Libraries also acknowledged the work done by our colleagues for being active on social media for the SABC Media Libraries.


Blog post by Karen du Toit, Afrikaans Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.

Picasa Slideshow of the Springbok Radio handover function at SABC

Photos by Peter Jaquire.

Hand over of Springbok Radio archive material to SABC

Springbok Radio 

Media release:

Tuesday 08 May 2012 will officially mark the handover of the archives of the Springbok  Radio Preservation Society  of South Africa  to the SABC.

When Springbok Radio opened in 1950 it had only three medium wave transmitters, but by October 1951, it was broadcasted to all the densely populated areas of the then Union of South Africa on 11 transmitters. Eric Egan was the first voice on Springbok Radio with his breakfast show.   From the start it was a resounding success- announcers found themselves catapulted into the limelight and they were mobbed by eager fans when they made public appearances.

Springbok Radio created a new vehicle for local artists and writers. Private production houses were churning out episode after episode of soap operas such as “From Chrystal with love”, “No place to hide” and ‘Liefdeslied”. There was also more than enough comedy to satisfy listeners. Shows such as the Caltex Loudspeaker Show, Next Stop – Makouvlei, Taxi,The Navy Lark, Friends and Neighbours and the Men from the Ministry became cult hits, while shows like Springbok Radio Top 20 offered music to the ears of the listeners.

Voices from Springbok Radio includedPip Freedman, Paddy O Byrne, Esme Euvrard, Clark McKay, Danie Smuts, Gordon Mulholland, Brian O’ Shaughnessy, Dorianne Berry, David Gresham, Mervyn John, Robin Alexander, Dana Niehaus, Douggie Laws, Denis Smith and Bea Read, to name but a few. It was a sad day for many listeners when Springbok Radio broadcast for the last time in 1985. 

Unfortunately, due to many reasons, much of the material was not archived, although a lot of the material was kept by producers, presenters, or recorded in listener’s homes. Since the closure of Springbok Radio in 1985, interest by the public grew and the nostalgic value of old time radio increased over the years. The Springbok Radio Preservation Society of South Africa was formed in 2002.  Mr Frans Erasmus, the main drive behind the initiative, dedicated his life to collect as much Springbok Radio material possible, either from producers and production houses, or from private collectors, both locally and overseas. 

The SABC Radio Archive has been working closely with The Springbok Radio Preservation Society of South  Africa over the last few years to assist in making the collection accessible to the public.  Since most of the material belongs to the SABC, an agreement was reached with Mr Erasmus to grant him permission to look after the collection, and to make the material accessible via a website and a digital stream.

The SABC in return handled all queries relating to Springbok Radio and ensured that copyright was not violated. In addition, copies of the Springbok Radio collection were handed to the SABC on a regular basis to be catalogued and added to the SABC databases. The mutual understanding was to transfer the complete collection back to the SABC, for preservation and as part of the SABC’s radio broadcast legacy, while the Springbok Radio Preservation Society would maintain the website and digital stream under the auspices of the SABC.

Recently Mr Erasmus decided to hand the collection in its entirety, including the website and the digital stream to the SABC Radio Archives, and agreed to assist with and oversee the process of transferring the digital stream and the website, as well as advising the preservation of the material and the information pertaining to the material.

As a gesture to thank Mr Frans Erasmus and the Springbok Radio Preservation Society for their contribution towards the preservation of one of the most nostalgic radio stations in South Africa, the SABC Media Libraries will host a formal function where tribute can be paid to Springbok Radio and the work Mr Erasmus has done.  It is exciting to know that a collection, once outside the SABC’s domain and almost forgotten, will return to its rightful place in the SABC, be looked after, and be accessible for the future.

The theme of the event will be reminisced of the era of Springbok Radio and it is hoped some of the previous presenters will grace the event, for this also serves to thank everyone ever involved in Springbok Radio for their contribution to brighter broadcasting.

Media Enquiries: Mr. Kaizer Kganyago. Cell: 082 306 8888

World Radio Day today #WorldRadioDay

Today is World Radio Day, a celebration of the role and function of radio in the lives of people on the planet.
The day is endorsed by UNESCO.

The official web page for World Radio Day states the following about the focus of the day:

"The World Radio Day seeks raise awareness about the importance of radio, facilitate access to information through radio and enhance networking among broadcasters.

Radio has to be recognized as a low cost medium, specifically suited to reach remote communities and vulnerable people: the illiterate, the disabled, women, youth and the poor, while offering a platform to intervene in the public debate, irrespective of people’s educational level. Furthermore, radio has a strong and specific role in emergency communication and disaster relief. There is also a changing face to radio services which, in the present times of media convergence, are taking up new technological forms, such as broadband, mobiles and tablets. However, it is said that up to a billion people still do not have access to radio today."

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is also taking part in the celebrations:

SABC Radio will be celebrating World Radio Day with all South Africans, informing them about its history and its importance in our daily lives. The SABC Radio network reaches over 25 million people on a weekly basis with its radio platforms positioned to serve all South Africans including Channel Africa, an International Public Service Radio Station whose role is to contribute to the development agenda of Africa." 

"Radio is the pioneer of all electronic media. It is as relevant today as it was 75 years ago. Radio is still the medium of choice as it still commands the highest penetration as a medium in South Africaand the developing world.

SABC Radio, for the past 75 years, has assisted in informing, educating and entertaining South Africans from all walks of life, said Lesley Ntloko the acting Head of Radio of the SABC. On the 13th of February stay tuned to your favourite SABC radio station and join in as we reflect on special moments and memories that SABC Radio has created."                             - SABC Radio

SABC Radio Archives, the archives which collects and receives material from all the SABC Public Broadcast Services (PBS) Radio Services, also reflects on the importance of this day.
SABC Radio has been broadcasting for 75 years, and we have audio material covering the history and the culture of the same period, collected, catalogued and "stored in the various archive repositories across the country."

The SABC Radio Archives preserves material for the following reasons:

• To preserve SABC broadcasts and raw material as a corporate function;
• To be of service as a well-organised source of broadcast material to the SABC;
• To preserve permanently highlights in the history of the development and broadcast patterns of broadcasting in South Africa;
• To bequeath to future generations an audio-image of South Africa at certain periods as it was portrayed by the SABC;
• To provide researchers with information and facts on sound carriers that are not available in any other form;
• To preserve, as part of the National Broadcaster’s function and as far as possible, complete recordings of the South African culture legends and oral traditions, including a comprehensive set of nature and habitat sounds of South Africa

We truly preserve some of the most precious memories of our history in radio. 

Our existence is because of the medium of radio, a medium which are able to reach more people than any other!

Happy World Radio Day!

Happy listening!

(Photo taken from SABC Bloemfontein exhibition for World Day for Audiovisual Heritage)

Post by Karen du Toit, Afrikaans Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives