‘Media should discourage political violence’

Walter Nyamukondiwa

Mashonaland West Bureau

THE media should disseminate verified information that should help to discourage political violence as the country heads to the harmonised elections due by August this year, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has said.

Speaking at the launch of Zimpapers Radio Station, Platinum FM, formerly operating from Kariba as Nyaminyami FM, in Chinhoyi yesterday, Minister Mutsvangwa said violence is alien to the nation and should be shunned at all cost.

“There is need for accurate, reliable and verified information as we go towards elections,” said Minister Mutsvangwa. “On that score, I would like to emphasise the importance of violence-free elections. I always tell people that Zimbabweans are well known for being peaceful. The culture of violence is imported. We don’t know it in Zimbabwe. Let’s not import things which will destroy the core of Ubuntu.”

She commended Zimpapers for championing decentralisation and devolution of media access through its diversified electronic, print and digital products.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa cuts the ribbon at the rebranding of Zimpapers radio station Nyami Nyami FM to Platinum FM in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West, yesterday

Minister Mutsvangwa said Zimpapers is doing well in manifesting Government’s policies and citizens’ aspirations as shown by the launch of Platinum FM, which has grown from serving around 200 000 people to over a million with the move to Chinhoyi.

Zimpapers board chairman Mr Tommy Sithole said: “The move to Chinhoyi from Kariba was necessary to broaden the station’s reach.”

He praised Government for liberalising the airwaves.

Zimpapers chief executive officer Mr Pikirayi Deketeke said the company could have remained a print-centred business from its establishment in 1891 had it not been for Government’s nudging for a diversified and modern company. “It is our hope that our radio station and publications will be able to project the business activities in the province and social issues according to expectations. We have taken the initiative to invest locally while Government has been hunting for investment internationally,” said Mr Deketeke.

The relocation of Platinum FM has created room for the licensing of Kasambabezi FM community radio station, which will operate from Kariba and Siakobvu. Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka; Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister Kindness Paradza; Zimpapers senior management and the community of Chinhoyi attended the launch.