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Zimpapers has once again shown its commitment to providing platforms for Zimbabweans to tell their own stories with the launch of Diamond FM in Mutare. Many treasures abound in this gem.
Diamond FM gives Mutare residents a previously non-existent opportunity to reach out directly to their market. Local businesses, including branches of country-wide organisations in Mutare have already confirmed the convenience of a radio station that understands them and which broadcasts straight to the target audience.
The station will also provide the ordinary person with a chance to air their views on various matters.
Dialogue is an integral part of any civilisation and is key in bringing forth society’s areas for concern.
National radio stations are great for uniting the country by bringing everyone together in a common space.
But communities have their own unique needs.
So while Star FM gives all Zimbabweans a voice, Diamond FM gives people in Manicaland a chance to address their own peculiar challenges and celebrate their success.
Some of these may not mean much to the rest of the country, but where national intervention is called for, Diamond FM will raise the red flag.
The beauty of it is that with modern technology, discussions and participation is not limited to people who are physically in Manicaland.
Stakeholders across the country and the world can claim their share in this regional treasure through various platforms including social media applications.
Zimbabwe has been under siege from negative publicity for decades.
Many global news networks only give space to Zimbabweans saying bad things about their country and will mute anyone trying to tell the other side.
Many people across the world are surprised when they eventually come to Zimbabwe as they discover that the reality on the ground does not fit the images relentlessly painted.
With Diamond FM on the ground, the people in Manicaland have now added their voices to show that a single narrative cannot define our nation.
The truth is that like any other country in the world, Zimbabwe is made up of people living their lives with struggles and triumphs.
By opening up Diamond FM, Zimpapers has made sure that the story of Manicaland is about the people there, not about what some politicians overseas, who have never set a foot in Zimbabwe, think the world should hear.
Diamond FM is also creating employment directly and indirectly.
There are the station employees and contractors of the radio station.
There will also be downstream jobs that come as a matter of course with the establishment of any structured business.
The station in the Eastern Highlands will play an important part in protecting the intangible heritage that lies within the spoken word and customs of the people from that part of the country.
This is indeed a very valuable service whose worth is beyond monetary.
So important is this custodianship that the United Nations has a specialist branch — The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) which actively encourages member states, including Zimbabwe to do all they can to keep their diverse cultures alive for posterity.
We would like to urge other players who also got licenses for regional radio stations to make sure that they play their part in amplifying the voice of Zimbabwe from all corners.
Online Reporter