Umhlobo Wenene FM, a popular South African radio station has extended its broadcast in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe for a cultural and heritage experience called “Khenketha NoMhlobo Cultural and Heritage Experience” which began on September 18.

The program was also saw the nation’s longest broadcasting show, i-Brakfesi Eyondlayo Ekuseni (BEE) which has been broadcasting since 2009. The breakfast show has had massive listenership, commanding 1.4 million listeners accounted for nationally according to RAMS, a radio measurement tool used in South Africa.

In a Press statement by UMhlobo Wenene FM, Mr. Loyiso Bala, Business Manager for Umhlobo Wenene FM expressed his excitement about this initiative.

“We are thrilled to embark on this c ult u r al a n d Heritage Day during the month of September, which coincides with Heritage and Tourism month in South Africa as well as World Tourism Day,” he said.

The program was held in partnership with VIB Mobile, a vendor for Mobile Network OFxperations in Southern African countries.

“VIB Mobile is eagerly anticipating a successful and enriching experience that will leave a lasting impact on the participating presenters and staff at Umhlobo Wenene FM, the fortunate contest winner, and the broader IsiXhosa speaking community,” said group CEO of VIB Mobile, Leroy Monaheng, in a press statement.

The marketing Manager at Umhlobo Wenene FM, Chwayita Cyw Mandindi, said the primary objective of this initiative is to “foster stronger connections among IsiXhosa speakers in South Africa and Zimbabwe, while celebrating their share cultural heritage.”

The significance of this event lied in the minority group of IsiXhosa speakers known as Amafengu in Zimbabwe.