TSHAULU – Intelligent? Creative? Gifted? All these words fail to describe the wisdom of a Grade 12 leaner, Khathutshelo Ralulimi (22), of Tshaulu village, near Gaba, who has invented his own shoestring “radio station” in his one-roomed mud house.

The creative Tondalushaka High School genius amazingly used discarded parts of an old Omega radio, an old CD player, a Telefunken turntable and a Tempest tape deck to equip his “studio”. He uses an old car battery to power his equipment because he does not have electricity. He uses an old speaker as a microphone because he is too poor to afford a decent one.

The station broadcasts in a 400m radius to the local villagers and it mainly focuses on social issues, entertainment and dedications. It broadcasts on FM, medium wave and short wave.

Khathutshelo explains how his radio station works: “I do not have a transmitter, but I transfer my signals through an old voltmeter. I have also used old cables to join my components to make sure that they produce a clean sound. I made use of old radio parts which I combined to make a single unit that will be able to send signals with ease…”

“I have linked my cell phone with the broadcast equipment so that callers might be able to go on air during the dedication programme. I also make sure that my listeners get the best information because I read newspapers and magazines to beef up my knowledge.”

Khathutshelo says his broadcasting time is limited because he is at times busy with his studies. “I mainly go on air after school or during the weekends. Villagers enjoy my station because the calls never stop ringing and some of them even come to see me broadcasting live in the studio. I only want people who can assist me to acquire a broadcasting licence so that I can serve my people with pride.”

He says he started developing a keen interest in radio while he was still at primary school. “I became very curious because I wanted to know what was taking place in the radio industry. I told myself that I needed to do something on my own and the fruits of my hard labour are paying off.”

Asked about the name of his station, Khathutshelo jokingly said: “I have not yet decided on the name, but I presently call it Radio Gwavhavha until I select the best name…”

He says his setback is lack of equipment and poverty. “If I can get computers and modern studio machines, my dreams of establishing a decent radio station will be fulfilled,” concluded Khathutshelo who wants to study radio engineering next year.