South Africa’s Sentech last week shut down its signals, leaving scores of Zimbabweans without access to the free air channels.
“There is no way we can watch ZBC. I have already borrowed money from my friend to buy a DSTV decoder and monthly subscriptions. I would rather fork out more money on subscriptions than pay a licence for ZBC whose programmes are of poor quality and of partisan nature,” said Andrew Ncube, a Tshabalala resident.
Percy Mcijo, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union coordinator for Southern region, said Sentech should have warned Zimbabweans of the impending closure.
“We should ask ourselves why workers who are not adequately paid are now making sacrifices in order to pay for South African TV. The national broadcaster should really ask itself why we have to do this,” said Mcijo.
Another resident, who identified herself as amai Masunda, vowed not to watch ZBC following the Sentech shutdown. “I have already bought my DSTV decoder. The last time I watched ZBC was more than five years ago,” she said.
Some residents saw Sentech’s decision as long overdue.
“People should be proud of their national broadcaster. We are about to have elections and people should be informed about what is happening by watching ZBC,” said Bhekhi Musindazo.
Post published in: News