Radio as Propaganda

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Article / Journal

Author(s) / editor(s):
Ntshengedzeni Evans Netshivhambe

Year: 2026

Keywords: Radio Bantu; Radio Venda; black radio announcers; propaganda agenda; free expression; separate development policies; cultural manipulation
Language(s): English

Abstract:
The study analyzes how Radio Bantu—especially Radio Venda—was used to reinforce apartheid ideology under the guise of serving and “developing” Black audiences. It shows how policies of separate development and the dominance of Afrikaans as a language of power restricted freedom of expression and turned Black radio announcers into instruments of white propaganda. Through interviews, archival research, and music analysis, the article reveals that although the stations appeared to promote South Africa’s diverse cultures and offered “developmental” programmes, they in fact functioned as tools of division, control, and ideological manipulation aligned with apartheid policies

https://doi.org/10.1080/23743670.2025.2508724

Post created by: Virginia Signorini

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