HARARE - The Chairman of Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations (ZACRAS), Kudzai Kwangwari, has castigated Zanu (PF) for dragging its feet in issuing radio licences to private players, saying that his organisation will continue the fight to free the airwaves.In an interview Kwangwari said that two of its 11 members had so far applied for licenses.
“Radio Dialogue and Community Radio Harare have applied for licences. Radio Dialogue was told to wait until there was an advert in the newspapers inviting people to apply, while they has been no response yet for Community Radio Harare,” said Kwangwari.
While the government of Zimbabwe has granted licenses to the print media it has been especially reluctant to do the same to the broadcasting sector. Kwangwari said that this was because Zanu (PF) had control of the Information Ministry and was also aware of the power of the radio.
“The way our government is structured is two sided. Zanu (PF) is not eager to liberalise the airwaves, and I do not foresee a time when airwaves are going to be freed,” said Kwangwari.
Kwangari said that his organisation would continue to put pressure on the government over the issue.
“It is there in the GPA (Global Political Agreement) that there should be community radio stations. The media has the capacity to inform the citizens and Zanu (PF) is aware of the power of informed citizens who will demand accountability,” said Kwangari.
Post published in: News