For the fourth year running, VOC managed to secure the DiamondArrow Award, being the first community radio station honoured for its contributions to the local community. PMR Africa conducts an annual survey in the Western Cape where it questions ninety respondents from local businesses and members of the community on organisations or companies that they consider to be large investors in the well-being of the socio-economic growth within the community.

According to PMR Africa CEO, Johan Hatting, 4.34 out of 5 individuals have rated VOC as a top contender in their community. “The award acknowledges Muslim owned companies for their contributions to the economic growth and development to the province and country. ” Hatting explained.

“The purpose of the award is to also acknowledge on the part of the staff at VOC, who have tirelessly offered their efforts in ensuring that VOC holds up its reputation of being a radio station that serves its community,” Hatting added.

The chairperson of the VOC Management Board, Achmat Jacobs and marketing manager, Sukayna Johaardien expressed their gratitude on behalf of VOC for once again achieving the highest honour for excellent services to the community.

“We have also made our social responsibility a top priority in all our initiatives. We have just hosted our VOC Ratanga Family Day, a large amount of those proceeds will go towards the Gaza Water Project and our Bursary Fund.

“Just this week, we were able to make the lives of 570 school pupils a little easier by donating stationery packs. Throughout the entire year, majority of our events are aimed around giving back to the greater community,” Johaardien said.

PMR has recognised companies for not only their contributions to the community but also identified how these said companies have gone about to better shape the lives of individuals within the communities. VOC (Ra’eesah Isaacs)