Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino
Zimpapers Politics Hub
INFORMATION, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda yesterday held an inaugural meeting with the newly appointed Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe board members, tasking them with transforming the broadcasting sector in line with the Government’s development agenda.
In his remarks, Dr Soda said the Government had placed its trust in the board members to steer the organisation and achieve its objectives over the next four years by formulating and implementing strategic plans aligned with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
“His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, has shown confidence in you, and it is expected that you will steer the ship well.
“The primary mandate of the BAZ board is to provide strategic direction and leadership to the organisation, enabling it to achieve its stated goals and objectives, which should be strategically aligned with NDS2.
“The board has a mandate to regulate the broadcasting landscape and is expected to ensure that ethics, professionalism, integrity and accountability are upheld as core values in the execution of its duties,” said Dr Soda.
The new board, appointed by President Mnangagwa last week, will be chaired by Dr Caroline Makoni, with Mr Cloud Nyamundanda serving as vice-chairperson.
Other board members are Ms Tendai Jennifer Mandizvidza, Mr Godfrey Mutobaya, Ms Magna Mudyiwa, Mr Vengai Rushwaya (Chief Serima) and Mr Prime Kufakunesu.
Dr Soda said that following the dissolution of the previous board, the new appointments had been made in compliance with the Broadcasting Services Act, as amended in 2025.
“This appointment has enabled us to comply with the provisions requiring the reduction of the board size from 12 to the current seven members.
“That is in accordance with the Broadcasting Services Act, which was amended in 2025.
“Given that BAZ has been without a board for some time, it is expected that the new board will hit the ground running,” he added.
Dr Soda urged the members, in executing their mandate, to keep the Government, as the sole shareholder, fully apprised of developments within their jurisdiction.
The new board members were accompanied by BAZ chief executive officer Engineer Matthias Chakanyuka.
