Image: Mobile Emergency Communication Station (Click on image for larger view.)
The title of the article says it all: Radio Amateurs (HAMS) do not Hinder but Serve their Local Communities in the Southern Cape Area!
Through the years amateur radio operators has wrongly been identified as Citizen Band (CB Radio) operators that in the eyes of the public serve no useful purpose other than chatting to each other on their radios. This impressions is far from the truth when it comes to amateur radio operators also called HAMS. There are more than 3 million people World Wide that practices Amateur Radio.
Incidents where neighbors spot a towering antenna or a mast rising above the rooftop has resulted in complaints being send to the local municipal authority in Mossel Bay. Some view the towers or masts as a concern and an eyesore while others complain that its obstructing their sea view. Some even go so far as to claim that is its a health and safety risk and also an unnecessary intrusion on the skyline just to talk to one another. In this day in age why not use a cellphone to talk to your buddies? Such complaints are on the increase and it has become necessary to address concerns of the general public even though in some cases the radio amateur lived and erected a tower in the neighborhood long before new entrants moved into the area. Understandably from an aesthetic standpoint, the profound role these masts and antennas play is overlooked from the point of view by the general public as well as uninformed local authorities.
Far from being a mere hobby or a nuisance, amateur radio operators (HAMS) are licensed guardians of emergency communications and render their skillful knowledge and service to the general public and local authorities during disasters, emergencies, community events etc. This service is provide free of any charges and all expenses is bared by the radio amateurs themselves. A free service to the benefit of the local authority and the general public whenever our services are needed. I will later provide more information on the specific services rendered and also proof of such services being provided in the past.
Anchored in rigorous International and National Regulations, the service that radio amateurs provide is a testament to service, innovation and community protection. Yes, community protection! (See link below for more information)
Now this article provides an overview into the regulated world of amateur radio, its vital contribution to the Southern Cape Area safety net and the official endorsements that underscore its value, transforming what might seem like a nuisance and backyard operation to some. In fact this is far from the truth. Please read on and you will discover how the best hobby in the world is also the beacon of resilience.
A Regulated Service
Amateur Radio is not only a hobby but also renders a service to the local authorities and community when modern communications fail. Yes modern communications do fail. The Knysna Fire 2017 is only one instance where modern communications failed. Amateur Radio is a formally recognized radio communication service under Local and International law. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United nations, defines the amateur radio service in it's Radio Regulations as "a radio communication service for the purpose of self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations carried out by amateurs, that is, by duly authorized persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest." This definition, enshrined in Article 1.56 of the ITU Radio Regulations, elevates amateur radio beyond a hobby to a structured discipline with global oversight.
In South Africa, this international framework is implemented through the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). Established under the ICASA Act and the Electronic Communications Act of 2005, ICASA issues amateur radio station licenses only to those who demonstrate technical competence. Aspiring operators must pass rigorous examinations covering radio theory, regulations and operating procedures. Licenses are divided into classes: Class A (for advanced operators) and Class B (for beginners), with restrictions on power output and frequency bands to ensure safe and interference free operations.
Towers and antennas, often the focal point of neighbor disputes are not erected haphazardly. ICASA's Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations 2015 mandate compliance with structural safety standards, including engineering assessments to withstand South Africa's variable weather conditions.
In many instances by-laws of local authorities does not make provision for radio amateur antennas, masts and towers. When a complaint is lodged the local authority use old and outdated by-laws. In some instances antennas and towers are described as structures and building plans must be submitted together with a town planner and structural engineer's certification. Written permission must also by obtained from neighbors. Some authorities rely on by laws regarding the installation of TV Antennas which is then used for installation of amateur radio antennas, mast and towers. Currently there is no distinction in this regard. This is an omission that seriously hampers the great free services provided by amateur radio to their respected communities.
In many cases complaints rely solely on the visual impact of the antennas and tower and not on the service that amateur radio provides to their local communities. In other instances amateur radio antennas, masts and towers has been erected long before any by law existed that regulates installations. In one instance a radio amateur erected his tower in 2004 and a neighbor only complained about the tower only 14 years later.
Don't understand me wrong it is not that we are unwilling to comply or work with authorities and the community when putting up towers. We need to all work together, provide sound input and representations to establish clear guidelines and by-laws. The ideal situation would be that amateur radio antennas and towers be recognized as essential infrastructure rather then illegal or that it's visual impact is not acceptable to some.
Amateur Radio is over a century old, with roots tracing back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It originated alongside the birth of radio technology itself, with enthusiasts experimenting with wireless telegraphy as early as the 1890s. Now that we know how old amateur radio is, it is important to look at some services it rendered in the Southern Cape and South Africa throughout the years. Unfortunately space only allows for a few examples but I am sure those mentioned here will provide a great overview of the service we provide to our local communities, authorities locally and nationally as well as world wide.
Community Service in Action (Internationally, Nationally and Locally)
Before I provide a few incidents let me point out that there are to many instances where amateur radio saved lives by assisting in providing emergency communications when all else failed or when a distress call is received. I will only provide a few. Before continuing I would like to mention that radio amateurs does provide a service that entails many different scenarios. The instances below does not mean that radio amateurs can only assist in the mentioned incidents. Some might even be surprised to learn that radio amateurs can provide emergency communications in outer space via satellites should the need arise. Radio Amateurs can "cater" for any eventuality as they do have all the necessary radio equipment and satellites available to do just that.
Image: Mossel Bay Fire Storm (Click on image for larger view.)
