Community radio stations transform rural lives

THE establishment of community radio stations has transformed, focused and united rural communities as the stations have become authoritative sources of accurate and reliable information on voter registration, health issues and the Second Republic’s Vision 2030.

The Second Republic has opened the airwaves and to date 14 community radio stations being awarded licences by the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) which has led to more Zimbabweans actively participating, from grassroots level, in matters concerning them, in line with the devolution agenda.

In her post-Cabinet briefing yesterday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa said the Beitbridge Shashe community radio station was completed and launched in February this year while Mbembesi radio community trust has secured a studio building, and installation of equipment is ongoing.

The Radio Bukalanga project in Plumtree has identified the site, trained staff and procured studio equipment.

“The establishment of Community Radio stations has transformed, focused and united rural communities. The stations have become authoritative sources of accurate and reliable information on voter registration, health issues and the Second Republic’s Vision 2030. In that regard, the following progress is being reported, the completed Nyami Nyami FM expansion and re-Launch to Platinum FM in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West Province was commissioned on 15 April, 2023. The Beitbridge Shashe community radio station was completed and launched on 18 February, 2023,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
Madziwa community radio trust in Mashonaland Central Province has also identified the site, trained staff and procured studio equipment.

“The Twasampuka community radio station in Binga district has completed studio renovations and obtained studio equipment.

The Power FM transmission studio modernisation project and the National FM studio modernization project now await shipment of equipment from Germany. In order to bridge the rural-to-urban information gap, the Ministry has re-introduced the mobile cinema also known as the Bioscope Interactive Outreach Programme. During the current cycle, the programme was rolled out to Manicaland province at Kopa and Ngangu in Chimanimani District, and at Gaza and Madziyire in Buhera district,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

Speaking at the official launch of Lotsha FM in Beitbridge in February, Minister Mutsvangwa said community radio stations play a pivotal role in creating vibrant communities that share their heritage, culture, innovation as well as industry, adding that community radio stations are also the right sources to deliver crucial Government projects, policies and vision by disseminating economic and social information about the community they serve.

They are also key in preaching tolerance especially now as the country prepares to conduct harmonised elections this year.
@skhumoyo2000.