The government of Swaziland has called for people and organisations to
apply for community and commercial radio licences. The call for
licenses was made by the Swaziland Posts and Telecommunications
Corporation, according to a report from the Media Institute of Southern Africa.
A spokesman for the Corporation, Austin Mgabhi, told MISA Swaziland recently that they have received 10 applications. The deadline for applications is 31 March 2008.
Mr Mgabhi said all applications will be forwarded to a Task Team which will scrutinise them, a process that would lead to the issuing of licences to deserving applicants, possibly before the end of the year. The Task Team comprises government ministries and parastatals.
Mr Mgabhi said for a start they may issue about four licenses– that is one per the four regions of Swaziland. He said the applications will go through rigorous scrutiny.
MISA Swaziland views the call for licenses as a positive step by the government which currently dominates the airwaves and applauds the move.
MISA Swaziland encourages media organisations including Lubombo and Matsanjeni to apply for the licenses and it will monitor the licensing process closely. Lubombo Community Radio initiative has waited for 10 years for a licence.