ZMC decentralises to Matabeleland

THE Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) yesterday officially opened its new regional offices in Bulawayo as it decentralises its services to Matabeleland to enhance smooth operations in line with the Government’s drive to ensure no one and no place is left behind in terms of development.

In the past journalists and media stakeholders were forced to travel to Harare to access the commission’s services such as accreditation.

Those who witnessed the official opening of the new offices at Windsor Park Complex in Famona expressed gratitude to the Commission for bringing its services closer home with others urging it to expand further to each of the country’s 10 provinces.

In her address, ZMC chairperson, Professor Ruby Magosvongwe, expressed optimism that the new offices would impact positively on all media stakeholders in the region through improved access to services.

She said the new office will serve stakeholders from Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and South provinces.

“Since its inception, the commission has been operating from its head office in Harare, a situation that made it hard for those far away from Harare to access the much-needed services,” said Prof Magosvongwe.

“This being the case, the Commission has had to conduct outreach programmes to reach out to all stakeholders across the country. This scenario distances the Commission from the heartbeat of developments happening at local level,” she added.

One of the journalists, Nkosikhona Dibiti from Community Podium said as an organisation that operates from Matabeleland South, they were happy that ZMC offices would attend to their issues faster.

He highlighted that media practitioners face a lot of challenges at the grassroots level, which need immediate attention from the Commission.

“We are going to be using this office and we hope the person in the office will be free to come down with us to our region,” said Dibiti.

“We hope that soon similar offices will also be launched in our region.”

In her remarks, Mrs Ebesta Lumeli, who was standing in for Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Judith Ncube, applauded ZMC for opening new offices in the city saying decentralization of services was at the heart of President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 that is anchored on inclusive development.

Mrs Lumeli said people who work closely with the Commission should feel, experience and enjoy the services on a close range without any hassles.

“The opening of the Bulawayo office is the initial step in the opening of the ZMC regional offices that include Masvingo, Midlands and Manicaland in the current year,” she said.

“We hope and believe that with time and resources permitting, the offices will be cascaded down to district level in the spirit of the devolution agenda,” said Mrs Lumeli. – @flora_sibanda