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Elita Chikwati Senior Reporter
Government has launched the outreach services programme to close information gaps, boost communication and give Zimbabweans access to information even in remote areas.
The programme, launched by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa at Ebenezzer Primary School in Caledonia, Goromonzi, in Mashonaland East Province, is centred on the provision of correct educational and developmental information, and keeping the nation abreast of what will be happening around the country.
Government programmes, goals and policies will be communicated through the outreach programmes.
The programme will be spearheaded using an outreach van designed by engineers from the ZBC.
The van, which uses solar energy to make it independent from the Zesa grid and load-shedding, is equipped with three big screens from which communities can watch entertainment, informative and educational programmes.
The initiative seeks to ensure that people know programmes and policies being implemented by the Government as well as developments taking place in Zimbabwe and the region.
Content for the outreach programmes comes from independent producers, a development expected to boost employment creation, especially for youths.
Scriptwriters, camera persons and all people involved in the production chain will be provided with the necessary equipment by the ministry.
The colonial Government used to have such programmes where communities were shown videos and these used to be very popular, especially the comic character Tiki although the new initiative is designed to empower rather than suppress.
Officially launching the outreach services programme yesterday, Minister Mutsvangwa said the provision of relevant, timely and accurate information was a cornerstone of the work of the ministry.
“Information is power and as a result its provision, is an empowerment process which every Zimbabwean is entitled to,” she said in a speech read on her behalf by Deputy Minister Energy Mutodi.
“The Constitution of Zimbabwe entitles you access to information for people to be able to make informed decisions as a result of the right and correct information.”
She said provision of quality information was one of the roles of the ministry.
“With the nation celebrating 40 years of independence this year, it is not acceptable to have some Zimbabweans lagging behind in terms of information wherever they are. The role of the ministry is to ensure that our people wherever they are, whatever the language they speak, have access to information and correct information for that matter. One of our mandates is to close the information gap between rural and urban communities. This can be achieved through making available communication platforms that give our people access to information.
“We are here to launch one such platform which will ensure that no Zimbabwean is left behind in terms of access to information and this programme is called the Outreach Services Programme,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa said unlike the Rhodesians’ programmes, which were aimed at suppressing Zimbabweans, the new programmes will empower the nation.
“The Rhodesians used to provide content designed to make us laugh at ourselves and to accept that we could not defeat the white man. These were films of subjugation designed to discourage the oppressed people of Zimbabwe from supporting guerrillas and the war of liberation.”
She said the Second Republic was now bringing outreach services, which have programmes meant to inform, empower and educate and instil confidence into Zimbabweans.
“President Mnangagwa announced Vision 2030. Some of you have heard of Transitional Stabilisation Programme and a number of such programmes designed to push the country forward. We want you to understand them.
“Your Government wants you to be aware of where we are, where we are going and the President’s vision of getting us there. It is also important that you give feedback to Government,” she said.
She applauded the ministry’s Secretary, Mr Nick Mangwana, for promising to procure more vans so that the whole country can be covered.
“My ministry shall commission independent producers and film makers to produce relevant content for the nation.
“In this way, we will be meeting one of President Mnangagwa’s goals, the provision of employment to our youths.
“It is the wish of the Second Republic to see Zimbabweans empowered with the relevant information. The programme is to promote our values and educate and entertain Zimbabweans.
“It has been said that where there is an information gap, chancers will move in with incorrect and manipulative information, which has a negative impact on our people and the second Republic’s goals of pushing the nation forward,” she said.
Chief Chinamora said he was grateful that the programme was launched in Goromonzi, and said he was happy that the technology was designed by Zimbabweans rather than imported from other countries.
“I hope the films will promote good behaviour, our true values and traditional practices.
“We hope to get educative information on agriculture and health among other issues,” he said.
Online Reporter