The role of community media in preserving indigenous knowledge systems : a case of Mokopane FM

Abstract

There exists a different type of knowledges, including Indigenous Knowledge Systems. The aim of this study was to the examine the role played by Mokopane FM in preserving Indigenous Knowledge Systems. This study was underpinned by the interpretivism research paradigm, which is influenced by the qualitative research approach. Guided by the qualitative research approach, this study used the exploratory research design, which, among other things, does not only focus on giving definitive answers to the research questions but simply investigates the research topic at various depths, focusing on a well-known but less explained phenomenon. The Agenda-Setting Theory and the participatory communication theory and Habermas theory of public sphere underpinned this study. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews from eight participants from Mokopane Community Radio Station and Mokopane community members. It was found that participants have a clear idea of what Indigenous Knowledge System entails. With most of them based it around indigenous ways of living, doing things, used by people in the olden days, which is not common nowadays. Among this knowledge system exists things like food, games, storytelling, dressing, cure for diseases and sicknesses, which were grounded in indigenous or traditional methods. It was also found that Mokopane Community Radio Station has programmes which include Indigenous Knowledge System where it invites people like sangomas, traditional leaders to share indigenous ways of living with the community. However, the management of these programmes were found wanting in terms airtime allocation and marketing. As a result, this study suggested that the station should improve the marketing of these programmes and allocate more airtime for them. It is also significant to point out that the findings of this study are not exhaustive to other medium or locations. Consequently, it was also suggested that future studies focus on the preservation of Indigenous Knowledge System focusing on a different medium and different location.