Source: Maphisa gets reliable national radio signal – herald
Sikhulekelani Moyo-Bulawayo Bureau
MAPHISA has been connected to consistent radio transmission for the first time since independence, ending decades of erratic reception and bringing improved access to national broadcasting services to the rural community.
The development comes as Maphisa, host of this year’s main Independence Day celebrations, continues to benefit from infrastructure upgrades linked to preparations for the national event.
For years, the local community relied on weak transmissions from Gwanda and Plumtree, often disrupted by power cuts, while many households resorted to radio signals from Botswana for news and entertainment.
The new development now guarantees stable reception of ZBC’s Radio Zimbabwe and National FM.
Speaking during a fact-finding mission in Maphisa last week, Transmedia senior engineer Mr Luckson Sithole described the milestone as historic.
“Today is a moment of pride and progress for the people of Maphisa, formerly Antelope Mine, a community rooted in history and resilience in the Matobo District of Matabeleland South. For the first time since independence, Maphisa will now receive consistent and reliable coverage of Radio Zimbabwe and National FM,” he said.
“This is more than improved transmission; it is the restoration of connection, identity and inclusion.”
Eng Sithole said the installation was achieved through collaboration between Transmedia Corporation and the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services. He said reliable radio access would ensure communities receive local content reflecting their languages, culture and daily realities.
“This means the people of Maphisa will hear stories that resonate with their daily lives — their languages, their culture, their challenges and their triumphs. Radio is more than just sound; it is a lifeline,” he said.
“It informs, educates and unites. It gives a platform to local voices and ensures that no community feels invisible or forgotten.”
The development aligns with the Government’s efforts to broaden access to information in rural communities through the expansion of the national broadcasting network.
Recently, the Government gazetted licences for 18 additional free-to-air radio stations across underserved districts, including Sanyati, Guruve Mwenezi, Tsholotsho, Nkayi, Gokwe, Nemangwe, Mberengwa, Bikita, Zaka, Hwedza, Buhera, Zvishavane, Chegutu, Mutoko, Karoi, Muzarabani, Rushinga and Chiweshe.
The move is part of wider media reforms aimed at decentralising information access and promoting diversity in broadcasting.
Eng Sithole said the project reflects progress under Vision 2030 and the Second Republic’s policy of leaving no place and no one behind.
He said infrastructure improvements linked to the decentralisation of national events are turning policy into visible development outcomes.
“Under the leadership of His Excellency, President ED Mnangagwa, the Vision 2030 mantra of leaving no place and no one behind is steadily becoming a lived reality. What we celebrate today in Maphisa is a clear example of that promise in action,” said Eng Sithole.
He said Transmedia Corporation continues to play a critical role in modernising and expanding the country’s broadcasting infrastructure, while the ministry provides the policy direction that ensures equitable access to information for all Zimbabweans.
“Together, they are closing gaps that have existed for decades. As we mark this milestone, we celebrate not just improved coverage, but renewed connection; connection to the nation, to opportunity and to each other. Maphisa, your voice is now clearer, stronger and proudly Zimbabwean,” said Eng Sithole.
He said the decentralisation of Independence Day has shifted from policy to practice, transforming Maphisa into a working model of how Vision 2030 can be accelerated through targeted, event-driven infrastructure development.
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