Community radio stations have a key role in uniting people through broadcasting content that enhances peace and social coherence, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Senator Monica Mutsvangwa has said.
The Second Republic had so far licenced 14 language based community radios countrywide, to ensure there was a total broadcasting coverage.
Minister Mutsvangwa said the licencing of more radio stations would help Zimbabweans to actively participate from the grassroots level in matters concerning them in line with the devolution concept.
She made the remarks on Saturday while officially launching the Beitbridge community radio station, Lotsha FM, which broadcasts mainly in Venda language on the 90.1 frequency that covers a radius of 60km.
The event also coincided with the 2023 edition of World Radio Day.
“Today’s event is more than the celebration of the World Radio Day as we also officially launch the Beitbridge Shashi Community Radio Station, popularly known as Lotsha FM,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
“Indeed, community radio platforms have become a key historical component of President Mnangagwa’s Second Republic. True to his promise of servant leadership and being a listening President, he listened and granted you the community radio station you applied for.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said radio was the mass medium of communication which had the greatest and widest audience reach in the world.
This year, the World Radio Day was celebrated under the theme Radio and Peace.
“We take cognizance of the fact that radio can mediate between rival groups or races through dissemination of constructive information that unites rather than divide,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
“Radio can encourage dialogue between groups and help find a peaceful way out of misunderstandings and foster development among humankind.
“Registered Zimbabwean voters will this year go to the polls in the harmonised elections. As such, we expect radio to preach the message of peace to our citizenry.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said it was critical for people to bear in mind that elections were there to choose leaders of the electorate’s choice who will then steer the country forward.
President Mnangagwa said there must be no violence before, during and after elections.
She challenged radio broadcasters, to uphold the highest professionalism as they educated and informed the nation on the need to maintain peace and tranquillity.
“Community radios play a pivotal role in creating vibrant community that share their heritage, culture, innovation and industry,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
“In a nutshell these are the “go to sources” of government projects, policies and vision. They will disseminate economic and social information related to improving livelihoods.
“As radio broadcasters, I encourage you to preach peace, tolerance and reconciliation especially among opposing views.”
Minister Mutsvangwa encouraged the radio presenters to follow the example set by the Head of State.
Her ministry, she added, had so far had launched Avuxeni in Chiredzi, Ntepe Manama in Gwanda, Chimanimani FM in Chimanimani, Nyangani FM in Nyanga and that the Lotsha FM was the fifth station to operate among the 14 which had been licenced so far.
“Together with stakeholders we are striving to make sure that all Community Radio Stations not yet on air receive all the necessary assistance to go on air,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
“This is because we have witnessed the differences in quality of awareness between our rural communities. Those with community radio stations that are already on air are increasingly becoming more aware of the resources and programmes they can draw from government through devolution.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said most communities with radios stations were also becoming more involved in government and development partners economic activities.
The government and its partners, she said, will work tirelessly hand in glove to make sure that the information ecosystem is digitised to enable 100 percent radio coverage in Zimbabwe .
Minister Mutsvangwa said the Second Republic will stop at nothing to make sure that its vision was attained.
“To the people of Beitbridge I want to say, Lotsha FM is for you and whatever comes out on this radio should benefit you,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
“This radio station covers a 60km radius and it will broadcast mainly in Venda and IsiNdebele. As the sole custodians of the station please contribute to the content that comes on the radio.” – The Herald
