Zanu PF Official Urges Private Players to Demand Media Licences
Reporting By Financial Gazette
(Harare)
A SENIOR ZANU PF member, Charles Pemhenayi, says Zimbabweans should demand to be granted licences to run community radio stations as provided for under the Broadcasting Services Act (BSA). Pemhenayi, who was speaking at the official launch of Kumakomo Community Radio Station (KCRS) in Mutare last Saturday, said the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) should be taken to task over its failure to issue radio licences to private players, urging local communities to make the “right organized noises” and demand urgent action.“I urge you to pursue this issue by lobbying parliament and approaching your local representatives to ask why the BAZ is not issuing these licences because they (legislators) are elected to serve the interests of the communities they represent,” he said. “We need to make the right organised noises and demand these licences. Why is the media silent about this . . . I cannot understand this,” added Pemhenayi.The launch of KCRS is the result of intensive lobbying initiated by MISA-Zimbabwe under its Community Radio Initiatives (CRIs) to mobilise communities to demand the licences under its Free the Airwaves Campaign aimed at breaking Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings’ monopoly. The CRIs are fast gaining momentum following the launch of Wezhira, Kwelaz and Gweru community radio stations in Masvingo, Kwekwe and Gweru, respectively.In the event of KCRS eventually being licensed, its board of directors should strive to maintain the station’s editorial independence and ensure that its operations focus on the needs of that particular community as well as promote human rights issues,” said Pemhenayi.Kelvin Jakachira was elected chairperson, Sidney Saize, (vice chairperson), Farai Makotsi (treasurer), Chengetai Murimwa, (secretary) while Perpetua Guwira, Evidence Chenjerai and Thembani Mudavanhu came in as members of KCRS’ management committee.The following members were also elected into the board of trustees, Daniel Chigudu (chairperson), Beauty Serbia (deputy chairperson), Kenneth Saruchera (finance secretary) while Farai Maguhwu, Ngaaite Zimunya, Vonese Masanganise, Mike Tembo and Sydney Mukwecheni are committee members.Jakachira described the launch of KCRS as a historic development saying communication was vital for democratisation and central to community development.