…two new commercial radio licences awarded
…stations given 12 months to go live
…new broadcasters to create opportunities for youth and local talent
BY NELIWE NGUBANE
EZULWINI– The sound of radio in Eswatini is about to get louder, fresher and more competitive, with two new commercial stations preparing to join the country’s broadcasting landscape.
SakhaLive FM (Pty) Ltd and Icon Connect Radio (Pty) Ltd have officially been awarded Free-to-Air Commercial Radio Broadcasting Service licences by the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM), marking what has been described as an important milestone in the implementation of the Broadcasting Act, 2023.
The licences were handed over during a ceremony held at the ESCCOM offices,yesterday 01 September 2026,attended by officials from the Ministry of ICT, ESCCOM leadership, representatives of the two licence holders and members of the media.
Both broadcasters have been given 12 months from the date of the granting of their respective licences to commence operations.
ESCCOM Acting Chief Executive Ozzie Thakatha said the entry of the two stations would contribute to greater programming diversity, innovation and audience engagement while creating space for a broader range of voices and opinions.
He said the new broadcasters could also unlock economic opportunities, particularly for young people, through jobs for journalists, presenters, producers, technicians, engineers, marketers, content creators and administrators.
According to Thakatha, the impact would extend beyond the two stations, benefiting musicians, artists, filmmakers, independent producers, advertising agencies, equipment suppliers and other players within the creative and broadcasting value chain.
However, he warned that the licences came with significant responsibilities.
The stations will be expected to promote Eswatini’s culture, identity and diversity, invest in quality local content and comply with the Broadcasting Act 2023, regulations and their licence conditions.
Failure to commence operations within the prescribed 12-month period could result in regulatory action, including possible revocation of a licence.
For SakhaLive FM Managing Director Melusi Dlamini, the licence represents the fulfilment of a long-standing dream.
Dlamini said the station intends to place young people at the heart of its broadcasting strategy by creating opportunities for them to participate, develop skills and showcase their talents.
“Our main target is the youth and developing them,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the 12-month period would provide enough time to establish the necessary structures and turn the station’s vision into a functioning broadcasting service.
Icon Connect Director Phila Dlamini described the licence as a timely opportunity to introduce a fresh dimension to Eswatini’s radio industry.
He said the station aimed to respond to listeners’ needs while creating opportunities for local talent to grow.
Phila also expressed hope that the licensing of new players would encourage more local broadcasters to enter the industry, arguing that Eswatini has talented and innovative people with ideas capable of transforming the sector.
Thakatha revealed that ESCCOM’s latest licensing exercise would not be the last, saying the commission intends to facilitate further opportunities in community, subscription and online broadcasting.
With SakhaLive FM and Icon Connect Radio now preparing for launch, Emaswati can expect more voices, more choices and potentially a new chapter in the country’s radio story.
#ESCCOM #SakhaLiveFM #IconConnectRadio #Broadcasting #Eswatini #Radio #LocalContent #CreativeIndustry
(Courtesy Pic)
