STAKEHOLDERS in Hurungwe district, Mashonaland West province, have welcomed plans to establish a community radio station in Karoi, saying it will improve access to information and give locals a platform to tell their own stories.
The endorsement followed a meeting with officials from the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) held on Thursday in Karoi.
The Karoi Radio Station is part of BAZ’s push to expand local broadcasting and improve access to information in rural areas.
BAZ is currently accepting applications for 18 community radio stations nationwide under its third call for licensing. The deadline for submissions is July 1.
Hurungwe Community Radio Initiative board chairperson Joel Zilala said the project began as a vision in 2020, when the group started sharing credible community stories on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The initiative became a source of credible community-based stories. It worked closely with traditional leadership and local authorities within Hurungwe district,” Zilala said.
He said the group trained citizen journalists across all wards in Karoi and Hurungwe Rural District, who reported on service delivery and promoted accountability, transparency, and stakeholder engagement.
“We have been waiting for the official position to submit our application. The BAZ meeting was a well-calculated move for us,” he said.
- Smuggling of gems bleeding Zim’s economy
- Artists must set strategic goals: Arts Council
- Smuggling of gems bleeding Zim’s economy
- Minister backs down on dethroned headmen
Keep Reading
Traditional leader Abel Mbasera Chundu said the station was long overdue for the Kore people of Gova.
“We have been waiting for a radio that gives us our voice on our culture. Our own story needs to be told by our own children who value our culture,” Chundu said.
Hurungwe Pastors Fraternity chairperson Reverend Isaac Chamonyonga said community radio stations support peace and development.
“We have witnessed how much influence the Hurungwe Community Radio initiative has had in the last few years, especially on engagement with stakeholders,” Chamonyonga said.
Hurungwe Seka Urema Wafa chairperson Cris Makisi Kofi said the station would bring coverage to marginalised communities.
“Once we get a licence, it will cover many of the marginalised communities that need development coverage,” Kofi said.
BAZ representative Forget Tsododo said applicants must move quickly to meet the deadline.
“We encourage applicants to be non-political, as radio plays a critical role in communities. Let’s work closely with each other so that the deadline is met by July 1, 2026,” Tsododo said.
“We must not leave anyone or any place behind. Be prepared to involve everyone for progress.”
