New community radio station for Matobo

By Mediate Mpofu

The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) has announced plans to license a radio station in Matobo district in a bid to improve access to information in the area. The proposed name of the community radio station is Bayethe FM.

Plans to introduce the community radio station were revealed  at a meeting held at Matobo Rural District Council offices in Maphisa on Wednesday this week.

The meeting was attended by BAZ officials, the  Member of  Parliament for Matobo North who is also the Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister Edgar Moyo, Chief Malaba, councillors, religious leaders and ward coordinators for the radio station.
 

“We cannot deny the fact that there is poor or no coverage in some areas on the part of national radio stations. That is why we offered licencing of community radio stations “, said BAZ’s Acting  CEO, Engineer Matthias Chakanyuka.

Hon. Moyo said the community radio station is a shot in the arm for Matobo children of school-going age as, among other items, the station will broadcast school lessons.

 “The radio station will benefit the learners in that there would be lessons conducted on this station to help promote education for Matobo children “, said Hon. Moyo

“If licensed, the radio station comes as a blessing to us since the only radio stations available are alien to Matobo in both language and music. Even some programmes are not for us as Matobo “, said Elton Moyo, a youth.

One of the five trustees of the radio station  Ndumiso Mabhena, expressed relief at the opening of the airwaves in the area. He stated that the community has been disenfranchised from accessing information of national significance.

“Personally, I do not know what really is happening in the country because there is no coverage in my area ,so this radio station comes as a problem solver,” said Mabhena.

When the BAZ elicited for reasons as to why licensing the community radio station was imperative, the Matobo community took time to explain their concerns over the ‘distortion’ of their culture due to a lack of radio stations that focus on the culture of Matobo. 

The community, through their MP vowed to advertise Matobo for tourism when they get the licence whic

BAZ is currenly visiting all applicants to conduct a verification and clarification exercise. Like other applicants, Matobo has been asked to submit additional information to their licence application in a weeks time.

BAZ hopes to issue licences to successful applicants before the end of the year.