Scores revel in Twasumpuka FM launch

BINGA town in Matabeleland North province burst into life yesterday as scores of people trooped in to witness the official commissioning of Twasumpuka FM, a new community radio station in the district.

The usually quiet town was a hive of activity as people from all walks of life expressed joy and excitement as they mingled with the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, Permanent Secretary Mr Nick Mangwana and senior Government officials who graced the event.

Dr Muswere addressed the Binga community live on the radio station and those gathered for the festivities at Govera area in Binga town where it is situated.

He also toured the facility and cut a ribbon, revealing a plaque to officially commission it under the theme:“‘Twaambo Twini Kuluundu/ Broadcasting Truthful Information”. Twasumpuka FM is one of the 14 community radio stations that were licensed by the Second Republic and broadcasts 75 percent of its content in Tonga languages with the remainder covering Shona, Ndebele, Nambya and English.

Pomp and fanfare filled the venue as the gathering danced to music from local musicians such as kuJata kuJatana Bio Mudimba, Clement Magwaza and Insimbi ZeZhwane while jostling for various Twasumpuka FM memorabilia.

The community had every reason to celebrate as this was a much-awaited development that promotes and preserves their cultural heritage and identity while connecting them with the rest of the country and the world at large.

The community had a chance to meet with Twasumpuka FM presenters such as Cephas Ndlovu, Ibin Munsaka, Njebele Tshuma, Mesline Munenge, Patrisha Shoko, Happiness Kanka, Soneni Mwembe, Bwami Mudimba, Elma Sibanda, Magadalene Munsaka, Never Mweembe, Alfred Mudenda, Givemore Mukuli and Timothy Ngwenya.

Those who spoke to our Bulawayo Bureau expressed joy at the commissioning saying the station was one of the best things to happen in Binga.

• Full story on www.herald.co.zw