Tsholotsho Zhowane FM radio station awaits green light to go on air

By Online Reporter

Tsholotsho residents are waiting for the launch of a community radio station aimed at improving access to information, promoting local culture and supporting development, with the project awaiting regulatory approval.

The proposed station, Zhowane FM, is expected to provide a platform for residents to discuss community issues while promoting education, agriculture, local music and cultural heritage.

Inaugural board chairperson Sicelo Dube, who is also the headmaster of Tsholotsho High School, said the initiative was born out of collaboration between the district development coordinator, traditional leaders and community members who identified the need for a local broadcasting service.

“The idea came from the district development coordinator, traditional leaders and members of the community who felt that Tsholotsho needs its own community radio station to address the information gap and give residents a platform to discuss issues affecting their lives,” said Dube.

He said the board had been established and an application submitted to the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ).

Officials from the authority have already visited Tsholotsho and met the board, while a site for the proposed station has also been identified.

“We have submitted our application to BAZ, and officials from the authority have already visited Tsholotsho and met the board. We have also identified a site for the proposed station, and we are now awaiting approval before we can begin broadcasting,” he said.

Dube said Zhowane FM would focus on programming that reflects the needs and interests of local communities, giving residents an opportunity to participate in discussions on development.

The station also intends to promote the district’s cultural heritage through folklore, traditional dance, drama and music, with the aim of passing customs and traditions on to younger generations.

Local musicians and other creatives are expected to benefit from opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through the station.

Education will be another key focus, with plans to broadcast lessons and other educational content to support schoolchildren, particularly those who have limited access to additional learning resources.

The station also intends to provide farmers with information on good agricultural practices, alongside entertainment and other programmes focused on community development.

To sustain its operations, the board is exploring several funding options, including community and diaspora subscriptions, donations, fundraising activities, advertising and possible support from the local authority.

Dube said community participation would be essential to the station’s long-term success.

“We want the community to own this initiative and support it so that it can serve the people for a long time. Our hope is to go on air as soon as the application is approved,” he said.

Once approved, Zhowane FM is expected to give Tsholotsho residents a dedicated platform to share information, promote local talent and contribute to discussions on the district’s social and economic development.

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