Story by Oleen Ndori
THE Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) is central to the implementation of the National Development Strategy Two (NDS2), Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Zhemu Soda has said, pledging continued government support for the modernisation of the national broadcaster.
Dr Soda made the remarks during a familiarisation tour of ZBC’s Pockets Hill studios in Harare on Thursday, where he met the corporation’s executive management and toured key operational departments.
Addressing the leadership, the Minister underscored the broadcaster’s national responsibility in driving development objectives.
“I am a participant of ZBC and I want to implore you to continue exploring various avenues to sustain your modernisation drive, particularly to ensure that you reach every part of the country. Wherever ZBC speaks, it is regarded as the authentic voice of the nation. I urge you to expand your radio and television coverage to all corners of Zimbabwe. As a Ministry, we stand ready to provide the necessary support you require,” said Dr Soda.
He emphasised that inclusive national development hinges on access to information.
“As we aspire to realise the vision of becoming an upper middle income society, that everyone must be in the mainstream national development trajectory, everybody has to participate. And the only way by which people can participate is when they are informed and they make informed choices and decisions.”
ZBC Chief Executive Officer Mr Sugar Chagonda described the visit as a critical engagement aligning policy direction with operational execution.
“We view this visit as an important bridge between policy intent and operational reality. ZBC occupies a unique space within the national ecosystem. We are not merely a media house, but a public trust platform and a strategic national asset. Our mandate goes beyond programming. It encompasses national identity formation, democratic participation, cultural preservation, economic dialogue and information equity. As the country’s public service broadcaster, we are entrusted to inform, educate and entertain, promote unity, and provide a platform for inclusive national discourse that advances Vision 2030 and Zimbabwe’s broader development aspirations,” he said.
Following the briefing, Dr Soda toured ZBC’s television and radio studios, where he was apprised of ongoing technical upgrades. He also participated in a live radio interview on Power FM, discussing information dissemination across the country.
The Minister further visited the licensing department and inspected newly acquired licensing vans aimed at strengthening revenue generation and improving operational efficiency.
Briefing the media after the tour, Dr Soda expressed satisfaction with the progress made, reaffirming Government’s commitment to equipping and modernising the broadcaster so it can effectively deliver on its mandate.
The Minister said expanding coverage and strengthening ZBC’s institutional capacity remain key to bridging the information gap, in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind.
