By Patience Gondo
COMMUNITY radio station Lotsha FM 90.1 faces operational challenges due to a shortage of permanent staff, forcing it to rely heavily on volunteers.
The station’s manager, Progress Moyo said the dependence on volunteers has disrupted programming as presenters at times fail to show up for scheduled shows.
“Since the radio is run by volunteers, there are times when we have a booked guest but the person assigned to run the show informs us at the last minute they are no longer available, usually because they have found other income-generating work,” she said.
“In such cases, the station ends up playing music for the whole day.”
Moyo said the station is also struggling to meet its operational costs, including monthly rentals amounting to US$492, which have not been paid consistently since January this year.
She further said the station lacks transport to conduct outreach programmes and cover events in remote areas, limiting its ability to fully serve the community.
The challenges were raised during a visit to the station on Friday by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, where stakeholders highlighted the need for sustainable funding and staffing.
Despite the setbacks, community members say the station plays a critical role in the district.
Listener Nqobile Ncube described Lotsha FM as a rallying point that brings people together and provides a platform for local voices.
Ncube said the station has the potential to build a strong identity through targeted programming such as campus-style broadcasts and taxi industry shows, which could create a unique connection with its audience.
He also said untapped commercial opportunities in Beitbridge, including promoting fresh produce markets and local businesses that currently receive little media coverage.
Ncube further commended the station and said it could improve by providing accurate information to counter disinformation, citing an incident where false images generated using artificial intelligence caused panic about lions in the central business district.
He said the station could also play a key role in disseminating weather related information to help communities prepare for floods and extreme heat, as well as promoting local languages and culture through educational programmes such as Tshivenda lessons.
Lotsha FM was licensed in June 2021, began operating in December 2022 and was officially launched in February 2023.
The station broadcasts 75 percent of its content in Tshivenda and 25 percent in other languages, positioning itself as a key community broadcaster in Beitbridge.