By Rex Mphisa
VICE president Kembo Mohadi on Friday gave Beitbridge Community Radio Station Lotsha FM $10 000 cash and pledged to buy the station a small car to support its growth and work towards the development of Beitbridge.
He handed over the cash after his official speech.
Speaking during his visit to Lotsha FM Mohadi, who had the opportunity to go on air and address listeners, acknowledged challenges earlier highlighted by Lotsha FM Manager Progress Moyo and pledged a car towards their transport.
Moyo had, among a handful of challenges, said early morning and late night presenters faced transport problems at times getting home late hours not safe.
“Which one will you have a Honda Fit or Toyota Acqua,” Mohadi said to an applause.
He would have also responded to a listener of the station Nqobile Ncube who asked vice president Mohadi to leave the radio station at a better plinth for its developmental work.
Soon after the cash was handed and Mohadi had taken his seat, presenters at the station took to the dancefloor and were joined by stakeholders in a joyful appreciation dance.
In his address to stakeholders Mohadi said Lotsha FM and other community radios were a beacon of hope for Beitbridge and Zimbabwe at large.
“This station’s establishment was initiated by the Second Republic through the Broadcasting Fund which is the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services. It marks a significant milestone in our quest for total information coverage across the country and promoting the use of indigenous languages, culture and heritage preservation in our diversity as Zimbabweans,” he said.
“Community radio stations in Zimbabwe have significantly improved access to information in rural and marginalised areas, reaching thousands of listeners through 14 licensed stations. They enhance democracy, promote local languages and culture, and provide vital updates on health and agriculture, fostering community participation.”
He said for the envisaged Vision 2030, community radio stations like Lotsha FM play a vital role in promoting inclusive growth, innovation, and social transformation.
“They bridge the information gap, ensuring citizens are informed in their local languages, and fostering national unity in line with the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.”
In addition, he said, stations like Lotsha FM in Beitbridge show that community ownership, through local content, empowers residents to address local issues from an informed perspective.
“Our National Development Strategies, NDS1 and NDS2, emphasize the importance of promoting and improving access to information by bridging a gap between urban and rural communities.”
He said information dissemination through radio empowers urban and rural communities in the information age in several ways which include providing timely and relevant information on issues like health, education, agriculture, and governance, helping communities make informed decisions. Furthermore, community radios showcase local talent, culture, and languages, preserving heritage and promoting social cohesion.
He said radio gives a voice to marginalized groups, enabling them to share concerns and ideas, and hold leaders accountable.
“For example Lotsha FM is now able to reach out to areas in Beitbridge East that include; Tshaswingo, Dite and the whole of Beitbridge town and those in Beitbridge West in areas that include Mapani, Masera , Mazunga and Sentinel. Community Radio Stations also raise education and awareness, support economic empowerment, while fostering community participation, encouraging discussion and feedback on local issues.”
He said Lotsha FM is a shining example of devolution in action, addressing local needs, through community empowerment in line with our President Dr E.D Mnangagwa’s mantra “shango li fhatiwa la vhusiwa la rabelelwa nga vhane vhalo”
He also said community radios provide a platform for democratic discourse and community engagement, promoting diverse perspectives in Zimbabwe’s media landscape.
“I commend the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe and the Lotsha FM Board, as well as the Radio Management Team for their tireless efforts to keep the station operational despite facing teething challenges. As the Government, we are aware operational challenges exist, but with sustainable funding, local capacity building, and editorial independence, this station will thrive,” Mohadi said.
He asked stakeholders to have a development zeal of their information space by supporting community radios.
The Second Republic, he said, will ensure that community radio stations are supported so that they continue to fully carry out their mandates as we drift towards the attainment of Vision 2030.
“Let us always remember that, as the Second Republic, we are always committed to broadening access to information for National Development. Through support towards the attainment of targets for the National Development Strategy 1, in the information and communication thematic pillars, we allocated thousands of dollars to support Lotsha FM to setup, demonstrating our dedication to this cause”.
“Let Lotsha FM continue to amplify the voice of the people, promoting transparency, accountability, and development. Together, we can achieve Vision 2030 and create a prosperous Zimbabwe,” he said.