By Rex Mphisa
ZIMBABWEANS must support community radio stations which are non-profit making institutions despite their crucial role in keeping governance under check.
These stations promote media pluralism and democratic discourse are not luxuries and are the foundation of accountable governance and inclusive growth, Matabeleland South Minister of State For Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe said on Friday.
“Let us fund Lotsha FM not as charity, but as an investment in Beitbridge’s development, in TshiVenda, Shangani and Sotho and others languages heritage, and in the future of our children,” he said.
He was addressing dozens of Beitbridge residents who attended the community radio station fund-raising dinner held in Tshidixwa Suburb in Urban Beitbridge Ward 3.
“I commend Vice President Dr Col (RTD) KCD Mohadi, the business community, the Beitbridge community, the Lotsha FM Board, and the management team for keeping the station alive through teething challenges. Tonight, let us match their commitment with our resources.”
“Together, let Lotsha FM continue to amplify the voice of the people, promote transparency, and drive development. Together, we will attain Vision 2030 and build the prosperous Zimbabwe we all desire,” he said.
Nguluvhe said Lotsha FM is one of four licensed community radio stations in his province, alongside Radio Bukalanga in Plumtree, Bayethe FM in Matobo, and Ntepe-Manama in Gwanda.
The station was established as an initiation by Zimbabwe’s Second Republic through the Broadcasting Fund under the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.
Nguluvhe said the community stations mark a milestone in Government’s quest for total information coverage and the preservation of indigenous languages, culture, and heritage.
Zimbabwe currently has 22 officially licensed community radio stations, with 14 of them actively broadcasting.
The government aims to bring the total number of licensed community stations to 41, with the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) continually gazetting new areas for expansion.
Lotsha FM was formed in 2020, under the Beitbridge Shashe Community Radio Broadcasting Services Trust trading as Lotsha FM. It has grown into a vital platform for local voices, promoting development, culture, and inclusivity.
Lotsha FM serves Beitbridge and beyond covering a radius of 70 kilometres from the border town.
Beitbridge Rural District Council chairperson Oscar Chiromo who also attended the dinner said the station was an important development tool and helped during disasters, epidemics and other developmental issues.
“For instance the station was helpful when we had a crisis of stray lions when it was used to disseminate information to villagers. We also had an incident it helped recover goats that had been stolen,” he said.
Lotsha FM Station manager Progress Moyo and chairman Mekia Muyambo both shared information on how the station operated with volunteers and a shoestring budget.
All speakers shared the sentiment the business community of Beitbridge should assist the station through adverts and other forms of support.
At the event several business people pledged to help keep the station afloat with Nguluvhe leading from the front with a donation of a Starlink internet communication device.
Nguluvhe’s gesture opened floodgates of donations with Beitbridge Mayor Cllr Peter Pirato pledging 10 months subscriptions for the Starlink device.
A single most notable donation was from Mcilo Construction and Transport company which donated 10 000 bricks, US$1000, R1 000 and 100 bags of cement towards the building of a Lotsha FM Studio.
Currently the studio operates from what used to be a cell at the pioneer Beitbridge Police Station turned into a Government Complex where rentals are steep to above US$400 monthly.