The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
GOVERNMENT departments should work closely with licensed community radio stations to effectively communicate national programmes and highlight the successes scored, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Speaking during a capacity building workshop for staff at Chimanimani FM offices recently, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said the establishment of more radio and television stations is evidence of the Second Republic’s commitment to spur economic development and social transformation in pursuit of Vision 2030.
Minister Mutsvangwa said community radio stations are a game-changer and can be utilised as a vehicle to disseminate important information to the grassroots and ensure that no place and no one is left behind.
“Access to information is crucial and the Second Republic is making efforts to ensure that everyone is reached. It is, therefore, important for Government departments to work together closely with community radio stations to communicate programmes being implemented and highlight the successes scored.
“So far Chimanimani FM and Nyangani FM have been established here in Manicaland, among the 14 across the country and we are delighted with this development. The radio stations largely benefit the communities they are serving and they deserve full support,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa said the community radio stations should thrive to remain apolitical.
“The harmonised elections are scheduled for later this year and community radio stations must desist from airing improper political messages. However, the Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) can take the opportunity to disseminate message on election roadmap,” she said.
She added that the Government is working on sustainability of the radio stations.
“There is another critical issue of sustainability of the community radio stations. The Ministry is working on amending the Broadcasting Services Act as we are looking at what the Government can do to enable community radio stations to sustain themselves,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
Speaking during the same event, a Chimanimani FM official, Mr Themba Gata, hailed the Second Republic for opening up the airwaves.
“Since the launch of our community radio station, we are producing untapped talent from the rural areas. We are grateful for the intiative that has also helped create employment. Our villages are now actively participating in telling their own story,” he said.
