Story by Abigirl Tembo
THE Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) has turned a new leaf after holding its first Annual General Meeting in eight years, a move described by the government as a clear signal of renewed accountability, transparency and institutional reform at the national broadcaster.
Addressing ZBC board members, management and other delegates at the annual general meeting, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, who was represented by his Deputy Honourable Omphile Marupi, said the AGM is more than a statutory obligation as it represents a turning point in ZBC’s journey towards rebuilding public confidence and restoring its mandate as the nation’s public service broadcaster.
“This is a historic moment. It signals a new era for accountability, transparency and institutional renewal. It affirms that the rebuilding of our national broadcaster is well underway and that ZBC is on a forward trajectory. I recommend your commitment to modernising the corporation, restoring public confidence in the national broadcaster. The ZBC holds an irreplaceable responsibility in our society to inform, educate and entertain the nation,to safeguard our culture and to ensure every citizen is carried along in our national developing journey. ”
ZBC Board Chairman, Ms Helliate Rushwaya, said the AGM demonstrates the corporation’s renewed commitment to good corporate governance and transparency.
“As the board, and on behalf of the entire corporation, we are delighted to have reached this milestone. It demonstrates the seriousness with which we are approaching the turnaround of the corporation, as well as our commitment to transparency, accountability, and good corporate governance. Today is a significant achievement and a testament to the hard work invested in reaching this point,” she said.
ZBC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sugar Chagonda, outlined further operational achievements, noting expanded programming with marked improvements in content quality and diversity.
“We expanded programming across ZBC TV, ZBC News, and Jive Television, with marked improvements in content quality and diversity. Digital migration continued, resulting in better production standards and a wider digital footprint. All national radio stations maintained strong and uninterrupted nationwide service, including Radio Zimbabwe, National FM, Power FM, and Classic 263. We also invested in key technical interventions to improve signal reliability. In particular, ZBC capacitated Transmedia, improving payments for services rendered to enhance transmission quality, especially for Central FM in Midlands.”
Meanwhile, in a strong demonstration of ethical leadership and good corporate governance, ZBC board members and management formally signed Integrity Pledges after the AGM, pledging to uphold transparency, honesty and accountability in the execution of their duties. The signing ceremony was witnessed by stakeholders and senior government officials.
Other board members signed their integrity pledges earlier this year, reinforcing a collective commitment by the entire board to ethical governance, corporate discipline and zero tolerance for corruption.
