Community radio’s rise in South Africa is attributable to the dismantling of apartheid and an example of building a democracy and civil society within the country.
Most community radio stations are funded by external donor countries and international development agencies while other stations rely on advertising, sponsorship and voluntary services; however the lack thereof leads to a lack of funds to reward their presenters sufficiently.
President of the World Association of Community Broadcasters (AMARC, by its French initials), Steve Buckley noted that state subsidies for community media are the norm in Europe and North America, but it largely lacking in Africa, particularly in South Africa.
[4] Licensing should be designed to support the development of the radio station, which should not restrict them in any way, or to be controlled and monitored by the South African government over broadcast content as well as ownership.
Criteria for the station should be primarily based on demonstrating social purpose and benefit and sufficient requirements for the community participation in ownership and function of the service.