Online Reporter
Farirai Machivenyika-Senior Reporter
THE Government has prioritised the establishment of community radio stations and information centres to bridge the urban-rural information divide brought about by technological advancement in the media landscape, Skills Audit and Development Minister Professor Paul Mavima, has said.
He made the remarks in the National Assembly last week , where he was the acting leader of Government business in the House, while responding to questions on what Government policy was on ensuring equal access to information between urban and rural communities due to the migration of community newspapers from hard copies to digital editions.
Prof Mavima said the migration was a worldwide phenomenon, not peculiar to Zimbabwe.
“This is not a matter of Government policy, but it is a matter of a reality that is taking place, not only in this country but worldwide, where print newspapers are fast being replaced with digital editions,”
Prof Mavima said media houses were also taking into consideration the viability of their operations when making their decisions.
“This is a reality that is taking place across the world. What would be of interest to the Government would be to look at the void that this change might leave for some of our communities and then try to bring policy measures that will make sure that void is filled,” he said.
“In the media field, Mr Speaker, whilst we have seen this change taking place, we have also seen new developments with community radios being made available, which, to some extent, then go a long way in terms of filling the void.
“We have also seen the establishment of information centres, community information centres, where our communities are provided with internet connectivity, where they can go and find information which otherwise would have been provided by the print media.”
Prof Mavima challenged the country to adapt to the new reality.
Government has licensed 14 community radio stations that broadcast in local languages, while over 200 community information centres have also been set up across the country to improve access to the Internet for marginalised communities.
“On a broader level, we have seen the Government pushing the development of the digital infrastructure for this country, the backbone and also the expansion of mobile telephones to reach every part of the country. These are the efforts that the Government is putting in place to make sure that we do not leave people behind, any part of this country behind as we move more towards the digital and information era,” Prof Mavima said.
“We have also seen digitisation on the part of the broadcasting services, so that more and more of our areas in this country will be reached either through television or through radio broadcasting. “These are all efforts that are meant to make sure that we live up to the mantra of His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, of leaving no place and no community behind.”
