Wednesday, 17 Febuary, 2010

An Eyewitness News report highlighted a homeless man whose radio had been stolen. Talk Radio 702’s station manager stepped in to ensure he is able to tune in. On the 12th February, Eyewitness News journalist Micel Schnehage filed a report on Joburg’s homeless population. She spoke at length to Elijah, a deeply religious man who named himself after the prophet and lives under the Nelson Mandela Bridge.

It was evident from the interview that Elijah is well-informed and has strong opinions on a variety of topics. He spoke about transformation, politicians, spirituality and crime.

Although all his worldly possessions fit into a tiny makeshift shelter under the bridge, not even Elijah is not immune to crime. Just a week before the interview, his radio was stolen. “Now I can’t listen to my gospel programmes and Talk Radio 702,” he lamented, naming his favourite shows on the talk station. Talk Radio 702 station manager, Pheladi Gwangwa was moved by Elijah’s plight and touched that he was such an enthusiastic listener.

“One of the station’s main aims is to inform the public,” she said, “here is a listener who has been using 702 as his main resource for information, and he’s been denied that by criminals. I felt strongly that we needed to do what we could to get him the news and debates he so clearly craves.”
On 17th February Pheladi visited Elijah under the Nelson Mandela Bridge and presented him with a new wireless radio. She had also secured accommodation for him at a shelter in the city but Elijah declined, preferring to live alone in accordance with his prophesy.

“We also strive to touch our listeners’ lives and this story presented an opportunity to do that,” she said of the gesture.
To see the video interview between Micel Schnehage and Elijah, visit the multimedia section on www.ewn.co.za.

To see photos of Pheladi and Elijah with the new radio, visit www.702.co.za.

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