Broadcasters hide under desks in fear as strong winds destroy radio station

 RADIO Bukalanga staff had to hide under desks when a strong whirlwind blew off the studio roofing leaving them traumatised.
The strong winds hit the community  radio station on 20 November, exposing the old building’s structure.
Radio BuKalanga is an important hub of culture and a standout community information dissemination centre in Matabeleland South.
The station manager Ms Yvonne Buzwane watched the incident as she was a stone’s throw from the station.
“The incident happened at 11:50am and everything happened in front of me as I was coming from the hospital which is not far from our station. I just saw the roof sheets flying in the air and landing on the rooftop, for a moment I froze. The guys who were in at the station ran and hid under tables in fear. They were very shocked by the incident and we thank God no one was injured,” she said.
Ms Buzwane said over 20 roof sheets were folded upwards by the whirlwind.

She said it left large parts of the station open and they had to act fast to temporarily cover the studio in case rains came.
“We had to take the money which we fundraised for the solar system to back up our transmitter and temporarily cover the studio otherwise we risked losing all the equipment in the studio due to the rains,” said Ms Buzwane.
She appealed to well-wishers to assist the station, in both cash and kind, to refurbish the roof to mitigate further disaster.
“We only had to deal with the emergency, while doing an assessment of the habitability of the whole building. We are appealing to well-wishers both companies and individuals and our great Bukalanga people all over the world to come to our aid. We need building materials like zinc, planks and nails,” she said.
The station manager said well-wishers can deposit donations to Radio Bukalanga’s
ZB bank account: USD 4511-279845-405
Name: BUKALANGA STOKVEL
ACC NO 63031863938
Or SOUTH AFRICA
Bank FNB
0832946554 Ewallet
You can also reach the station at 00263 776 791 772.
@themkhust

Adopted from The Chronicle.