By: Nomkhosi Nkomonde
As the world recently marked World Radio Day, attention once again turned to a medium that continues to connect, inform and uplift communities, radio. In Bushbuckridge, one young voice is steadily shaping conversations and carrying the stories of the people with purpose and pride.
That voice belongs to 25-year-old Lebogang Nkuna, a news anchor and current affairs host at Radio Bushbuckridge, a community radio station based in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga.Radio Bushbuckridge is more than just a station. Broadcasting in three local languages, it serves as a lifeline of information and dialogue for thousands of listeners across the region.
At one point, the station was ranked among the most listened-to community radio stations in the country, reflecting the deep trust and loyalty it has built within its audience.Within this powerful platform, Lebogang has carved out her space as a calm, credible and committed broadcaster.
With over three years of experience in radio journalism, she delivers news with clarity and confidence, focusing strongly on local affairs and community issues. Her reporting brings attention to stories that matter, from service delivery and governance to human-interest stories that reflect everyday life in Bushbuckridge.
Lebogang’s strength lies not only in her professional delivery, but in her connection with listeners. She understands the responsibility that comes with holding a microphone in a community where radio remains one of the most trusted sources of information.
The theme of this year’s World Radio Day, “AI is a tool, not a voice,” resonates deeply with her work. In an era of digital transformation, Lebogang represents the irreplaceable human element of broadcasting, empathy, understanding and authenticity.
Driven by a passion for storytelling and public engagement, she strives to make every broadcast informative, accessible and meaningful. Her calm presence on air has earned her respect as a growing and dependable voice in community radio.Guided by her personal motto, “Laughter repels bitterness,” Lebogang brings warmth and humanity into her work, reminding listeners that even in difficult times, there is room for compassion and hope.
As community radio continues to play a vital role in strengthening democracy and preserving local voices, young broadcasters like Lebogang Nkuna stand as proof that the future of radio is not only alive but it is rooted in the communities it serves.