02/08/2025
VHEMBE FM REMOVED FROM AIRWAVES: ICASA ENFORCES SHUTDOWN OVER LICENSE EXPIRY
Thohoyandou – August 2025
In a move that has stirred both shock and confirmation among listeners and stakeholders, ICASA (Independent Communications Authority of South Africa) has officially removed Vhembe FM from the FM airwaves, citing failure to renew the station’s broadcasting license, which expired on 31 January 2025.
While the development may come as a surprise to casual listeners still tuning in to 89.1 FM, those closely monitoring the station’s affairs were long aware that the station was operating on borrowed time. According to ICASA, Vhembe FM was warned in advance and given ample opportunity to renew its license and realign its internal operations, but failed to act.
Legal Roadblocks and Court Dismissal
Vhembe FM’s management attempted to challenge the ICASA decision through a legal application at the Pretoria High Court (Gauteng). However, the court dismissed the application, upholding ICASA’s authority and reinforcing that the station must go off-air until proper regulatory compliance is achieved.
Despite this, Vhembe FM continued to broadcast without a valid license for months, which is considered illegal under South African broadcasting laws. This blatant disregard for regulation prompted ICASA to send an official shutdown order, effectively removing the station from the FM frequency.
Management Crisis and Structural Collapse
Insiders and community members have expressed concern over the poor state of leadership within the station. According to reports:
• Vhembe FM currently lacks a recognized management structure or an official Board of Directors.
• No internal accountability or transparent communication was provided to the public regarding their legal troubles.
• The station failed to properly handle license renewal documentation, despite ICASA’s reminders.
Investigations further reveal that the last known attempt to renew the license was spearheaded by Mr. Lawrence Pfunzo Mashau (former Station Manager) and Mr. Percy Thendo Mathobo (Founder and Director). However, Mathobo faced serious fraud and forgery allegations, which undermined the renewal process and led to his eventual removal from leadership.
Historical Oversight and Expired License
Vhembe FM’s broadcasting license was last renewed in 2019, with ICASA issuing a five-year license, not the standard seven years. This meant the license was set to expire in January 2025, a deadline the station missed without any formal renewal process initiated in time.
Instead of addressing the matter, leadership reportedly turned to court appeals and internal disputes, delaying action until it was too late.
Online Streaming Continues – For Now
Though the FM broadcast has been shut down, Vhembe FM has continued to stream online via audio platforms. ICASA clarified that it does not currently regulate online streaming, which means any entity may legally do so.
However, while streaming may continue, it does not legitimize or replace a broadcasting license, and thus cannot be a long-term substitute if the station wants to regain its FM status and official recognition.
Not the First Shutdown – A Trend Emerges
ICASA’s enforcement action on Vhembe FM is not an isolated case. Community radio stations like Mala FM and Hlanganani FM have also been taken off-air under similar circumstances in recent years.
In the Eastern Cape, Zibonele FM faced a similar threat, but with community and legal intervention, the station was successfully reinstated, proving that corrective action and transparency can save community media if implemented in time.
Community Sentiment and The Way Forward
Vhembe FM is undeniably one of the most beloved community stations in Limpopo, with a large, loyal listener base. However, affection from the public does not excuse poor governance, regulatory non-compliance, and management negligence.
The station now finds itself in a critical state, operating without legal authority, and risks being permanently removed if drastic restructuring and legal compliance are not prioritized.
Conclusion
The fall of Vhembe FM from its FM platform should serve as a wake-up call to all community radio stakeholders. Compliance with broadcasting laws, transparent leadership, and a commitment to community service must remain at the forefront of operations.
Until further notice, Vhembe FM remains off-air on 89.1 FM, and any efforts to restore its broadcasting rights must go through ICASA with credible leadership and governance reform.
Translated From Roswika Community Radio