A day in the life at the University of Pretoria. 09 February 1981

09 February 1981: On this "Day in the life of the University of Pretoria" RadioTuks broadcast officially for the first time from their studio.

New studio 1981 © UP Archives

The idea of an independent private radio station located on the University campus originated in March 1975.  In a memorandum which was sent to the Director of Public Affairs the establishment of such a radio station was suggested, which would enable direct contact with the student mass and interested individuals outside the university campus.  Due to a lack of funds the university was not willing to take this proposal any further. 

It was through the efforts of a first year Engineering student, J. Roelofse, that Tuks FM became a reality.  He established the Student Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) and received the Student Representative Council Award for his initiative and enthusiasm.  In order to get Radio Tuks, as it was then known on air, he unsuccessfully approached the SABC and the Post Office for assistance.  This did not stop him and he declared a nationwide congress the University of Pretoria, where the National Student Radio Organisation, of which he was the president, fought to gain public recognition. 

In 1980 permission was obtained to continue the project.  In the beginning of 1981, the studio in Duxbury Road was completed and the first broadcast was on Monday 9 February to the cafeteria on the main campus, for three hours a day.  Later, broadcasting was extended to the hostels, a move that almost closed the station down.  Due to technical problems personal telephone conversations from two female hostels were broadcasted, causing some embarrassing moments for some of the ladies.

In 1995 the studio was moved to the Student Centre where it is still housed today and it received the first one year license to broadcast on 107.2 FM stereo.  

The University of Pretoria (UPA) preserves the history of the University of Pretoria. The UPA has  an extensive photo and clipping collection (like the article featured above).Please contact us on [email protected] to share your memories of Tukkies or access our collection.