All stakeholders expressed shock, dismay and disappointment at the unfortunate incident at Karabo FM (a community radio with an estimated audience of 73,000 listeners in Fezile Dabi District) and called upon the community to work together to re-establish the broadcasting service and restore the asset of the community. The meeting agreed to go back to their respective constituencies to assess what type of support can be provided to the station in an effort to help in the re-establishment of the service. After the meeting, the stakeholders visited the burnt premises where Karabo FM used to operate. All studio equipment, furniture, documents and everything else burnt down. The Free State Provincial Government and the Metsimaholo Local Municipality had provided Karabo FM with equipment support. Karabo FM was officially opened by the late MEC Fezi Fundiswa Ngubentombi on 3 July 2009.
The MDDA and NCRF also met with the Board Chairperson and Management of Karabo FM at Zamdela township. The meeting reflected on the experience of the community radio, shared ideas on challenges ahead and possible options for reviving Karabo FM. "The MDDA applauds the support given to the station by the Free State Provincial Government and the Metsimaholo Local Municipality through the infrastructure grant and program support that has been given to the station over the years. This support is an indication of a partnership with MDDA and effective collaborative efforts of government working through its agencies to achieve more," said Mr. Lumko Mtimde, the MDDA CEO.
Mtimde says, "We call upon all those who support community radio to support Karabo FM and assist in ensuring that this voice of the community is back on air." The SAPS is investigating the cause of the fire, the station and community are working with the police to provide information that may help in the investigation.
