He said Shamu, as a high ranking member of Zanu (PF)’s old-guard, believed the country was the personal preserve of a group of people who were entitled to decide what is right and wrong. “Shamu says imperialists are using the weakness of pirate radio stations to reverse the gains of the liberation struggle. What imperialists? What gains of the liberation struggle? Are Zimbabweans better off today than they were in 1980? Why are there pirate radio stations in a free Zimbabwe?” asked Magomana. He said Shamu’s statement that “pirate” radio stations were operated by enemies of this country was not shared by the general public, including members of Zanu (PF). He dismissed Shamu’s call that “all those based in the diaspora must rethink and come back to work for their country”, saying millions were unemployed and liberating the airwaves was one way of creating employment.
“Shamu should know that one does not need to be physically present in Zimbabwe in order to contribute to its development and advancement. These radio stations that he vilifies so arrogantly provide a vital service, hence they are way more popular with people than ZBC, which has a monopoly over electronic broadcasting,” added Mangomana.