Staff Reporter
Madziwa FM in Shamva North constituency has emerged as a beacon for grassroots development, driving initiatives aligned with the Government's devolution agenda.
Speaking to this publication yesterday, Madziwa FM station manager, Tinashe Shonhiwa, emphasised the pivotal role of the radio station in fostering vibrant communities that embrace their heritage, culture, innovation, and industry.
"In a nutshell, Madziwa FM is the 'go-to source' for Government projects, policies, and vision. We disseminate economic and social information aimed at improving the livelihoods of the local community. We thrive on providing information beneficial to both locals and the country at large,” Shonhiwa affirmed.
Shonhiwa expressed gratitude to the Government for licencing Madziwa FM community radio station, noting that it was a noble endeavour to bring information to the people's doorsteps, thus deterring reliance on foreign broadcasts.
Executive producer of Madziwa FM, Nyaradzai Matambanadzo, echoed sentiments of community anticipation for a radio station reflecting their language and context.
Matambanadzo pledged on-going efforts for the radio station’s programmes to suit local and national development needs.
"We facilitate community programmes, fostering dialogue among members, leaders, local authorities, and Government departments to identify solutions. Our commitment to telling our story in a language everyone understands has significantly increased our listenership,” Matambanadzo explained.
A young journalist and volunteer, Emulate Kaingidza, hailed the radio station for providing a platform for youth talent exploration and promoting nationwide development and gender mainstreaming.
"Madziwa FM has created a space for us youths to showcase our talents and contribute to national development and gender equality," said Kaingidza.
Mt Darwin-based sungura artist, Enock Budzai, lauded Madziwa FM for facilitating access to rural audiences and boosting local music.
"Madziwa FM is crucial for us as artists. Through the radio station, I have built a strong fan base in rural Madziwa, Shamva and Mt Darwin, where internet access for music streaming is limited. The project benefits both artists and the community by providing reliable news and enriched programming,” Budzai remarked.
Agritex Officer, Maria Musara, applauded the radio station for its role in disseminating crucial information to local farmers and enhancing agricultural practices and productivity.
"We are pleased to have such an accessible medium for informing local farmers about Ministry programs. Through the radio station, farmers receive early warnings, advisories, and technical support, fostering their engagement and receiving relevant training,” said Musara.
Currently broadcasting on 91.4 MHz, Madziwa FM extends its reach across areas under Chiefs Madziwa, Mutumba, Nyamaropa, Matope, and Kandeya, underscoring its pivotal role in local development and community empowerment.
Since 2018, the Government has licensed 14 local language-based Community Radio Stations (CRS) nationwide. The 14 CRS were granted broadcasting licenses to help address issues of communication and underdevelopment in some parts of the country.
The move was part of the drive by President Mnangagwa to leave no one and no place behind on national development as the country drifts towards the envisaged Vision 2030.
