I grew up with radio. One of my prized possessions as a child was a small, battery-operated transistor radio that could pick up all the stations. That was many decades ago when radio was thriving—offering everything from entertaining programs for teenagers like myself to the latest popular music. I even remember listening to the moon landing broadcast, staying up late with my radio in my bedroom in Kalk Bay, high up against the mountain, hanging onto every word.
Radio has been a constant companion throughout my life. I still own a Sony battery-operated transistor radio, which has served me well for the past ten years. It becomes especially useful during load shedding when the power cuts out, and everything else falls silent—except for the steady, reassuring voice of the radio.
But radio, as a medium, is in decline—some would say terminal decline. The rise of digital media, streaming, and podcasts has pushed it to the margins. And, making matters worse, getting a broadcast license in South Africa has become an almost impossible task. The bureaucratic hurdles imposed by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) have stifled small and community radio stations, making it incredibly difficult for them to survive, let alone thrive.
That’s why the return of Zone Radio to the airwaves is nothing short of a miracle.
The Battle for Zone Radio
Zone Radio, a much-loved community station based in Fish Hoek, has been serving the far south of Cape Town for years. Founded five years ago by Richard Griggs and Judy Robertson, the station built a loyal following with its hyper-local focus on community issues, music, and entertainment. Unlike many mainstream stations, which have become increasingly politicized—often to the point of exhausting their listeners—Zone Radio stayed clear of propaganda and divisive rhetoric. Instead, it stuck to what radio does best: connecting people, sharing stories, and keeping the community informed.
But in July 2024, Zone Radio was forced off the air. ICASA refused to renew its low-power broadcasting license, citing technicalities that seemed both arbitrary and unfair. One of the regulator’s complaints? The station’s studio wasn’t located in a shopping mall—even though its registered premises in Sun Valley were recognized as commercial property and had been previously approved.
The battle that followed was costly, both financially and emotionally. Each license resubmission to ICASA required a non-refundable fee of R7,500, and despite their best efforts, the station’s urgent legal appeal was dismissed by the Pretoria High Court on July 23, 2024. That same night, at midnight, Zone Radio fell silent.
For nearly a year, the station that had become a lifeline for the community was gone.
The Comeback
Most small stations in South Africa would have folded after a setback like this. Many have folded, unable to keep up with ICASA’s byzantine regulatory maze. But Zone Radio refused to go quietly. The team, led by Griggs and Robertson, kept fighting. They navigated the red tape, filed another license application, and finally, after months of uncertainty, they won.
On March 19, 2025—just yesterday—Zone Radio returned to the airwaves.
Not only is it back, but the new bandwidth is crystal clear, free of interference, static, or the dreaded “scratchiness” that can plague FM signals. For those of us who still appreciate good old-fashioned terrestrial radio, this is a massive win.
The Importance of Radio
Radio has always been more than just background noise. It entertains, informs, and—perhaps most importantly—keeps us connected. Just today, for example, I found out it was International Happiness Day thanks to a radio broadcast. I might have eventually seen it on social media, but radio was the first to tell me. There was even a presenter discussing the topic—engaging, thoughtful, and relevant.
Being informed isn’t the same as being a know-it-all (and we all know that one guy who claims to be an expert on everything—good grief, what a bore!). No, real knowledge makes people interesting. It gives them depth, something to contribute to conversations. That’s what good radio does—it broadens perspectives without the relentless noise of social media’s outrage cycle.
Zone Radio’s return isn’t just a win for Fish Hoek—it’s a win for all of us who still value independent, community-driven media. It’s proof that even in the face of absurd bureaucracy and near-impossible odds, determination and passion can bring something special back to life.
So, here’s to Richard Griggs, Judy Robertson, and everyone at Zone Radio. Welcome back. You were missed.
