Midlands 104 radio station opens doors for talented youth

A new community radio station in Pietermaritzburg is set to bring opportunities for young broadcasters and musicians, as Midlands 104 positions itself as a hub for talent development in the city. Operating from the old tourism hub building on Langalibalele Street, the station offers on-air experience for aspiring presenters and a fully equipped recording studio aimed at supporting local artists. Founder Sthembiso Dlamini said the launch marked the realisation of a long-standing vision to create an inclusive space for young creatives.

“This has been a dream for a very long time. Now we are seeing it come to life, and the focus is on giving young people an opportunity to grow and showcase their talent,” Dlamini said. He said the station aims to address a gap in Pietermaritzburg’s creative industry by providing professional facilities that are often out of reach for emerging artists.

“In Pietermaritzburg, these kinds of facilities are scarce. We want local musicians to record in a professional studio and produce quality music that can be played on radio without any struggle.” He added that Midlands 104 was actively encouraging aspiring presenters to step forward and gain practical experience in broadcasting. The station’s studio infrastructure was made possible through support from the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), with which Midlands 104 has secured a five-year agreement.

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The development comes amid a broader rise in community-driven media initiatives in the city. Online platform Bodado recently gained national recognition at the third Annual Mzansi Community Media and Creatives Awards 2026, highlighting the growing impact of grassroots broadcasters. Founder Sikhumbuzo Khumalo said the station was established to address barriers faced by graduates entering the media industry.

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