ZBC to launch educational heritage-based radio station

THE Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) is preparing to launch a new heritage-based educational radio station, following extensive consultations with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.

The station, expected to begin operations in either the second or third quarter of the year, will be ZBC’s seventh radio outlet and will be based at Montrose, Bulawayo.

This development was confirmed by ZBC Director of Radio Services, Albert Chekayi, during an interview at the just-ended Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo. He said the initiative reflects the Second Republic’s commitment to inclusive national development.

“This educational broadcasting channel is a brainchild of the Minister of Information, Dr Jenfan Muswere, who has placed strong emphasis on heritage-based broadcasting. That’s why we’re transforming Montrose into the home of heritage broadcasting,” he said.

Chekayi stated that most of the groundwork has already been completed, with only a few tasks remaining before the station goes live.

“We’re finalising the station’s name and other small matters, but recruitment of presenters has already begun,” he said.

The station will broadcast in indigenous languages, in line with ZBC’s vision of promoting cultural inclusivity. Chekayi said that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education will provide the academic content, while ZBC will complement this with entertainment, life skills and cultural programming.

“Education is a sensitive field that must be handled by experts. Our presenters will not deliver academic lessons, that’s the Ministry’s role. We’re here to complement with cultural and life-coaching content,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Information for its continued support.

The national broadcaster used the ZITF as an opportunity to conduct public auditions for aspiring radio and television personalities.

“We conducted auditions on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (last week) to scout for talent for the new educational station, which is being set up at Montrose. This station will operate in partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education,” said Chekayi.

The auditions were open to all Zimbabweans with national identification and a passion for broadcasting. Chekayi said the initiative also aimed to fill talent gaps within ZBC, with Nambya set to be introduced as the eighth language on Khulumani FM. The language will also feature on the new educational station.

“These are not just educational programmes; they are cultural lessons too,” he said.

Commenting on the unique format of the auditions at ZITF, Chekayi said: “This was the first time we held public auditions at such a large-scale event. Typically, we do this at our offices. But this time, we took advantage of the ZITF platform to reach a broader audience.”

He added that Friday’s auditions were held on the public stage, allowing the audience to cheer and clap for participants they liked, feedback that was factored into the judges’ final decisions.

“After all, radio is for the listeners,” he said.

Khulumani FM station manager, Maria Nombulelo Masoka, praised the inclusivity and cultural diversity displayed during the auditions.

“These were the first public auditions in ZBC’s history. The turnout was impressive, and participants had the freedom to audition in any Zimbabwean language, except sign language, which isn’t applicable to radio,” she said.

Masoka noted that while the auditions revealed promising talent, final recruitment will be handled by the human resources department.

The upcoming station will follow in the footsteps of Khulumani FM, launched in March 2018 and Central Radio in Gweru, which began broadcasting in July 2018.