By Correspondent
The second republic emphasised it’s commitment to foster growth of diversity within the media space with calls for investors in media and telecommunication to come on board as highlighted by the country’s president, Emerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa during the State Of the Nation Address, SONA, today in Harare.
The President emphasised his government’s commitment as shown by their exploits in modernising broadcasting facilities aswell as registering community media in an effort to promote diversity and Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity.
“Government is supporting the transformation of the media landscape, through bold measures to preserve our culture and nurture a positive country image. True to the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind, the Montrose Television Studios in Bulawayo are being comprehensively modernised.” Mnangagwa said.
Furthermore, “Similarly, community radio stations such as Khulumani FM and Central FM as well as Mbembesi and Ntepe Manama, in Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South, respectively, together with the Madziva FM in Mashonaland Central Province are undergoing upgrade to increase the reach of broadcasting services.” Mnangagwa also emphasised.
Government called for local and foreign investors to explore opportunities in Zimbabwe in a bid to explore the potential of providing affordable technological services for Zimbabweans.
“Investments by more local and international players in our telecommunications industry are welcome towards better quality, as well as availability and affordability of digital and telecommunication services.” Mnangagwa highlighted.
Mnangagwa emphasised the role technology had in improving other sector’s including health, with government soon to role out means that would avail virtual specialist consultations.
“In line with emerging technologies, the introduction of telemedicine to facilitate virtual specialist consultations, for citizens in remote parts of our country, is being speeded up.” Mnangagwa also announced.
The statement which comes after the recent authorisation of Starlink in Zimbabwe, despite some controversies, is double edged sword as some critics are hinged on portraying Mnangagagwa’s government as a media abuser.