Govt celebrates new voices on World Radio Day

ON Tuesday, Zimbabwe, just like many countries around the world, will celebrate World Radio Day, particularly at a time when the Government has freed the airwaves and licensed over 14 community radio stations as part of far-reaching media reforms.

The theme for this year’s celebrations — “Radio: A century informing, entertaining and educating” — shines a light on radio’s remarkable past, relevant present and promise of a dynamic future.

Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Mr Nick Mangwana said the day provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements the Government has made in terms of radio connectivity and infrastructure development.

“World Radio Day is a day for us to celebrate the milestones which have been made in our radio broadcasting industry. Our mandate as a ministry is to communicate Government policies to the citizens in real-time, leaving no one and no place behind,” said Mr Mangwana.

“So, on World Radio Day, we take stock of the milestones in terms of radio connectivity and infrastructure development and reflect on areas which need attention.”

The Government, he said, has made huge strides in establishing new radio stations, particularly in underrepresented communities and regions. “The ministry has licensed 14 community radio stations and all are at different stages of broadcasting. We are in the process of capacitating Transmedia and Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) to ensure they put in place infrastructure which will see these community radio stations operating at full capacity for the benefit of the communities they serve,” he added.

“These community radio stations are serving previously marginalised communities which received poor or no signals at all from the traditional radio players. The idea of community radios is aimed at having content for the community by the community.

“We have situations whereby some communities depended on foreign broadcasts, for example, Plumtree, but now, with the birth of Radio Bukalanga, which was launched in December, the Plumtree community celebrate their voice.”

Mr Mangwana said not only has the Government opened up airwaves to community radio stations but it had also licensed nine campus radio stations to date.

Further, the Government intends to continue supporting the training and capacity-building of radio broadcasters to enhance the quality and professionalism of programming. BAZ is currently seized with training community broadcasters and citizen journalists around the country.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation regional adviser for communication and information Mr Al-Amin Yusuph said Zimbabwe’s 14 radio stations have a total reach of over one million audiences living in rural areas.

“The reach of community radios has promoted access to development information and early warning communication to citizens in the rural areas of Zimbabwe. Through the use of local languages in broadcasting, community radios promote linguistic diversity and culture among the citizens of Zimbabwe,” he said.

“The community radios have also become one of the most trusted and listened to source of vital information for communities in rural areas. For instance, during the 2024 harmonised elections, the community radios facilitated access to verified voter information, thus promoting social cohesion and peace sustenance by addressing misinformation during the elections.”

RANK MARSHALS are colluding with corrupt police and municipal officers to pocket an estimated US$1 million monthly through unauthorised taxes at bus termini in and around Harare, bus and commuter omnibus operators have said.

Harare is home to at least five associations representing bus and commuter omnibus operators, boasting approximately 800 members.

Under the unauthorised taxation, rank marshals are reportedly collecting up to US$240 000 per month from each association, bringing the cumulative figure to about US$1 million monthly.

Zimbabwe Union of Drivers and Conductors (ZUDAC) head of operations Mr Pious Chidzenga said: “Each driver is compelled to pay US$2 for every one of the five daily trips they make into the rank. Simple multiplication will tell you that rank marshals pocket a substantial US$10 per driver each day. This exploitative practice persists over a month, with drivers contributing US$300 per month individually. When multiplied by the 800 members of ZUDAC alone, the rank marshals accumulate US$240 000 monthly. This figure represents just one association out of the more than five operating within Harare,” he said.

Addressing stakeholders at a public transport stakeholders meeting in the capital last week, police officer commanding Harare province Commissioner Wonder Tembo said they will soon launch an operation to eradicate this criminal syndicate.

“As officer commanding Harare, I want to mention that as police, we don’t condone such kind of behaviour that is prevailing at various bus ranks. We are having running battles with people who claim they own certain ranks. I have tasked my assistant commissioners to sit down with Harare City Council officials to come up with an operation to tame this menace,” he said.

Commissioner Tembo said some of the rank marshals abuse the name of senior political figures.

“We are aware that many of these rank marshals hide behind political parties, but we have never received a call from any political party or Government questioning why we have arrested certain troublemakers.

“I urge you (council) to also come up with an operation and as law-enforcement agents, we will support you and we will come in our numbers to help you. We don’t want to be the initiators of the job that is supposed to be done by you,” he said.

He urged operators to desist from paying rank marshals. “Don’t give them money and if they insist, we are just a call away. Don’t be intimidated, the law will take its course.”

Harare Mayor Cllr Jacob Mafume conceded that rank marshals have assumed power at council bus stations but said action will be taken soon. “Early next month, we are going to take over the ranks and restore order,” he said.