Source: Govt urges investment in broadcasting infrastructure expansion – herald

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda (left) greets Transmedia Corporation board chairman Engineer Lawrence Khala (right) while Deputy Minister Dr Omphile Marupi (behind, left), director Jonathan Gandari (second from right) and Portfolio Committee on Information, Media and Broadcasting Services chairperson Vincent Sihlabo (partly obscured) look on at the Transmedia annual general meeting in Harare yesterday. — Picture: Esther Mushove

Wallace Ruzvidzo

Herald Reporter

There is need for installation of the required broadcasting infrastructure as Zimbabwe navigates the ever-evolving radio and television mass media, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Zhemu Soda has said.

Speaking at the annual general meeting of Transmedia Corporation in Harare yesterday, Minister Soda said Transmedia’s role in providing broadcasting services for all radio and television broadcasters could not be overemphasised, as mass media communication is vital in any nation for disseminating developmental information as well as early warning systems.

“Universal access to information has now become a basic right of every citizen. This dovetails with His Excellency the President, Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa’s mantra of ‘leaving no one and no place behind’,” he said.

Minister Soda said Transmedia needed to diversify its income streams as Government expected it to be run on a commercial basis while also observing its social responsibility of facilitating information dissemination to the general public.

“Therefore, a balance has to be struck in order to fulfil these expectations. Although you registered an operating profit, the cash flow position is not satisfactory due to erratic payments by broadcasters for services that you offer to them.

“I, therefore, implore you to explore means and ways by which you should recover from your debtors.

“I am aware that the amendment to the Broadcasting Services Act has brought financial relief to the corporation, but that should complement your ordinary revenue generation,” he said.

The Minister noted that FM radio broadcasting is still the most effective mass media communication method.

As such, he said Transmedia was expected to close coverage gaps, especially in remote and border areas, to achieve information inclusivity for Zimbabweans.

“The corporation should also invest in cutting-edge technologies and explore new partnerships to enhance service delivery.

“However, allow me to congratulate Transmedia for the successful partnership with UNESCO and UNDP on the construction of a 40KVA solar system in Garawa, Chipinge.

“This development has allowed the installation of a community radio station (Ndau FM), as well as provision of mobile phone services from NetOne and Econet,” Minister Soda said.

The corporation increased FM radio coverage from 77 percent of Zimbabwe to 81 percent last year, and a new target of 85 percent has been set for this year.

However, Minister Soda said there had been no movement on the terrestrial digital TV coverage due to funding challenges, and the Ministry continued to support the project to ensure its conclusion.

“And I am pleased that the Broadcasting Amendment Act, as well as the digital dividend, has brought the much-needed relief to give impetus to this project,” he said.

Minister Soda said broadcasting remained a powerful tool for education, entertainment, connection and information dissemination.

“We must ensure that all citizens benefit from our services. Allow me to thank you for your hard work and commitment to service.

“Together, we will build a vibrant broadcasting ecosystem whose future serves and inspires all,” he said.

Transmedia chief executive, Engineer Adonia Mushosho, said the corporation had recorded progress last year despite operating in a challenging environment.

“The first quarter of 2026 has seen a strong foundation being laid for acceleration in the coming period towards achieving our strategic goals for 2026. Key among them that relate to our mandate are digital terrestrial television coverage and FM radio coverage,” he said.

Chairman Engineer Lawrence Nkala said Transmedia had largely succeeded in delivering on its mandate.

“The corporation looks forward with renewed optimism to consolidating these gains as it transitions to NDS2 (National Development Strategy), drawing inspiration from the progress achieved by the nation as a whole and recent developments in the broadcasting industry, particularly the promulgation of the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act,” he said.

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