The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
CHIPINGE and Chimanimani communities have welcomed the licencing of three community radio stations in the two districts.
The trio of Vemuganga FM, Ndau FM and Chimanimani FM were among the eight recently issued with licences by the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ).
The respective three radio stations will be based in Chipinge and Chimanimani districts.
According to a statement by BAZ, the radio stations should start operating within 18 months of getting the licences, failure of which will see the licences being revoked.
Ndau FM will be stationed in Garahwa communal area covering Mahenye, while Vemuganga FM will be stationed in Chibuwe covering Checheche and surrounding areas.
Chimanimani FM will cover Gwendingwe and Rusitu areas.
In an interview, Ndau Community Radio Station board chairperson, Mr Donald Kumbana, said the site which will house the station has been identified and work to set it up is already underway.
“This is the golden chance for people in the south-east part of Chipinge District to have a local radio station. That area was receiving poor radio frequencies and locals ended up relying on foreign radio stations. The local traditional leadership is supporting the initiative and with work already underway, we are now mobilising resources,” said Mr Kumbana.
He added that they will identify presenters and also conduct training workshops for the staff.
Vemuganga FM chairperson, Mr Claris Madhuku, said they are excited by the development.
“This is a great move for the Chipinge people because we are now the owners and administrators of our own radio station. It will be run by local communities and we will disseminate information using our own indigenous language,” said Mr Madhuku.
