The Board, management and staff of Soweto TV are saddened to learn about the passing of the Founder Chief Executive of the channel, Mr Tshepo Thafeng.

 

Mr Thafeng and other stalwarts led the movement to bring the dream of a community television station for Soweto, which started with applying for a licence from the Independent Communications Authority (ICASA). The first licence was granted in 2005 to broadcast for a month.

 

Two years later in 2007 the station was launched as a permanent platform after obtaining a full licence from Icasa.

 

Getting a licence was one thing, but going on air, another. It therefore took a lot of wisdom, dedication and steadfastness for Mr Thafeng, his team, and the board members to get the station off the ground raising the necessary resources, forming partnerships, and employing the right staff.

 

On the launch of the station Mr Thafeng was quoted as saying: “The main objective of the station is to educate, inform and entertain the people of Soweto. It will be the voice of the voiceless covering issues that affect the people of Soweto.”

 

That objective has not changed 14 years later, and we are satisfied that it has been achieved beyond measure. Soweto TV remains the playground where young talent is discovered and groomed to take over the South African media space. This we believe is the greatest tribute to the work of Mr Thafeng and the founders.

 

We remain committed to continue wicth the legacy of Mr Thafeng and grow Soweto TV to beyond being the voice of the people of Soweto, but most importantly, the ambassador of Soweto to the country and the world.

 

We will continue to create and source content that will make us one of the best television channels because we believe that this is the most befitting tribute we can pay to Mr Thafeng.

 

The channel will host a memorial service on Wednesday afternoon at Uncle Toms Hall Kumalo St, in Orlando West at 15h00.

 

ENDS.

 

ISSUED BY: Board of Soweto TV

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: Stella Putsoa