702 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BIRTHDAY BUILD

As part of Talk Radio 702’s 25th birthday celebrations, the station and Habitat for Humanity partnered with Standard Bank, Holcim South Africa, Honey Accessories and Chas Everitt to build five houses in Protea South, Soweto.

Additional impetus was gained when the Minister of Housing, Lindiwe Sisulu endorsed this project and agreed to sponsor the building of two additional houses.

The project culminated at a ceremony at Protea South, Soweto on Friday 26 August with the handover of the houses to their owners. That afternoon, 7 families moved from a shack into a decent house.

A big thank you to all the sponsors, Habitat For Humanity and The Minister of Housing for making the Birthday Build such a success.

Patricia Matekere welcomes Housing Minister, Lindiwe Sisule (left) and Gauteng MEC for Housing Nomvula Mokonyane(right) into her new home.		(L to R) 702 Presenters Redi Direko,Tom London and Station Manager Pheladi Gwangwa

REDI DIREKO HOSTS 702’S TALK AT 9

On Monday 8 August, top journalist and former television personality, Redi Direko took over the weekday talk show “Talk at 9” (9pm to midnight). The show is a talk back programme that includes a discussion on current affairs. It gives ordinary people the opportunity to discuss issues that affect their everyday lives. The show is also simulcast with 702’s sister station 567 CapeTalk.

Direko (27) worked at SABC, Kaya FM, Network Radio News and was the communications director in the Office of the Premier of the Western Cape. She started her career at Talk Radio 702 as a senior Eyewitness News journalist in February this year and has impressed management with her investigative journalism and no- nonsense attitude. Her accolades include coverage of the recent G8 Summit in Scotland where she was the local anchor for the UK based television network Channel 4 as well as interviewing Prime Minister Tony Blair.

"I am ecstatic about my new role. The platform allows for robust debate," said Direko. “I believe that through talking and exchanging ideas, we expand our world view. I enjoy challenging our listeners, our newsmakers and being challenged myself,” she added.

Talk Radio 702’s station manager, Pheladi Gwangwa said, “We have a diverse listenership and Redi has the qualities that would appeal to them. She is passionate and has political savvy, especially when it comes to issues of delivery. Redi also forms part of our strategy to grow and develop young talent”.

Redi Direko - Presenter of 702 and 567 CapeTalk’s ‘Talk at Nine’