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Bongani Ndlovu Bulawayo Bureau
THE issuance of community radio licences has been applauded as a significant milestone under the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa, as it buttresses the gains of the liberation struggle.
For the first time since Zimbabwe attained independence in April 18, 1980 the country’s provinces now enjoy media plurality and freedom of expression through their community radio channels.
Last week, Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Kindness Paradza, moved around the Matabeleland region where seven community radio stations are situated.
The visit was meant to assess the preparedness of the community radio stations to go live before the 18-month deadline surpasses for them to start broadcasting.
Matabeleland South has Radio BuKalanga in Bulilima, Matobo Community Radio Trust trading as Bayethe Community Radio in Maphisa and Mangwe Brunapeg, Ntepe Manama Community Radio Trust and Shashe Community Radio Broadcasting Association, which covers Beitbridge and Shashe.
Matabeleland North has Twasumbuka Community Radio Trust (Binga, Kamativi Siabuwa); Mbembesi Development Trust, trading as, Ingqanga FM; and Lyeja-Nyayi Development Trust that covers Hwange and Victoria Falls.
Out of the 14 radio stations in the country only one has gone on air, that is Avuxeni FM in Chiredzi, Masvingo province that will broadcast in the Shangani language.
The licensing of these radio stations seeks to enhance access to and dissemination of critical information by communities.
Most of the areas where community radio stations are being established do not get signals of national radio or television stations, making it difficult for them access information about Government programmes, let alone for their voices to be heard.
Mr Bbaido Ndlovu, Twasumbuka Community Radio Station coordinator, said this year’s independence was unique.
“It’s 42 years since Zimbabwe attained independence, but this year’s one will be unique as it is the first where we have community radio stations licenced and some on air,” he said.
“The Binga community will be celebrating independence with a community radio station. Binga has little or no access to newspapers, television stations and very little access to radio stations.
“We shall be able to broadcast in Tonga and to reach the illiterate as radio does not consider issues of literacy and everyone will be able to access information.”
In English Twasumbuka means “We have succeeded or prospered.
Mr Ndlovu said the community radio station will enable them to tell their own story as Binga, which buttresses the Government’s devolution thrust.
“We are going to be able to preserve, promote our culture and uplift our societal values. We are also going to demystify myths that are circulating around the world about Binga through radio,” he said.
“The community radio station will empower the people after 42 years of independence and it is worth celebrating.”
Mr Tulani Bonani Munyandi, Lyeja-Nyayi Development Trust interim chief executive officer, which will broadcast in Nambya, Tonga and Domba languages said the establishment of community radio stations was in line with Vision 2030.
“The community radio stations will close the gap so that information at national level to reach to the grassroots. As the Government is going towards the Vision 2030, the community radio station will help in terms of development,” he said.
Mr Munyandi said Lyeja-Nyayi is a Nambya saying that means “Sunrise”, hence he hoped the new station will help various artistes to express their talent.
“We have artistes in communities who have not been getting an opportunity of getting to be played on radio since 1980.
With these community radio stations their music will be uplifted and at the same time our culture and way of living will be highlighted,” he said.
Mr Munyandi said the Hwange and surrounding community was excited that they were going to have a community radio station that will give them a voice.
In Mbembesi, Matabeleland North Province, Ingqanga FM will service the Xhosa speaking community there.
Mr Vet Tshuma, the chairperson of Ingqanga FM said the Second Republic has liberated the airwaves after 42 years.
“It’s a milestone achievement what the second republic has done in liberating the airwaves in giving the communities a voice to speak about their development and also for them to feel a part of building their communities, through media and communication,” he said.
“If these were started in 1980s perhaps, we would be far off as a country.
The Second Republic has the communities at heart and is propelling development a lot.”
Mr Tshuma said the Xhosa community in Zimbabwe cannot wait to share with the world their culture and heritage.
“They will be able to share with the entire world what is happening within their communities in terms of development,” he said.
Online Reporter