In the wake of SENTECH’s recent announcement regarding the closure of the Meyerton Transmitting Station by the end of March 2019, this gallery serves as a tribute to the station’s remarkable history. Its broadcasting legacy traces back to 1965 when it initially operated as the Bloemendal Shortwave Station, facilitating transmissions for Radio RSA, the renowned Voice of South Africa. Later, it underwent a name change to the H. F. Verwoerd Shortwave Station, a title it retained until 1992 when Radio RSA concluded its broadcasts.

Following the end of apartheid, SENTECH assumed control of the station, rebranding it as the Meyerton Transmitting Station. Throughout the years, it served as a pivotal hub for both local and international broadcasters, hosting a diverse array of programming that reached audiences far and wide.

As the station prepares to close its doors, speculation arises regarding the future of its broadcasters. While some foreign broadcasters may opt to relocate their transmission operations to alternative sites like Madagascar, the fate of domestic broadcasters remains uncertain. Many may transition to more modern platforms such as FM or possibly AM frequencies, marking a significant shift in South Africa’s broadcasting landscape.

Nevertheless, the impending closure evokes a sense of nostalgia and sadness among enthusiasts, signaling the end of an era in shortwave radio history.

(Scroll down to see the QSLs in this gallery.)