Windhoek — THE Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) has purchased two state-of-the-art digital radio outside-broadcast (OB) vans that will take radio to all corners of the country.

The two vans and the equipment cost the broadcaster over a million dollars.

Minister of Information and Broadcasting Nangolo Mbumba said yesterday the equipment would help the NBC fulfil its mission of informing, educating and entertaining the nation better.

Meanwhile, the San community around the Tsumkwe district can from tomorrow, December 20, listen to their own radio station known as NBC !'HA' Radio-"The Guiding Light."

A statement issued by Katrina Sikeni, senior public relations officer of the NBC, said the radio would hit the airwaves in a radius of 60 km around Tsumkwe from 05h00 to 21h00.

The station will broadcast in three different San languages with regular news bulletins, and environmental, health, educational and cultural programmes, among others.

"As from December 20, 2003, you will be able to hear the call of the red-crested Kohraan bird, signifying the start of the station," Sikeni said.

The channel was named after the Kohraan because of its traditional value and its unique ability to send messages.

She said the opening of the new station is in keeping with the broadcaster's strategic objective of making the country the most informed on the continent.

"With the introduction of the new channel, the NBC will contribute positively to the development of the San people and greatly improve their access to information," she added.