Another accolade on the cards for community radio

This article was first published on Voice of the Cape's website- www.vocfm.co.za

VOC’s feisty, award-winning producer and Breakfast Beat presenter Dorianne Arendse is up for another accolade of note after she made the shortlist of this year’s edition of the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans. The newspaper supplement showcases young people who are seen to be making an impact in their fields, ranging from media to finance.Kat Pritchard, Editor of the M&G 200 Young South Africans list, was very interested in the fact that Arendse has carved her niche in community radio.

Being nominated along with many other individuals who are virtually big names in their industries was something of a surprise. “We see that age-old community versus commercial media argument taking place here. I firmly believe that community radio is a force to be reckoned with in their own right," she said. Arendse was nominated by VOC social commentator Riyaaz Ismail, a self-confessed Facebook and internet junkie. The Mail & Guardian then researched and tracked the information in the nomination, as well as her career path from her days as an intern at Bush radio to her work in Parliament.

Last year, she completed her BTech in Journalism at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, while at the same time balancing her full time work at VOC. Arendse has a Vodacom Journalist of the Year award under her belt and also received special mention at the Taco Kuiper Awards for investigative journalism, two achievements which have opened up many doors for her.

"We competed against major role-players in commercial media and received top honours for our work in the Radio Feature category (at Vodacom awards), which just goes to show that there is a high standard of work coming from community too," she related. There are a number of factors which the selection committee takes into consideration before they decide.

“I had to fill out a questionnaire, so they can see what makes you tick in terms of politics and South African general knowledge. They look at your past achievements and career too. I did my in-service training at another community radio station, which often makes for more well-rounded staff. There are less people in employment, so people are often doing the work of more than one person.”

Arendse was initially notified about her nomination via email, but thought it was spam because of the “Congratulations” in the subject line. “It was only after I received the second email that I took note of the fact that the selection committee was actually trying to get hold of me. It is accolades such as these which make working in media worth it. Sometimes you feel despondent, but it is good to see there are some people who recognise the work we do.”

As part of the promotional campaign for Mail & Guardian, Arendse was featured in video with fellow nominee, 567/Cape Talk presenter Africa Melane, who went head-to-head with her in a discussion about the differences between community and commercial media. The funny skit can be viewed at

Arendse said she was elated about making the list, which will be revealed in Sandhurst, Johannesburg on Thursday, June 21. "It's an awesome feeling...and a great opportunity. I never would have expected something like this coming my way." VOC (Aqeelah Bawa)