The voice of the miners: YaFM celebrates two years
TWO years after it made its debut on the airwaves, Zvishavane based commercial radio station, YaFM, has managed to live up to its promise of being the voice of mining communities along the Great Dyke.
This was the observation made by Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister and Mberengwa West Constituency Member of Parliament, Joram Gumbo, while he was addressing delegates who gathered in Mberengwa for the station’s second anniversary celebrations recently.
Gumbo said the commitment to give the miners a voice that spoke to and about them was made by the founders of YaFM two years ago, as they pledged to give a rich and rewarding radio experience to the people of the mineral rich region known as the Great Dyke.
“There was a pledge that the radio station would be a true representative of the people of this region and not a camouflage for some sinister motives by those who wish to see us divided.
“I am most gratified that as of now, YaFM has lived up to this promise. Our hope is that this will continue into the future,” said Gumbo.
As the miner’s voice, the station has been earmarked to spearhead gold mobilisation efforts, a move hailed by various stakeholders.
“I recently advised that they bring a team from the country’s primary gold buyer Fidelity Printers and Refiners to speak to the people of our region about the new incentives available to our small scale miners. I’m told in a few weeks’ time they’ll be joining Fidelity on various road shows targeting Zvishavane, Mberengwa, Filabusi and Gwanda among other places,” said Gumbo.
He went on to urge business people in the region to support the station saying without the support of the local businesses, chances are the station will struggle to fulfil its
Club Connect TODAY it’s the Certified Friday with Chucknosis and Bryan K set to provide entertainment alongside resident DJs Kead Wikead, Crazy Black and TBass. It’s an all female affair tomorrow with DJ Liz, Miss Pam, Crazy Dee and CP.
Eden Night Club A “Double D Party” with the dress code being Denims & Diamonds will be held tonight featuring DJs Keezy and Kananjo. The fun continues tomorrow with the “Red Bottom Heels Party” featuring the nightspot’s resident DJs. The Vista (former Horizon) Tonight it’s Pub Night with specials on food. Soccer Saturday is on tomorrow afternoon and in the evening Soulful Deep house music will be played. Club 263 mandate and may never live up to its full potential.
In times of economic distress, Gumbo said, some businesses choose to remain anonymous and yet research has shown that entities that shy away from advertising die a slow and painful death. “You are thus encouraged to advertise and be known whatever the times. If the problem is about advertising rates, surely these can be discussed. Our intention as Government is to see business in this region growing to become not only competitive nationally but joining those that export products to other countries. God gave us the land and minerals which we are obliged to utilise,” Gumbo said.
The Minister described YaFM as a development oriented station that has assisted the community in times of need by sharing relevant information.
YaFM chairman Munyaradzi Hwengwere expressed his appreciation to the local chiefs, advertisers and the general community for embracing the station and supporting it as the first regional commercial broadcaster to operate in Zimbabwe.
He said the latest ZAMPS survey has shown YaFM to be a leading station in Masvingo and Midlands provinces.
“It is our desire to increase our coverage in areas within our vicinity particularly the peripheral regions of Mberengwa. We do not see ourselves as a Zvishavane radio station but a voice of miners across the Great Dyke,” said Hwengwere.
All throughout the weekend, DJs St Willz and FFF Molfy will be on the decks with host Obama.
Umqombothi Sports Bar Tonight Jaiva Queens dance group will entertain patrons. DJ Prince Eskhosini will host the “One Nyt Stand” tomorrow. “Super Sundays” will feature Ziyawa dance group. All throughout the weekend, DJs Sweeto, Stone, Sheriff, Kull Jeff and Phibz will be on the decks.
Private Lounge “Freaky Fridays” will see the nightspot’s enchanting dancers showcasing their best on the pole with DJs Galaz and Delroy on the decks. “Seductive Saturdays” are on tomorrow. Extreme Funky Fridays are on tonight with DJs Phibbz, Stones, Sweeto, Sherriff and KB-Soul. Tomorrow the resident DJs host the Clubbers’ Delight.
The Lounge It’s the “Summer Turn up party” with resident DJs Marcus Andro and Jaiza. Tomorrow it’s the “Weekend Fiesta Nyt Out” with DJs Marcus Andro and Brandon that Guy. On Sunday, DJs Marcus Andro and Jaiza host the “Afro Stokvel party”.
Whatever Sports Bar Tonight it’s the “Friday Mid Month Flavaz”. A Groove Fiesta will be held tomorrow and Zonke Bonke Sessions wrap up the weekend activities at the joint. DJs Mavesto and Nurtty B will be on rotation.
Abangane Sports Bar (Nkulumane 11) Friday weekend kick-starters are on tonight with resident DJs Mark Dee and Kaybee. Tomorrow it’s the “Xclusive Ladiz and Gents Nyt hosted by DJ Mavesto. Old Skool Sessions will on Sunday be hosted by DJs Mavesto, Mark Dee and Kaybee.