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Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE issuing of a community radio licence to Lotsha FM which has since been assisted by Government to acquire broadcasting equipment, has ignited excitement among locals in Beitbridge who have hailed the Second Republic for addressing issues of communication and underdevelopment in the district.
The Government through the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ), licensed six community radios in 2020 and eight in 2021 giving a total of 14.
Seven of these community radio stations are in Matabeleland which was once regarded as marginalised due to lack of radio communication.
The Government has also given licences to universities to run campus radio stations as well as TV licences to new players.
Government has said it recognises the critical role played by community radios in pushing development issues from the grassroots level in line with the Second Republic’s devolution agenda.
Lotsha FM which serves the Shashe community in Beitbridge, covers a radius of 60km and it went on air last December.
On Saturday, for the first time since the station went on air, it had a full complement of presenters, DJs and news anchors.
The Government and its agencies have so far spent US$40 000 through the broadcasting funds to set up the station which will be officially launched on February 13 at Dulivhadzimu Stadium.
The station manager, Ms Progress Moyo said they have lined up informative, educative and interactive programmes, which will contribute to development of Beitbridge.
“We are happy to have this community radio station and we are grateful to the community for playing an active role in defining content and programmes that will help in the development of our area,” she said.
Ms Moyo said the radio station has a mixed bag of new and veteran presenters who are determined to contribute to the successful transformation of the district.
Popular Beitbridge House music artist Elizabeth Masuka (Lizzy Bae) said it is a dream come true for them to have a community radio station and they are looking forward to having more airplay.
She said the radio station will help grow the arts and entertainment sector.
A resident, Mr Pithey Magumula said: “The radio station is very informative and it is touching almost every corner of Beitbridge. As a lawyer, I see this radio station as a knowledge platform that also creates an opportunity for the community to be educated on legal issues.”
Renowned local master of ceremony MC Peshy, real name Ms Patience Moyo, said the community radio station is critical in raising awareness and promoting development as well as gender mainstreaming countrywide.
She said the radio station will help the community access the latest news and information in their local language as well as help in preserving their culture.
The district agricultural rural development and advisory services officer for Beitbridge, Mr Masauso Mawocha said the community radio station will help them disseminate critical information on agriculture-related issues.
Veteran football administrator and referee, Mr Pathutshedzo Munyai said the community is excited with the development, which will also help to improve sporting activities in the district.
One of the sports presenters at Lotsha FM, Mr Eric “Danda” Mulaudzi said: “I am actually excited considering that we can now showcase our local talent across all sporting disciplines. This station motivates the sports personalities to work even harder knowing that their activities are being followed.”
He said community radio stations help push development issues from the grassroots level in line with the devolution concept and the National Development Strategy (NDS 1), which should be unpacked to everyone across the country in a language one understands.
By supporting a robust roll-out of community radio station licensing, Zimbabwe is fulfilling its promise to broaden access to information for the benefit of citizens.
The Government committed itself to assisting all community radio stations in acquiring broadcasting equipment.
These are Nyangani Community Radio Trust trading as Nyangani FM, Radio Bukalanga, Matobo Community Radio Trust, Lyeja Nyayi Development Trust, Chimanimani Community Radio Station Trust, Ndau Community Radio Trust, Vemuganga Community Radio Trust, Chiredzi Rural Communities Development Initiative Trust t/a Avuxeni FM, Ntepe Manama Community Radio Initiative Trust, Twasumbuka Community Radio Trust, Kasambabezi Community Radio Trust t/a Kasambabezi FM, Beitbridge- Shashe Community Radio Broadcasting Trust, Mbembesi Development Trust t/a Ingqanga and Madziwa FM Community Radio Trust.
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