Now herewith a few past and present events that radio amateurs assisted in: (Click on the links for more information)
- One of the most famous rescue effort took place after the Laingsburg Flood (25 January 1981) and for a week, the only contact between Laingsburg and the rest of the country was via Amateur Radio.
- Harnessing Technology for Early Warning - Local Mossel Bay Radio Amateur participate in the Disaster Mitigation for Sustainable Livelihoods Research Project by the University of Cape Town.
- Mossel Bay Radio Amateurs give wireless support behind the scenes - Knysna Fire Disaster 2017
- Amateur Radio Mesh Network Brought into Mix as Volunteers Assist in South African Fire Disaster
- South African Radio Amateurs Poised to Support Communication as Wildfires Rage
- “A major problem fighting the massive fires that ravaged Knysna was the lack of communications and electricity outages" - HAMNET Report 25 June 2017
- South African Radio Amateur save lives - Maritime Rescue near Brazil
- Three Amateur Radio Clubs provided radio communication during the World Renowned Mountain Ultra Trial (MUT) 2024
- Destructive Fire destroy and damage homes, cars and wild-life in Mossel Bay (5 - 10 January 2026)
- Amateur Radio Emergency Communications PDF - After Action Report 2017 Knysna Fires
- Amateur Radio Emergency Communications PDF - After Action Report 2018 Herold / George Fire
- Amateur
Radio Software provides notification of Strong 5.3 Earthquake - West of
Brandvlei, SA, on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 02:51 SAST
Image: Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Field Station at St Blaize, Mossel Bay
Local Community Events where Radio Amateurs assist with communications:
- ISUZU Iron Man Competition - Mossel Bay
- St Blaze Mossel Bay Lighthouse - Radio Amateurs participate in International Lighthouse and Lightship Awareness Weekend
- Radio Amateurs (hams) and HAMNET members have historically assisted with communication in Blind Navigator Rallies
- Amateur Radio Communications: 2013 Mossel Bay Mini Air Race - 13 October 2013
- Great Teamwork by Radio Amateurs: 2013 President's Trofee Air Race: Oudtshoorn, South Africa (23 - 25 May 2013)
- Amateur Radio H.O.T.A Activation: 1. 500 year old Post Office Tree 2. Dias Museum, Mossel Bay - 19 November 2022 14h00
Above is only a few incidents / events in which amateur played a important roll in providing services to the community and assistance during disasters. I am sure many will agree if it was not for radio amateurs and their equipment many lives, homes and animals would have been lost on land and sea.
Health and Safety Concerns
Members of the public living near radio amateurs often express their concern about health risks when amateur radio operators transmit (Electromagnetic Fields aka EMF) RF using their radios. Amateur radio installations are governed by stringent safety standards. ICASA adopts exposure limits from the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) which align with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.
WHO's extensive reviews included over 25 000 studies, conclude that low-level EMF from amateur radio poses no confirmed health risks. Radio amateurs are trained to evaluate their stations using tools like the FCC's RF exposure guidelines, adapted locally to avoid interference with aviation, broadcasting or emergency services. In practice most amateur radio setups operate well below these thresholds, far safer than everyday devices like cell phones.
Official Recognition: A Global and National Endorsement
Amateur radio's role in disaster response is officially recognized by the United Nations. The ITU under UN auspices highlights amateurs in emergency telecommunications, noting their ability to provide voice, text, digital and data links in remote or devastated areas. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) cites amateur radio as a resilient method for risk reduction, integrated into global strategies like the Sendai Framework.
In South Africa the South African Radio League (SARL= National Body for Amateur Radio in South Africa) collaborates with ICASA and provincial disaster management / agencies to embed amateur networks in emergency plans in all provinces. These partnership underscores amateurs as a "force multiplier" in crises as per United Nations guidelines.
More than Towers / Antennas: Equipment of readiness and hope
Those amateur radio antennas and towers are not vanity projects but lifelines. In the Southern Cape Area devastating fires, floods, wind storms and even earthquake risks, they represent not only preparedness but a necessity when disasters or emergencies occur. The neighbor decrying a tower and antennas might one day rely on it for a distress call when all other means of communications fails. The Knysna Fire in 2017 is a reminder in this regard where it was reported: “A major problem fighting the massive fires that ravaged Knysna was the lack of communications and electricity outages"
Conclusion: Embrace Radio Amateurs as they are the Guardians of the Airwaves
Radio Amateurs do not hinder communities - they fortify and assist their communities. Under ITU and ICASA oversight, with the SARL's guidance and UN endorsement they embody regulated volunteerism and Ubuntu. The next time a tower or mast graces the Southern Cape Area see it as a symbol of service; metal and wire woven into the fabric of safety and solidarity. By supporting Radio Amateurs we invest in our collective resilience.
In the final analysis, while amateur radio have a storied past, the future looks even brighter. The fusion of traditional knowledge with contemporary innovations is set to usher in a golden era for
amateur radio. In the realm of crisis communication, amateur radio remain, as ever, a stalwart ally, poised to play an even more pivotal role in the future.
AMATEUR (HAM) RADIO IS THE ONLY FAIL SAFE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM IN THE WORLD!
Images: Past and present events where amateur radio assisted communities in need. (Click on images for larger view.)
ED. This article would not have been possible without the contribution by many fellow radio amateurs, news papers, HAMNET and the Internet. To many to mention individually. I do not claim in any way to be the owner of any of the content and information. In my humble opinion it belongs to Amateur Radio. All the inputs are highly appreciated.
