His appointment as station manager of NWU FM on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Mahikeng is a home-coming for Itumeleng Bahetane.

Born and bred in Mahikeng, Itumeleng has strong ties with the university having completed his BA in communication and BAHons in English at the NWU.

As a student he was actively involved in the formation of NWU FM under the tutelage of Dr Aron Tshidzumba.

“Itumeleng knew all the radio technology at the time so we relied on him to teach other students how broadcast technology worked,” says Dr Tshidzumba.

In addition to his duties as station manager, he will also take up teaching role, lecturing in broadcasting.

So what can NWU FM listeners expect?

"I look forward to taking the brand to new heights through a youthful and urban sound that incorporates the diversity of the campus and neighbouring communities,” says Itumeleng. “It is my aim to ensure that NWU FM continues to meet and exceed its audience’ expectations.”

Tuned into knowledge

Itumeleng brings a wealth of academic and practical experience to the NWU. Besides his NWU degrees he also studied broadcast management at Rhodes University, advanced management at the NWU Business School, and followed a digital marketing and social media course at the University of Cape Town.

After completing his studies, Itumeleng was a technical manager, presenter and later station manager at Mahikeng FM. He then joined River FM on the NWU’s campus in Vanderbijlpark as founding station manager. During his time in the Vaal region, the Central University of Technology appointed him as a consultant to start their own radio station which he launched successfully.

Changing channels

Thereafter he was appointed station manager at Wits University where he also lectured in development communication, radio and social media at the Journalism Department until January 2019.

Itumeleng was a speaker and contributor at the national community media summit in 2018. He is also a contributor for community, public, online and commercial radio stations in the country.

 This is NWU FM’s new station manager, Mr Itumeleng Bahetane.