Chairperson, the ACDP is deeply concerned about the recent trend by the department, and possibly endorsed by the government as a whole, to reduce drastically the number of Christian radio stations, and in some cases not even being prepared to renew existing licences.
The ACDP believes that by closing down community radio stations that render services such as counselling and support to people from broken homes and broken marriages, rape and abuse victims, the department is revealing that it is out of touch with the realities of crime and anxiety suffered by our communities.
The department must take into account the actual needs of the communities it is meant to serve and make professional and accurate assessment of the ways in which Christian community radio stations meet these particular needs before haphazardly closing down what is a valuable resource to many people. The ACDP will not be able to support this Budget Vote. Thank you.