ZIBONELE FM
Your Voice. Our Khayelitsha. Since 1995.
Wamkelekile ekhaya.
Welcome home.
“New week. Same voice. We missed you.”
Uses ~30MB/hour. From Site B to London. 32 neighborhoods. 6 countries. One station.
Our Story
For 30 years, Zibonele FM has been the voice of Khayelitsha — a community radio station built by the people, for the people. From our first broadcast in a shipping container to becoming the #1 most listened-to community station in the Western Cape, our journey is a story of resilience, passion, and the power of community.
1995 — First Broadcast
Zibonele FM's journey began with a dream and a microphone inside a shipping container. In 1993, we started broadcasting vital health information to combat diseases like tuberculosis. Two years later, we received our official broadcasting license — becoming the first official community radio station in South Africa. From humble beginnings, we raised our voice for Khayelitsha.
2010 — Empowering the Next Generation
In 2010, we launched our first community radio training program. What started as a small classroom of 50 young people has grown into a legacy of empowerment. Over 127 graduates have gone through our theory and practical training program — learning the skills to become broadcasters, producers, and storytellers. Today, five of our original trainees are still on air, shaping the sound of Khayelitsha.
2024 — 182,000 Voices and Growing
Today, Zibonele FM reaches 182,000 daily listeners — in Khayelitsha, across South Africa, and around the world. From our studio at 17 Ngcwalazi Drive, we broadcast 24/7 with 56 volunteers who share one mission: to inform, inspire, and uplift our community. We've been recognized as the #1 community radio station in the Western Cape, with awards for excellence in broadcasting and youth development.
Zibonele FM is more than a radio station — we are a lifeline for Khayelitsha. A place where stories are shared, young voices are trained, and the community is heard. From a shipping container to 182,000 daily listeners, we are proof that community radio changes lives. And we’re only getting started.
Yonela Qashani
Yonela Qashani is a familiar voice on Khayelitsha's airwaves, waking up the community every weekday morning on Sihamba Nawe 629. A graduate of our radio training program, Yonela grew up listening to Zibonele FM — and now she's the one behind the microphone. Her journey from a teenager in Site B to a trusted morning voice is proof that community radio changes lives. She brings energy, warmth, and a deep love for Khayelitsha to every broadcast.
Mam' Nomsa
Nomsa left Khayelitsha 15 years ago but she never stopped listening. As a loyal listener, she stays connected to home through Zibonele FM. "Every time I hear the station, I'm back in my mother's kitchen on a Sunday," she says. Her support — and her voice — remind us that Zibonele FM reaches far beyond Khayelitsha, connecting the diaspora to the community they love.
Upcoming Events
Mandela Day
Games
Event: Soccer Match
Date: 18/07/2026
Time: 11:00am
Venue: Site C Stadium
Maskandi Experience
Event: Music Concert
Date: 10/10/2026
Time: 12:00
Venue: Mandela Park Stadium
Heritage Day Broadcast
Event: Outside Broadcast
Date: 24/09/2026
Time: 14:00
Venue: TBC
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Today on Zibonele FM
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Speak to us on WhatsApp
Send us a voice note, request a song, or just say hello. We're listening.
Chat with us📱 WhatsApp: 072 108 5488
You love Khayelitsha. So do we. Let's talk.
You don't want to interrupt the community. You want to join it.
Advertising Packages
Silver
R30,000/month
Exclusive of VAT
- 1 x 30 sec ad per day (30 ads/mo)
- 3 x 10 min interview slots per month
Most Popular
Gold
R35,000/month
Exclusive of VAT
- 2 x 30 sec ads per day (60 ads/mo)
- 4 x 15 min interview slots per month
Platinum
R45,000/month
Exclusive of VAT
- 3 x 30 sec ads per day (90 ads/mo)
- 4 x 20 min interview slots per month
Radio Rate Card
30 Second Advert
| Time Slot | Recorded | Live Read |
|---|---|---|
| 06:00 - 09:00 | R2,000 | R2,500 |
| 09:00 - 15:00 | R1,800 | R2,000 |
| 15:00 - 20:00 | R2,000 | R2,500 |
| 20:00 - 23:00 | R1,300 | R1,500 |
| 23:00 - 06:00 | R1,000 | R1,200 |
45 Second Advert
| Time Slot | Recorded | Live Read |
|---|---|---|
| 06:00 - 09:00 | R3,000 | R3,500 |
| 09:00 - 15:00 | R2,000 | R2,300 |
| 15:00 - 20:00 | R3,000 | R3,500 |
| 20:00 - 23:00 | R1,600 | R1,800 |
| 23:00 - 06:00 | R1,300 | R1,500 |
Interview Slots
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 Hour | R30,000 |
| 30 minutes | R25,000 |
| 20 minutes | R18,000 |
| 15 minutes | R13,000 |
| 10 minutes | R10,000 |
| 5 minutes | R7,000 |
Outside Broadcast & Satellite
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| 3 Hours | R70,000 |
| 2 Hours | R50,000 |
| 1 Hour | R35,000 |
| 30 minutes | R27,000 |
Digital Advertising
Website
Once OffR3,500
Per WeekR10,000
Per MonthR27,000
Facebook
Once OffR6,000
Per WeekR16,400
Per MonthR49,400
TikTok
Once OffR4,500
Per WeekR14,600
Per MonthR45,300
Instagram
Once OffR2,000
Per WeekR9,800
Per MonthR24,500
Production Fee
R2,500
Opening / Closing Billboard
R2,000 each
Call Lindisipho
021 361 7109
WhatsApp "RATES"
072 108 5488
Email us
siyilas@zibonelefm.co.za
We reply within one hour. Because you're a neighbor, not a lead.
* All above fees are exclusive of VAT & Agency Fees.