12 Feb 2025

In a significant milestone for campus broadcasting, the University of Botswana (UB) radio station has transitioned from an online-only platform to an FM broadcaster after securing a licence from the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA).

This expansion marks a new era for the station, enhancing its reach and impact beyond digital streaming.

Speaking at the launch event on Tuesday, the Minister of Higher Education, Prince Maele, emphasised that the UB Radio will serve as a crucial bridge between academic research and the general public, simplifying complex ideas into practical knowledge.

He highlighted the station’s role in equipping students with essential skills in communication, journalism, and broadcasting while creating spaces for youth to freely express themselves within the principles of media ethics and law.

“UB Radio will serve as a gateway linking the university with its diverse stakeholders, while also disseminating messages on national development, cultural heritage, and civic education, fostering a well-informed and engaged citizenry,” said Maele.

He stressed the importance of aligning education with industry demands, ensuring that graduates emerge as innovators and contributors to economic growth rather than just job seekers. He underscored the station’s potential to revitalise Botswana’s creative industry.

The Minister of Communications and Innovation, David Tshere, described the radio station as a vital hub for cultivating local talent and fostering national dialogue.
He noted that the UB Radio would promote media independence, free speech, and social cohesion.

“By providing platforms that encourage dialogue, we empower the youth with values of democratic participation, informed citizenship, and responsible media consumption.
However, misinformation erodes public trust. It is crucial for the UB Radio to counter this by producing well-researched, fact-based, and balanced content,” Tshere stated.

Initially launched on May 6, 2021, the community radio station is now accessible on 99.5 FM in Gaborone, 107.2 FM in Francistown, and 101.0 FM in Maun. ENDS