Capital Radio 604 was a legendary independent station that broadcast from the Transkei (using 603/604 kHz AM) starting Christmas 1979. It was famous during apartheid for playing uncensored music (including banned tracks), giving real news, and having great presenters/jingles – basically a breath of fresh air compared to state-controlled radio. It reached much of South Africa, including KwaZulu-Natal areas like Durban.
- It shut down in 1996 due to financial reasons.
- But it’s been revived as an online stream! You can listen to it 24/7 worldwide at capital604.com – it plays all the classic hits from its heyday plus some newer stuff, with archived shows and podcasts. Many South Africans still love and remember it fondly.
- Capital Radio most likely refers to Capital Radio 604, the legendary independent radio station that broadcast in South Africa.
- Quick History
- Launched: 26 December 1979
- Frequency: 603 kHz (AM/Medium Wave) from transmitters in the Transkei (that’s why it was called 604 — it rhymed nicely in the jingles)
- Closed: 29 November 1996
- It was a game-changer for South African radio because it played uncensored music, gave real (uncensored) news, and had high-energy, professional presenters and jingles at a time when state radio was heavily restricted under apartheid.
- Many famous SA presenters got their start or had big shows there, including Darren Scott, John Berks, Jeremy Mansfield, Noeleen Maholwana-Sangqu, and others.
- Today
- The station is back online as an internet/streaming station.
