The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Department of Communication and Media, in collaboration with SABC Radio, commemorated UNESCO World Radio Day on Thursday, 13 February 2025. This year’s theme, Radio and Climate Change, underscored the medium’s role in raising awareness and driving conversations about one of the most pressing global challenges.
The event featured a series of Thought Leadership Sessions, including discussions on Radio as a Tool for Social Change, Climate Change: What Is Happening and What Can Be Done?, and The Role of Journalism and Radio in Facilitating Climate Change Conversations.
The Power of radio in climate discourse
Speaking at the event, Dr Sifiso Zondo, Head of the School of Communication, highlighted radio’s adaptability and enduring relevance in people’s lives worldwide.
“From community radio stations in rural areas to major global broadcasters, radio fosters inclusivity, diversity, and democracy. It informs, entertains, and educates—ensuring that knowledge and culture are shared widely. As a university dedicated to advancing knowledge and global engagement, we are proud to support these discussions. Radio is more than a medium; it is a tool for empowerment, a voice for marginalised communities, and a driver of positive social change in Africa and beyond.”
Strengthening collaboration for impact
SABC’s Acting Chief Operations Officer, Mr Lungile Binza, emphasised the broadcaster’s commitment to making climate change communication accessible to all South Africans.
“This partnership allows us to simplify climate-related topics so that they resonate with people in their own languages. The SABC operates 19 radio stations in all of South Africa’s official languages, including Ukhozi FM, Africa’s largest radio station, with over seven million daily listeners. We aim to keep radio relevant in today’s digital world, taking it to the next level.”
Bridging the gap between science and public awareness
In her keynote address, Prof Sarah Chiumbu stressed that climate change is not a distant threat but a lived reality disrupting communities. She highlighted the media’s crucial role in bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and public action, with radio serving as an essential platform for education.
“Climate change remains underreported and, in some cases, misunderstood. The question we must ask ourselves is how to translate scientific knowledge into actionable public awareness—and the answer lies in journalism, media, and, most importantly, radio. With its extensive reach and ability to transcend language barriers, radio is instrumental in climate change education.”
Prof Chiumbu further noted that radio’s unique strength lies in simplifying complex climate science into everyday language.
“Scientific reports on global warming may be inaccessible to the average citizen. However, a well-structured radio programme can break down climate change issues into relatable stories. Radio is not just a medium of communication—it is a vital tool for climate resilience.”
As one of the most widely accessible and trusted sources of information in Africa, radio remains a powerful force in shaping public discourse and driving social change. Through collaborations like this, UJ and SABC Radio continue to harness its potential to address critical issues affecting the continent.
