Radio legend Stan Katz pays tribute to 702 founder Issie Kirsh

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Vicky S

19 May 2025 | 10:21

"Issie was a true gentleman. Warm-hearted and caring. It was under Issie that we introduced a whole slew of community services," Katz says.

Kirsh (90), who passed away at the weekend, is regarded as a pioneer of independent radio which provided a platform for diverse voices during apartheid.

Katz explains that Kirsh started Swazi Radio in the 70s which was the forerunner of Radio 702. 

He says the transmitter was in Swaziland and the offices and studios were in Johannesburg

"I was very lucky to get a job there soon after they started. So, I knew Issie from the 70s."
- Stan Katz, former CEO - Primedia Broadcasting

Katz says Issie had a profound impact on his career. 

He went for a job interview at Swazi Radio because he wanted to be a disc jockey, but with a BCom, ended up being an administrative assistant instead and worked his way up.

Katz says when you mention the name Issie Kirsh, what comes to mind is the word 'mensch'.

"There were numerous charities that we raised money for back in the day. We raised over R2-million for Operation Hunger. In the winter, we would get blankets and food donated for the homeless. One winter, we raised 40 tonnes of food and clothing for the homeless... Issie's whole strategy was, 'We would do well by doing good'... he was a real do-gooder."
- Stan Katz, former CEO - Primedia Broadcasting

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