There is no doubt that Motheo FM is a powerhouse and the best community radio station in South Africa. What began as a Free State Mangaung-based radio station has transformed into a formidable force, evident in its tremendous growth.
While many witness the success of the station, behind the scenes, one man is steering the ship—Lebogang Matolong, the Station Manager of Motheo FM. Born and raised in the City of Roses, Lebogang credits the city for shaping him, challenging him, and inspiring him to harness the power of media for service.
His love for radio ignited during his childhood listening to the now-defunct Radio BBT. He cherished the intimate connection that the microphone provided—reaching thousands without being seen. This fascination evolved into a calling, leading him to a life-changing opportunity in 2009. Today, Lebogang is realizing a dream he once envisioned: running the best radio station in the country.
Lebogang joined Motheo FM after recognizing its untapped potential. “Motheo FM had history, had heart, but needed clear vision, structure, and belief,” he shared.
His motivation stemmed from the belief that community radio could be grand and influential. “I came to ignite purpose, restore pride, and reintroduce the station to the community as a powerful force for change, influence, and growth,” he said.
The station’s rebranding was a pivotal moment, extending beyond mere slogans to instigate a mindset shift. “Mo o tsewang tsiya gone – Where You Matter” directly speaks to the community, reminding listeners that they are the heartbeat of the station. This initiative humanized the station, enhanced accessibility, and established an emotional connection with the audience.
When asked about a typical day at the station, Lebogang emphasized that no two days are the same, a hallmark of radio life. He usually begins with team check-ins, reviewing logs, finalizing proposals, engaging with advertisers, listening to feedback, addressing community concerns, and ensuring the delivery of meaningful, high-quality content.
Lebogang’s leadership style emphasizes servant leadership, where he listens and empowers his team. “I focus on culture over ego, consistency over hype, and results over noise. We combine strategy with soul, creating a rare balance. I believe that if it doesn’t challenge the team, it doesn’t change the game,” he stated.
The station’s rapid growth can be credited to not only Lebogang’s vision but also the combined efforts of his team, listeners, and partners. “Everyone plays their part, aligning us with the community, fostering creativity, credibility, and commercial thinking,” he remarked.
Upon taking over, the station faced multiple challenges, including financial instability, governance gaps, and morale issues. However, armed with vision and a dedicated team, they addressed these challenges head-on.
“I rewrote the business plan, introduced new revenue streams, restructured programming, and reminded everyone why Motheo FM mattered. Today, we stand not as survivors but as standard bearers,” said Lebogang.
He believes teamwork is vital, stating that every breakthrough is a result of collaboration. The station nourishes a culture where every member feels seen, heard, and valued, encouraging collective growth.
Lebogang advises other radio stations to “invest in people, run their station like a business, know their audience, innovate boldly, and build partnerships.” He strongly asserts that community stations can lead in creativity and impact, stressing that excellence isn’t exclusive to urban or commercial stations.
Looking ahead, Lebogang envisions that within two years, Motheo FM will evolve into a fully digital, multi-platform content house with a national footprint. They are in the process of building studios, OB vans, merchandise lines, and training academies to serve both present needs and future aspirations.
In 2026, Motheo FM plans to launch the Motheo FM Academy for media training, enhance flagship events, scale up their membership drive, grow their OnCue Newsroom, and develop premium podcasting zones. Through these initiatives, they aim to uplift the entire Free State and create a lasting impact in the media landscape.
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