Mudenda slams ZTV and Star FM programming

Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda has criticised what he described as poor-quality content on ZTV and local radio stations, warning that it is damaging Zimbabwe’s image and eroding indigenous languages.

Speaking in Bulawayo on Thursday during the 2027 Pre-Budget Seminar, Mudenda said some programmes on ZTV and Star FM lacked cultural value and failed to promote Zimbabwe positively.

“You listen to Star FM when I’m driving home, pedestrian content. Not constructive to the image of Zimbabwe, to say the least,” he said.

Mudenda took particular issue with the language used by some presenters, saying it was often inappropriate and showed little appreciation of the country’s linguistic and cultural heritage.

“There are certain words you cannot use in the public domain, and you must respect the listeners accordingly,” he said.

He argued that national broadcasters should play a leading role in promoting Zimbabwean culture and preserving indigenous languages.

“ZTV and our radio should be used to brand Zimbabwe,” said Mudenda, adding that presenters should use and promote the country’s “beautiful mother tongues”.

The Speaker warned that Zimbabwe risked losing its cultural identity if indigenous languages continued to be diluted.

“Language defines our dignity. Language defines our identity,” he said.

Mudenda called on the Ministries of Education and Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture to develop policies that encourage pride in indigenous languages and their proper use in broadcasting.

He warned that failure to act could leave future generations disconnected from their linguistic heritage.

“Otherwise, in the next 50 years we will have no identity at all,” he said.