The tiny team at RX Radio are working diligently to leave a lasting impression on the patients at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s
Hospital.
Two months into hitting the airwaves, RX Radio is not relying on donations and sponsorships to keep them going.
“The Children’s Hospital Trust has provided us with financial support to keep us running until the end of 2018. Working towards that, we are building relationships, and invite people to come see what we are doing,” said station manager Gabriel Urgoiti.
RX Radio is one of a few hospital radio stations in the country, and it is run by children for children.
Doctors and heads of department have played a role in recruiting children, who become producers, DJs and hosts.
“These are extraordinary children with extraordinary stories, and it’s an extraordinary privilege to be working with them,” Urgoiti said.
Thameenah Pienaar, 10, has a slot on Saturday afternoons.
She spent almost two years at the children's hospital after being diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of four.
In a packed room during a visit from the Cape Times yesterday, Thameenah said: “It’s nice to talk on radio, but it’s weird when you hear your own voice. I prefer hearing my friends’ voices.”
The station creates a platform for communication for children in hospital, as well as their families and health services.
Shows are recorded and copied on to MP3 players which are given to children to listen to.
Televisions in the children's hospital play live shows, and you can stream on the RX Radio website at http://rxradio.co.za/.
Kauthar Salie, 17, a founding member, interviewed an ambassador of The Friends of the Children’s Hospital Association during a Mandela Week programme yesterday.
Human rights advocate George Bizos did a telephonic interview this week, while 1995 World Cup-winning Springbok wing Chester Williams came into the studio.
“I enjoy what I do very much. It takes practice; earlier this week, (presenter) Guy McDonald from Magic (Magic 828 AM) gave us training,” Kauthar said.