Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday implored the nation to leverage available communication platforms to promote peace, love, and unity through producing and disseminating content that reflected the hopes and aspirations of locals.
He said this in a speech delivered on his behalf by Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere at the commissioning of modernised Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) Montrose Studios.
The studios comprise two brand new state-of-the-art television studios, eight modern radio studios, fully integrated Play-Out Centre and a Media Asset Management System that brings ZBC into the digital broadcasting era and Data Centre.
“As we journey towards Vision 2030, I urge the nation to use the available communication platforms to promote peace, love, unity and live in harmony. Let us produce and disseminate content that reflect the hopes and aspirations of our people
“On their part, stakeholders in the media fraternity, including our journalists and analysts must continue to uphold the highest levels of creativity, professionalism and ethical conduct,” President Mnangagwa said.
He commended the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services for spearheading the re-capitalisation of ZBC, saying it is the responsibility of the national broadcaster to stand as a barricade against misinformation, disinformation and external narratives.
“In this ever-evolving digital era, the responsibility of our public broadcaster is multifaceted and broad in scope. It must ensure timely, accurate, and relevant information, to safeguard our culture and heritage, and to stand as a barricade against misinformation, disinformation and external narratives that do not reflect the true Zimbabwean story,” he said.
President Mnangagwa highlighted that the Montrose studio modernisation project was testament of the government`s commitment to leverage on technology innovation to propel growth and high impact.
“This thrust has become an urgent imperative given the fast-changing global space and the need to scale up our country’s competitiveness in every area.
“In this respect, the role of Media, Information and Broadcasting remains central to Zimbabwe’s development journey. To date, I am pleased that ZBC continues to serve as the voice of our nation, highlighting our vision for the future, celebrating our triumphs and providing a platform for national dialogue.
“The modernisation of Montrose Studios that we are witnessing today, is therefore not just about infrastructure and equipment. It is also about the preservation of our national identity and empowerment by advancement,” he said.
“To this end, it is most opportune that the on-going modernisation of our public broadcaster is occurring as we begin the roll-out of National Development Strategy2. (NDS2). The recapitalisation of ZBC as a Public Broadcaster, therefore, is an important milestone towards the realisation of Vision 2030,” President Mnangagwa said.
He also spoke about development of the Zim digital Phase 2 programme, which saw the commissioning of Luzibo Radio which is a new channel being operated in partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
“In addition to these investments, I am enthused to announce historic milestones on Zim-digital Phase 2. The commissioning of Luzibo Radio which is a new education channel being operated in partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
“This channel will bring educational content directly to learners across the country, supporting our objectives in the sector,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also said the modernised Montrose marked a historic milestone as the first television station to broadcast from outside Harare.
“It is a reflection of my administration’s commitment to Devolution and Decentralisation; empowerment and equitable inclusive development, that leaves no one and no place behind. This is ensuring that every corner of Zimbabwe is represented in our irreversible national development trajectory.
“It is further pleasing that the public broadcaster, ZBC, has also upgraded its Digital Satellite News Gathering Van, which will greatly enhance our nation’s ability to provide real-time live coverage of national events, sports, and breaking news across all provinces. This is a significant step in ensuring that Zimbabweans everywhere are informed promptly and accurately.
“The strategic direction embraced by the Ministry to enhance media, information and broadcasting coverage is commended,” he said.
President Mnangagwa challenged the Ministry to accelerate the implementation of works for the modernisation of Pockets Hill and Central FM to ensure all the country`s studios are transformed from analogue to digital.
“Modernised and fully equipped studios are a strategic imperative in promoting good governance and accountability as well as showcasing Zimbabwe’s rich cultural diversity,” he said.
New Ziana
