Community radio gives Babirwa people a voice
THE policy of decentralising broadcasting services and giving marginalised communities a platform to articulate issues affecting them in their own languages marked another milestone yesterday when Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa commissioned the Ntepe-Manama community radio station in Gwanda.
The station broadcasts in SeSotho and services the Babirwa people in Manama.
The radio station, which is broadcasting within a radius of five kilometres, will soon cover a radius of 40km to 60km.
The drive for spreading broadcasting is in line with the Second Republic’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind through enhancing access to information.
In line with the devolution policy, community radio stations give a voice to people who lack access to mainstream media, expedite information dissemination and uphold creative growth and democracy at the community level.
The devolution policy is anchored on values and principles that guarantee equitable sharing of local and national resources, including enhancing participation of local communities in decision making processes.
The commissioning ceremony also served as a belated celebration of International Day for Universal Access to Information.
Speaking during the event, Minister Mutsvangwa urged the community of Manama to use the community radio station to amplify key development issues.
She said language was key in the preservation of culture and customs.
“The launch today of the Ntepe-Manama Community Radio Station is part of the decentralisation of broadcasting services in line with the Second Republic’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind,” said Minister Mutsvangwa
“This is part of efforts by the Government to enhance access to information and to give those in marginalised parts of the country a platform to articulate their community issues. Gone are the days when people used to lament the lack of local platforms where they could discuss issues that affect them at community level because of transmission challenges.
“Citizens ended up tuning to radio stations from neighbouring countries, which in itself is a huge disservice to information dissemination. This all changed upon the assumption of office of His Excellency, President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa. Media reforms were immediately instituted, opening up the airwaves for more and diverse voices in broadcasting.”
So far, 14 community radio stations and seven campus radio stations have been licensed and of these, five community radio stations and five campus radio stations are live on air.
The campus radio stations are a response to Education 5.0 to equip university and college students with practical broadcasting skills.
Minister Mutsvangwa said community radio stations served as forerunners of development as they provide communities with a forum for discussion and participation in local development.
Through the radio station, Minister Mutsvangwa said Ntepe-Manama community’s culture will be amplified as it will be broadcasting in SeSotho
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