Friends of Pieter Scholtz invite patrons to crank up the
volume, call back the past, think Springbok radio days and join them for a St
Clements launch of Robin Sewlal’s legacy book, My Radio Memory: Listening to the Listener — a celebration of 100
years of “the beautiful medium” in South Africa. Advocate, editor, strategist,
media professional Sewlal will be in conversation with Durban treasure,
Caroline Smart, artSMart editor and a My
Radio Memory chapter contributor.
The show takes place on Monday February 3 at 18h00.
Robin Sewlal says: “There is a mesmeric charm about radio. The personalised, friendly style, the hallmark of the medium, is something quite special. My Radio Memory is a labour of love and a project of passion. I was keen on a legacy book encapsulating stories from the key radio stakeholder: the listener.
“When radio emerged in 1923, our forebears would have, understandably, not have contemplated the impact of the 'theatre of the mind' platform on generations to follow,” he adds.
The book has contributions from 100 listeners including legendary Durban musicians, Dr Madala Kunene and Melvin Peters, friend of St Clements and erstwhile SATV producer-editor, Clive Read, and many other radio-relevant personalities from various walks of life. The legacy publication marks 100 years of radio in South Africa (celebrated on December 18, 2023). There are snapshots of radio history, tributes, listings of songs, stories and memories of stations no longer on air: Springbok Radio, Capital Radio, Radio Bop, Radio Phoenix, Swazi Radio and others.
“Long-time radio man, Robin Sewlal, has put together 100 reminiscences from various authors, academics and personalities, all giving freely of their thoughts on their radio experiences, whether they were actively involved in the genre, or as fans of the music, plays and discussions to be heard on radio,” says Caroline Smart.
From the foreword by David Gresham: “Wonderful to see my old-time stomping ground, Springbok Radio, punctuating numerous pages of the book that ought to find its way into homes, libraries and other institutions here and abroad. It sure is a must-have collection that extols the wide-ranging virtues of radio.”
Robin Sewlal is an advocate of the High Court of South Africa and serves as an advisor, consultant, editor, strategist and trainer for various entities. He is the chairperson of Radiocracy, which encapsulates radio, democracy and development. He is also a judge for the Vodacom Journalist of the Year, South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) and United Kingdom Community Radio Awards. He was a commissioner at the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA).
Caroline Smart, broadcaster, columnist, television presenter, voice coach, producer and editor of artSMart is a recipient of the Durban Critics Circle Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Durban Theatre Awards for her contribution to the arts in the city. She was also recognised as an eThekwini Living Legend for Arts & Culture 2012. Caroline will read her chapter from My Radio Memory — and take it, with Sewlal, from there…
The 202-page publication usually retails for R448.50. It will be available at a special St Clements price of R300. Card machine available. The Radiocracy Outreach Programme incorporates the Quest for Literacy Initiative.
If you buy the book, feel welcome to ignore the donation box. Otherwise, as is the norm, please drop in at least R50 (per person).
They plan to be outdoors. If it rains, they will need to set up indoors.
Bookings limited to diners in support of St Clements restaurant and staff. They stay open specially for these programmes.
Be there in time to open your tab and to place your order at the counter before the performance, scheduled to start at 18h00.
Please cancel if you book then can’t make it as they often close booking due to space constraints.
Table Bookings Essential: RSVP directly to St Clements 031 202 2511
For more information contact Wanda Hennig on 072-664-3170
St Clements is located in Musgrave Road in Durban.
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