The Sunday Mail
George Maponga in Chiredzi
GOVERNMENT will provide equipment and other forms of support to community radios as these play a key role in information dissemination and promotion of culture and local languages, a senior Government official has said.
Speaking at a training seminar for community radio stations in Chiredzi yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services deputy minister Kindness Paradza said President Mnangagwa’s administration wants to see community radios operating efficiently.
“As the Government, we are going to give equipment (for broadcasting) to community radio stations. We will support community radios that were licenced because they play a key role in the promotion of local languages and culture in line with Vision 2030. The move to licence community radios and equip them is in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision that nobody and no place will be left behind.”
Deputy minister Paradza toured the history-making Avuxeni community radio, which broadcasts in the local Shangaan language and became the first community radio station to go on air.
He said the Government will boost radio and television transmission in border areas.
“We will do this to ensure that communities at the borders are not obstructed by powerful transmission from neighbouring counties.”
Speaking at the same event, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana congratulated Avuxeni saying the Government will draw lessons from the station.
He challenged volunteers who will work at community radios to avoid too much being focus on remuneration.
“My warning to those who are going into this for money is that you will be disappointed because the radio stations will be manned by volunteers. If you have talent you will go far because the nation will be listening. Go there with an open mind, if you don’t learn something you will be reminded of something,” said Mr Mangwana.
He also warned against vandalism of infrastructure, challenging the community to be on guard for their radio stations and equipment.
The inaugural training for community radio personnel was a precursor to the World Radio Day celebrations that will be held at Tshovani stadium today with Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa set to grace the occasion.
