Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
TSHOLOTSHO residents, traditional leaders and civic leaders have joined forces to establish a community radio station aimed at bridging the information gap in the district, with the project now awaiting regulatory approval.
The proposed station, to be known as Zhowane FM, is expected to promote community development, preserve cultural heritage, support education, showcase local talent and provide farmers with vital agricultural information.
Inaugural board chairperson and Tsholotsho High School headmaster, Mr Sicelo Dube, said the initiative was conceived through collaboration between the district development coordinator, traditional leaders and community members who recognised the need for a local broadcasting platform.
“The idea came from the district development coordinator, traditional leaders and members of the community who felt that Tsholotsho needs its own community radio station to address the information gap and give residents a platform to discuss issues affecting their lives,” said Mr Dube.
He said the community had since established a board and submitted an application to the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) for approval to set up the station.
“We have submitted our application to BAZ, and officials from the authority have already visited
Tsholotsho and met the board. We have also identified a site for the proposed station, and we are now awaiting approval before we can begin broadcasting,” he said.
Mr Dube said the station will prioritise programmes that respond to the needs of local communities while promoting the district’s cultural identity.
“We want Zhowane FM to be a community-driven station that speaks to the needs of the people of
Tsholotsho. It should be a platform where residents can discuss development issues, share information and contribute ideas on how to improve their communities,” he said.
Mr Dube said the station will also play a role in preserving local traditions and passing cultural knowledge to younger generations through folklore, traditional dance, drama and music.
“Our culture is important, and we want to use the radio station to teach young people about our customs and traditions. Through folklore, music, drama and traditional dance, we hope to promote the revival and preservation of our cultural practices,” he said.
Mr Dube said Zhowane FM will also provide opportunities for local musicians and other creatives to showcase their work, helping them reach audiences beyond their immediate communities.
Education is another key area the station intends to support, with plans to broadcast lessons for schoolchildren as an additional learning resource.
“We also want to support education by providing programmes that can help learners. Radio can be an important platform for sharing educational content and reaching children who may not always have access to additional learning resources,” said Mr Dube.
He said the station will also broadcast agricultural programmes aimed at equipping farmers with information on good farming practices, alongside entertainment and other development-focused content.
To ensure the project remains sustainable, the board is exploring several potential sources of funding, including subscriptions from residents and people in the diaspora, donations, fundraising activities, advertising and assistance from the local authority.
Mr Dube said community participation and support is important in establishing and sustaining the station once regulatory approval has been secured.
“We want the community to own this initiative and support it so that it can serve the people for a long time. Our hope is to go on air as soon as the application is approved,” he said.
The proposed establishment of Zhowane FM comes as Tsholotsho seeks to strengthen access to information and create a platform through which residents can share their concerns, promote local talent and participate in discussions about the district’s development.
