Story by Gay Matambo
THE community of Tongogara Settlement in Chipinge District is celebrating a major milestone following the official commissioning of Tongogara FM, Zimbabwe’s 15th community radio station.
For years, the settlement — which hosts both local residents and a significant refugee population, grappled with poor radio reception and limited access to timely information. The newly established station, broadcasting in local languages, is being hailed as a transformative development for disaster preparedness, education and social cohesion.
Youth in the community welcomed the initiative, saying it will enhance access to educational content and promote cultural understanding.
“As youths, we want to thank the Government for this community radio station. It will enable us to learn more about the different cultures in our area. We will also be able to access information in terms of our studies,” said one young resident.
Another community member added: “We used to hear of such developments in other areas, but we are happy that it is finally here.”
Traditional leaders in Chipinge District expressed gratitude, noting that the station has closed the information gap in the border community.
Chief Mutema said the station marks the third community radio initiative in the district, describing it as a welcome development that will improve access to information.
Headman Mabuyane said such projects signal steady progress towards improved living standards by 2030.
Legislator for Mutema-Musikavanhu constituency, Honourable Angeline Gata, said the station aligns with the Heritage-Based Curriculum and will allow both refugees and the Ndau community to showcase their cultures.
The Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Honourable Zhemu Soda, described Tongogara FM as a key tool for accountability and grassroots development in line with Government’s devolution agenda and Vision 2030.
“In order for people to contribute to national development, they have to have real-time access to information. This is what we have seen from the radios that have been launched so far, and now Tongogara FM. I hope the people from Tongogara will make meaningful use of the infrastructure provided to communicate, contribute and ensure their voices are heard,” he said.
The establishment of Tongogara FM brings the number of community radio stations in Manicaland Province to six, reinforcing Government’s commitment to inclusive development and ensuring that no community is left behind.
