adminLuthando Mapepa
THE Chipinge community has called upon the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services to speed up the setting of community radio stations and other alternative media that will represent the interests of their respective communities.
Speaking during an outreach programme by the Information Media Panel of Inquiry (IMPI) represented by Dr Nhamo Mhiripiri and Mr Rangu Nyamurundira at Checheche Primary School last week, villagers called for an improvement of information dissemination in marginalised communities.
The event, which was attended by a sizeable crowd, saw participants arguing that the Ndau culture was under serious threat from foreign media now being accessed by many people in Chipinge.
They argued that foreign media content was easier to access than most of the local radio and TV channels.
Others raised concern that the Ndau community was being sidelined in terms of coverage, with news from their community being in the negative.
“I think the media has done more harm than good in the representation of the Ndau community. It looks as if there are no positives when it comes to issues happening in Chipinge. The media is awash with news that Ndau community is full of evil people who rely much on traditional rituals, which is not true. The Ndau culture has been framed to the extent that everyone has the perception of negativity of this community. The only solution that can construct a good image for our community is setting up a platform meant for Ndau,” says Gideon Muhehi, a primary school teacher.
Another villager, Taurai Sithole, said the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services should set up information centres and media libraries where people can access newspapers and other media products.
“We are lagging behind in terms of accessing media products through the internet here in Checheche. There is no internet café and libraries where everyone can access newspapers. It is still very expensive to establish an internet café, for example, Telone demands $700 for connectivity.
“There is need to bridge the gap between urban dwellers and their rural counterparts in accessing newspapers, radio and TV channels,” he added.
Miss Roselyn Maraire, a media practitioner, said the media was giving women less space to air their views.
She said the media should play a major role in educating rural women about gender equality in patriarchal societies such as Chipinge.
“I think the media should give a platform of educating people in communities like Checheche about gender-sensitive issues. There are a lot of women who are abused in these communities, so if the media helps in raising awareness in these communities, people will get a better understanding of these issues. In the media, more credit is given to men than women,” she said.
Online Reporter