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Dr Mpofu challenged ZBC to ensure that its programming reached all corners of the country to curb the spread of lies.
He said it was worrying that pirate radio stations could be tuned into anywhere in the country.
“As politicians we have noted with concern that our airwaves continue to be invaded by hostile broadcasts that feed our people outright lies and half truths about our country and the Government of Zimbabwe. As the Minister responsible for mineral resources, including our diamonds, I am no stranger to this kind of hostility,” said Dr Mpofu.
He said after the country discovered diamonds detractors went into overdrive and used the various hostile media to paint a bad picture about the goings on in Chiadzwa.
“When we discovered diamonds they made all allegations and ended up labelling our diamonds, blood diamonds. Zimbabwe is going to be one of the richest countries in the world. That is why we are being targeted. We have almost all the minerals. We have been advised that in Chimanimani we might have more diamonds than Chiadzwa,” said Dr Mpofu.
He said ZBC had done a good job so far to neutralise detractors’ broadcasts thereby protecting the image of Zimbabwe.
“ZBC through its departments have managed to neutralise the detractors. They have worked hard to save the image of Zimbabwe from lies by our enemies,” said Dr Mpofu.
He urged ZBC to broadcast quality programmes that promote the cultural diversity and values of the country.
“I urge you to broadcast quality programmes that meet the expectations of all stakeholders, foster national unity and interests, respect cultural diversity and above all Zimbabwean values,” said Dr Mpofu.
He encouraged Bulawayo artistes and independent producers in the city to come up with entertaining programmes and for ZBC to transform the arts industry in the city.
Dr Mpofu challenged ZBC to give prominence of national events. “It has become fashionable for us to shun our own national events unlike other countries that do not make a mistake about that. Let us be proud of our national events and give them the due importance,” said Dr Mpofu.
He urged people to pay their TV and radio licences and drew laughter from the crowd when he said today in Harare he would be appearing in court because he had not paid his TV and radio licence.
“I got home and I found that I had a summons to court. I had not paid my licence. So on Monday I will be appearing in court,” said Dr Mpofu.
ZBC group chief executive officer Mr Happison Muchechetere said illegal sanctions imposed by the country’s detractors had made it hard for ZBC to procure broadcast equipment.
He said ZBC was not leaving any stone unturned in an effort to distribute the signal to the whole country.
“The journey has not been smooth given the illegal sanctions imposed on our country by those countries that have made it their mission to impose their will on others. These sanctions made it difficult for us and our partners to procure equipment,” said Mr Muchechetere.
The launch was attended by Zanu-PF politburo member Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, Registrar General Tobaiwa Mudede, Zanu-PF secretary for youth Cde Absalom Sikhosana and Bulawayo Mayor Councillor Thaba Moyo, among other officials.
Simunye Simunye Arts and Thandanani Ensemble provided entertainment with traditional dances such as isitshikitsha and umdadada.
Online Reporter