A Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment
of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts.Community broadcasting in South Africa has been identified as an ideal medium for the
facilitation of participatory communiry development. The objectives of community ownership
and participation in community broadcasting are perceived as the basis for the empowerment
of people who were oppressed by apartheid. The establishment of the Independent
Broadcasting Authority (lBA) in 1994 has provided the framework for the development of
a community broadcasting sector. However, the interpretation of the IRA Act, and the
general policy which is adopted towards community broadcasting will determine the longterm
sustainabilitv of the sector in South Africa. It will also determine the extent to which
community broadcasting achieves the ideals of local development and empowerment. This
dissertation addresses both the objectives for the use of community broadcasting in
development, and the policies which are required for the development of the community
broadcasting sector.Andrew Chakane 201
