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Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
Community radio stations have the mandate to protect, preserve and defend the country’s heritage, language and culture, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere has said.
Speaking at the launch of Madziwa FM yesterday, Dr Muswere said through various initiatives by the Second Republic of allowing more players in the media, Zimbabwe now boasts of seven campus radio stations and 16 community radio stations covering various local languages.
Dr Muswere said community radio stations should benefit the entire community to achieve heritage-based broadcasting.
Community radio stations are preferred in many countries because they provide an opportunity for people to share experiences, tailor information, and support information sovereignty.
The launch of Madziwa FM coincided with this year’s International Day of Universal Access to Information.
Dr Muswere added that community radio stations, community information centres and base stations commissioned across the country, accelerate information proliferation.
“The convergence between the Ministry of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services and Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services has ensured that information ubiquity is achieved within President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030.
“This will see the digital infrastructure master-plan being put in place to optimally utilise infrastructure investment and support the utilisation of passive infrastructure which can be shared between the two ministries.
“It is important for the two ministries to accelerate technical and information sovereignty as they reach a point of convergence,” he said.
Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister, Dr Tatenda Mavetera, said a number of base stations and community information centres have been launched in Mashonaland Central.
This follows the launch of 20 NetOne base stations by Vice President Kembo Mohadi early this week to enhance connectivity.
Dr Mavetera said the International Day of Access to Information serves as a reminder of the importance of public access to information and its role in expediting development at individual, community and national levels.
“The focus this year is on promoting access to information and public sector participation in alignment with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030,” she said.
The ICT Ministry is working on digitalising the country, including Government services through e-Government and e-learning platforms.
It has also embarked on cyber security awareness to educate the public on cybercrimes.
UNESCO regional director, Ms Nisha stressed the importance of promoting universal access to information in promoting an informed and empowered society.
“Access to information and right to information is for the good of the people and public administration.
“Disclosing and disseminating public sector information and data pro-actively equip citizens with information and bring good governance to their doorsteps.
“Access to information also plays the agenda of public education and mass information literacy, creating dialogue. Zimbabwe provides Constitutional, legal and statutory guarantees around freedom of expression,” she said.
Mrs Letwin Zvipindu from Zvemuya Village said she listens to Madziwa FM on her neighbour’s radio and was inspired to buy her own radio.
She praised the station for its educative programmes for women and young girls.
Mrs Getrude Fusere from Dokora Village expressed satisfaction with Madziwa FM, adding she particularly enjoys the cooking shows and awareness campaigns against gender-based violence.
She urged Government to support community radios for them to remain viable.
Online Reporter