The ManicaPost
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE opening up of media space, espoused by the establishment of more radio and television stations, is ample evidence of the Second Republic’s determination to promote freedom of speech, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Manicaland now has a third operational radio station after hundreds of people from different walks of life gathered in Chimanimani for the official launch of Chimanimani FM last week on Friday.
Chimanimani FM Community Radio Station, which is accessible at 100.0 on the FM dial, comes after the establishment of Zimpapers-owned Diamond FM and another community radio station, Nyangani FM in Nyanga.
Speaking during the official launch of Chimanimani FM, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa warned the radio’s staff and the community against perpetrating hate speech through the community radio station.
“Let us remind each other that these radio stations are not meant to propagate hate speech. Remember there are laws that govern the content and operations of what comes out on air.
“Therefore, we need these radio stations to promote development and enhance our disaster preparedness mechanisms rather than promote hate and division among us.
“In fact, the opening up of media space in the country is part of the New Dispensation’s agenda and this is evidenced by practical steps like the opening up of new radio station such as the one we are witnessing today.
“Our memories of what transpired during the March 2019 Cyclone Idai are still fresh and it is the thrust of the New Political Dispensation to ensure that we minimise damage through the installation of disaster preparedness mechanisms which include the opening up of radio stations in disaster prone areas,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
In her welcome remarks, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Nokuthula Matsikenyere said the province feels greatly indebted to Government for being prioritised in the process of opening new radio stations.
“The launch of Chimanimani FM Radio Station enhances information dissemination and this radio station comes as a key component in our disaster preparedness mechanisms.
“As a province we feel greatly indebted to Government for being prioritised in the process of opening new radio stations. This is a development that also marks the repositioning of rural communities and augurs well with the manta of the New Dispensation led by President Mnangagwa that no one and no place should be left behind,” she said.
Several partners that delivered solidarity messages during the official launch, that include Zimpapers, UNOPS, UNICEF, Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ), ZBC and Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC), among many others, commended Government for opening up the media space in the country.
