Faith Ndou
MASVINGO-Chivi and Gutu districts in Masvingo Province have been granted Community Radio Broadcasting Licences by the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) marking a significant step in promoting local content and access to information at grassroots level.
According to a press statement in possession of The Midweek Watch dated 05 December 2025, BAZ confirmed the licensing of six new community based radio stations across the country that include;
1. CHIVI COMMUNITY RADIO STATION (Chivi)
2. CHOMAZUMBA COMMUNITY RADIO STATION (UMP)
3. DANDE FM (Dande)
4. JAKATA FM (Gutu)
5. NDERA FM (Marondera)
6. NHIMBE FM (Makoni)
This brings to 20 the number of community radio station licences issued by BAZ in the country.
Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe acting chief executive officer Eng. Mathias Chakanyuka stated that the development reflects the Authority’s ongoing commitment to expanding community access to information, strengthening local content production and promoting media diversity across Zimbabwe.
“The licensing of these stations is a significant step in empowering communities to tell their own stories, preserve local cultures and participate meaningfully in national dialogue,” reads the statement.
BAZ reaffirmed its commitment to a vibrant, inclusive and compliant broadcasting sector that meets the needs and aspirations of all Zimbabweans.
In August BAZ invited community radio stations to apply for licencing for free to air broadcasting services (not for profit) from Chivhu, Gokwe-Nembudziya, Chivi, Marondera, Kanyemba, Sanyati, Dande, Makoni, Gutu, and Uzumba-Maramba Pfungwe.
