By Rex Mphisa
LOTSHA FM, Beitbridge’s community radio, wants assistance to provide power back-up at its transmission masts for seamless broadcasts impossible when the national power grid fails.
The community radio station also seeks improved coverage beyond its 70 kilometres radius reach to effectively cover the entire Beitbridge district.
These and other challenges were raised when Zimbabwe Vice President Kembo Mohadi accompanied by Matabeleland South Minister of State For Provincial Affairs Albert Nguluvhe toured the radio station.
Progress Moyo who manages the volunteer-run broadcaster said seamless broadcasts are oft interrupted by power outages failing the state Trans-media transmitters Lotsha FM uses.
“We need a power back-up system at the Transmedia Transmission tower,” Moyo said.
“Although we have managed to record some achievements, we also have several operations challenges including, the most critical one is raising funds to pay (volunteer) staff’s allowances due to lack of sponsorship and limited revenue inflows,” she said.
From its onset Lotsha FM, which has even attracted listeners from across the Limpopo River in South Africa because of its superior programming and on-point issues, has been driven by volunteers.
This is despite its existence in Zimbabwe’s money-spinning border town where almost all Government ministries including revenue collector Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) are deployed and raking millions.
Moyo said in its coverage Lotsha fails to reach the homesteads of its two traditions chiefs cultural homes outside its 70 kilometres range.
“We have a limited coverage of 70km from the CBD which excludes the two Chiefs Matibe (eastern side) and Tshitaudze (western side). We are only able to reach those areas via Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and X (twitter),” Moyo said.
The station which has got support from various stakeholders, some mentioned by name, still requires a public address system for its roadshows and community outreach.
Moyo also mentioned Lotsha FM cannot afford a security guard for its rented premises.
“Another critical challenge is the lack of permanent staff at the station. Currently operations rely on volunteers, which, while commendable, makes it difficult to maintain consistency and focus on station’s day to day business. Full-time staffs are essential to ensure reliable programming, strategic growth, and effective stakeholder engagement,” Moyo said.
She thanked the Beitbridge Rural District District Council for its part in helping it secure licence fees.
“However, it’s important to note that the license is in two parts of annual and monthly service fees. As a result, we are constantly in search of additional partners or funding sources to cover the shortfall, which presents an on-going operational challenge,” she said.