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“They are trying to provide cover using the signatures. They do not have any intentions to create investments but use the people when the law takes its course.”
According to Mr Shara Mbanje of Gokwe, Misa-Zimbabwe approached Chief Njelele for a Government programme.
“We were selected through our headmen as trustees and summoned to come to Harare for the programme.”
He said they knew nothing about the programme, but were asked to sign the deeds.
“We asked the lawyer who brought the documents to explain the contents but he refused and referred all questions to Jacqueline Chikakano.”
He said Chikakano, named as a founder in the deed, told them that explanations would be made later.
“She actually threatened us that if we did not sign the documents we would miss out on the project’s funding,” he said.
Mr Nixon Katazo Misi said they also questioned lawyer Mr Wellington Pasipanodya on Government’s position on the project.
“He just told us to sign the documents and get an explanation later. He phoned Misa who could not give a clear answer and we told them that we were approaching Government on the matter,” he said.
Mr Misi said other groups had already signed the documents.
“We were going to sign the documents at different times and these people made sure we do not meet to discuss the documents,” he said.
BAZ chief executive Mr Obert Muganyura yesterday said there were laid down procedures for radio licences.
“The authority’s processes are very clear and guided by the law. Whenever the authority is going to issue licences for any class of service, it does so by way of public invitation.
“Whoever is purporting to be establishing community stations is simply misleading the public.”
Mr Muganyura urged people to ignore such efforts adding that the authority will announce “at the appropriate time the programmes for the licensing of community stations.”
“Presently, we are dealing with invitations for local commercial radio stations,” he said.
Mr Ngwenya, however, said Misa-Zimbabwe was preparing communities to apply for the licences when applications are invited.
“We are playing a facilitatory role and capacitating them for the eventual call for application as Government has indicated that it would soon move the licensing to the rural communities.”
He insisted that no money was involved in the programme which only involved capacity building for the communities.
The Notarial Deed of Trust sought to, among other issues, provide a forum for a diversity of opinions and information, platform for dissemination of relevant socio-economic and political information, carry out community meetings among other issues.
Zimbabwean laws do not allow political discussions on community radio stations.
Online Reporter