Described as the last bastion of apartheid, Radio Pretoria broadcasts locally on FM (104.2), but is also available nationwide by satellite. It has an efficient website that lists its associate stations across South Africa, spreading belief in racial pride and separatism.
In 2001, ICASA refused to renew its license because of its policy of refusing to hire blacks, which is unconstitutional. The matter went to court, but in a settlement a temporary 12-month licence was granted to Radio Pretoria which has remained on air. In March-April 2003 it will be up for hearings as ICASA reviews the licences of community radio stations.
A spokesman for the communications authority refused to comment on Radio Pretorias chances of renewing its licence.The station has been variously described as the font of hate speech in South Africa and the saviour of the ware (true) Afrikaners. Its content has at times included such choice programmes as the Sunday phone-in Kroeshare en Lelike Neuse (crinkly hair and ugly noses) hosted by Willie Vokkem Fourie.
In its submission to the Human Rights Commission hearings on racism and the media a year ago, ICASA said it was aware that Radio Pretoria had come up for a lot of discussion at the hearings, but since it was involved in legal proceedings it could not comment.