Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube, Deputy Radar Editor
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has said the modernisation of the public broadcaster, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), must go beyond infrastructure and equipment to safeguard national identity and empower Zimbabweans to tell their own stories, leveraging technological advancement.
He applauded the upgrading of Montrose Studios in Bulawayo, alongside the broader recapitalisation and expansion of ZBC operations, saying these developments align with the country’s transformative strides towards achieving Vision 2030.
This follows yesterday’s official commissioning of two brand-new state-of-the-art television studios, eight modern radio studios, a fully integrated Play-Out Centre, a Media Asset Management System and a Data Centre.
The public broadcaster also launched “Luzibo Radio”, an education channel operated in partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, which will deliver educational content to learners nationwide.
The modernised studios form part of the ongoing “Zim Digital Phase Two Project”, which seeks to transform the country’s broadcasting infrastructure and enhance production capacity. The upgrades are expected to enable the creation of high-quality content and provide ZBC with cutting-edge facilities to produce a diverse range of programmes.
The Zim Digital Migration Project, launched in line with the International Telecommunications union (ITU) resolution for countries to switch from analogue to digital broadcasting, is being implemented in phases. Improving signal quality, expanding access to television and radio services and creating a platform for local content development are among its key objectives.
The first phase saw the rollout of digital transmitters in key areas across the country, while the second phase focuses on upgrading production and studio facilities such as Montrose in Bulawayo and Pockets Hill in Harare.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere commissioned the new studio infrastructure on behalf of President Mnangagwa and delivered his keynote address.
“The modernisation of Montrose Studios we’re witnessing today is therefore not just about infrastructure and equipment. It’s also about the preservation of our national identity and empowerment by adapting to technology advancement.
“Through information and capacity to expand our broadcasting services, our people must continue to tell our own story from our own perspectives, insights and experiences. To this end, it is most opportune that the ongoing modernisation of our public broadcaster is occurring as we begin the roll-out of National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). The recapitalisation of ZBC as a Public Broadcaster, therefore, is an important milestone towards the realisation of Vision 2030,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa said the modernisation of ZBC was another evidence of the Second Republic’s commitment to leverage technological innovation to propel growth and deliver higher impact across all sectors of the economy.
“This thrust has become an urgent imperative given the fast-changing global space and the need to scale up our country’s competitiveness in every area. In this respect, the role of media, information and broadcasting remains central to Zimbabwe’s development journey. I commend the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services for the role it continues to play in the recapitalisation of ZBC,” he said.
In the ever-evolving digital era, President Mnangagwa said the responsibility of the public broadcaster is multifaceted and broad in scope.
“It must ensure timely, accurate and relevant information to safeguard our culture and heritage and to stand as a barricade against misinformation, disinformation and external narratives that don’t reflect the true Zimbabwean story,” he said.
President Mnangagwa further applauded ZBC for continuing to serve as the voice of the nation, highlighting the country’s vision for the future, celebrating triumphs and providing a platform for national dialogue. He said modernised and fully equipped studios are a strategic imperative in promoting good governance and accountability, as well as showcasing Zimbabwe’s rich cultural diversity.
President Mnangagwa noted that these facilities will go a long way towards enhancing production quality, improving efficiency and allowing ZBC to compete on a global scale.
“It’s further pleasing that the public broadcaster, ZBC, has also upgraded its Digital Satellite News Gathering Van, which will greatly enhance our nation’s ability to provide real-time live coverage of national events, sports, and breaking news across all provinces,” he said.
“This is a significant step in ensuring that Zimbabweans everywhere are informed promptly and accurately. The strategic direction embraced by the ministry to enhance media, information and broadcasting coverage is commended.”
The President challenged the ministry to accelerate the implementation of works for the modernisation of Pockets Hill and Central FM to ensure all the country’s studios are transformed from analogue to digital.
He reiterated the need to match the transformation with human resource development and attracting investment through positive nation branding, empowering the creative industries and creating employment opportunities.
“This will also go a long way in the fight against drug and substance abuse, among other negative social vices. As we journey towards Vision 2030, I urge the nation to use the available communication platforms to promote peace, love, unity and live in harmony,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said the new education studio is expected to bring educational content directly to learners across the country, supporting the Government’s objectives in the sector.
Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Edgar Moyo, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Matabeleland North Richard Moyo, Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Omphile Marupi, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works Albert Mavhunga, President of the Chiefs Council Chief Mtshana Khumalo, among other delegates, attended the event.
